Wendy's Cafe

Those were the days

2011-12-05T01:01:00.002+08:00

今天一个人去看了那些年。虽然没有人陪，戏院也只剩下最前排的位子，但是下了决心就一定要看。

简单的剧情，感觉却很震撼！仿佛回到了十多岁时的日子，幼稚单纯，却也有当时的烦恼。有时上课不认真、爱讲是非、喜欢讨论谁暗恋谁、考试和做ASSIGNMENT都是等到LAST MINUTE要交了才做。被老师和父母亲唠叨的时候，就很想赶快变成大人，做自己喜欢做的事。

在念大学的日子，经历了一段很深刻、暧昧的友情。谢谢你对我的好，它刻骨铭心。

感谢自己还没过３０，也还是单身。那些年的梦想虽然没有一一实现，但沿途的风景已很美丽。

感谢我的青春里，有你们每一个人。

今晚，我要好好睡。

2011-09-14T00:04:00.003+08:00

好久没有给自己写些东西了。

因为这几个月里，我马不停蹄地为一个工作上的理想而奋斗着。繁重的工作量，让我分秒必争，我越战越勇，不允许自己停顿下来。

以为尽了力，一切很完美。

回头一看，才发觉其实并不然。

我在认真应战的当儿，忽略了身边人的感受。我走得太快，又期望 TEAMMATE 们也一样可以全力应战。

然后大家互相指责，推卸责任。可以不去开会就不去，能迟来的就迟来。我的工作也从原本的经营及规划扩大到必须 TAKE CARE 整组人的时间，MAKE SURE 大家每一天都准时出席，到为不首信用的人找借口。退到了后线，还得撑起腰，睁大眼睛，细心地把那些密密麻麻的数字给搞好。

原来大家都累了，需要充电。

我不累吗？终于崩溃了。

今晚，我要好好睡。

That's what I call advertising!

2011-07-17T04:44:00.001+08:00

Have been very, very busy lately.

I have embarked on an amazing journey of self-empowerment, just seven months' into my new working relationship with Lucideas.

From tweens to old ladies; from parents to lower-income parents to caregiver and incontinence patients, we have looked into the insights of each TA, and worked out a complete communication strategy for each of the brand.

Right after the first wave, the second wave hit us and we were challenged to submit three proposals- all in two weeks.

And so, the team again dived into the sea to dig out more information.

What makes this happen, is a team of unsung heroes behind the scene. Zac, Kel, Gwyn, Mel, Balan, Fiona, Paula and Edwin.

And of course, once again, I am amused by my determination.

At times, I asked where I get my strengths from.

And then it has become clear that, when you know your direction, you can sail anywhere you want.

TGIF!

2011-06-17T22:58:00.006+08:00

Me: Hi... I think you're quite good looking.
Him: Come on, tell me something that I don't know, please.
Me: ....... Is that why you never tell me I'm pretty?
Him: .......................

Thank God it's Friday!

Cycling day @ Taman Pertanian, Shah Alam

2011-04-10T18:56:00.002+08:00

Very tiring, but it is a good way to destress!

Hate the call centre? Tell me about it!

2011-03-31T14:07:00.001+08:00

You had some problems with your flight booking, you called the help line, nobody answered.

You needed to change your booking details, you called again, nobody answered.

............................ and it goes on and on.

Many of us have had the same experience with Air Asia. The hot line never seems to work!

And guess what Tony's team did?

I could relate soooo well with the way Tony appears here saying "Hate the call centre?" Yes, who doesn't hate AA's call centre? Almost everyone has got a bad experience! Tell me about it!

AA has turned the table now by launching a FAQ site, inviting users to read up if they can't reach the people behind the telephones. Nice work!

Edward de Bono- [Teach Youself To Think]

2011-03-12T15:13:00.001+08:00

"Our happiness and success depend on clear thinking. But too many of us are compromised by confusion, trying to do too much at once, and not knowing what to do next.

...... Because thinking and intelligence are quite separate. Intelligence is like the horsepower of a car. Thinking is like the skill of the car driver. Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers and get caught in the 'intelligence trap'. Many less intelligent people have developed a high degree of skill in thinking."

Another book from Bono.

Wanted to read this to find out how I can operate my left and right brains together. Having studied pure science in school, IT in college, and now, being in an account management role, I tend to do things in my ways- I like to follow a set of logic in everything I do.

This is also because, the conventional education system has taught us to favour left-brain mode of thinking.

Over the years, I've strayed from the path, I chose to put on my red hat, refused to think logically, I've become capricious and over-bearing.

That is why 2010 did not turn out to be a year to remember.

Then, I've received a calling to return to what I do best. Taking one step at a time, I rediscovered my inner strengths, rebuilt my belief, and dived myself into the world of creativity again.

It takes time to be whole-brained. I am doing it. :)

Nissan Teana outsold other D-segment cars in Jan 2011

2011-03-06T23:09:00.002+08:00

Latest statistics from Malaysian Automotive Association shows that Nissan Teana and Hyundai Sonata have both outsold Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, in the month of January.

