Saturday, February 27, 2010

azima

I love swings. Can't wait to get back onto one :) after seeing one at Iron Butterfly's house where the team had a bbq dinner together. Swinging reminds me of my childhood, flying through the air; especially when jumping off and landing. Also, the fear of being swung 360 degrees while gripping as tightly as possible so I don't get thrown off. And the feeling of "what if the swing lifts itself off the air?". It was the childhood equivalent of the probability of the entire what-ifs of the adult world.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

applebaum

"...to be demolished..." - that was the news that Rufus convey to me on last week Friday. When Iron Butterfly answer my question so confidently for the first time during my appraisal, I expect something BIG to happen; but I did not expect this BIG. It's scary. It's not 1 department. It's the whole division. Iron Butterfly failed. We failed too :(

Sunday, February 21, 2010

AGAPE

I found the black dress & the red clincher :)

Went down to Bangsar and walk into around 15 very cool small shops (Baby Sis terms these small shops as 'Boutique Shopping') - all of these shops comes with very nice names too >> A Nod, Scandalous Boutique, Seven Days, Cat Whiskers, The Little Black Book, Blook, BACI, Moca, Mooie, Cloth & Sash, NaNa-G, Dress To Nine, Elo etc. I spent ages checking them out, and everything it's definitely worth a look. These independent labels stand out on it's own with its very unique designs compare to the mainstream brands and the interior designs of these shops - they are so one of a kind - there is the garden concept, the minimalist approach, a boutique in the middle of a hair salon, the high school model, the feel-like-home settings, the glamorous catwalk walkway etc. I loved the way all these shops was set up and I spent ages browsing through every nook and cranny. Prices are reasonable too. Luckily these shops are spaced closely together so there is less walking in between, but the road is so long that there is a huge area to cover! The stairs...the many stairs...oh, I have to climb the stairs as most of the boutiques are on the first floor of the 3-storey building.

Lunch at 'Delicious' was indeed delicious. I have never tasted such appetizing Caesar Salad before. Tantalizing dressing, crunchy leafy greens, tender chicken breast meat. Yum yum :) And ooh...the chocolate brownie with chocolate syrup & vanila ice cream; it just melts in your mouth and you're in seventh heaven :) Today I had a wonderful afternoon.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

colors unity





"Oscar Nite - Red & Black".
That's the theme for this year Annual Dinner. The Glitz & Glamour.
So, I am on a mission right now to find the DRESS!
What I have in mind is to get a basic black dress, a red clincher, a red ring/bracelet, match with a pair of black heels and a gold clutch :) A red fedora hat will be nice too. Simple and MTV-like; blending both of the music and movies elements together.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

pink sheep of the family

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
Mariam is only 15 years old when she is sent to Kabul to marry Rasheed. Nearly two decades later, a friendship grows between Mariam and a local teenager; Laila, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter. When the Taliban takes over, life becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality & fear. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways and lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with starling heroism.
A gripping tale - it is, too; a powerful portrait of female suffering & endurance under the Taliban rule.

Afghanistani writers & Afghanistan stories still remain all the craze these days - thanks to the war that the Americans declare on. Everyone wants to read about them - the sufferings, the desperations, the torture, the redemptions, the triumphs.
I don't know anything about Afghanistan, save from what I hear, see and read in the news - tribal wars, political turmoil, hardship, female cruelty and the never-ending unrest. But this story was amazing in that it opened up this whole new world to me; that I could see the fairy lights sparkling in the trees, set against the rocky hills, like a scene in a movie; I could hear the rocks & snow crouching beneath boots, the scream, the cries, echoing off empty walls in the streets; and I could smell fresh naan breads and spices wafting through the air in the markets. I can feel the character's strong determination to survive, to lift themselves out from these adversities, the beatings they have to endure and their desire to go back to their home country to help build their nation, to end poverty, to champion the women's rights.

The book deals with issues like friendship, betrayals, loss love, a mother & daugther relationship; unraveling of a secret past deed, the hardships under the Taliban rule, loss of a child, dealing with deep personal grief & regrets, an empty arranged marriage, keeping dark secrets from loved ones, not taking the control of your life until you discover that you're 40 and full of sadness & regrets...an excellent read...an intriguing story, something I would really like; exquisitely moving & touching plus I really liked the cover page - a liberal educated woman who have to hide behind the burqa; yet wearing a pair of illegal high heels :)

There was some really beautiful moments as the characters faced their grief and confusion - moments of the past, layered and entwined with the details of the present. If you don't like long, poetic paragraphs, soaked with memory flashbacks, the book's probably not for you.
As I finished the book, yes...I was completely inspired and deeply moved by Mariam & Laila's story. I feel humble, rich and grateful.

