change

It's always hard and it always hurts to go through changes. But only changes make you grown up.See how the snake does. 

Home after 1 month

So curious about how life is when I'm back. Not only me but also many others. And we are all right! :)

Almost 1 month back to office and I'm still new. Oh no... not still... I'm really really NEW. 

It's not about my apperance. It's not about my new position. New work space. New living place. New people around. There are too many things inside me myself.

Found out that I am more confident in almost everything. Meet expectation from many people.

Found out that I can control things around more easily. Handle people in much better way. 

Found out that I am more patient. More easy going, More flexible...I am nicer. To me and toward others.

And found out that I know IKEA range than many others :). SO HAPPY!!!!

BIG GOALs have been set. Here I go!

There is a question. Do you want to come back to Europe?

For me Europe is very beautiful. I love it. There are many many good things, much better than in Vietnam. However nowhere in the world can be better for me than Vietnam. I was born to be here. Sure I will go back to Europe. Not only 1 time. But for short time only :).

See you soon Europe!

29th birthday

Flowers for my 29th birthday

Happy to be with the team! :X

HOME

My hometown

Hochiminh finally has not been my home as I thought. My home is still here at my hometown. Where I have my mom, my dad for me. Where my room is ready for me everytime. Always. Where my "food" is still there everyday with or without me. Where I belong to. I found myself the best when I'm here.

I feel the best when I'm home. I have to make HCM city my home as it should be. So I already rent my apartment and ready to make it home. From next week.

What would you do if you were not afraid?

Spring @ Copenhagen

Strange fly this time. I had a sleepless night. I had breakfast when my watch showed 23:00 :D. And now drinking milk tea prepare to say good morning when watch shows 2:00 AM. 

My title is a sentence in "Who moved my cheese". This time it changed my mind. Last sunday I was kind of stress, confused, didnt know how to make a perfect end for my 2nd assignment as well as my backpacker journey. When I got the sentence I just started all things perfectly. I just decided not be afraind of anything :). After the perfect handover I recognised I was afraid of many things. Good finding any way.

In my mind now there are many plans :). I see a very bright future waiting for me ahead. And sure I'm going to make it happen. Many things in my glorious future are my family.

I AM COMING HOME :X!

You can always come back HOME

Last night @ Sofia

Love Srping :X

So I've done 1 year of backpacking. Did a very great presentation today.
Did a very good goodbye today. Is it something I should celebrate? :)

Really could not imagine I look forward to home this much.
One year is long I must say.

Sunday I'll be back in hot polluted Hochiminh city. Just realise  I miss the city so much.
And...and...will be back to hometown after ... 1,5 year.

Prepared myself and my time for lots of foods, meet and talksssssssssss,

CHEERSSSSSSSSSSSSSs

Last week

Several months ago I was so surprised knowing that "who moved my cheese" was introduced to 1 backpacker by IKEA talent manager. And I got this one in basic leadership training. Also remember that Peter gave me the book to read in my first week in Haarlem. After that I realized within IKEA we promote people read the book. We promote change.

Come back to the book. I've known it quite sometimes already. 7 years ago I saw a small nice book at wrong shelf in my favourite bookstore. It was in Vietnamese. The Vietnamese book was in yellow with several pieces of cheeses on it. The paper was very nice, attracted. As it was in wrong place so it was very obvious. I took it up and started reading. Then I stood there finished the book within 1 or 2 hours. I left the book store with 3 items. Right after I sent 2 of them to my closest friends in Hanoi. I sent notes together with the books which my friends still kept and showed me just last year when I visited them. I could not believe that the book had changed me that much. I was so exited :).

In fact I met the book when I was about to leave university. It was the moment I had to think about my future. Which way I should go after. I was in the situation that felt sorry, regreted of the past 4 years in university. I wished I could make it better. As I graduated from university with not very high score and ... no skills.

The book changed my thoughts. I started everything with new future in my mind. Now I'm here reading the book one more time. In English. A new other future is been drawing.

Leaving

Said goodbye to some of them today. Mix feelings.
Really hate ending moments. Any kind.
Somehow feeling empty inside.

Last trip around EU ... this time

@ ARENA - BARCELONA

Finally already 1 year (a bit more) I have been in Europe. Fanstatics journey!!!

I'm drinking cocktail in a hostel in Barcelona while writing this entry. Is it a big different? Just imagine how was I 1 year before, could you believe it? NOOOO... I could not believe! For someone it's so simple and normal, but for me it's a big change!

I'm going to close this 1 year backpacker journey in 2 weeks. However it opens a new backpacking time in my life. I've already seen what I should do with the left of my life. Full of backpacking.

This time in Barcelona I just relized it's finished this period's needs. I started care about things in deeper level. Not like the first several trips I just cared about the appearance of the countries, the cities, the people. Recently I've paid attention more to the cities and enjoy things. And I know it'll get more and more. So now it is the time not travel alone any more. I need to have partners while doing backpacking. 

Anyway first of all come back, reflect, settle things down and plan for more trips ahead!

