Green, Black, Yellow And Red

What a year eh!

A year full of ups and downs, from unemployment, British citizenship, cross road for a career change, new job opportunity, family holidays, ventured into floristry, friends in despair, house hunting, work trips, mum in a robbing incident, holidays with D, a close aunt falling ill, a potential joint venture in floristry, niece turning 21, getting on the property ladder, mortgage & loan, house move, renovating our new place, frustrations and challenges at work, nephew enlistment into army, friends in need and feeling helpless, family Christmas, and now New Year's Eve...

Can only hope the following is true...

'Sis, is there anything we need to do when moving into a new place?'
'Go get Green, Black, Yellow and Red beans. Mix them with rice in a bowl. Sprinkle them in all four corners of the flat. In your heart, wish that all things bad goes and all things good come. Leave them overnight, sweep them up the next day when you move in and chuck them away.'
'Really??'

And so I did exactly that. You should have seen D's face when I was doing it... Classic!

Here wishing all of you the same... All things bad goes with 2009 and all good things come for 2010! Have a great New Year ahead with big smiles!

HUGS and lots of LOVE xxx

The Twilight Saga - New Moon

For those who still want to go watch the film, look away now!

I should have known better after falling asleep halfway through the first instalment on a plane (thank goodness I didn't pay £14 for a ticket at the cinema), and going to watch a movie because of a hot guy (Taylor Lautner - though he's worth at least half the ticket price, but taking your top off in a second just to wipe some blood off, was that really necessary?)... Wrong!

Sat through 90 minutes of teen romance and dialogue... It's like watching my young niece's past 'love story' on screen. I felt like jumping out of my seat and shout 'You're only 18! He's going to break your heart and leave you one day soon and you'll go through many other 'romances' and till when you really know WHO YOU ARE, he will somehow appears in front of you. Everything will be alright and nothing of those tedious dramas! Edward is a wimp and he's just playing with you! Get out there and trust me gal, there are more 'Vampires' out there!'

Great writing nevertheless Stephenie. You do know your audience very well. I bet you must have a bunch of teenage kids running around the house and that itself must be horrifying! But what's this no sex before marriage thing?! Come on get real! Stopping the young kids from eating the 'Forbidden Fruit' will only make them want even more. How about trying to teach them to eat slowly and safely?!

Overall, I rather slid my wrist, rub salt over it and let myself bleed to death. D that cost you 3 tokens!

New Chapter

10th December 2009 I became a proud home owner. 8 years of struggling and finally got to this point where I've been dreaming of everyday.

Of course I won't be able to do this without D. It's our first joint purchase and investment. God know what's going to happen but at the moment now we are ecstatic! Was in our humble pad last night sitting in the empty living room sipping Champagne. Toasting to our 'new baby', smiles on our face.

3 months it took from beginning to end when we completed. On average, it was a very smooth process. Builders are going in this Monday to start our 'Grand Design' transformation and we are moving in next Saturday. And yes, we will be living on site while the work is being done, not ideal but it's the only way to keep cost down. The journey is far from over, the next 3 months will be trying (dealing with builders, finalising design detail, living on site) but will be exciting and fun too (picking fixtures & furniture and dressing the place up)! Just can't wait to have everything done!

And oh! Will start taking bookings for the guest room as from January 2010. See you all soon! :-)

Sweet Memories

The Final Countdown!

Finally! All these weeks of relentless work, meetings, presentations, reports, conference calls with a mix of endless house hunting, viewings, bank appointments, putting offers in and the wait for acceptances, which comes with high hopes, disappointment and of course joy when we finally got the place we wanted, solicitor meetings, , renovation project drawings and planning, meetings with builder and kitchen planner... finally we are off on holiday!

The next 12 days with NONE of the above! Though we will still have to coordinate the exchange and complete the purchase of the new place while we are away but it shouldn't be as bad as the last 6 weeks. It will be again crazy work time when we return especially leading up to Christmas and if all goes well, we might even be moving in just before Christmas! You know us... never do things by halves. That's what holiday is for! Though I've to say, D was definitely more keen of this break than I do. I can sure do with more time to be around and plan everything else.