Monday, February 15, 2010

oxide

This week is a sad week for all in the fashion industry, and all who loves fashion.
Famed fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died at the age of 40 - he has been found dead after taking his own life. He committed suicide just days after the death of his mother. His body was found at his luxury flat in Green Park, Central London. It is believed he have hanged himself.
His office has confirmed the sad news; saying: 'It is a tragic loss. We are not making any comments at this time out of respect for the McQueen family'.
His death comes days before London Fashion Week kicks off, and shortly before he was due to unveil his latest collection in Paris on March 9.
With his shaved head & tattoos, Alexander McQueen didn't look like your typical fashion designer. Much less one who, until 2001; was chief designer for French Label - Givenchy. Known for his wacky catwalk shows, the seemingly truculent "bad boy" of fashion was a master tailor.

I just love the way his pieces have an artful form about them, full of texture, depth and subtlety. Gorgeous stuffs. And I always like his Scottish roots where he will put on his red & green tartan whenever possible.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

mooing out, roaring in

Gong Xi Fa Cai ! :)
Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, year of the Tiger.
We had our traditional family reunion dinner, mom decorated the house with red Chinese New Year ornaments, bought delicious Chinese New Year cookies & treats, we visited our relatives, collect our ang pows and exchanging the current going-ons in our lives.
Praying that my family will continue to be bless with good health, happyness, good fortune and success in everything we do. May we live life optimistically and find both inspiration & happyness in the small, simple and the beautiful daily things :)



And Happy Valentine's Day too :)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Spots Target

Baby Sis was a volunteer model for a make-up session; organized by Starwood. Basically, it's a bunch of people dispensing make-up tips and beauty advice. I used to think that it was unnecessary hassle; that everyone should just look 'natural'; but I now understand how your personal hygiene and proper grooming affects the perception of others towards your maturity and professionalism at work. It helps onself to feel more in control and confident; and less fearful & uncertain. I had an excellent time meeting with these different people from all walks of life. There was a really nice vibe in the air and I had some great conversations.

Hitting the 28 mark in June had definitely come to me as a nasty big wallop on my eagerness to be youthful forever; but now I've finally learnt to embrace this as a learning curve in the highest point of my 20s :)

After this CNY - I really need to excercise! I have not been focus & discipline enough; instead I have been avoiding doing the work-outs :) I am so absorbed with my work that I forget to stop and have fun. I need to be keeping healthy and active. I need to take more walks, jogging, playing tennis and being outdoors.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Operation Shape-Up

Wondering when my performance review will come back from my boss (Rufus), with his comments and my big boss (Iron Butterfly) comments. I was outright blunt during the whole process. Whether they are going to give me an assistant or not - it doesn't matter to me anymore. As long as I can take one more step a day, I will shoulder on. If I can't...then my journey ends here :) I love my job very much but the shortage of manpower and the amount of paperwork really irritates me to the max because at the end of the day, I end up doing a lot of administrative work and not strategic tasks. The weight is unbearable; I'm broken & damage :) They didn't get a new Toys & Luggage buyer - instead Rufus took on the job and I have to cover for him. Don't get me wrong - I'm not selfish. As a matter of fact, I'm a very strong team player. But I can only do these much. I'm no superwoman.

What goals did you reach last year? What have you acheived? What are you working on for this year? What are you hoping to accomplish? What are you inspired to try out?
I did well in all areas except for not delivering the sales results as per the company's budget & expectations. I have acheived a lot as I have lay the foundation in terms of assortments building, branding, implantations and advertisements. Even my competitors are copying me. This year, I'm exploring a new territory - Big Fitness. I hope it can bring in more sales & build up the category. Make the category sales in line with RM2.6million. However, there is this HUGE rock in front of me right now; blocking my way to turn the plan into a reality. I can't even breath :( I am inspired to...to find a new job :) either in the retail line or in the other industry but related to Communication, Business & Media :)

