Sugar Blue Burlesque

This week is the last week of February and this Friday - a very big Hello to March :)

Thank You GOD, Praise To The Lord, Bless You GOD.
I want to count my blessings today. For this month of February, I get to go out any play bowling. Even though this month Buying Income was not that successful, nonetheless, the feeling of being able to overcome this small adversity is a great feeling indeed. I have met up with a total of 8 suppliers on the new 2013 negotiations. Yes, they have not put pen to paper yet, nonetheless, they also did not reject my idea & proposal as well. The progress of the Shelter 101 project, the Charles & Keith handbag, the Padini little black dress, the gathering with close buddies, the new job offer which I turned down, the CNY Reunion Dinner, the CNY gathering with extended family members, the loads of ang pows, the food, the stash of CNY cookies, the everything…again, it was another generous harvest. GOD, your Grace & Mercy is indeed enough for me. I will humbly be at your knees and raise my hand & praise every day. GOD will always be with us, giving us the grace and strength that we need. I will come back to the heart of worship.

Always Outnumbered, But Never Outgunned

Shelter 101 Project – nope, no transactions have been made yet. After the failed acquisition of the BBK purchase, the latest progress that we have made so far is that we have look into new territories such as the precinct of Bukit Raja & in Section 9. It is really difficult in getting the right location, the right accessibility, the right facilities while meeting the other type of criteria as well. I too have some personal favorites as well :) Bukit Raja is too inner from the convenient hubs while the designs of Sri Mahligai is not to my liking, too crooky & narrow. While Kemuncak Shah Alam is kind of too high with a leaking roof. Places such as Mutiara Anggerik, Suri Puteri and Alam Idaman are new chattels, however and unfortunately, they are very near to factories and the light & medium industries. So, when you come out from the house, it's already jammed on the road, then there is also the noise & air pollution. Looking into it, in the long run, these residences will not be a family residences for a very long period of time, instead it will be a place for foreign workers to stay as they work nearby. I would really like to stay in a residential area that is really a residential area.

Well, looking at the Omens :) right now...I think it will be good to stop for a while, take a breather, chill & relax, do other things and re-look into it again later on with a refreshed pair of eyes and mindset. These sort of purchases, if it is being rushed into it, the more you cannot find a good one with a good bargain.    

I just want to Thank GOD that the leads are continuing coming in, we are seeing more units and The Lord have been blessing me very richly; answering my prayers, connecting me with the relevant people, gaining a little more knowledge by the day of the industry. Thank You GOD, Praise To The Lord, Bless You GOD :)

misery business no more

Another very interesting topic in the ‘The Alchemist’ that keeps on repeating itself - is about Omens.
Omen has always been associated with that famous horror movie. That prophecy of the devil’s child.

But the Omen in this book is about the Good Signs. Seeing Opportunities. Being alert & observant. The saying in the book is indeed true. When everything is in your favor, it is good to respond to them. It is called the principle of favorability, beginner’s luck. Because life wants you to achieve your personal legend. We have to take advantage when luck is on our side and do as much to help it as its doing to help us. Every blessing ignored becomes a curse. Thus, when you receive such a blessing, it is also important to use it wisely and to bless & help others. Isn’t this book fantastic? :)

love in the buff

I am still reading on the ‘The Alchemist’.
One of the topics that I come across in the book recently that I want to share here, is about CHANGE. Change in the Marketing or Management books will often take a very commercialize & corporate perspective while I find the interpretation here is more humane.
I guess one of the reason that I truly enjoy reading this book is because the current struggles that I have right now is very similar to Santiago’s and Santiago manage to articulately relate his experience & perspective…it’s like he is speaking & thinking on my behalf. It was an awakening. A wake up call. I remembered from the very last time, that I was in so much of misery and life became so hard, that all of a sudden that I finally realized that no one’s life was meant to be perfect.