Nissan has sold 1,394 units of Teana and Hyundai sold 532 units of Sonata. Camry and Accord have no mention in the chart at all.

Could it be an indication that the monopoly of Camry and Accord in the D-segment market is over? With the introduction of Teana and Sonata, one's need to be differentiated can now be fulfilled. People no longer buy a car for its practicality; they start to think of it as an emotional need.

Some main reasons I could figure:

1) People are getting bored with Camry and Accord.

2) A person who can afford a D-segment car generally does not care about after sale service/ resale value.

3) The Toyota's global recall (2009-2010) has resulted in a decrease in sales.

4) Nissan is finally making a come back by introducing a D-segment car, after its Cefiro went obsolete. For years, Camry and Accord have been dominating the D-segment market.

5) Teana has almost the same specs as its competitors. But in addition, the interior introduces a totally different luxury experience. It is a class higher. (But some people do find that the level of luxury equals to an old man's car, which I do not disagree...)

6) Without a big ad spend nor a big brand name, Sonata's design speaks for itself. It is not that kind of car you would buy simply by just hearing the name. However, a visit to the showroom and a test-drive would change how you feel.

I am not a target audience for any of these four cars. But, given the budget, I would love to own a Sonata.

Kotex- WOW me please!

2011-03-06T22:45:00.009+08:00

I seem to be looking forward to having my period nowadays. :)

Most probably because there are just too many brands out there that I needed to try out!

And so... I bought a pack of Kotex LUXE today.

The 20-ultrathin regular pack is priced at RM15.90. It comes with a breakthrough fusion technology, micro max core, longer wings, anti-leak channels, and some attractive designs.

Honestly speaking, buying pads should be like buying clothes. It's like love at first sight. If I've spotted it, I won't care how much it cost, I will find a reason to buy. Likewise, if I don't like it, I will find a thousand reasons not to buy.

So for girls like me, sales-talks don't work. The product has to speak for itself. :)

I am waiting to be amazed.

Personalized mugs!

2011-03-06T19:17:00.001+08:00

Something new in the office- everyone's got a personalized mug!

Deadlines

2011-02-26T19:38:00.001+08:00

It's amazing how people perceive deadlines.

A: I better do it now and submit before the date.

B: Sorry, I've got things on my plate, I need another day.

C: Hmm I know we're late. Can I have an indication of what the consequences are, IF we cannot submit on time?

Which one are you?

Latin Rumba: Bronze Routine 1

2011-02-13T16:59:00.000+08:00

Practice makes perfect. I hated some of the moments practising it, as I have not being doing it for years! Fortunately I have a partner who never gave up on me. Thanks, Shaw!

Basic X 3
Into fan
Alemana
Hand to hand X 2
Spot turn X 2
Shoulder to shoulder X 2
New York X 2
Basic X 3
Into fan
Hockey stick
Cuban rock X 3
Progressive walk (aka Rumba walk)
Natural top X 3
Closed hip twist
Into fan
Underarm turn

Repeat

Latin Cha-Cha-Cha: Bronze Routine 1

2011-02-13T16:51:00.007+08:00

Just to post this up so that I have a digital record of it. It's pretty long routine that covers most of the steps. No video though, can consider to make one. :P

Quarter turn X 5
Into fan
Alemana
Hand to hand X 3
3 cha-chas (man and lady together)
Spot turn
Time step
Spot turn X 2
3 cha-chas (to & back)
Basic
Alemana (stop at the right side of man)
Opening out
Close hip twist
Into fan
Hockey stick (270 deg turn, prepare for New York)
New York X 3
Spot turn
There & back
Side step
Spot turn

Repeat

A Princess at Heart

2011-01-18T00:51:00.009+08:00

Another year has passed. Another winter has come.

So many things happened. So many people left.

Looking back, it was a challenging year.

But I know, with what I've been through, I can handle what life throws me now, in a better way.

'Cos I've been to the mountain top.

I've learned to see diets as a business of the past; a perfect partner as an enchantment; a tough life as challenging; and most importantly, I've learned to prioritize things in life.

More beautiful sceneries. More dancing activities. Thank you life for always throwing me surprises.

Still the same old me. One who either laughs out loud, or cries out hard.

And the friendship I've gained is invaluable.

In the end, it is not how many years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.

Thank you too, my parents dearest.

Love Summer

2010-12-31T04:58:00.001+08:00

Love Summer by Wendy 375 featuring cotton skirts

踏不出去的 2010

2010-12-28T21:07:00.006+08:00

二零一零。给我很多疑惑、感动、很多欢笑泪水、也很多遗憾的这一年。

不管做了什么决定，希望明年的我，是双倍快乐的。

地球还是不停地转动，星光依旧灿烂。

我那对我不离不弃的朋友、家人，谢谢你陪我走过2010。

明年，一定会做到更好。：）

Jingle Merry Cheer

2010-12-23T00:58:00.001+08:00

Jingle Merry Cheer by Wendy 375 featuring red coats

For Christmas! :D

2010-12-16T22:43:00.007+08:00

A person can always dream. Going by this rule, I have come out with a humble wishlist of mine.

