June 2014, for recollection

Dear Diary,

It is time for my monthly update on my personal blog. Truth be knownst, to keep updating just the other blog is a little daunting at times - impersonal, commercialised and a little routinized. Perhaps it is also due to the fact that it has turned into more of a food blog / beauty blog rather than the articles blog I had meant for it to be (the food reviews were just to generate viewership as a start).

Nonetheless, I am glad for some food tasting invites, advertorials, events and sponsorships I have received throughout the course of this blogging thingy, and also made some new, like-minded friends through this experience. I also do not believe in exposing friends' names or faces on my blogs for fear that their privacy may be breached - some of them may not want others to know where they've been at a certain time, hence the cover-up of faces and pseudonyms used.

Work had been stressful and I have yet to think of what other side businesses I am going to venture into, and my driving lessons have been delayed too. A couple of trips perked me up though. One was a day trip with the mom to an island nearby again - where we shopped and simply relaxed. The other one was also to a nearby island, but as a voluntary trip to build homes for the indigent - a laborious but very meaningful trip that I enjoyed immensely. No makeup, no work, no fuss, no muss - simply working and helping out.

 

Then there have been the usual food and drinks - Italian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine, brunches (note that I have moved from 3-4 course fine-dining craze to High tea craze, then buffet craze, and lately, brunches craze) - more of catching with friends over these meals , interesting new haunts / digs and also the re-acquaintance with some "atas" friends .

Besides the Beau, it has been a while since I have been able to find people with whom I can have intellectual conversation with - business plans, intellectual jokes, talks about politics, Literature, travels etc. Friends have asked me (out of concern) why is it I am drinking or going out so much - compensation for something? Lone? Melancholic? Let me assure you that it is really nothing like that. I simply like going out, meeting people and networking - and I have never felt so euphoric for quite sometime.  Though, it is scary whenever I feel so happy , because it doesn't last :(



Short, sleeveless polka dotted dress

My first batik dress - induced to buy :p

Another love at first side dress with pleated hem

 

Lastly, in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale, I have been continuously contributing to the economy of Singapore's retail outlets. I need to stop shopping for the time being - since I will be going overseas in July pretty soon - my favourite land for shopping and everything else.

In the meantime, stay tuned, and stay with my in my thoughts ...smooches.
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May Days...

Dear Diary,

I apologize for the overdue entry - was supposed to have done it over the weekend but it kind of slipped my mind, amongst other things I had going on.

May was a rather busy month, with work starting to peak, and pick up.  There were good news (lots of cases closed - not just me :x) etc, and bad news (a kind of family member is hospitalized - get well soon!).

There was a dilemma with work that left me wondering if I should have chosen yes or not, to take on a certain role. However, now as circumstances go, it seems inevitable that I would be the one for the role after all. Wish me luck alright. it is going to be a challenge.

The main writing project has been put on hold and I am kind of focusing on the other BLOG now - it is just a leisure blog meant for some reviews and impersonal stuff, but I am glad the advertising dollars are ker-ching-ing in and the events invites are starting to come. I also became the featured reviewer on a couple of prominent sites.

I am so blessed with supportive friends who usually let me decide on venues to dine at, or choosing places I have not been to, so that I could write about them! What wonderful people they are! Thank you darlings, muachx muachx!

So, there had been a mini trip to a regional area for some food, shopping and just relaxation, none other than revisiting Batam Island.

There was celebrating of the Beau's and my 8th year anniversary.

There was celebrating of the Mom's birthday and Mother's day at a restaurant she brought her mother thirty years back! I kept making reservations for 6 persons even though the sad truth is that we only have 5 now. But oh well, I believe he was there with us in spirit :)

There was a cousin's wedding at Marriott Hotel where we watched the gorgeous couple entering nuptial bliss and mingled with the rest of the paternal cousins, some of whom we only get to see once a year.