CHANGE. Actually, I think everybody love change. People change their hair color, they change their nail polish color, they change their hair styles, they change handbags, they change fashions etc. People only hate change when they do not have control over it. People who cannot accept change is because they can’t control it. They don’t know how to deal with change. They are in their own comfort zone. They are in their own routine. They are used to the way they are. I think when I first arrive at G13 last year, I was also resisting to change whether I realized it or not. I was not brave enough to face everything. I think I shy away from many instances. I was not adaptable as I think I was.

But Today I am ready for Change. I am ready for the next level. I am ready for the big thing. I am ready for the new breakthroughs in my life. I am ready for the unknown. I am prepared to face both of the positive & negative consequences. Even, if there are people who are telling me that I’m inept. Because I have Faith. As easy as that. If it’s GOD’s word, I believe it, that’s settle it.

I really envy those people, if and when they make a mistake at work or in their life, it doesn’t affect them too much. But I have to live with my mistake. But right now, most importantly, I must always know what it is that I want. GOD, I will wait patiently for that right job, I will not abandon & forsake my current job as it still pay for my daily needs. I will also learn to enjoy the whole process. Please remove all of the barriers and hindrance and allows myself to be more open, to be fully embrace of the situation, more allowing…I want to be Brave, I want to Realize my Personal Legend, to Realized my Dream; both on the professional & personal level. I have decided that I don’t want to keep on falling. If my dream is fulfilled, I’ll still have reasons to go on living because then I will have other things to fulfill :)

I don’t want to be like the Crystal Merchant in the book – he knows he can do much more but he refuse to because he will not know how to manage it when it comes. I will know how to manage it when Change comes. I like to think that I’ve lived my life fearlessly too :)

Breads & Crumbs

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, The Curve – met up with Li Fong for lunch yesterday. Too bad, Karen is unable to join us as she has to be back to JB for the Chap Goh Mei festival. We scored a pretty good seat inside since we were early but I did spy loads of people dining outside on the deck. The restaurant has a simple food menu. They are famous for their fish & chips, shrimps and seafoods. I find their prices pricier than their competitors such as TGIF, Chili’s, Fish & Co, Manhattan Fish Market, Ben & Nick etc. We ordered & we enjoyed the huge spread of the delicious, mouth-watering Chicken Pasta & Cajun Chicken which was highly recommended in the menu and which we shared together. The chicken breasts were gorgeously soft and juicy. It was good. But I really love the interior design of the place. Lots of personalize items, memorabilias from the movie ‘Forrest Gump’, Californian-theme little trinkets were displayed on the walls, tables, and everywhere else. It was awesome. On the table - you get two signs (similar to the driving license plates in the USA); a Red one that says, "Stop, Forrest, Stop" and a Blue one, which says "Run, Forrest, Run". There’s also a ping pong bat with a menu on it. Pretty creative. It is definitely a place where I would take my family for a dinner, meet a girlfriend for a meal, take a big group of friends for an afternoon lunch, or just sit around with friends sharing nibbles & drinks. It also definitely makes more sense to come here with loads of friends, so you can share the food and sample more items. The both of us chatted, engage with each other, share stories into the wee hours of the afternoon :)

True friends are the kind that we have utmost trust in. They are the ones that tell us when our makeup sucks. Or when our new expensive hair cut cannot make it. They tell us when we date the wrong men. They chide us when we screw up and then love us again like it never happened. They hold our hands when we are happy. And hold our hair when we are sad and are puking our guts out after drowning in alcoholic sorrow. They encourage us to trust our heart, take those leaps of faith and jump. And are there to laugh with us when we make a fool of ourselves. We don’t have to chill together every day, but when we do, it’s Magic :) It’s like they are always and have always been there. I had a great lunch with a true friend today.