I want......

1) Career

A career that not only pays me well but also fulfills my emotional needs.

2) Health supplements

Supply of Bio B-Complex or Redoxons to keep me fit and healthy.

3) Books

Supply of books- All types of books from Donald Trump, Mitch Albom, to Cecelia Ahern and Candace Bushnell.

4) Camera

A Lumix LX3/5 or Powershot S90/95. A compact camera that is good enough to see me through my life's journey.

5) Flower headband

A headband with flowers. (I don't like the felt ones...) Saw a very cute one in Vincci today but it doesn'it worth the money. Am starting to think of having a DIY one... where can I find those flowers?

6) Bean bag

Plain red, beige or brown makes a good match to my living room.

7) Starbucks coffee

Buy me starbucks on any day, and I'll be happy. (My flavour is a latte frap on sunny days and hot latte on moody days.)

8) A new winter coat

OK I know I've already got half a wardrobe of these BUT I just don't feel warm enough yet. My body almost got frozen when I was in China. I will need a thick-enough coat IF I were to go there again you see.

9) My smile

May I always be blessed with the strength to face and endure difficult situations ahead.

10) Health

A healthy and fit body. So that I can dance like no one is watching.

11) Family

Finally, I wish that my family and friends are always blessed with all the health and happiness the world could offer.

心情

2010-12-14T18:26:00.004+08:00

2010年，十二月的冬天。

原本以为不会再因工作而踏上冰山雪地的我，却再次地拍着胸口，飞往那壮观、美丽中带着残酷冷风的北京。

一个trip返来，心里有好多感想。

觉得人生像是一个无法预测的过程。明明编辑好的一本书，却不能翻一翻，瞧瞧里头内容写些什么。

又觉得，人有不同。有些人只要努力工作挣钱，就得过个十年二十年。有些人幸运地享受着喜欢做的事情。也有些人，以名利和社会地位为生活目标。少数人，以情义为重心，爱恨分明，不想违背原则，所以多年来还在原地踏步。

人对生活的定义也不同。没有共同的梦想和一致的步伐，两个人在一起是不是不会长久？

这一回，朋友们真的都结婚去了，留下我一人孤军作战。

飞与不飞，好像已经不是我的决定。

在可以安睡的几个夜里，梦里尽是失去的亲人、工作。

感恩。

Beautiful and historical China

2010-12-14T17:07:00.002+08:00

I am back from China. The trip was a complete rush but we made it possible (managed to apply visa and prepare for flight) in less than 24 hours' time! First time in Beijing, except being overwhelmed by the weather, I love every other things to bits. Its architecture, the culture, the magnificent Forbidden City and the historical Tian'anmen Square. Unlike Beijing, Shanghai is just a warmer city full of hustle and bustle. But the night visit along the Bund was great. Photos below. Some of them are courtesy of Capt J. :)

Blood donation campaign?

2010-11-20T12:23:00.009+08:00

Copy says "DONATE BLOOD TO THE NATIONAL BLOOD BANK. NOT TO MOSQUITOES!"

Then I looked at the side and realized it is a Ridsect ad. Kills Aedes, it adds.

Congratulations on the creative ad! Cool and serious, yet humourous in its own way. :)

www.facebook.com/RageAgainstAedes

Source: The Star, 20 November 2010

The Casual Code

2010-11-19T20:19:00.001+08:00

The Casual Code by Wendy 375 featuring distressed skinny jeans

Earth Colors

2010-11-19T20:10:00.001+08:00

Earth Colors by Wendy 375 featuring cropped shorts

Customer satisfaction is the key to CRM

2010-11-16T16:51:00.002+08:00

I went to a hair salon for an express haircut yesterday. As I am keeping my hair short these days, I need to get it trimmed every two months so that it doesn't curl at or grow beyond my shoulders. I must say, the more I trim it, the faster it seems to grow nowadays! I have come to reckon that keeping short hair is a high-maintenance job- it requires a lot of patience and money!

And so, I slotted RM16 in the machine and got myself a coupon. The hairdresser sat me down; We discussed how I wanted my hair to be trimmed and he started working on my hair. He got it done in 10 minutes and I wasn't happy with the length. I requested to trim it again and he did it. Again I was not satisfied because by then, I decided to just make it even shorter so that it looks bob. He did it for the third time, and in the end I walked out from the salon with a smile on my face.

I posted this on my FB and apparently, my friends do find me demanding and ridiculous. But the purpose I shared this is to applaud the hairdresser. Why? I paid so little and he treated me like a queen. He could well be a junior stylist, but I chose to pardon his inexperience and I will still come back for the next cut because of the customer service. "If I go to a restaurant and the waiters are rude, no matter how delicious the food is, I will not visit them again," said a friend on FB.

Five reasons why customer satisfaction is the key to CRM:

1) Happy customers are good story tellers.

2) Happy customers make free word-of-mouth promotions (sometimes exaggeration) for you- on any occasions, across any channels.

3) Technologies made it possible for a happy customer to digitally update his/ her whearabout and status- the moment he/she steps out from your store. Note that once things are on social media, the reach is infinity.