Since the demise of my loose face powder from The Body Shop (Shade #001), I have been going around trying out different brands hoping to find something that will make me feel the same. I took most recommendations that came my way - BB cushion by Laneige, loose powder by Clinique, by Laura Mercier, by Muji. So far nothing fits as well, yet.

Then there were other events, and the Dumpling / Dragon Boat festival, Labour Day holiday and thus ended a lovely but busy May 2014.

Again, it is daunting to note that time has taken flight once again, eating up nearly half of 2014 that fast! The quick sands of time?

There are many movies that I want to catch this month too - Grand Piano, Occulus, Mindscape, Grace of Monaco, to name a few.  I hope I am able to find time for them. I have not been attending plays or musicals for so long too.

Rest in peace, Maya Angelou - I just love her poem  "Still I Rise".

Finally, I believe it is vital to let go of bad things that we don't need in our lives, so as to make room for things that are better. Words to live by - I shall leave you now in the cold hands of the deep night and may you stay tuned to this page! Kisses!!

April is for Aries

Dear Diary,

Another month has passed - a very crucial one for me at best. Important decisions to be made, and a very busy month at that.

The company was filled with a lot of events even though I had anticipated this month to be a more relaxing one, since we just completed a very hectic period. Alas, I was wrong. Targets and revenues and figures take no break - so we as the drivers should not brake.

I learned something new about planning for certain stuff, and got the Will drawn up - read more here.

I got my personal portraiture albums taken finally - read more here

I celebrated the 30th over a long period of feasts, drinks and catching up with friends. There was a very mini soiree with some friends that I hijacked as part of my weekend staycation - read more here.

Yes, so there had been a lot of dinners, lunches / brunches and high teas. Amazingly I did not gain the extra pounds I was supposed to have.

I also tried to hone the Domestic Goddess within me here - and might be inclined to cook or bake more in future.

And I started on this Aloe Vera stabilized drinking gel that is supposed to have multiple benefits for skin, face, hair, weight loss, helps to reduce water retention, cells repair, prevent high blood pressure and cancers etc, etc.  Ironically, we were there for appointment to try to make them our clients, but in turn became their clients. I hope this drink is really as beneficial as claimed.

So, how does turning 30 feel? In this entry herein - I mentioned that as one grows older, the notion of gifts and celebration have changed, and presents are no longer as important as the people celebrating with us.

It didn't feel  much different, truth be knownst, dears. Just a shift in numerical figures when you write your age, that's all - inevitable since the earth has to rotate around its axis and the days just roll by. There are still the same goals to attain, the same life to lead and the same dreams to realize. There were things lost and found / gained; there are things learned and unlearned.

I am looking forward to May  for there would be more interesting and exciting events upcoming.

Till then for now, sugars... smooches...

March's Magic

Dear Diary,

Finally, the first quarter of 2014 has passed by.

I went to many lovely places for food; some of these places were utterly beautiful too. You could see details here at my Food, Travel, Thoughts and Human Interest blog here. There were breathtaking views with interesting fusion food, restaurants with panoramic views serving superb pasta, classy dimsum joints and of course scenic cafes with awesome pastries.

I wish I could travel more, but those are in the pipeline for the next couple of months. I'm itching to get on the plane and breath different air and watch a rounder moon already.  Hong Kong and Canada, here I come, soon!

The new company is awesome as well - big company with many people, most of whom are friendly across departments. Good benefits, wonderful support from the superiors, and best of all I am outperforming my KPIs.  Thank Deities!

At the last company event last week, I got to become a Barister for two days, serving delicious Japanese coffees and Twelve Cupcakes to clients and fellow colleagues from other departments. It was fun, but tiring. It was also rewarding because it was our new launch, and for the past two days, my baby to handle.

The friends are great as usual. I have learned to shed a couple of those who are not important anymore, or do not bother to contact me if I do not make the effort to do so. After all, I already have enough good friends on my hands to entertain and catch up with, so sod those who mean nothing. Yes, and I am still making new friends.

Money kept pouring in, in the forms of cash, cheques, gifts and incentives etc etc from different platforms, projects, sidelines and hitting the work KPIs. I am happy this month. Makes me think of Abba's song, "Money, Money, Money".