Misi Oren

Aeon Big - yup, that's their new name. All of the French buildings - the French logo has been permanently removed and currently there is the construction going on to put up the new logo and painting the building features in bright orange color. I am a bit sad that I didn’t manage to get any pictures of any of the buildings with the French logo before I left. For memories sake. I never thought that it would be this difficult. Silently, I'm in the verge of having tears in my eyes right now, as I type this because, as much as the joy is overbearing and I have been telling myself that it can’t be quite difficult but the truth is, difficult is an understatement. The staff has also already started wearing their orange & white attire (Victoria commented that they look like BHP Petrol Kiosk staff now with their new uniform :) and also already sporting the new company new lanyard). On last week Monday, all of the staffs have also signed a new appointment letter with the Japanese (a Re-entry Ceremony) where everything remains status quo for now. On the same week, I have also received the sad news that Azreen suffered from a miscarriage and also pay a Chinese New Year house visit to Stewart's; together with Celtic, Stephanie & Mrs. Simon. It was a good evening out. Dinner with Celtic & Stephanie in Kota Kemuning, then gathering at Stewart’s house and was entertained by Kendra & Baby Ben’s antics :) The children really have an excellent capacity to entertain themselves for up to an hour at a time.

the days of days

A few weeks back - I’ve bought myself a little black working dress from Padini :) Something like next to this one except that mine is sleeveless. Apparently, it’s called a Peplum. This is for formal event where you want to play it safe but yet don't want to look too boring :)

Ghetto Justice

Swansea was massacred 5 - 0 by Liverpool :) It was Liverpool's first victory over a team in the top half of the Premier League this season and a first for manager Brendan Rodgers over his former side.

love in a puff

Last year, on the same month, I have bought 2 handbags via online. They were reasonably price and the quality is passable too. However, after 1 year of usage, the wear & tear is there and is visibly seen. The zipper, the leash, the trimmings have already start to fall apart to my dismay :( 

Thus, I have decided to invest in a good handbag this year. I’ve bought a Charles & Keith handbag, model number CK2-30150155. The below stats are as follows:

Label: Charles & Keith Bag

Type: Tote Bag

Style: Work

Bag Feature: Zip

Material Description: PU

Dimensions (Approximately): 360mm(L)x180mm(W)x280mm(H)

Handle Length (Approximately): 170mm 

Color: Pink (but i would like to call it a Salmon Pink) 

Size: L

So, crossing fingers – that this will really last me for many years to come :) 

Go Ugly Early

'Learn to love your current job, while waiting/searching for your dream job' – this quote from the Saturday’s The Star Newspaper ‘myStarjob.com’ really hits me. No doubt, I am bored with my current job and really want a new breakthrough, but this quote reminds me that I still have a job to do. And who knows, I might fell in love all over again with this job that I used to be so passionately love, excited and care about. Or, maybe the more time that I spent on it, I will be able to find my rhythm again. Like Rocky Balboa from the movie Rocky III – he try to get back his Eye Of The Tiger – that hunger, that motivation (it was a damn good theme song from the movie, done by the group called Survivor, on the request of the Italian Stallion himself – Sylvester Stallone). Even though, I am not really that excellent on my job, I still can execute my task decently enough to contribute and nonetheless, it still pays me well and more importantly, I still have a job that pays for everything. I just feel a little bit discontented. I work hard, am very serious and am happy with what I do. I have peace of mind and my head is high, but there is pressure really to come out from the hole. Knowing when to go is also important too. Leaving before one is told to leave is the hallmark of a great leader who puts cause before self. I also did not know whether I can ever recover from all of this as well, maybe I will, maybe I won’t. If I do not recover, I am afraid that I will compromise the team again.

Will I succeed in finding my dream job which I think that I will like, that I can do well in and can prevent stagnation? Ahh...it’s important to have faith then :) All this will pass. Santiago (from the Alchemist) landed in a strange land that speaks a foreign language, loss all of his money but he was brave enough to re-start all over again with nothing. He can just focus on finding his treasure. Santiago has learned a lot of new things. Some of them were things that he had already experienced and weren’t really new, but that he had never perceived before. And he hadn’t perceived them because he had become accustomed to them as they were familiar. I should be just relaxed & unhurried. I am not a victim of circumstances; I am an adventurer on a quest. When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure” – Calvin & Hobbes :)

the Freedom of the Borough of Sefton

Finished House: Season 8 but damn it because the disc only have 7 episodes :( The rest of the episodes, James have stored them in his personal pendrive and I need to borrow from him later on to watch the complete series and most importantly; the ending.