But anyhow, if we can do all these together without killing each other (dramas we had the last few weeks were too silly to blog), we should be alright. We will be fine :-)

So Japan and Koh Samui here we come!

My Sister's Keeper

I knew it might be trouble picking this movie to watch on my flight to NYC recently, especially when I'm travelling with my clients. Everyone was asleep in their flatbeds after the dinner service so I thought why not.

Half way through the movie, water works start! I must have scared the flight attendant away when he came over to offer me drinks. My eyes were swollen after landing and my clients were all very concern. Dry cabin and didn't sleep well I said.

Go watch! :-)

Something I Did Earlier

Oops I Did It Again!

Raspberry cupcake with vanilla icing and chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. Came across this place by chance while shopping along Bleecker Street. It was simply heaven! You sink your teeth into the soft and moist cupcake with the smooth silky icing covering your upper lip. It was beyond description!

All I can say is... if it's good enough for Carrie, it's good enough for me!

Room With A View

This Is It

A new record. Worked non stop for 9 weeks. A total of 63 days and I worked 61. It has finally taken it's toll.

As much as I enjoy working as a florist every weekends, I still have a rather demanding and stressful job with Taj (to pay for my sins) every day in the week. Long hours filled with some late finish. Can't complaint as it was my choice.

Thought I start planning and prepare for my next step. I'm young. I'll be fine. But you forget that there is a reason why we work 40 hour week as a standard, because physically one can only do so much. And it was a social suicide as well to say the least. No time for D, no time for friends, no time for myself. You work 9 - 12 hour day every day. You come home, you eat, and you rest. You are constantly tired. You're moody. You're tensed. The list goes on.

Though I can see that I'm learning loads and getting better as a florist but my day job and social Life is taking it's blow.

This has to stop. It's not the right time. I worked my last florist shift on Sunday. A huge weight off my shoulder. Suddenly I can smile again knowing that I have my first free weekend coming.

I still want to be a florist. In fact even more now then ever but it has to be in the right terms. Will only freelance whenever I can and till the day my sins are cleanse, I will have D, my friends and myself to make my days more bearable.

The Circle Of 'Life'

As of 6am this morning on the 9th Oct 2009, I am officially debt free! Both credit card bills paid full till the end of the month (have always been doing that anyway). And most importantly my loan for my floristry course plus a few other expenses that I've accumulated... all cleared! Clean record!

But as of 2pm this afternoon, I might be signing off my savings and taking on the biggest loan of my Life. Our very first mortgage! 25 years of 'jail term' is just about to start.

Going to enjoy the moment. The bliss of being debt free. For this 8 hours, enjoy the freedom and feel the lightness of owing no body nothing. Best time for some guiltless shopping!

Sales Tactic 101

'Baby, I'll be in San Francisco for the whole of next week for the Oracle Conference. Do you want anything to bring back? Oh I've also booked my hotel at the Mandarin Oriental.'

'Ok baby... nah I can't think of anything now but let me get back to you! ;-) And why Mandarin Oriental?! I represent the Taj San Francisco!'

'Well...'

'What?! Let me check with Taj... if we have the availability, will you move?'

'You like me to move?'

'It's your choice... the company is paying for it anyway.' Silence.

One day later. Managed to secure availability and even a complimentary suite upgrade at the Taj.

'Ok baby... I will move.'

'Good baby.'

------------------------------------------

'Well done Kenny! How did you managed to convince your Unilever client to switch from Mandarin Oriental to us?! Really appreciate it and we will make sure he is well look after!'

'Relationship.' I smiled on the phone.

If only they knew what I've to do to get business through the door... hey all parties happy, no harm done! ;-)

To Lie Or Not To Lie?

A typical Sunday morning at the flower shop.

'Hi there, I write for a magazine and do you mind if I ask you a few questions please?'

'Sure!'

'Which are your top 3 favourite places in London and why?'

'Bermondsey Street. Love the laid back vibe. Love the community and village feel of the place. It exudes coolness without even trying. It's the clean up version of Old Street & Shoreditch.'

'All along South Bank... the NFT, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Shad Thames, Design Museum. So much to see and great food along the way.'

'A split between a summer day in Spitalfield Market & Brick Lane and Christmas time at Portobello Market. Always reminds me of my early years in London.'

