Majulah Singapura

The letter arrived this morning. It's from the Singapore High Commission with an attachment letter from the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

It reads "I wish to inform you that your application for the renunciation of your Singapore citizenship has been registered and you have now ceased to be a Singapore citizen as of 16th Feb 2009. Your identity card and passport have been retained for cancellation."

No matter how much I tell myself from day one that this will not change me and anything else, this is only paper work and part of the process, and this is for my better future, I still can't help but feel that an important part of me has been taken away.

For God sake! I'm one who will get teary filled with national pride at National Day parade, and it has always been that pride that took me everywhere I went. To strive to do my very best. Isn't this the very distorted mentality that was instilled in us from young age that make me who I am today?

In a way I was expecting a few hurdles from the ICA, at least a few questions ask and disruptions, but it has been such an easy straight forward process. I know I shouldn't complaint and should be thankful for this.

I guessed it's time for me to face and accept the fact that I'm no longer a Singapore citizen. Majulah Singapura no more. But tears still shed this time.

Life Little Indulgences

A little treat for myself after doing my stint as a florist and before real work starts this Monday - A spa day to rejuvenate of course! A pampering manicure to nurse my poor florist hands and a two solid hours of massage... one hour is effective but for two, that's just pure indulgence and bliss! Love it! And spa day will not be complete without a little bit of shopping and finishing the day off with a nice healthy sushi meal. Hmm... Heaven.

Now I'm ready to face the tough old world again.

And the Oscar Goes To... (My Votes)

Real feel good movie that show the real India. Best Picture and possibly Best Director.


Good overall but will not win any statues. James Franco gets my vote though :-)


Amazing acting! Frank Langella deserve the Best Actor. A good contender for Best Director.


Great one liners throughout. Best Make Up and Special Effects for sure! Look at Cate's face!


Very very sad movie... actually reminds me of my previous Life, accept that I've managed to get out. Good acting overall but Kate will not win with this movie. With 'The Reader' maybe.


All hail Meryl! The Queen Almighty! God please let her win Best Actress!

La Vie En Roses

I've stripped thousands of roses over the Valentine's period. I've made numerous bouquets for various orders and client requests. I've dressed, tidied and cleaned the store many endless times. I was on my feet and running around for 9 hours straight. There were great customers and fussy ones. Ordinary ones and famous one too. It's all damn hard work but I LOVE it!

It's definitely not enough to pay my bills but it's definitely great for my soul.

R.I.P

Have just received an email in my MSN inbox. The subject title reads a name of someone whom I know. It must be at least two years ago now when we met. After a couple of dates, we kind of drifted apart and eventually lost contact.

The email was written by his brother in law. Apologising for getting in touch and what follows were completely unexpected and shocking.

His brother in law then went on to tell me that he have died in a diving accident while away on holiday recently. As the family are not aware of all his friends, they have decided to send an email out using all the available contacts from his MSN account.

I don't really know him that well but what I can remember of him was one who was gentle, soft spoken, simple and very charming. Very active and he loves his outdoor sports... cycling, kayaking and diving of course. A very positive person, focus and enjoy living his Life.

So young and such a good person. What a tragic lost.

R.I.P

Robin Singleton
1976 - 2009

Three Days Of Rain

Went to see this play recently on the day when London was covered in snow. Half the theatre was empty and the streets were quiet. As the play goes on, D and I both had very different interpretations and understanding of the story line.

In the end, the play ended according to D's expectation, whilst I was left feeling my version would have been so much better.

Anyhow, great stage set and acting overall. And it was definitely well worth the ticket price to watch James McAvoy soaking wet on stage.

The Real Flower Company @ Selfridges

With my job at Taj Hotels starting on the 16th Feb, and in the midst of the interview process before, I've turned down the job at The Real Flower Company in Selfridges.

It wasn't an easy decision but as I've mentioned, different set of priorities this year hence floristry have to wait. But I'm definitely up for any freelance work to gain more experience, improve my portfolio and to sort out my driver's licence as well. Basically, work in progress for floristry.

But just when I thought I've missed my chance in getting into floristry, The Real Flower Company have just offered me a part time role! With my new hotel job, I don't think I can afford to do a part time job full time, but I'm definitely up for any covers over their busy seasons. And therefore, I will be working as a florist at The Real Flower Company in Selfridges over this coming Valentine's period!

I'm so excited! They don't pay much but it's the experience that counts and it will be great fun over the 3 days leading to Valentine's weekend as well... Checking out the guys buying flowers for their Valentines ;-). Stay tune for more shop floor reports!

A Few Things I Did Recently

Space.NK West End

Harrods - White Hall for Moschino Glamour (Thank you Fab for the assignment)

Chinese New Year Lunch

Yusheng and Suckling Pig. I'm in heaven!

I've Got It!

I've got a job! The confirmation call came through on Friday. I am now the Director of Sales, UK & Europe for Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces... representing their 3 key hotels in Boston, San Francisco and New York.

In a nutshell, it is an extension of my current role of corporate client account management and focusing on generating business into the North America properties.

I am really excited of this role! Not just because it's a great career development for myself and now being part of the Taj family, but it's also showcasing the 3 fantastic US cities and based here in London. Trips to Boston, San Francisco and New York here I come!

The interview process was one of the most tedious that I've ever been. Four rounds in total. From the very first lengthy meeting with the VP of UK & Europe, then a tele-conference call with VP of India and VP of North America, followed by a tele-presence (very cool stuff! Live TV screens conference) meeting with the 3 US hotel General Managers and respective Director of Sales, and finally a tele-conference call with the Senior VP of Taj and VP of HR both based in India. The whole process took 3 months to get to where we are today!

But I got it! Finally! I can only count my lucky stars especially in this difficult time and since I've decided to take voluntary redundancy in December, this is exactly what I need.

Will probably start work in 2 weeks time. Can't wait! It's going to be a tough year but bring it on!