Didn’t do so many slots like last yr, opted out for 3 of them and didn’t get another. Hence was left with 17 slots. Somehow i found this year being more stressful than last yr, even though i did all 21 in 2005. A reason could be that alot of the procedures were never set properly and there were so many changes.

Last year, everyone was tired but @ least morale was at a decent level. Some ppl were around and they certainly made things more fun. Larry was the chief raider of reception food, and there was never a need to worry about getting ourselves some decent food. This year, all i can say is that the tiredness is still there, but my morale has decided to become a mole and tunnel underground. I think commencement more or less confirmed that we are the lowest lifeform at the venue, when even cleaners take food before us. Not say that the food is very good or what, but @ least give us that bit of welfare.

Welfare came in the form of catered meals provided by the new cafe called Nicole’s. Horrendous. Absolutely horrendous. Everyday 2 lousy mixed-veg rice 菜饭 caused me to usually eat whatever reception food that is available or ride out to fong seng or YIH to buy decent makan.

Another thing that i learnt is NAVY - Never Always Volunteer Yourself. Me and a few other ppl felt that there is no longer any incentive to take initiative there, and in fact, there could be some disincentives. Talking to a patron 5m from my assigned position resulted in an order to return to position, that was given to me when i was still talking to the patron. Now anything vaguely not sure, check with TL. In a way, it takes the load off me, I dun have to answer for things, if that’s the aim of it.

There are of course things that we can be truely proud of. Other than battling the tiredness and the low morale, commencement always served as a chance for different teams’ ushers to get to know one another better. I certainly got to know a few ppl better, and their working styles as well, though there wouldn’t be many chances to work with the ppl again.

Of cos being stationed at the vip door sometimes means that I can be the 1st to congratulate my friends right after they get off stage…heh…

Overall, it was still an amazing experience, where us ushers are exposed to a stressed and tiring environment for 8 days. And most of us emerge stronger and more united after the experience..