'Thank you so much! So can I take your name, job and age? And can I take a picture of you in front of these beautiful flowers?' (I was wearing my Marc by Marc Jacobs pink t-shirt with fitted navy blue jumper and baby blue pin striped shorts from Uniqlo. Urban Outfitters brown boat shoes and my thick black framed glasses)

'Sure. I'm Kenny, florist and 37.' 'So what magazine do you write for?'

'Oh, its a brand new young persons magazine.'

'Oh... '

She smiled and walked away.

Fame

Such beautiful song and lyrics. So us. Now listen to this...

Both astonishing talent but somehow I'm biased towards Irene Cara. Oh yes Irene. Her vulnerability was so much more endearing. Watching the clip now just made me feel all so nostalgic. The 80's, growing up, if only I knew... wouldn't it be so much fun?! Those endless afternoons locking myself in my parents room, dancing in front of my Mum's floor length mirror. I was 8 years old. Fame. I knew...

PS: They should have just re-release the original. I'm sure it will be a bigger hit! Megan Mullally (Karen from 'Will & Grace') cursed by her famous role as it felt like the 'Karen' we all knew was trapped and dying to jump out. Naturi Naughton was the only saving grace. Just get the sound track.

What's In Your Lunch Box?

D made this lunch box for me last Sunday when I was working at the flower shop. There was a cookie, some parsnip crisps, sushi and jelly worms. All my favourites! Little treats to keep me going throughout the day. What more can one ask for? Thank you D. Love you xxx

Tip No. 108

What one should do if you've been invited by your BF's parents (lovely people by the way) for a family get-together / BBQ over the weekend but due to work, you're not able to make it?

1) You send your apologies and let your BF go on his own?

2) You try to demand them to change the date to suit you?

3) You forbid your BF to go without you?

4) You send your apologies. But you also have your freshly home-made potato salad to be sent with your BF together with fresh cut flowers from your shop to his parents?

I chose option 4 of course! A long beautiful Thank You note from the parents was received the same evening. My presence was definitely felt and established, effort much appreciated by both BF's family and BF (it's always important to re-instate your indispensability once in a while).

Results! ;-)

Broken Embraces With Inglourious Basterds

Go watch Almodovar's Broken Embraces for the pure campness and beautiful colours. His eyes for colours so daring, vivid and rich, and his love affair with his muse Penelope Cruz were worth every penny of the movie ticket price. I was never a big fan of his too detailed story telling movie making and still not a fan, but watching Penelope doing her thing made up for it.

And again was never a big fan of Tarantino but I was really pleasantly surprised by how good 'Inglourious Basterds' was! It was true Tarantino style (slightly over indulgent) and I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout. There were some funny bits and some truly gruesome ones too. The way he played with stereo types were brilliant! And Brad was again surprisingly good! One of the best opening scene (Chapter One in the movie) I've seen so far in 2009. Go watch!

Who Am I?

As we all grow wiser and experience Life, we learned more of one self everyday. Through all the things we do, see and think, we mould and transform our self to the person we are and who we want to be. You learned of your likes and dislikes. You learned of what makes you tick and what doesn't. You learned from your mistakes and you learned to pick yourself up when you fall. You learned to see inside you and be comfortable in your own skin outside.

When it comes to work, which happens to be an important part of your Life, you learned more of yourself as you work through time. There are people who Live to work and there are ones who work to Live. I definitely belong to the latter. I can't comment much about others and the people I know but I sure know who I am.

I'm a team player. I enjoy working in a team. I love active work. I love fussing around. I'm capable of leading a team and will always lead by example. I am quite happy to work on my own and will always get the job done and be good at what I do. I'm almost OCD with order and tidiness. I love my procedures. I love my routine. I'm organised and I love my plans. I love my job to be creative. I love my job to be personable and interactive. I love to please (Not a word!:-).

I'm not a strategist, and I'm not a talker. I'm not a business planner. I'm not a schemer. I hate making budgeting plans. I hate making forecast plans. I hate making business plans. I hate doing corporate socialising. I hate to shout to make a point and make people notice me (I rather let my actions speak for itself).