4) A happy customer is sure to return for a repeat purchase.

5) A happy customer wouldn't mind/ notice if you have a price increase.

Check out X-Cut Salon, the express haircut concept by A Cut Above. In case you are not aware, the stylists are trained and exprienced hairstylists from A Cut Above.

Take a look at my new hairdo. They've never let me down!

Love for Denim

2010-11-15T00:17:00.001+08:00

Love for Denim by Wendy 375 featuring high heel boots

Earth Colors

2010-11-14T23:21:00.001+08:00

Earth Colors by Wendy 375 featuring a metallic handbag

The Casual Code

2010-11-13T01:38:00.001+08:00

The Casual Code by Wendy 375 featuring marc by marc jacobs handbags

Social Media: between Private and Public

2010-11-10T11:36:00.003+08:00

"A recent blog post in Hong Kong lambasted a new restaurant in Central, but did not state that the author was the marketing manager for the restaurant next door to the one he was slamming. Disclosure, in this case, is your friend."

Source: Angie Wong, Food & Lifestyle Editor, Hong Kong

While living in the digital era, we seem to have forgotten to keep ourselves low profile. The world of digital taught us to be loud; We strive to be heard because for once, we have a chance to speak up boundlessly and we all believe that our voice matters. The ever-changing trend has invented Web 2.0- from IRC and ICQ to blogging, social networking, photo-sharing, podcasting, youtube and microblogging..... The list could just go on and on, and before we know it, a new trend will magically appear with a snap of a finger.

In the early years, these media was meant for people to keep in touch with friends and to digitalize their daily activities and personal lives. It comes in handy as one does not need to be involved in any heavy programming, and yet he/she could enjoy the ownership of a personal website. Then marketers see the opportunity and they started to engage with their customers via a two-way communication online.

But no one is there to tell us that we are drifting away from our privacy and identity.

This issue is especially serious when marketers started to employ social media in their marketing plans. As a marketer, we act professionally on one hand but on the other hand, we have a different profile altogether. If we choose to criticise about the competitor(s), do we have a valid reason for saying it or is it just based on a personal view? At what position are we suppose to talk about our competitor(s)? Being a human being, we show our likes and dislikes; We want to vent our frustrations on our personal space, but if we are not careful enough, it will indirectly influence our professional image.

Picture the scenarios below, what are your take backs?

1) Brand A decided to purchase a competitor's domain names and keywords, hoping that it would steal the crowd from its competitor.

Question is, for all the dollars spent on this irrelevant purchase, do you get an effective reach? Do you want to take such a risk, for the exchange of your company's credibility? Check out these links for Google's trademark policy.

What is Google's U.S. trademark policy? - AdWords Help

When will my ads appear for trademarked terms? - AdWords Help

How can I get permission to use a trademarked term? - AdWords Help

2) You join the Social Media team of a company.

As a general rule set by the company (to avoid having your personal opinions online), you are required to delete your blog and remain neutral on Facebook. Are you willing to accept the rules and hide your online presence for the benefit of the company?

3) You found cam-whoring photos of your school teacher/ professor/ consultant/ client on Facebook.

Now, does it tell you more about this person? Or does it tarnish the relationship between you both? I once have a teacher who teaches professionally in class; but behind the scene, she enjoys doing sexy photoshoot and modelling... I mean, I still see her as an inspiration, just, what would the guys think? ;)

Till today, the difference between what is private and public work is still unclear. There's no code of ethics to follow, except those that are drafted by the companies using the tools. The challenge here is to remain grown up and professional- that's probably the best way to move forward.

I've got a gold and a silver! --2010 ISTD Medallist Festival Malaysia

2010-11-01T19:40:00.000+08:00

I am overly excited; I have too many things to tell but will just keep it simple and short. :)

Our team from Shall We Dance Studio (Karman, LiShen, Kalvin, Kim, Shaw, Heng and myself) took part in the ISTD Medallist competition last weekend and guess what! We have proudly brought back a total of 11 medals! It is really my biggest gift for the Halloween plus the greatest achievement in 2010!

My partner Shaw and myself.

On the dance floor: Shaw and I; Kalvin and Karman.

Photo session with Mr.Richard Hunt and Ms. Yvonne Taylor-Hill from ISTD.

Don't we just LOVEEEE the medals!

Ivy, principal of SWD Studio and my Latin dance instructor.

A gold and a silver- I'm contented; But at the same time, I want to do even better in the future.

They say results don't lie. I couldn't agree any more. Days and months of hard work and persistent practice off the stage have rewarded me with this in return. How nice!

Special thanks to Ivy and Shaw, for making things possible for me. And to my friends who gave their moral support, I love you all!

XOXO...

Way to go Wendy! 加油了！

2010-10-21T00:24:00.005+08:00

I attended my ISTD grading exam today- and I managed to pass with flying colors!

Many thanks to Ivy my excellent dance instructor, and Shaw, my partner who patiently trains with me and helps make the impossible happen!

