Julie's Gripe Page

Hey you :) I seem to have stop blogging for a bit. LOL. After the exams, I had to settle plenty of stuff. Clean up the room (on-going process), web page work (both strats and DW - TJ I need you!!!), project (school work) and well... I don't quite know what else really, just that I've been really busy >___<.

After the hectic time of trying to get back in track with normal life, I had an invitation to attend a cocktail party yesterday. It was the middle of the week and heck I needed the break from the maddening crowd. Gosh, I love you ppl, I really do but sometimes you choke me with the need for atttention ;) Going afk was a very good idea. Firstly, there is NO war yet cause the set is just beginning. Secondly, I didn't have to worry about the loss of time that I could use to study *sigh* bliss, bliss. Thirdly, its a party where I could network ;)

It was a business cocktail party. I was invited and so was another workmate but I took a junior exec instead :) Nothing better then to teach the youngling how to socialize in an informal gathering which main purpose was to talk shop. She was... green... I guess she isn't used to the whole party thingy. At least she was smart enough to ask appropriate questions. And she did ask me when she had no idea what was going on. *pats junior's head* Good girl. She was kinda in-discreet today >__< Ugh, I should have a word with her later about that.

It started in the evening at 6 p.m. We arrived using the monorail and the cocktail was held at Sugar lounge *hides a smile* Somewhat... ironic. But that is another story altogether ;) We were greeted by some really nice ppl, most of them which I work with on telephone. So meeting them face to face is such a pleasure.

Tip: When choosing a spot, always make sure it has a lot of room for ppl to join you.

The reason why I said so was because at cocktail, you want to network. Regardless if the event was for work or pleasure, there is no reason why you shouldn't make more friends. Although there was only 4 of us in the beginning, I choose the place which could fit 6 - 8 ppl. More space is always better then being crammed into a small corner somewhere. True enough at the end of the night, a few more ppl had joined our place.

Tip: Learn to sound intelligent

This is very important. You don't need to be intelligent to talk to ppl, just learn to ask the right questions. Take note of what they say, the body language. I was chatting the whole night long, but was saying nothing at all. Sure, I got my business interest msg across to appropriate party, but outside that... it was pure intelligent sounding gibberish. It's something you can learn with experience. Small talk ;)

Tip: If you are single and know that it will be a boring night, find someone across the room who is suffering the same fate to flirt with. It helps to pass time ;)

Sometimes you cannot avoid this boring to death gatherings. Its work, who dare say, no? If you are married, keep your eyes to yourself :P But us single ppl... we can have a lil fun flirting with that cute stranger across the room ;) I found one last night lol. I was sitting with the group talking shop etc. when I accidentally looked across the room. Ah... he was a gorgous specimen indeed. Our eyes met and he smiled, amused and lifted his wine glass at me. I guess he was just as bored lol. I gave a smile, a hit of a nod and carried on talking with my network group. So that we were sending each other amused looks all night long. Some things need no words at all :) BUT, I know that it was just a game some play with each other, to make a boring party a lil bit livelier. If you cannot keep your perspective, I suggest skip this one. Don't get into something that you cannot get yourself out off.

Tip: Keep your expression neutral when something unpleasent happens.

The first tart looks delicious. So I picked it up, not realizing that it was cheese tart with walnut. Taking a bite, I wanted to, well, cry actually. It had blue cheese and the last time I had that was during my initiation into my internship office, ugh. But my host was looking closely to see if I like the food that they served. So I smiled and swallowed. You could prolly get away with disposing the food if you are not so closely guarded. But I had 2 ppl acting as host at my corner and were were talking shop. *shrugs*

Tip: Don't hoard food

Sweetie, its a cocktail. The waiter was walking around with food. No worries, a good host would know how to make sure that there was enough food at all time. Holding 3 tarts at one time is somewhat... wrong. Best would be if you can be nice to one waiter so he will constantly be at your attandance ^.^ Last night I had 2 really nice waiter who was attentive to my needs. It was flattering and I did thank them nicely every time. See what a lil pretty manners can do for you?

Tip: Don't drink if its a business party

Yes, I know that some will say that they can hold their alcohol etc. That is not the point. The point is, what you might have slipped out while you are relaxed. I am not kidding. A lil wine to relax you and the next thing you know, you let out a seemingly harmless information but it could possibly be used against you. Business parties are held to network and to get source of information. Drinking seems to have an effect of loosening tongue. If you do want to have free alcohol, grab a glass 5 mins before the event ends :D Drink up and shove off, don't say a word ;)

Reminder: Do not bad mouth your company, your boss or your co-workers!!!

Parties are a good place to network. You meet ppl and know them. It goes both ways. If you have a negative, attitude, ppl would think twice before offering you a contract or a job. And if you were talking about your boss, trust me, he will hear of it. Remember, you boss is of higher hierarchy then you, automatically ppl will want to buddy up to him. What better way then to expose a disrespctful underling.

There you go ^.^ Some things that I share so you can have a great time at business parties too :)

I had a good time last night, at least until someone asked, "So, when do you plan on getting married?"
...
"I think a more appropriate answer would be, 'Do I have to get married?'"
*laughter all around*

What is it ppl and marriage? Do I look the marriagble type? I want to go and explore the world, have lots of fun, flirt with all the men and run around wild (well not really wild but you know what I mean). I don't want to settle down. Maybe I'll change my mind when I am in my late 20s, but at this age, I want to party!! *grins* Don't I sound evil ^.^

Love,
Julie