I'm still young. I will experiment. I'm trying new mechanics as much as possible. I'm exploring. I'm being adventurous & bold. Because of my age - if I want people to trust me, if I want to earn the respect - I gotta know my stuff, my numbers - and that means a lot of hard work. If I want to follow my own voice - I got to find that voice; and support it - build my case before I can shout out. I don't have to fight everything. Fight for something that's worth it. I shall pick my fights accordingly. And most of the time it helped - to be ready to say - that I'm sorry - I'm wrong. And most importantly; I have to learn the way people work - before I try and change things. It's all about keeping a nice fine balance of being open minded, knowing when to push and when to stand back. Our potential is limitless. We are truly fortunate enough, to live in an age where we are so connected, so full of ideas, energy, opportunities and control. And to think, all it takes is ACTION. A few days of consistent, addictive action. Only a few days...and we can have so much immeadiate positive changes in our lives.
I will have faith in myself and have faith in GOD. He will not let me down.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one that is most adaptable to change" - Charles Darwin

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Princess Of Crows

What a record! The French open all 3 stores within a week - Kota Damansara, Forrest Heights & Bukit Rimau. I thank GOD for ensuring that my suppliers deliver the stocks on time, with sufficient quantities for implantation and were at the ground level to support my store team & myself. I myself was in Bukit Rimau store doing the planograming until 1.30am :( Very angry at all of those people who gave us all of these last minute work. And all Iron Butterfly can say is - it's our fault. Don't point your fingers to the Opening Team for forgetting to implant the Camping category into the layout, don't blame the IT Team for not setting up the store system early, don't be upset if the COP Team did not terminate the IST PO expiry date in order for the system to prompt the PO earlier for the supplier for fast delivery, don't be angry if the store RY insists on doing the receiving for grocery first - yes; it's all my fault, everything. We cannot always over-stretch ourselves and end up with quantity but not quality. Quality is of the utmost importance.

Well, wishing the 3 stores if off to a great start. Please bring in more sales for me! :)

Sunday, February 07, 2010

all abuzz


Celebrated Damian's birthday at Neway :) It was a chick's nite out. Truly wonderful...the food, the girls (Trix, Wendy, Christine & Matte-Marit) doing their karaoke thingy by singing their hearts out, partying & drinking. It was a pretty seedy scene though. And we have heaps of fun together :)
It's Damian's 31st - I'm really curious and would love to read about other people's thoughts and reflections on Turning 30. Did they go crazy - get a tattoo, cut all of their hair off, bungee jump and skydive before turning 30?
What FINALLY make you feel 30?
How has your attitude changed after turning 30?
Should 20-somethings just get over it and save the brain cells for something more important?

Saturday, February 06, 2010

I sprint through my youth and 'arrived' at an early age person


Attended Stewart's daughter (Kendra) birthday party at J.W.Marriot. Kendra is only 2 years old yet this lucky toddler is having her lavish anniversary bash in a 5 Star hotel with Mickey Mouse & Elmo from Sesame Street. Lucky brat! :) Celtic and myself bought her the whole collection of the Disney Princess story book series.
I can see that parenting is hard work. Parents do it because they love their children more than anything and they want to raise them as best as they possibly can. That's why parents endure the sleepless nights, the endless worries and the relentless tantrums. But really, you've got to have a sense of humor about the whole thing :)
I find that children are amazing.
They just astound you with their capabilities.
They teach you that they are stronger than you think.
Smarter than you think.
More capable of complex thinking than you think.
More emotionally sensitive than you think.
They teach you how to look beyond the present & have a bit of faith.
That they can adapt to new situations.
And that you just have to loosen up a bit, because life goes on :)
Right now for me...being single used to mean that nobody wanted me. Now it means that you're pretty, sexy, independent and you're taking your time deciding on how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with :)
But the main highlight of the night was that I have the opportunity to talk to Danny! I am very thankful that he has help me a lot by helping out one of my suppliers. I am just glad that I have the chance to thank him personally & to show him my gratitude; instead of getting my supplier to convey the message verbally.
The Fitness Project - I'm overwhelmed; with a mixture of excitement, exhilaration, courage, amazement but most of all - I'M SO NERVOUS! :)

Monday, February 01, 2010

aye, aye, skipper


finally a win...beat Bolton 2-0 :)