They say, one minute on stage and ten years of practice off the stage. I am really glad that the extra hard work, my sore feet and backaches have all paid off!

I have an important appointment tomorrow but I just can't sleep now!

我竟然在今天的ISTD升级试中考到不可思议的分数。

很感谢教练Ivy的悉心教导；感谢我的partner- Shaw，没有他耐心的一起练习，我根本不可能有这样的成绩！

他们说，台上三分钟，台下十年功。我的努力、腰酸背痛终于都没有白费。

今晚一定睡不着觉了啦！

Air Asia Creative Ad

2010-10-19T18:59:00.003+08:00

Air Asia Singapore has recently launched a new ad- it put a smile on my face when I read through the copy. Brilliant!

Source: AirAsia Singapore Facebook page

Now I would want to see how Tiger Airways responds to the ad. :)

How to measure ROI for Social Media

2010-10-14T17:23:00.003+08:00

We have seen blogs, tweets, FB pages, events, communities, and groups growing like mushrooms in the recent years. Most businesses include these media as one of its channel of interaction; Many use social media advertising to connect people to their websites; And a lot others use it as their marketplace over the internet.

Now, if you are a marketeer and your have to deal with a HIPPO (Highest-Paid-Person-Opinion- usually a boss or a client) who insists to see the ROI for your social marketing plan, how and where do you start?

The magical word here is "Engagement".

I've got this from the net and it is by far the most meaningful measurements I have seen:

35 Social Media Engagement Metrics (to use if you’ve demonstrated the value of engagement)

1. Alerts (register and response rates / by channel / CTR / post click activity)

2. Bookmarks (onsite, offsite)

3. Comments

4. Downloads

5. Email subscriptions

6. Fans (become a fan of something / someone)

7. Favourites (add an item to favourites)

8. Feedback (via the site)

9. Followers (follow something / someone)

10. Forward to a friend

11. Groups (create / join / total number of groups / group activity)

12. Install widget (on a blog page, Facebook, etc)

13. Invite / Refer (a friend)

14. Key page activity (post-activity)

15. Love / Like this (a simpler form of rating something)

16. Messaging (onsite)

17. Personalisation (pages, display, theme)

18. Posts

19. Profile (e.g. update avatar, bio, links, email, customisation, etc)

20. Print page

21. Ratings

22. Registered users (new / total / active / dormant / churn)

23. Report spam / abuse

24. Reviews

25. Settings

26. Social media sharing / participation (activity on key social media sites, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Digg, etc)

27. Tagging (user-generated metadata)

28. Testimonials

29. Time spent on key pages

30. Time spent on site (by source / by entry page)

31. Total contributors (and % active contributors)

32. Uploads (add an item, e.g. articles, links, images, videos)

33. Views (videos, ads, rich images)

34. Widgets (number of new widgets users / embedded widgets)

35. Wishlists (save an item to wishlist)

If the above does not make up enough figures (gosh!), you may drill it down to the conversion rate, or the number of sales made via the social media channels.

朋友们都结婚去了

2010-10-13T18:00:00.006+08:00

[雪白的婚纱，
心爱的新郎，
一枚紧紧套住爱情盟约的戒指。
這樣的畫面，是每个女生一生中最幸福的时光。

那是朋友们婚礼上的幸福时光。
不是我的。

祝你幸福，我很好。我是宇珩。]

写这一章，不是因为想嫁想疯了，而是因为最近听说以前一起工作的同事终于找到了她的“真爱”。

我敬佩她；因为她有着非一般的毅力，似蔷薇，有野性、可以药用。

偶尔我也会畏惧、压力；因为时间巨人已把她塑造成一位凡事都要求完美的主任级人物。

她智慧与情商兼备；维缺一位好情人。

她辞了工，打算成家。

欢送会的照片照得她双眼有神，笑容可鞠，我看了心里有感动、祝福、也有鼓舞。

17年的璀璨青春，献给了公司、给了地球，幕然回首，有情人终成眷属，当成佳话！

......然后，我才发现，她的另一半也是个女人。

祝福你们！

Lee Kuan Yew's Farewell to His Wife

2010-10-11T09:57:00.006+08:00

A very touching and affectionate farewell note from a first Prime Minister of Singapore, to his beloved late wife, Kwa Geok Choo.

From The Malaysian Insiders.

The last farewell to my wife — Lee Kuan Yew

October 06, 2010

Ancient peoples developed and ritualised mourning practices to express the shared grief of family and friends, and together show not fear or distaste for death, but respect for the dead one; and to give comfort to the living who will miss the deceased.

I recall the ritual mourning when my maternal grandmother died some 75 years ago. For five nights the family would gather to sing her praises and wail and mourn at her departure, led by a practiced professional mourner.

Such rituals are no longer observed. My family’s sorrow is to be expressed in personal tributes to the matriarch of our family.

In October 2003 when she had her first stroke, we had a strong intimation of our mortality.

My wife and I have been together since 1947 for more than three quarters of our lives. My grief at her passing cannot be expressed in words. But today, when recounting our lives together, I would like to celebrate her life.