Everyone has a career role in Life. Some meant to do great things and be some ONE. Some doesn't but that does not mean you're a failure and not good enough. You define your own greatness. You decide how BIG a person you want to be. Not judge by material possessions and richness but just be the best for who you want to be and always give your best. And for that is priceless.

Coco Before Chanel

So chic! Even the nuns and the dormitory in the convent looked so stylish! Will kill for the white Chanel Camellia Brooch! Will do anything for the black one too!

Roma

Moonlighting

This place is like a dream come through for me. The setting, the location, the size, the list goes on... well accept that it's not mine. For now, I can only sit at my desk everyday looking forward to every weekend coming. This made me more determine than ever. One step at a time... I'll get there!

Knight Rider 2010

Passed my theory test a month ago. Had never been so anxious for a while. It was like receiving my uni exam results.

Been driving on the road for the last 6 weeks. Agonising to start but I'm much more confident now. Driving on London roads doesn't help at all and still have those butterflies in my stomach before every lessons. I remember coming back home to D from my first couple of lessons and was screaming and shouting "I'm not going back and you can't make me!" "You will go back and I can make you!" "And if you pass your test the first time, there will be a reward." "Really? Ok... what reward though?!"

Now I'm half way through my lessons (well I hope), and yesterday Tony my instructor said to me "You can sure drive but you need to learn to drive and THINK like a driver now."

WTF?! Can someone please tell me what co#k is Tony talking about?!

Property Snakes And Ladders

I had always thought house hunting is fun. All those evenings spent watching all the home shows on telly... there are definitely ups and downs in those series but surely it's not that difficult?!

We started our search about 3 weeks ago. Have so far seen 14 places, had fell in love with 3 (Lost them because we refuse to pay premium for more than their worth) and currently working on getting a mortgage for a self build unit (really cool! It's in a warehouse / commercial building conversion close to London Bridge at the end of Bermondsey Street. Really cool area with loads of funky cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. It's an empty shell and basically you design the whole place yourself). Fingers Crossed!

I've never thought there were so many different clauses for financing a property purchase (well I supposed in this current climate they have to). Whether it's a new build, old period property, with chain or chain free, ready made apartments or empty shell? The list goes on...

And I've not even come to dealing with real estate agents yet! They are like foxes! You almost have to double guess each time they say something. Are they telling you the truth or it's a bluff?!

I have to say we are getting better as we go along. We're constantly learning something new each day with the property market. At least we know the area we want to be and the style & size of the place we like. Already there were a few flare ups but all in good nature. We're still smiling but please let us find our dream home soon!

Bend It Like Ren

How many times have we tested and have been told that gays don't kick?! Balls I meant or any form of sports that involves the roundly looking thing.

Walking home from work this evening through St James Park, saw these couple of young boys kicking ball. It was a busy time with loads of tourists enjoying the beautiful park and people rushing home from work. I can see from a short distance that a ball had gone off course and started rolling down the pedestrian walk way. A couple managed to miss it and a guy actually walked over it, then like a magnet, the ball came rolling towards me.

With no choice but to pick up the ball, I walked a few steps towards the fence (surely I can throw this thing over in good distance), and with one hand threw the ball over to one of the boys. Instead of being a straight forward throw, the ball fell short and dropped in front the fence... and in front of every body. The ball started rolling and refused to give up, I picked the ball and try my very best to kick it over... with my shin! The ball finally went across the fence, the boy picked it up and gave me that cheeky smile.

I could not walk away fast enough and tried to hide my embarrassment and laugh. I should have known better!

Houston We Have A Problem...

My PC laptop is dead! For no reason, it just refused to start up. It's almost 5 years now that I have the laptop and it has served me well.

Arghh!! All my saved pictures and all my links! This also explained why I've not been blogging besides being crazily busy at work. I'm using D's Mac at the moment... Still getting use to it. You should know me better when it comes to new technology. I'm still trying to work out how to get on MSN using Mac!

I'm sorry for the delay. I should be with you guys online hopefully very soon.

Lost And Found

We are reporting a lost of the above person. Momo (The one in a White top on the left). Last saw in Singapore in April and last contact from him was him leaving his job and left for Osaka straight after.

