Tuesday, March 30, 2010

My Induction Programme in a Nutshell, etc

I had recently attended a work-related induction programme at Felda Residence Trolak (FRT) in Sungkai. It's a compulsory 1-week programme for all new staff of the organisation. I wish I have pictures to share here, but I haven't got any yet from the facilitators at the moment.

The things that we went through, in a nutshell:

1. Early Morning

Physical exercises and jogging started as early as 6.45 am every morning. Went up and downhill the compound of FRT. I felt extremely heavy to get up early when in fact we're only allowed to go to bed from 1 am onwards (5 hours of daily sleep for 6 days).

However, I realised the things that I've been missing for the past few years since I left school - vigorous physical activities. Nonetheless, with the teamwork and motivation gathered from each other, everyone managed to complete everything smoothly.

2. Briefing Sessions

Some of the sessions were fun, while I felt drowsy in a few other sessions. Insufficient sleep at night, so it's not unexpected and obviously not because the speakers were boring, but it's all because of my own exhaustion.

3. Outdoor Day

a) Low Rope & Flying Fox

It was my first time experience with Low Rope. It wasn't scary, but was exhausting. We had our activities in the recreational jungle nearby.

As for Flying Fox, this was my second time. So, I was better-prepared at this. The first was during a workplace-related activity at Klana Resort Seremban back in 2008.

b) Cooking the Old Way

We're only supplied with matches, some bamboos, rice, tapioca & salted fish. In an hour, each team was required to cook these things using limited resources by the riverside. In the end, all teams had their tapiocas & salted fish pretty well-cooked (surprise). But all had raw rice.

c) White Water Rafting
We had one session at Kampar River. To get there, we went past the area near Gua Tempurung and some hills. Since we're expected to get wet, 2 lorries were assigned to transport us, the participants. It felt nice to be on the lorry on the outside because it allows clear viewing of the countryside.

We went through Grades 1-3 of the river. Safety is of utmost importance; from proper safety attires (life jacket, helmet), to the proper technique of holding the paddle and what to do in case if the raft overturns. It's also important to fully listen to all instructions from the raft masters who are professionally-trained. Ours was conducted by Riverbug.

d) Paintball
I don't fancy paintball, even before I started to get into the compulsory game. And my worst nightmare turned into reality as soon as my eye got a mysterious shot and before I knew it, I felt paint being "injected" into my left eye on the sideways. It's mysterious because I was well attired with suitable and well-fitted helmet. It's okay to be shot, but it isn't okay to feel pain on the eye. So, I stopped.

I took a look at the mirror and asked my pals. There wasn't redness when it was painful. Already afraid, so I removed the contact lens on the left eye to see how it goes. Fortunately it was just a 1-day lens, which means it's ok to throw it away just like that. However, when the pain disappeared, came redness. A few others saw it and told me. Seriously concerned, I spoke to the facilitators.

This is something that I didn't tell anyone at home though. Later that night when everyone's supposed to go for a blind-folded jungle walk, I stayed back. Instead of participating, I had to forgo it because I had to get medical attention. A staff from Felda drove me to the nearest hospital, which is Slim River Hospital for help.

Over there, the waiting time wasn't long because there weren't many patients. As opposed to the emergency units of any G.H. The MO checked on my eye, told me that it's nothing serious, and gave a prescription. At least I know it isn't an internal injury, or else the redness surely will be accompanied by great pain.  Thankfully...

What was next:

Fortunately, the redness went down partially after a night's sleep. After applying the prescribed eyedrop, the redness reduced significantly and became almost invisible in 1 day. However, if I were to take a close look at my left eye, I could see a few fine capillaries. But things looked much-improved.

But I remain afraid to wear my contacts. Having said that, I didn't wear glasses either, because I didn't bring them with me (yeah right, so confident that I won't injure/irritate my eyes.  I forgot). So, I lived by what I could see and was glad that I managed to get my way through everything. A colleague tried waving at me from a distance and had asked if I could see him. I could...not his face, but I could recognise his tall and built figure. It's okay anyway, because I'm not severely myopic and can more or less make do temporarily without glasses or contacts. Let's not divulge any deeper about this and my vanity, which are different matters altogether.

Speaking of which,

Digressing to another point, I've always end up with urges to cut my hair short whenever I'm back from similar events. Perhaps, by going for such activities, I had pictures taken of myself and could therefore have a better view of myself. Gosh, I always feel that while long hair makes most girls look sexier, it makes me look older and... tired. Maybe because I don't know how to care for long hair and letting it free pushes up my age, appearance-wise. Especially when the fringe has grown long, since I need a little fringe to suit my feature (from advice).

Back to my usual place now and browsing through a few recent photos, I'm seriously thinking of getting a haircut now. "Sayang" to cut what I've grown for the past few months, but my "ai sui"-ness keeps me wondering whether I should go for a difference rather than keeping up with flatness. Plus, long hair tend to break more easily and have dry ends.

Go for a dry cut after working hours (dry cut, because it's only what I can afford)!

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