Stop and reflect

Reflection. All of us is fed up with this word. To be honest. Me too :D. But it's needed somehow sometimes. Maybe I should think about another word for that action then.

Anyway I'm in basic leadership now. Many things I know already. However it's needed to force yourself to think back and dig deeply into what you've done, think about your own problem and get out something for yourself.

3 days together with other 15 leaders in middle of forest with greatest food ever is perfect. I must say.

And it's always nice to give yourself some days totally out of work. some days for you, everything is for you only.

Hope that I can bring out my 4 leadership cornerstones tomorrow :). And bring something back to my BD job.

1 more month to go :)

Could not believe I almost get it done. Backpacker journey. In several days it's one year from the first time I've in Europe. Time flies.

There are many things happen to my life during this special year. Could not summary it right now. But I feel very proud of what I've done. And believe that I'm going to make something even bigger after that :).

1 more month. Really looking forward to the time I'm back. Eager to see how different I am. Eager to implement new things. Eager to contribute and share what I've got.

Going to finalize next assignment next week. This time come back with everything is new around. new organisation. new colleagues. new function. new position. and new line manager. And all of them is new opportunity!

Going to have meeting with my new team tomorrow. So exciting! :)

Manchester before back to my tiny Almhult

Remember someone told me English are strange. Maybe because they are near US :)

.

I love Liverpool. Such a rich culture city. Not only The Beatles of course.

Manchester seems to be more commercial. Just 1 day here and I didnt plan much. Just try to find the way to Apple store and to Airport :D.

Let's see.

Below is very first image of Manchester :)

liverpool

Fish and Chips

Just arrived Liverpool this afternoon but I already love it.

It is much smaller in compared with London. So less people than London. But maybe that's reason why I love it.

People here like to talk and like to help. Just within 1 hour out with a map in hand I received 3 help offers. 2 of them asked me "are you alright?" and helped show me the way even I told them I had my map and I knew how to go there. The other one waited till I finished taking pictures told me that you need to be careful with your stuffs in the dark like this. and told me some tips. But I really think that I must be safe in the city of those kind people.

The first thing and also the reason brings me to Liverpool is THE BEATLES. Tomorrow I plan to use whole day for them. Museums and all the corners related to them and in the evening head to Cavern club where they started their career. Cannot wait!

weekend in London

Tower Bridge from The London Tower

UPDATED

After all I reached London :).

Now i understand why many people recommended me visit this city. It is too beautiful to be true!

Will come back later then as I forgot that plug here is different than other European nabours and something we've never seen in Vietnam :D.

I should write more about London. The biggest and busiest capital I've been.

With London pass I just ran to visit as many place as possible. And after all I did visit:

- London tower

- Tower Bridge experience - explore inside the bridge

- Boat tour from London center to Greenwich and back. With a very beautiful sunset on the Thames river.

- St. Paul cathedral

- Westminster abbey

- Windsor castel

- Watched 3 new films of this year 2012 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; A Man's story and Trishna

They are all amazing.

London is very beautiful city. There are many beautiful parks around. There are many great buildings with amazed architecture. And most of those buildings are "live". A very rich culture city! And theaters. museums. galleries. I really can feel movement of the world here!

Many open markets. shopping centers. and ... great foods! You can find here foods of all over the world. English food itself is awesome already. Now I understand why Lizzie can cook very well Mexican food :).

I dont know why but I really feel UK is a wealthy country. Even I was in quite several rich country. But i really dont know why I could not feel like this. Feel lucky to be here in this country once in my life!

Weekend in Almhult

Cafe at Stena Secondhand Corner

How do I like Almlult?

I still dont know how to say very clearly about this tiny lovely city. However I like this place.

First of all it should be the nature. I do believe it is extremly beautiful in summer. And I am going to have it very soon. Exciting!

I love to just wonder around the place. Especially on those days like today. sunny. cool sweet breeze. blue sky. beatiful. with very first breath of spring.

I like Second hand corner in Almhult where I can enjoy many secondhand beautiful stuffs. Coffee with hand-made cake. And I found out there on Saturday morning is the most crowded place in Almhult. Lovely.

Or just in the city center at cafe. sit at the table look out to the main street and people. sip coffee. enjoy budapest cake. Extremly romantic when it's snowing or raining.

Weekend also the time for shopping. We need stuff our frige with food. Just remember I almost have Vietnamese food every weekend for almost 2 months. I gain some weight now I think. And thanks for those lunch I am getting to know more people. Such a very good way of networking. Thanks very much, sister!

Tomorrow is another lunch :)

Below is my today lunch My favourite noodle. Love it!

NEWS

something Swedish

Remember we discuss alot about this word NEWS. Anyway today I got a very good talk with my big boss. Offically. Hopefully no more change.

And now I have to wait till next week for something more specific.

So ... WK9 to go!

Unplug and wait

white sand

Come back with not good 0ld habit. sleep from 6,7 to 9,10 in evening. and stay up till 3,4 in the morning. old habit from high school. repeat for almost every peak time.

dont think that I stay up for working all that long time. Normally it takes half time for ... preparation. like I'm doing now. blogging. :).

