After Registration

I helped the event strategy team with registration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) this morning.

It was my first time using the scanner.

Each invitee received a confirmation email with a QR code. When they arrived, I scanned it using a device that looked like an Android phone with a built-in barcode scanner. It made the same sharp beep as the scanners at supermarket counters.

The event had fewer than 500 invitees, and five of us were handling registration, so the crowd never became overwhelming.

I enjoyed it.

There was something satisfying about the simple sequence of greeting someone, scanning the code and watching their name appear on the screen.

Once everyone had entered the hall, we ate the refreshments. I also bought a cup of ZUS Coffee before returning to the tower.

I reached the office after 10 a.m. with very little motivation to work.

Still, I tried to complete one task. I finalised a caption that was only three short paragraphs but required more discussion than its length suggested. I also replied to everyone who had reached out to me.

About 60 per cent of work here seems to involve discussing things, discussing when to discuss them, and arranging the discussion.

There are still mountains of tasks waiting for me.

I am learning the subtle art of not giving them too much of a fuck once I have done my best.

The work will always find a way to multiply. Thinking about everything at once does not help me finish any of it.

So I return to the same rule.

One thing at a time.

Later, I plan to go for an afternoon walk and listen to a pointless podcast.

Sometimes, it helps to let another voice fill the space and give my mind a rest.