Yes, the old team is back – Dr. Chase & Dr. Taub. There is one episode which is quite hilarious as House becomes obsessed with finding out if Taub’s two daughters are actually his. Chase has a beard now, no more the pretty boy look, more mature. Foreman (shed off his white doctor's lab coat, trade in with the cosmopoliton suit & tie) has to look at the bigger picture now as he is the new Dean Of Medicine which causes his colleagues to feel that it is more important to treat & save a patient’s life than answering to the medical board. House is as usual, being House; addicted in solving complicated medical cases, which I think is a good distraction from his painful leg. Wilson was right, they have to understand House, how he function, understand his addiction and then, they will be able to manage him well and turn him into a useful tool. I think newbie Dr. Adams is good in holding herself up there. I really like her character and 13. They are firm, have their own opinions and make their own decision. Both of them are well-read, bold, sensitive, is enthusiastic, really sexy with a stunning body and hypnotic eyes. They has got this animal side, they are like the woman that every woman would like to be. Cameron was more of the pleasing type, always tries to please House and the ever sweet genius Martha Masters, she is fickle minded, want to be good yet is easily being swayed by the team because she wants to be part of the team. I missed Cuddy. I missed their verbal & flirting fights. Gosh, I really need to get my hands on the rest of the remaining episodes. 

Shout & Scream

West Brom stunned Liverpool 2 - 0 :(
A Top Four finished? Are we kidding ourselves?

Billie & Blossom

Besides the red lantern, the lion dance, the pussy willow, the reunion dinner, the sound of the mercun - another thing that I like about the season is the stash of the Chinese New Year Cookies. It brought back so many memories of being a kid. Now as an adult, for this whole week, I have been snacking on this stuff until my belly is full and my cheeks are raw and red from all of the sugar and peanuts :) I feel bloated and heavy right now.

Hips & Curves

Taiwan Street, Tropicana City Mall – have dinner with Turkey Ham :) just to catch up before the start of the New Year and also to squeeze some juicy & dirty gossips from Turkey Ham; involving some of the G13 Operation & Merchandise people :) The Taiwan beef noodles & meatballs were really great. These were the softest, juiciest and most tender braised beef that I have ever eaten. Damn they were good. Their meatball was really soft, fluffy, and it kinds of crumbled when I bit into it. It was so light and flavorsome. The spicy soup; made my mouth explode with happiness :) and hotness.

Artista Bar & Restaurant, Tropicana City Mall – then we hit this place for some beer before we called it a night :) We were also entertained by this blues & rock 4 piece band from Iran. Surprise, surprise...they speak very good English, polite, friendly and they sing very well too. It was a very breezy and relaxed night :)

Cabbages & Roses

I have discovered a SECRET – the secret on why Jonas actually left G13 for the French. When I saw Lee Nee on board at the French last year and hearing the news that Jonas will be joining in as well, I was very worried. If I stayed with the French, I will be damned. If I leave, I also will be damned. I didn’t have a third option. Why am I afraid? Both of these individuals are mature-aged people, they have been with G13 between 8 to 10 years; people don’t leave their comfort zone just like that. I thought there was something wrong; either with their bosses or the company. I didn't want to jump from one fire to another fire. I understand why Lee Nee have no choice but to leave...Lee Nee did not get along well with her lady boss. With Jonas, there was no reason for Jonas to do so. And when I was onboard in G13, I still cannot find a reason on why Jonas wants to leave. Now I know why; after having a private conversation with one of the suppliers. It was not about Leonardo, it was not about Mr. Jan Vet; as a matter of fact, both of these superiors love & pamper Jonas to the max. Jonas has great chemistry with all of the G13 fellow colleagues and suppliers. The working environment was enjoyable. The truth of Jonas leaving is because of the salary & benefits. Previously, Jonas has received positive & encouraging increment, but over the years, the numbers have decline. The sales trend also didn’t pick up, the budget was getting higher by the year to acheive, thus Jonas was unable to hit them as well. When you cannot hit the numbers, you don't get your bonuses. Fair play. It was a move that Jonas have plan over the recent years. It was not an impulse decision. It was a well-thought plan. And last year, in Jonas drawer, I found the name card of the English’s Director Of Trading (Miss Siew Mei) and the Japanese Stationery Division Head (Miss Lai Mun). My sources also told me that Jonas went for these interviews. Apparently, the English side rejected Jonas because Jonas was not aggresive enough for them. Whoever from the French who interview Jonas, the name card was missing. I guess in the end, Jonas selected the French :)