This also reminds me to kickstart on the two businesses I have been meaning to start on earlier. Research and negotiations are underway, rest assured.

Did many things I wanted to do this month, as though I am trying to live life the fullest. 

Oh, the family went for the Tomb-Sweeping Ritual at the respective temples / crematorium for the annual Ching Ming festival - visiting the ancestors, namely the grandparents, and the Dad.  Yes, a sad day, but a responsibility we have to fulfill as well. Read my article on Ching Ming here.

I also  did some serious planning for a few things that I never thought I would be doing, at least not so soon. Ever since that thought crossed my mind, I have been oscillating between the light and the darkness. It is a very tough choice, and everyday I am trying to change the direction, but let's see how it all goes...

Saw a burned down building on my way home when we drove past. It was kind of shocking to see the familiar building which I have been passing by nearly everyday for years, looking so darkened and sinister. I hope no one is injured. These days, there are so many cases of fires and unnatural deaths, it makes one wonder if it is simply people becoming more warped / violent or social media forcing the cats out of the bags.

Well, thanks for reading, lovies, and stay tuned for the next up-date in April. Smooches and roses...

Fabulously Februrary 2014

Dear Diary,

February passed by in a whirl and shall continue to swirl by, come next week.

I continue to count my blessings, and thank whomever for them.

Anyway, festivities such as the remaining days of the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day. There were lovely dinners at Todai, Carlton City Hotel, Fullerton area and Ritz Carlton. More to come next week - need I say? I love my friends.

I apologise if I havent had time to organise anything with some of you yet - but I promise to. Currently I am still catching up on backlogs of belated birthday celebrations with some of them, etc - so do feel free to remind me by dropping me a tinker or text please, darlings.

Some networking and business opportunities meetings / events as well, but nothing interesting or concrete as yet. A couple of personal projects underway as well, so I'm stretched a little thin.

Work has been busy - but I am glad the cases poured in and I exceeded. It was the coaching part that somewhat bothered  me - maybe I just need more patience to guide someone new. After all, this was a new industry for me too.

Shopping has been ongoing - and recently I bought a pink dress that I kind of regret. Was so adamant in getting it at that point in time, but now that Lunar New Year is over, it seems like an impulsive buy and I am unsure when I would wear it ever again.

So much to say, need an outlet to write them down, somewhere...

Ahhh, never mind. Anyway I have to run - you sweethearts have a fantastic Feb ahead, I shall "see" you in March. Leaving you with kisses and thoughts..

Little black dress in another variation - with the flap at front,  something I've been hunting for... Love it!

Dark orange dress with details - suitable for work and maybe outing too? Quite comfortable material.

Finally, the pink dress that is short and a little flamboyant aint it? Ok, if I wear it to work I would have to don a black jacket or coat.

Just January 2014 (belated entry)

Dear Diary,

Welcome 2014 once again.

January has been a busy month - but wait, which month is not busy?

I finally have some solid ideas of what sidelines I want to venture into. I guess sometimes having partners may make part of the work easier and we can share load / pool resources, but sometimes it may be faster to just go ahead and do it by oneself first. Awaiting surveys, coordinations etc actually causes time and potential income (opportunities cost) to be lost. I also should go  back to attending more networking events.

New career began quite well I guess - I won prizes at the company's Dinner and Dance - and closed cases rather fast. Once this settles down, I shall proceed to registering for a couple of stuffs I have always wanted to learn - French and Driving (like, finally).

So happy that I managed to settle two issues too - one has been something that has followed me for close to ten years (wow) and one is a brilliant plan that came to me - I did not even have to rack my brains.

I also chopped my bangs off finally. After different hairdos, I finally decided to give it a try, just to see how I would look - since I have tried short hair, pixie hair, dyed hair, curls and straight hair of different colors before. Hmm.. was always curious to know if bangs would make me look dollish or Cleopatra-ish.