Usually jovial with very distinctive smile and laughter. Have a great passion for food (All types) and will travel distance for any good food (All types). Have a big heart of gold and has always been the 'Fairy God Mother' to all. One advice though... grumpy when hungry and do not like hot weather.

Mostly likely to be seen loitering around patisseries and cake shops. Straits Cafe was his favorite haunt.

If found, please handle with care (Cakes will always calm him down) and contact Ren on this blog for further instructions.

If you're reading this, please get in touch Mama! No matter what happened and what you did, we love you and we are missing you loads. Come home soon!

Love Letter

My Dearest Tau Ji,

I blame all the love songs and films in our Lives that made us this way. Love do not come easy and definitely do not happen at first sight.

Love takes time. It takes time for two to get to know each other and to get use to each other. At your own time, open each other's heart with no boundaries. I know it sound like a big cliche, but Love is always just round the corner when you least expected it. It's true!

Don't hurry Love. Enjoy the journey and do not expect the 'norm and standards'. Whatever happens is a bonus. Enjoy the courtship. Life is so much easier and happier when we start thinking that way. When things come too easy, then it's just not worth having. Whatever will be will be... If it is meant to be, it will be no matter what happens.

Leave all we know and expectations behind. Leave them to the young know nothings. We are mature, refined and worldly... like great cheeses and wine... virtues that are priced and cherished by many.

Trust me... I've learned all these the hard way from day 1 until 2 years ago. And that's a long time to be living in a bubble.

Your true Love is out there but always always Love yourself a little bit more. Never ever forget that. Love and respect yourself first and the rest will follow.

I will always be here for you... and for anything else, there is always MasterCard.

Loads of Love,

Jui Xiang xx

Prayer Of Another Kind

Who on earth will have the heart of attacking an old lady?! Spraying pepper powder over her face just to snatch her handbag for some cash. And when she tried to struggle and refused to let go, he pulled her along with him while running down the stairs.

A fu#king short dick bastard who probably can't get his dick up to save the world (Pure angry words)! A fu@king coward who pray on harmless old ladies (Which is the truth)! A petty thieve who probably just wanted some cash to fit his drug addiction (Assumption but if you can't afford it like any decent human being, don't get hook)!

Thank goodness that Mum is fine except that she is now covered in bruises over right side of her whole body. She was very shaken but have also taken a very philosophical view over the incident. It was her Birthday and she was just back from the salon, on her way home, planning to bring the family out for dinner that evening. She was very clear minded when it happened and refused to let go because of some processions and Dad's picture in her handbag. Very silly but good on her!

May he had good use of the money he took. May he get really high for his next fix. May he get fulfilled for the act he committed. May he never feels my pain and anger. May he sleep peacefully every night. May his family look into his eyes with unconditional Love. May Allah hear his prayers. May he pray wholeheartedly in his mosque. May he receive blessings every Hari Raya. May he on his last dying days, there is a smile on his face. May he hear my prayers.

Time Flies... Fireflies

We are already in July... Can you believe it?! What happened to the first six months of 2009?! Work, travels, and more work! I'm so bad in blogging this year. Have been so busy and whenever there were inspirations to write something down, finding the time to sit down and blog them is almost a luxury.

But among all the things that were going on, I managed to make this little project not long ago... with two friends... telling our story of one summer. Mucun, this is for you and now you'll know why I've been busy.

Madam Butterfly

My very first opera and one that I've always wanted to see ever since it was out back in 2005.

Highly theatrical production, amazing set and costumes, beautiful music and venue. But there were some cringing moments with the lyrics and storyline... one that we relate to very well when we were growing up... not one that will go down well with modern women and definitely not me now! ;-)

The L Word

I've just committed myself to 12 lessons of driving... so God help me! Well help the others actually.

Have never been a confident driver. Had driven on the road both in Singapore and Sydney as a learner before, but had never taken the test and it was a hell long time ago now. All I can remember was not enjoying the classes and tend to drive too fast on the road.

Thought its time to finish this through. Get my driver's license (hopefully). It will always be a good skill to have and will be very handy, in fact essential for becoming a florist.

So wish me luck! And if you're planning to be out on the streets this Thursday evening... Don't!

