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new beginnings

Of course I didn't look as the nurse unsheathed the needle and proceeded to extract blood from my vein. I'm not a sadist. But still, the sensation of the initial epidermal puncture exploded in my brain and lingered there for what seemed like half an eternity as I literally felt the lifeblood (albeit just two mililitres of it) being drained from me. A split-second curious glimpse of the satiated vampire syringe as it lay on the table afterwards reminded me how dark, almost blackish, blood actually is.

Although I was confident that the tests would reveal me to be in relatively good shape, I couldn't help but wonder if it would also detect an abnormal amount of adrenaline in my bloodstream. Afterall, the excitement had only just started to quell. Three hours after signing my contract with MediaCorp Radio and sitting in the clinic for my pre-employment check-up, I was still incredulous that this was for real.

For those who still don't know, let me first extend to you a warm welcome back to Planet Earth. (Is there still anyone within my immediate social circle whom I haven't proclaimed this to yet?) Last week, I was offered a job with MediaCorp Radio as a Producer/Presenter for Radio Singapore International. I see the majority of you have glowing question marks hovering over your heads, so let me just direct you to the website of my new employer by way of explanation: RSI. While it's not especially prolific locally (it's more of a regional broadcaster, and it's a shortwave station), RSI does produce some rather qualified programming. Think BBC without the British accent. Yup, it's my pinkie-sticking cup of tea.

It was a very pleasant surprise too that despite being told initially that there was only one position for hire, they decided to hire both me and this other lady. She and I met during our first audition and hit it off rather well. We passed the vocal test as well as the evil written test and a week later greeted each other's surprised faces as we met back at MediaCorp for the personal interview. Last week we were both informed sperately that we were offered the position. Remarkable that both of us, who clicked so well the first time we met, ended up being hired together. And there were at least 20 other applicants, mind you.

Oh, and another pleasant surprise awaited me as I read through my contract this morning. Apparently, as a Producer/Presenter I'm classified as a - get this - "Senior Executive." So at 23, fresh out of NS, with no professional experience, I'm a "Senior Executive" with MediaCorp. Talk about ego rush man! No wonder when they took my weight at the clinic I put on a few pounds; it wasn't flab, it was the head!

So yeah, things are looking bright. I start work this coming Monday and the anxious wait for that to begin has only made this week pass unbearably slower. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have shared my joy and gratitude over the past week. Especially those of you who believed in me and encouraged me when I seriously didn't think I stood a chance for this position. My sense of good fortune in getting this job pales in comparison only to my sense of gratitude for your friendship.