Well, at least I have my answers now :) No longer being curious and wondering why...sort of like a closure for me. Jonas is a wonderful talent; a great strategist & tactician. Jonas has a great pace, strength, power, flexible. So it is really exciting to see another great product from G13; making a contribution in the Malaysia retail industry. Jonas’s quality is always there, at the top, top level.

Bot Shots

Bowling – once Kendra’s birthday party was over, Stephanie & I went to play bowling, leaving the rest to do their own thing. This is my first time that I bowl. And it’s hilarious :) we played 2 sets of games. Each game consists of 10 parts. 1 part entitles us to 2 tries. So in total, I have 40 tries. Seriously, my poise & techniques are all wrong and are out of place but I still manage to hit a strike and hit the pins. Of course, occasionally the ball also went in the longkang :) I’ve got no rhythm and my steps are all incorrect. Then there was this funny instance...as I was about to throw the ball, suddenly the ball slipped away from my fingers and the ball fell behind me. The both of us broke down laughing. Oh, I laugh so hard, that I need a few seconds to breathe. The day ended well as that day was not a smooth-sailing day for me as well – first, my handbag sling fell off which meant that I could not put the sling on my shoulder anymore (my favorite way of carrying the handbag) and my phone also fell to the floor until the battery also came off. But the bowling activity makes up everything for it. Ah, it was all good fun. It was such an excellent afternoon doing something fun with a friend :)

Sixty9nine

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park – that’s the venue for Kendra’s 5th birthday party this year. From hotels, Kendra has moved up a tier higher :) Every year, Stewart will invite me to Kendra’s celebration bash, for me; it was also an opportunity to meet-up & catch-up with the old gang – this year, Stewart have added additional new family members besides Celtic & Mrs. Simon – the new comers are James, Stephanie & Eunice. I chatted passionately with these lovely people. I have also seen Kendra growing up, from being a very reserved & silent child over the years, she has now become more chirpy,self-confident and has an amazing personality. Having a social gathering in a theme park is certainly a grand idea. All the children will sure get to enjoy themselves with all of the multiple rides that are on offer. It is fun, good for bonding session and giving the child a brand new adventure. I wanted to go on some of the rides (i'm generally a pretty excitable person...), but I shy away…I am way out of these children age range :) I also want to start displaying a little more maturity in front of  the people who are as the same age as me. The birthday girl has a Hello Kitty birthday cake this year; cute. In the end, I have a great time :)

Mad & Stone

Celebrated Stephanie’s early birthday last week – together with Celtic, we brought her to Kam Heung Restaurant in PJ State for their famous Duck Rice for lunch. Unfortunately, the duck only makes its appearances in the evening :( so Stephanie has to settle for other food instead. The three of us ate quite a bit, from our main meal to popiah, rojak buah and I even share a plate of Wan Tan Mee together with Stephanie. Then we were off to Sunway Pyramid to shop for Kendra’s birthday present. In between, we stop for Chatime too. Then it was cake at Secret Recipe. I was still pretty full at that point. I think I ate too much that day. I should have paced myself properly. A lot of carb & calorie intake - but I decided to shut the hell up, lighten up, and just ENJOY THE MEAL & DAY :) If you eat a lot, you’ll grow fat but the good thing is that all of the wrinkles on the face will be filled in too. Hahaha! :)