This is my usual typical dark or reddish-fade-to-brown long hair with different partings - my natural hair is rather straight, but I did rebonding almost on an annual basis as well. At times I had it layered, but the length is usually past chest level - my hair grows fast, what can I say?

 

Sometimes I would fasten the hair back into a French Braid or just a half-way knot with my signature black Ferragamo hair-clip.

Sometimes, when I have bad hair day or when I am in formal wear, I would bun up the hair or fasten it up in huge barrettes.

For events or dinners, I would visit the hairstylists to give me curls- well, I have tried perming my hair before but it was kind of tedious to maintain so the temporary curls suit me fine.

Once, I chopped my tresses off to chin length and had it dye red - my bob.

Sometimes, I like my hair cut to shoulder-length, especially before a long trip overseas, or when I tire of long hair. Sometimes, I chop it to this length so the new hair can grow out healthier (the long tresses were permanently abused by chemicals through dye, perm or rebonding).

And voila - the bangs I had been meaning to try out but had never dared to try out for fear I would look odd, or would grow pimples on the forehead. Still getting used to the new look.

Finally, lots of reasons to shop for foodstuffs and clothes this month since the Lunar New Year is here. For more on Spring cleaning - read this entry, my dears or Chinese New Year greetings, read this entry. There are also visitations, catching up with relatives and friends and a little gambling, visiting of the River Angpao and some "lohei" lunches / dinners pending.

Cobalt blue dress that is short, sleeveless and simple - for work and outings.

Orange dress that is elegant, has a good material and refreshing.

Finally, the signature little black dress that one cannot imagine me without - with sequins at sleevehole-hem.

I kind of regret not having bought the fuchsia pink tight dress I saw the other day - perhaps I may go back and buy it. 

Finally, working on the blogging project still, and more outings to come, dears.
Stay tuned, smooches.

End 2013 / Welcoming 2014

Dear Diary,

This is a very belated entry, I am aware. We have already passed the Last Day of 2013, the Last Day of Christmas (6 January) and past the beginning of 2014!

So, here is a Happy 2014 to all my dearest readers! What are your resolutions?

For me, its New Year, New Yearnings, New Yields.

You can choose to read general points here, or continue below for the more personal aspects.

The Terrible Things of 2013
1. Loss of sense and sensibility
2. Loss of career / business directions
3. Loss of nuptial bliss


The Terrific Things of 2013
1. The vacations (as with every year's)
2. Regaining faith through trials
3. Secured a new career with good package with a good company
4. New friends gained
5. New stuffs learned and relearned

Yes, as usual my messages are cryptic and obscure - my true friends would know what I mean though.


Resolutions for 2014
(i) Career and businesses must run at full speed already
(ii) Pass driving
(iii) Be a better everything
(iv) Spiritual advancement

I'm already making new friends, so I am in my element. I've shed some - those who do not ever bother to contact if I don't initiate - but I've gained more. Never thought I'll be so happy to be around people, when I used to be the constant silent wallflower,  but now I thrive for renewals of friendships and newly-gained ones.

Other than that, the rest, you got to stay tuned. 

Kisses and smooches...

Tampering with December

Dear Diary,

Happy Solstice today! A day where we celebrate surviving mid-winter, celebrate the return of the God of Light, and reunion of family members as we feast together, on nice food and the traditional glutinuous rice balls.

This month, lots are happening or have happened, and it is all good, all good.

No, this is not a closure post - I will be working on one soon, coming end December 2013.

Let's start with the top and slowly work things down, shall we?

I amended certain stuffs...  doors to be opened, doors to be closed, patchworks needed.

Including the decision to leave a job I totally held disdain for - in terms of certain factors. Nothing to be discussed in details here, in case some people reading it may think me ungrateful. I will be with a good company, a rather huge Japanese firm soon.

A week's break was well-spent (in lieu of a planned overseas trip) - with daytime shopping, lunches and teas with friends, museum visits, spas, business ventures discussions at friends' cafes and dinners. Fun, yes, nothing that I love better than being able to chill out in the afternoons where the malls are less crowded.