Maybe it's not good. however. I found out. I've done many big things in those similar nights. like tonight. and it's the best start a new day with colleagues at 3 AM. :D.

I'm listening to Adele now. That's reason why. you see something strange. in the way i'm typing. :D.

Good morning!

I am spinning. Again.

Long time I've got a relax weekend again.

Could not believe that we were eager to weekend as such.

I am spinning. Again.

Everything turns to clearer this week. Hope that I could fix everything next week.

After that I just need to go. Till the time I'm back on 21 Apr.

Restart 7th May!

WHO I AM ;)

I have to learn
What I've got
And What I'm not

And

WHO I AM

;)

Wk07

Wk06 is the most rememberable till now. It lasts like a whole life. It changes my view dramatically this week. Big decisions have been made. For myself. Good.

Wk07. Start all those new big things :).

After all I can let something go.

WK06

It is wk06 and I got what I expected.
Is it enough?
Or I am still looking for something else?
Just work it out later then.

CHEERRRRRR

Did it 2nd time

Did host another dinner tonight. This time it did it better I guess. Love the time with them all. And in fact I just feel I did something to reconnect to them. Good anyway.

And ....

Tomorrow is

Wk6!

Cheersssssssssssssssss :)

There is a Sun

The day has been mixed up. There were good times, extremly crazy moments, mad moments, scream out load and... tear drops moments.

And it's beautiful day today.

Met several people today. 2 different groups. I know them all. I were in 2 totally different sides when I were in the 2 groups. Lucky! In one day I saw me (and life) from 2 sides. And I feel good. As I was myself in those 2 different times.

My dearest. I wish that I were there with you now.

To be a leader

To be a good leader

is not

easy

.

Feeling good

Got many greetings today from colleagues since today is 1st day back to work after new year. HAPPY!

Going to meet line manager next week and get Red Envelope from him. HAPPY!

Finished schedule for the journey and already planned for next step. HAPPY!

I'm feeling good. :)

...

Sometimes we need to be alone to be on our way.
Dont ask me why.
Everyone of us has our own life.
So join me if you want and ignore it if you dont.
Thanks!

Summary of first 3 months

Gothenburg

3 months have been passed. Means 3 months left to be finished the journey.

If the first 3 months were worries of dealing with many new things jumped out everywhere, the last 3 months are worries of thinking what new things will be appeared to be dealed with.

What did I do in the last 3 months?

This time it is not very clear like the first time with very clear goals and expectations. Maybe it's a deference bt retail and IoS. A finding? :D

And followings are something:

- Know IoS.

- Participated in several trainings and introductions. Met many people come from different organisations within IKEA. Through that know more about IKEA and more about myself.

- Now could connect 3 main processes within IKEA. Almost crazy when know that we are focus on processes right now (not mainly on functions like before).

- Travelled to 3 biggest cities of Sweden. Visited Olso and Denmark.

- Somehow know what is Swedish. Great chance to experience traditions during Xmas.

And Now.................

I am waiting for week 6 anyway.

A new year has started :)

A year full of energy, happiness and joy!

TET with snow

Exiting NEW YEAR OF DRAGON

Tet is coming. Tomorrow is Dragon New Year's eve. Tet is our new year.

Similar as Christmas here in Europe. Tet is our biggest event of the year. It's the time all people go back home to gather with family. It is the time for us to say thank you to our ancestors, to Gods that help us all year round and wish a new year full of happiness and properity. It is the time for us to say thank you to our parents for being healthy and supportive and wish them a long lasting life. The time to wish children growing up fast and being good. The time to visit all relatives, friends, nabours ... after a year without seeing them. And a time to relax after a hard-working year.

This year my family celebrate Tet without me. It's the second time I havent been there with them during Tet. I miss them. And I miss Tet. So much.

Called home today and learnt that all people were very busy preparing things. Everything must be finished before tomorrow. We've finished making BANH CHUNG (traditional cake for Tet). Dad was busy with preparing gifts for brothers going visit relatives. Mum was busy with preparing foods for tomorrow celebration at home. Brothers were busy with their friends after 1 year no visit.

Called friends today to hear their words of pity that I could not be home. They were busy with helping parents decorating house and thinking about how they should schedule their short holiday with family and friends with many parties and visit.

And I'm here. Together with one Vietnamese colleague enjoying snow :D. We make some Vietnamese food and will celebrate our Tet here in Amlhult Sweden among snow. It will be a memorable moment in my life.

Just want to say CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI! (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)

The 2nd week of 2012

Copenhagen

I should be in UK this week. However for some reasons visa has not been in my hand yet. So I'm here in Almhult writing those words. :(

As usual there always be positive side. If I were away this week my assignment would be 6 weeks late. I could not join my colleagues went out last weekend. And of course those nice stuffs would not be here in my room. haha

The first week of '12 was not very good except 1 more day off for us on 6th Jan. Happy to have a long weekend. Such a long time I had chance to talk in my dear Vietnamese everyday for a week! Such a long time I had chance to taste my dear Vietnamese food for the whole long weekend. And those are reasons why I started this 2nd week in a very best way!

Nice week!