In our quiet moments, we would revisit our lives and times together. We had been most fortunate. At critical turning points in our lives, fortune favoured us.

As a young man with an interrupted education at Raffles College, and no steady job or profession, her parents did not look upon me as a desirable son-in-law. But she had faith in me.

We had committed ourselves to each other. I decided to leave for England in September 1946 to read law, leaving her to return to Raffles College to try to win one of the two Queen’s Scholarships awarded yearly. We knew that only one Singaporean would be awarded. I had the resources, and sailed for England, and hoped that she would join me after winning the Queen’s Scholarship.

If she did not win it, she would have to wait for me for three years.

In June the next year, 1947, she did win it. But the British colonial office could not get her a place in Cambridge.

Through Chief Clerk of Fitzwilliam, I discovered that my Censor at Fitzwilliam, W S Thatcher, was a good friend of the Mistress of Girton, Miss Butler.

He gave me a letter of introduction to the Mistress. She received me and I assured her that Choo would most likely take a “First”, because she was the better student when we both were at Raffles College.

I had come up late by one term to Cambridge, yet passed my first year qualifying examination with a class 1. She studied Choo’s academic record and decided to admit her in October that same year, 1947.

We have kept each other company ever since. We married privately in December 1947 at Stratford-upon-Avon. At Cambridge, we both put in our best efforts. She took a first in two years in Law Tripos II. I took a double first, and a starred first for the finals, but in three years.

We did not disappoint our tutors. Our Cambridge Firsts gave us a good start in life. Returning to Singapore, we both were taken on as legal assistants in Laycock & Ong, athriving law firm in Malacca Street. Then we married officially a second time that September 1950 to please our parents and friends. She practised conveyancing and draftsmanship, I did litigation.

In February 1952, our first son Hsien Loong was born. She took maternity leave for a year.

That February, I was asked by John Laycock, the Senior Partner, to take up the case of the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union, the postmen’s union.

They were negotiating with the government for better terms and conditions of service. Negotiations were deadlocked and they decided to go on strike. It was a battle for public support. I was able to put across the reasonableness of their case through the press and radio. After a fortnight, they won concessions from the government. Choo, who was at home on maternity leave, pencilled through my draft statements, making them simple and clear.

Over the years, she influenced my writing style. Now I write in short sentences, in the active voice. We gradually influenced each other’s ways and habits as we adjusted and accommodated each other.

We knew that we could not stay starry-eyed lovers all our lives; that life was an on-going challenge with new problems to resolve and manage.

We had two more children, Wei Ling in 1955 and Hsien Yang in 1957. She brought them up to be well-behaved, polite, considerate and never to throw their weight as the prime minister’s children.

As a lawyer, she earned enough, to free me from worries about the future of our children.

She saw the price I paid for not having mastered Mandarin when I was young. We decided to send all three children to Chinese kindergarten and schools.

She made sure they learned English and Malay well at home. Her nurturing has equipped them for life in a multi-lingual region.

We never argued over the upbringing of our children, nor over financial matters. Our earnings and assets were jointly held. We were each other’s confidant.

She had simple pleasures. We would walk around the Istana gardens in the evening, and I hit golf balls to relax.

Later, when we had grandchildren, she would take them to feed the fish and the swans in the Istana ponds. Then we would swim. She was interested in her surroundings, for instance, that many bird varieties were pushed out by mynahs and crows eating up the insects and vegetation.

She discovered the curator of the gardens had cleared wild grasses and swing fogged for mosquitoes, killing off insects they fed on. She stopped this and the bird varieties returned. She surrounded the swimming pool with free flowering scented flowers and derived great pleasure smelling them as she swam.

She knew each flower by its popular and botanical names. She had an enormous capacity for words.

She had majored in English literature at Raffles College and was a voracious reader, from Jane Austen to JRR Tolkien, from Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian Wars to Virgil’s Aeneid, to The Oxford Companion to Food, and Seafood of Southeast Asia, to Roadside Trees of Malaya, and Birds of Singapore.

She helped me draft the Constitution of the PAP. For the inaugural meeting at Victoria Memorial Hall on 4 November 1954, she gathered the wives of the founder members to sew rosettes for those who were going on stage.

In my first election for Tanjong Pagar, our home in Oxley Road, became the HQ to assign cars provided by my supporters to ferry voters to the polling booth.

She warned me that I could not trust my new found associates, the leftwing trade unionists led by Lim Chin Siong. She was furious that he never sent their high school student helpers to canvass for me in Tanjong Pagar, yet demanded the use of cars provided by my supporters to ferry my Tanjong Pagar voters.

She had an uncanny ability to read the character of a person. She would sometimes warn me to be careful of certain persons; often, she turned out to be right.

When we were about to join Malaysia, she told me that we would not succeed because the UMNO Malay leaders had such different lifestyles and because their politics were communally-based, on race and religion.

I replied that we had to make it work as there was no better choice. But she was right.

We were asked to leave Malaysia before two years.