 

A Korean-style checkered half-sleeved dress

 

A short flare dress with laces at front (reminding me of my favourite blouse long ago)

and lacey long sleeves

 

An A-line dress with lovely sequined beads at shoulder and neck

Black peep-toes with silver heels - I seldom if never post about shoes, but have to post this

because have been searching for at least two years, but other brands never had my

size! I finally managed to have a pair now. Should I get another?

 

 After a period of having almost zero interest in clothes (yes, it was a huge surprise given that I am obsessed with dresses shopping usually - perhaps it was the last job that killed my interest to bother dressing up very nicely?) - I finally regained my clothes appetite again.  I do not know if this is a good or bad thing actually.

Then I have been working on some sidelines stuff and the New Blog as well - the latter serving more as a personal journal besides the Facebook albums, which do not say much. It consists not just of photos and reviews, but also thoughts and other human-interest stories.

Next, birthday celebrations - gifting, dinners etc. And a baby shower attended.

Then Winter Solstice celebration - details here http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2013/12/winter-solstice.html.

Christmas shopping of course-  been prancing around malls shopping for ideal gifts for people who matter to me, shopping for Christmassy food and snacks, Christmassy outfits and gifts for colleagues (mass shopping). It is always exciting, though may be frustrating to jostle with the crowds, but the music and atmosphere is charged up with happy festivity. More details here: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2013/12/the-annual-christmas-shopping-adventure.html

The catching up with good friends over meals and gift exchange is always good - many groups of different friends, many different meetups. But all is good and happy. I cherish every one of these meetups. Regrettably, am unable to organize dinners for at least three other groups this Christmas, since everything was arranged rather last minute. Never mind, will do it early next year.  I was thinking of throwing a Christmas party and inviting friends to come have fun, feast and just hang out.

Am looking forward to Christmas next week. Think lovely lights, good food, soothing carols, Christmas performances, parties, more shopping, enchanting Christmas cards and gifts!

For now, gotta rush. Hasta la vista darlings, Merry Christmas and Happy Yuletide in advance!

November's Whisper

Dear Diary,

November has went around for 11 months and has returned to haunt us now. 

Last November had been a cold, bitter one in which le père bade us farewell and embarked on another journey of his own. I did not know how I was going to get through it all, and the loss itself felt eternal. I did not know when I would stop crying, stop missing him - I still feel the pain at the regrets, still feel the pain at not having him around, wishing I had done more for him / with him, and most of all, forgiven him. A year has passed, and while the pain does not taunt me this way anymore, I never stopped wishing he were still around... Love you, mon père.

So I was working on my business presentation slides and preparing myself for some Q&A questions. I passed up on the previous round of presentation as I had not been prepared for the Q&A. With the preparation now, I should be more adept at handling the queries from the potential investors. As suggested, too, I might look into foreign investors instead. The research on styles and fabrics remind me of my love for the fashion industry and how I had wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger, creating the most fabulous dresses and outfits that no one else came up with...

Am planning for a trip next year to go Canada to visit the Bestie and friends. It was *Fion's wedding last month and I flew to Bali to attend it. What a beautiful wedding, and I enjoyed making new friends and loved catching up with her after so long. The place was gorgeous, and I did a couple of crazy things - one of which was to swim in my evening gown with her sister-in-law. I love these carefree people, love the liberal lifestyles.

Just came back from Ko Samui,  another beach resort trip in which I stayed in a gorgeous seafront villa, visited a bar with ice sculptures, feasted on delicious seafood and simply relaxed. I am beginning to understand why is it that the Westerners love the beach so much - swimming in the lukewarm seawaters and being bobbed by the waves, feeling the sun kissing the skin, walking on the soft sands and sitting under the umbrellas letting seabreezes caress our skin dry....While sipping a cold drink and reading a good book... How tranquil and free.

