11th November 2022 Friday - learning to listen

plans for a house which we turned down, but I promised to give them a record of the ideas which we discussed.

If they buy into these plans, I might be convinced to have a go at building this with them

I had three interesting conversations today - one was early in the morning with Peggy who felt that she was finally moving out of her lethargy. She felt that work helped, especially a renovation project she was helping Sean with; the drawings completed were immediately useful, the interaction with people and making lists and ticking items off when done. She actually said that she felt happy working in this project, not many young architects can say this. I have noticed as well, during the moments during the day when I glance over at her - she is always working at her screen, gaming headphones on with red flashing lights.

The second was during lunch, I was invited by a former student who graduated from Deakin as well. He was helping with his family business, selling soft furnishings which put him in contact with many prominent people in Kuching. He felt that he had a handle on the profession already, and has several projects in hand. He was all business; a departure from the student who struggled with deadlines and design ideas. I'll invite him to my birthday do and see if he intends for us to collaborate.

The last conversation made me late for dinner with Sara's friends from KL; LT felt that he had to get away from his family. And the way he thought to do this was to resign and move to Singapore; a rash decision which he acknowledged as well. Perhaps he wanted someone sympathetic who would listen to him, so I did and we concluded that moving away could be the final straw, one that severed all ties with his parents. They have stopped talking; each person moving and working in their respective circles that do not intersect anymore. I wondered if he could re-connect through mom, and suggested that he could take them out for dinner once a week; something that everyone can set time aside for and look forward to. During these meals, perhaps they can talk about what he is doing in the office and maybe he can show them. All parents want to be proud of their children, Asian parents simply don't express themselves enough.

At 6:30 pm, we all left the office for our dinners. They were celebrating Fiona's dinner at a nearby Hotpot restaurant.