It will be a good day but Celtic really spoils it for me. I am not sure whether Stephanie feels it or not. Recently Celtic has acquired a property in Kota Kemuning. It is indeed a very prideful emotion that a 32 years old individual is able to acquired such a high-end property. That sense of satisfaction. It’s an incredible feeling to have a dream, set a goal, and now reaching it. I understand the excitement on starting this new journey, the renovation process, the thrill of decorating the place and even buying new furniture sets to make it a home – but when you keep on talking about it non-stop (its almost a daily occurence now), when every topic is cleverly link back to the new house, describing how great one's financial, personal & work capability are non-stop – I think it’s NOT A COOL THING TO DO as it annoys people very much. I find this kind of attitude totally unacceptable in these circumstances. Please be more grown-up. Luckily, now Celtic has Stephanie, so my ears can have some peace & quiet again :) Sometimes, when we are off-work, let’s talk about other topics that are non work-related. I am sure work is not the only thing that binds us together.

Leaving my footprints all over town

Apex Pharmacy – yes, I know I am very ‘mah fan’ – such a problem child :) I prayed that I will get a new job, then my prayers was answered, I got a job interview as a Brand Manager – then I decline people’s offer because the timing of the interview clashed with my current work schedule. It was a GOD-giving opportunity and I have to screw it up. Which I do, occasionally. And I must’ve seemed like a pathetic bimbo from another world :) Nonetheless, with this I know that GOD is always by my side. I have reminded myself on how blessed I am; yet again.

If my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot hear Your voice
I’ll hold on to what is true though I cannot see
If the storms of life they come and the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith
I will believe
I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because of Your Son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours, I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours, I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope and every promise comes my way
When I feel Your hands of grace rest upon me
Staying desperate for You God
Staying humbled at Your feet

I will lift these hands and praise
I will believe
I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because of Your Son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours, I am forever Yours

Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours, I am forever Yours
I am Yours, I am Yours
All my days I am Yours
I am Yours, I'm Yours forever
I am Yours, I'm Yours forever
I am Yours, I'm Yours forever Lord

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours, I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
That I am Yours, I am forever Yours

-Love Came Down: Brian Johnson-

Memories In Diamonds

What a coincidence. Last year, when I was still with the French, the Legal Director passed away unexpectedly. And this year, for the same month, one of the G13’s top Operation Division Manager based in the Kelana Jaya store, passed away unexpectedly too. I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know this person better but I can see & feel that it was another committed, passionate, capable, & good person whose life was cut short abruptly. What about the family? The demise must have been painful as tonight is also the Reunion Dinner (the eve of the Chinese New Year) and the week ahead is the celebration of the festival. Where everyone else is rejoicing with laughter, theirs will have a tear or two flowing down. It was quite sudden as a few weeks back, there were still emails coming in to my inbox. Such incident always makes me ponder & reflect on how to make my life the best, adventurous & memorable that it can be.

I’m a moment-to-moment person. Today, I’m here now and I’m very blessed. Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD. It’s only of GOD’s grace that I have what I have today, and what I could do today. It is also because of GOD’s grace that I could even put my trust in HIM. Every day. Every time. Work can always wait. Health is given. It’s a Blessing from GOD. And yes, I’m learning to appreciate my life and what I have even more :)

L.A is my Lady



Liverpool 2 – 2 Manchester City. Draw again.

They were denied a memorable victory. The Reds were brilliant, the only disappointment is that they were outstanding in their play but mistakes have cost them. Well, at least their performance now is more like - Liverpool looks like Liverpool; a club that has once carried the aura of greatness.

U-Kiss



We were 2 - 0 up, and then we were outclassed (again) and ended with a 2 - 2 draw with Arsenal. Our performance against all of the Top 5 clubs in the league is so bad. How are we going to secure Champions League spot?!