When separation was imminent, Eddie Barker, as Law Minister, drew up the draft legislation for the separation. But he did not include an undertaking by the Federation Government to guarantee the observance of the two water agreements between the PUB and the Johor state government. I asked Choo to include this. She drafted the undertaking as part of the constitutional amendment of the Federation of Malaysia Constitution itself.

She was precise and meticulous in her choice of words. The amendment statute was annexed to the Separation Agreement, which we then registered with the United Nations.

The then Commonwealth Secretary Arthur Bottomley said that if other federations were to separate, he hoped they would do it as professionally as Singapore and Malaysia.

It was a compliment to Eddie’s and Choo’s professional skills. Each time Malaysian Malay leaders threatened to cut off our water supply, I was reassured that this clear and solemn international undertaking by the Malaysian government in its Constitution will get us a ruling by the UNSC (United Nations Security Council).

After her first stroke, she lost her left field of vision. This slowed down her reading. She learned to cope, reading with the help of a ruler. She swam every evening and kept fit. She continued to travel with me, and stayed active despite the stroke. She stayed in touch with her family and old friends.

She listened to her collection of CDs, mostly classical, plus some golden oldies. She jocularly divided her life into “before stroke” and “after stroke”, like BC and AD.

She was friendly and considerate to all associated with her. She would banter with her WSOs (woman security officers) and correct their English grammar and pronunciation in a friendly and cheerful way. Her former WSOs visited her when she was at NNI. I thank them all.

Her second stroke on 12 May 2008 was more disabling. I encouraged and cheered her on, helped by a magnificent team of doctors, surgeons, therapists and nurses.

Her nurses, WSOs and maids all grew fond of her because she was warm and considerate. When she coughed, she would take her small pillow to cover her mouth because she worried for them and did not want to infect them.

Her mind remained clear but her voice became weaker. When I kissed her on her cheek, she told me not to come too close to her in case I caught her pneumonia.

I assured her that the doctors did not think that was likely because I was active.

When given some peaches in hospital, she asked the maid to take one home for my lunch. I was at the centre of her life.

On 24 June 2008, a CT scan revealed another bleed again on the right side of her brain. There was not much more that medicine or surgery could do except to keep her comfortable.

I brought her home on 3 July 2008. The doctors expected her to last a few weeks. She lived till 2nd October, 2 years and 3 months.

She remained lucid. They gave time for me and my children to come to terms with the inevitable. In the final few months, her faculties declined. She could not speak but her cognition remained.

She looked forward to have me talk to her every evening.

Her last wish she shared with me was to enjoin our children to have our ashes placed together, as we were in life.

The last two years of her life were the most difficult. She was bedridden after small successive strokes; she could not speak but she was still cognisant.

Every night she would wait for me to sit by her to tell her of my day’s activities and to read her favourite poems. Then she would sleep.

I have precious memories of our 63 years together. Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life. She devoted herself to me and our children.

She was always there when I needed her. She has lived a life full of warmth and meaning.

I should find solace at her 89 years of her life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief.

* This eulogy by Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was delivered at the funeral service of his wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo at a private ceremony at Mandai Cremetorium today.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia- A Learning Trip 柬埔寨学习之旅

2010-10-08T02:08:00.002+08:00

Leaving behind my heavy workload, I embarked on a long-awaited journey to Cambodia. No luxurious aircraft, no deluxe hotel; All that I have are a backpack and a pair of canvas shoes. 卸下繁重的工作，背起了背包去流浪。没有豪华的飞机、更没有名贵的饭店；有的只是一个背包和一双帆布鞋，原来生活可以这么简单！

Pardon me for the pictures below- I have excluded the magnificient palace and sacred pagodas, fancy cuisines, and other sites of interest (I'm sure you can easily get these from the internet). 为求写实，我删去了一些美食及宏伟壮观的风景照（那些照片应该很容易在网上找到吧）。

Commuting to the hotel. It was raining all the way- the "cabin" was covered by some waterproof canvas but it did not stop the rain from coming in. P/S: This driver is a staff from the hotel- and according to him, he is only making USD40 a month! 在去饭店的路上。雨下得很大，车厢只用一层帆布围着。这名司机是饭店派来的，他告诉我他一个月的工钱只有40块美金！

Tuol Sleng (S-21) Museum. A high school that turned into a prison and torture chamber during the Khmer Rouge. During Pol Pot's genocidal rule (1975-1979), about 1-2 million people were starved to death, tortured, and killed. 30,000 people died in S-21. Tuol Sleng (S-21) 博物馆。这是一间于波尔布特的种族灭绝统治时期(1975-1979)被转用成监狱和刑场的高中。在这期间，约1至2亿人被迫饿死，受尽折磨和被杀害。其中三万人死于S-21。

Some actual torture devices. 暴权统治遗留下的刑具。

If not because of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia would have become a developing nation like us......

