Nobody likes to be an April’s fool. Everyone enjoys playing a prank on someone else. Well, in the fairness of it all, we sometimes have to laugh about ourselves and give in to the quirks of life. Happy Fools Day!
Today, I am starting a new chapter in my professional career. I am ready to leave Asia after a truly incredible time and meaningful, beautiful experiences. Having lived in many different parts on this side of the globe, I know the variety of food is qualitatively better here, and I embraced the simplicity of community care with a warm heart. Although a lack of common products, i.e., healthcare and modernity, makes life in the US comfortable, I have enjoyed the “wildness” of eating and living closer to nature. I have been taught wonderful ways of surviving and, in return, encouraged many young souls to “go and get it…” – the chance to get ahead, the courage to try something new. To live with dreams that do not exist when everything is provided. It is best to approach life with joy, reason, and a strategy. I have built a house for a stranger and helped a family to live a dream; that prides me. Life is significantly different here, and folks must battle for ordinary items we take for granted in my homeland. I have become more humble, respectful, and a wealthier man.
Although I crave the convenience of “normality,” I look forward to being closer to my home and friends I have abandoned for too long. I miss being more relative to Richard Q; he has been passionately supportive during my “wondering” years. Once more, in my journey, I am uncertain about what and where my next steps will take me. The opportunities and my multiplicity and adaptability are in my favor. I have new friends and responsibilities that will stay with me for the rest of my life; that is a blessing.
Hey, I miss driving a car! Oh, the idea of my own place is comforting. I will return for the memories of my days in Indonesia and find joy from afar, having done a good deed!
Since my resume is “out on the float” again, I will take this chance and explain what I do the best: I’m the guy a Boutique Hotel or High-end Residence brings aboard when in need of implementing either new Management or simply when in need of someone re-organizing structure, team building and executing a clear-cut strategy. I come aboard a business that needs a multi-tasking thinking strategist who quickly can steer commerce back on the track of success without interrupting operations. A new company has contracted me to translate and develop an idea into reality. Within my work, I have encountered every character in the hotelier’s business and take on the challenge of recognizing and correcting structure, HR, F&B, and cost control. Used to the “shooting of the messenger,” – I care little about an individual’s ego when hired to “put right” an operation. I’ve been called the “hotel fixer,” and this title flatters me. In the end, I’ve always managed to leave a place in better shape than what it was before I came aboard. The most gratifying compliment was from Appetite Magazine, characterizing me as having the serenity of a monk. Indeed, I don’t see the need for confrontation, which could be solved with communication, and usually, I stay away from negativity since any approach to reaching success is only possible with the investment of kindness and encouragement. It is a simple logic, but often the very core point that causes a business to go astray.
I would not mind being placed as Private Chef again. I enjoy family life, catering to my client’s specific needs, and enhancing their life with the best I can give. Let’s see what’s next on my horizon…
April 1st 2008 – Happy Fools Day.
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