Little Nonya

Had very high hopes of this series because of GFKC's recommendation. Was watching, waiting and hoping. Then came episode 5... the water gate opens. The rest were history.

It was almost like watching a history lesson, with so much Peranakan colours and culture... in a way not too familiar but definitely can well relate to. D was slaying it before but once he started watching it, he was hooked! I even have to do explanation on the side to keep him in tune with the story line. I blame it on the Angmoh syndrome. Anything culturally unique, fascinates them.

Hmm...nod... nod... hm... hmmm (Thanks for the lovely gift GFKC! Really appreciates it. It's so us indeed! Made me kind of home sick every time I watched it. And the food! When we're back next time, we have to go eat Rempah Udang ok?! In the meantime, I'll just have to stick to eating D's Rempah Udang. Lol! xx)

It's amazing how a simple nod and sound means so much and have so much to say! ;-)

US Tour 2009

Long Distance Relationship

I have a confession to make. I have been living a lie for the last 3 months. I should have known better!

I met someone who lives in Long Island and worked in New York. We have been speaking to each other on the phone and have countless emails to each other through all these time.

But with any long distance relationship and when you're in a new relationship, there will always be doubt. Constantly thinking of the other person, wondering what he's doing, analyzing each emails with very few words, dissecting every word from our conversation on the phone trying to make sense of them, feeling angry when he said he will call but never did, and feeling anxious when we missed each other's calls, he's always on the move and travelling, never have time for you and cutting each conversation short.

But now I know why. My US boss have just resigned and left the company!

Yes, my US boss did all the above since day one I joined the company. Please don't tell me you have only decided to leave only last week. A lot have happened the last 3 months and I have concluded that your departure was one of the reasons of your incompetence to lead. Speaking to my US counterparts have also concluded that he's one who talk the talk but may not walk the talk.

New twist. New beginning. The challenge continues.

KK!

Oh my! Sorry for the long silence and absence. One word... Work! I don't ever remember working so much! 10 hour day is short and 12 hour day is a norm... Can you imagine me?!

Why am I doing this? Am I doing this right? Surely I must enjoy this? Can I really do this job or is this job too big for me? I do have to say that I have my ups and downs at work. I suppose I shouldn't complaint so much and just GET on!

I've also finally decided that I do like my job and love what I do but dislike a few people that I have to work with. All those jokes and sins of teasing Indians... it's really pay back time. And this doesn't help when your dotted line boss is a Indian old man and my US boss is American and behave like an Indian. I wonder which is worst.

An advice for anyone who reads this blog... NEVER WORK FOR KK!

Wonder Girls

And why no one ever told me of this?! Came across this by chance on youtube. Go check out the various groups who tried to do the dance on there, especially the Thai school 'boys' groups. Hilarious!

To all my Wonder Girls! Be brave and be strong! Keep smiling xxx

Eurovision 2009 Finest

Madame De Sade

Definitely one of the most amazing play I've ever seen! The story telling skill of the writer, the director who turned the words alive, the set, the costumes, the lighting, and of course all the deliveries by this group of fantastic actors... An all female cast including Rosamund Pike and yours truly Dame Judi Dench.

Boy can she deliver! Its a joy and triumph to see such great actors on stage. To be in the same room as Judi and to breathe the same air. I've finally fulfilled my dream of seeing Judi live on stage! It was brilliant and an out of this World experience. Such talent and such refined art form and skill! AMAZING!

http://www.donmarwestend.com/madame_de_sade/

Heaven On Earth

This is definitely one of our favourite places on earth!

Tough Love

Just a blink of an eye, there she is... 73 years old. When and how did this happen?!

She seems to have grown smaller and weaker though her spirit is still ever strong and tough. You forget that she is no longer the same person physically that you used to know. She will always be my mum but suddenly you're the adult here and you playing the mothering role.

She said she is worried of me... Of me being single and have no one in my Life. I can almost taste my words in my mouth. Not just about coming out but to let her know I'm not alone and I'm sharing my Life with someone great. I know she will like him too.

Saying goodbye gets more difficult each time. The nose sniffling at the back of the car, the silence, the lingering eyes, the soft arm touch.

Getting old. A way of Life but what a damn thing!

別再為他流淚

Japan 写真