Back to reality and work and doing homely stuff - business preparation, groceries shopping, catching up with friends next week, reading,  and Yoga. I believe I gained weight, much to my chagrin. Two close girlfriends will be holding their baby showers.

For those who wondered why I made the decision I did..... Especially those who may have viewed my decision with resentment or think me foolish, oh well, let me assure you that it was not an easy decision to make. If everything was as simple as one thinks, then the world would not be so whacky, believe me. Many things are just purely surface, but how many of us will show the world what is private? We have both made sacrifices, and tried.... Yes the nuptial was just a step away, and there is no saying I would never regret it ever (who knows what the future holds?), but if everything had been perfect, wouldnt the deal have been sealed a long time ago? 

Sigh. If only we could just live our lives like a vacation - where there is no fixed routine everyday, where one has no worries or stress and just need to find food, activities to do, and look out for star-filled skies... Who does not yearn for that, pray tell? 

That said, I am trying not to get excited hearing all the Christmas music and seeing all the Christmas decorations and gift sets on display in malls.... It is my favoritest time of the year... always.... 

See you next month, mon cheries...  Kisses...

Oktober Fast...

Dear Diary,

As the title suggests literally, it is October and soon, 2013 would have passed by without stopping for no one.

Physically, this is a tiring month as there were quite a few dinners with friends I have not met for sometime - food, drinks, and fun. Museum visit upcoming to see an Egyptian exhibition, and an upcoming trip next week to a lovely island resort. Sun, seas, sand and the most beautiful bride in the world aka my bestie.

Then there is finalizing of proposals for second round of presentation with the venture capitalists or put it simply, potential investors. For the other online business with *Pris, I will have to get the orders in by next week before my trip. Re-started on my writing projects again too, since time allows. Perhaps I will check out driving lessons, French and piano lessons soon too.

Which reminds me I have yet to shop for things I need for the trip - gifts for the bestie, lots of skincare products that are finishing / running out, and even my dress for the upcoming beach wedding. Strangely, clothes do not pique my interest as of now, when I used to abide by the "buy what I see" theory.

I have not even attended the Oktoberfest this year, or the Shakespearean play or the F1 car racing or caught the new movie starring Sandra Bullock; am not even sure if Halloween will see me out this year. Though, I already have at least 5 dinners on hand that I need to organize once November arrives.

Work has been extremely busy too, with final quarter closing in, and targets to achieve. Then I am now in the committee planning for the company's overseas retreat. I prefer busy-ness, as I always knew and say... one feels more satisfied after a busy day.

Emotionally, this is an exhaustive month as well. There have been lots of uncertainties, drama and considerations. I need to take things easy... but in this game, sadly - one person's dream becomes another's nightmare.

Spiritually, I have started to set aside a little more for meditation, but other than that, the other aspects see no progress.

That said, I need to go grab some fruits before work re-commences, and I cannot wait for the spa / massage session soon...

In the meantime, stay tuned, kisses all.

Sleepless in September

Dear Diary,

The autumn winds are not getting any cooler, but time still stops for no one.

My own emotions are in a turmoil right now as I am writing this entry - what have I done exactly? After weighing the options and alternatives, are the scales tipped? What are the opportunity costs involved? Is it really a smart choice to close the door on comfort ensconce, stability and being valued more, to step out into unchartered waters, unknown, and unwarranted?

I have always been very rational, which is why friends and even acquaintances I barely know like to come to me for advice or as a sounding board. I usually think along the factual lines rather than let emotions rule. But when you are tossed into the sail, though, it is a different feeling - I feel like I am trying to swim against the tides, despite warnings. I don't know if I may make it to shore, or eventually submerge underwater in my pursuit.

Anyway, for this month, there has been a short beach resort trip that boosted white sandy beaches, provided delectable and fresh seafood meals, relaxing Swedish massages and lovely chilling out places. For the first time, I attempted my hand at roulette and also tried jet-skiing..

There have also been the usual dinners with friends and shopping and all. I am supposed to visit a couple of museums this month but just have not had the energy to arranging it yet.

