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.'

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'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! ;-)