The businesses have also been delayed. There had been a call for the second round of presentation to one of the venture capitalists but I had to go overseas during the same period so I shall have to wait till month end or October to do it. For the other business, my business partner and I should be ready to launch by October.

For September itself as well, there was the Autumn Solstice, where in the past we would celebrate by playing with candles and firecrackers, carrying lanterns and enjoying tasty moon-cakes (a kind of pastry with either baked or snow skin, filled with different-flavored paste) while admiring the beautiful full Moon.

In October, there will be another beach resort trip for my best friend's wedding. There was supposed to be another event happening during the trip that would involve me (just as I have guessed), but now I am not so sure. It does not matter how I feel, I guess. The current headache is over what to wear - I have yet to shop for the right dress.

Right now, I am headed out for dinner with a girlfriend. Stay tuned, darlings. Ending this entry off with kisses and smooches, as always.

Focused August

Dear Diary,

It is only 4 months away from the end of 2013. It appears that the wings of time have grown stronger, larger and faster... I wish for a moment that I could stop time, somewhat, somehow...

Lately, I have moved away from my brunch craze to high-tea craze. So, attended a handful within the short span of a month, at 4-5 star hotels with various girlfriends who share the same affinity. So relaxing, to chill out at nice ambience and catch up over beautiful, tasty pastries.

I have decided to commit more efforts into the new job, since the rewards are good. So work will be busy and more varied; but I love busy-ness. Of course I love my leisure as well, which is why dinners, drinks and high teas are in the schedule with friends. But other than having fun and enjoying myself, I need to keep myself busy in more meaningful and constructive ways too.



Hence, what have I been to lately? Working on my 2nd / 3rd book? Nope, these have been put on hold temporarily.

I have been working on two business projects. The first one is an online business, and I will be doing it with a partner who is one of the besties for decades. Have finished the research, suppliers sourcing, products sourcing, negotiations and finalized the business plan between the two of us. After a couple of meetings, we are ready to launch and get in business finally. I am so excited. The entire process of thinking up of a suitable name (sounds easy, but trust me, it really is not), deciding and agreeing on products to launch, looking for best price and competitors, liaising with suppliers halfway across the globe, seeking platforms to embark on for the business, and of course seeking advice from other friends already in business - is tedious but definitely rewarding.



Did not want any partners initially, because knowing my own personality and temper, am very afraid that working together may turn the relationships sour. But oh well, *Pris has known me, battled with me since young, and I know her. We are both obstinate, direct and very practical people, so I reckon that with all the rules set in  black and white, all should be fine.

The second business plan will also be mainly online for now (with long term goals for a physical outlet) and is related in a field I always had an interest in. Did a long business proposal on it, and presented to a couple of potential venture capitalists. Now at the fine-tuning stage based on their advice / guidance / requirements. Have offers from my own friends to invest into this humble business, but I had to decline. For the same reasons of not wanting partners - don't want relationships to turn sour, or for any other factors to affect my business operations; and also, I cannot guarantee breakeven or turnover at this point in time as the project is very novel, very fresh and coming up with a ballpark figure is not practical. So I need investors who will work with me on a very strictly business reason.

I have more research and trial-and-errors to do for the second business plan, but it will keep me busy enough for now.



Am very fortunate to have many friends whom I can turn to for advice and guidance and hand-holding as these two will be my very first business ventures. Either that I have made the right friends or I am blessed. Will not forget them of course, when businesses flourish.

A favour for a friend has made me take a step back to re-establish contacts with friends in the media / journalism sector. Good to touch base with them again, and to know that when I need to send my own press releases out, I know who are the ones I can connect with directly. To boast a little, I am glad I have all these network contacts in place; some friends, some acquaintances. And that I am thick-skinned / arrogant enough to forge deeper bond beyond the original tier of acquaintanceship / friendship.

Other fronts, an addition has slowly become an addiction... and it is getting perilously close to danger. But should be manageable, by my standards.

No other updates at this point in time. Stay tuned.

Kisses and roses.
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