如果没有那一段残暴的悲剧，今天的柬埔寨会不会像我们一样，也在顺利发展？

On the ferry to Koh Dach village. Ander chatting away with Sovann. Sovann is studying in a university while driving tuk-tuk part time. He wants to become a tuk-tuk driver after his studies. To many Cambodians, growing up and becoming a tuk-tuk driver (or a tour guide) is like a norm, it is a big job; A major source of income in their country. 在前往Koh Dach村庄的途中，Ander与Sovann聊了起来。Sovann目前于一所大学上课，同时兼差做tuk-tuk司机。完成学业后，他想当一名全职的tuk-tuk司机。对许多柬埔寨人来说，长大后能成为tuk-tuk司机或导游，就是他们的梦想。

Does this picture bring you back to the 80's? 这张照片是否带你回到了80年代呢？

We were greeted by some villagers on a motor-bike. At first we thought they were friendly. After being greeted by a few villagers, we started to doubt if they are genuinely... 村民们纷纷骑着摩托车热情地向我们打招呼。原本以为这是他们表达友善的方式，怎知。。。

Then we looked back and here they are! All chasing behind us with their silk on the bike! Then we realized these people wanted to make money by selling their silk! 回头一看，不得了！后面跟来了好多摩托车！他们追着要我们购买做好的丝绸。

Joe, 15 years old. Joe, 15岁。

I will never forget the girl. Monica, 13 years old. While taking the pic, Ander was consistently reminding me how dirty the girl was. But I know, it is not her choice to be in this state... 我永远不会忘记的小女孩，Monica，13岁。摄此照时，Ander一直在提醒我这女孩有多脏。可是我却深深地感觉到，生处这样的环境，并不是她所能控制的。

Joe and the sister, Jane. Joe和姐姐Jane。

Poor children waiting to be fed... 嗷嗷待哺的孩子们。

Innocent boy and girl. 一脸的无邪、天真。

A bed, a curtain and a kitten. That's what they call a "home".

一张床，一片帘子，还有一只小猫。这就是他们的“家”。

The monks. 小和尚。

Kang (15), So (16), and Oh (15), our Oudong tour-guides. (At this age, they are only standing at about 155-160cm.) They offered to guide us up to the hill top for exchange of some tips. Kang (15岁), So (16岁), 和Oh (15岁)，是陪伴我们上Oudong山的导游。（在这个年龄，他们只有155-160公分的高度。）为了赚许一些小费，他们常为游客们提供导游服务。

On the way back... it kept me thinking and thinking.... 回家的路上- 感触很深、很深。

The trip has opened my eyes to the life of a third-world country. Going deep into the countryside to meet their people is especially meaningful. I came back with a heavy heart- it left me wonder what and how I can contribute to their people; it has also taught me to be grateful of what I have. 这一趟让我对第三世界的生活大开眼界-尤其是走进偏远的村庄和人群接触。我带回了一颗沉重的心，一直在想如何能对他们做出贡献。

Be grateful of what we have, and live this life to the fullest! 珍惜当下，惜福，感恩！

Mobile OnAir goes live onboard AirAsia A320 aircraft with Maxis’ support

2010-10-05T02:23:00.002+08:00

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taking off shortly. For your safety, please fasten your seat belt, put your seatback upright, and return your tray table to the original position. We also ask you to turn off your mobile phone as it will interfere the aircraft navigational systems. Thank you for your co-operation."

We used to make that announcement every single time we go onboard.

I can still recall seeing an anxious passenger calling home using the Airphone, during a flight from JFK to ICN. She was obviously worried; had tears running all over her face and yet the connection was bad! It was a 12 hour journey and it must have been a tough one for her. Something must be happening at home and she needed to get immediate updates before setting foot on the home land.

Time has changed.

Some people made it possible!

AirAsia and OnAir recently launched their inflight connectivity services in AirAsia's A320 fleets. Such service is made available on AirAsia's flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Colombo. Maxis, the key marketing partner has prided themselves as the provider of this service.

Mobile OnAir uses the industry’s most advanced and extensive infrastructure for mobile communications, along with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, high-capacity services from Inmarsat 4th generation satellites.

Silhouette- Win a trip to New York

2010-10-04T18:16:00.004+08:00

I discovered this via Facebook banner and tried playing with it. It's an application that runs on Augmented Reality (AR). (Is it augmented reality we call it? Or virtual reality?) Well what does it do? It allows you to try on a selection of stylish glasses- real time and online!

For an eyewear company to come out with such an interesting idea, I am really giving this a thumbs up! Impressive!

The execution is great except that the instructions are not clear. I have my photos taken but did not know how to continue. (I was expecting a Thank You message but did not get anything like that.) I suggest it could be more user friendly by adding in some acknowledgement messages upon completion of each step and make navigation clear and easy.

Check it out today!

Steps to join:

1) Upload or take a shot of your photo (take the shot live, using your webcam)

2) Mark your eyes and one of your ears so that the system will "wear" the glasses on your face

3) Share your photo and stand a chance to win a trip to New York!

Here's one of the photos I did! :)

From Office Lady to A Night Out Chic

2010-09-30T17:24:00.007+08:00

It's 5.30PM. Time to go catch up with your folks for a cuppa or some drinks.

But wait, are you wearing the right attire? Do you want to go hang out looking as a boring OL?

This video shows how to transform in just 5 minutes. :)
(Well, I think 5 minutes is not practical. To do a slight change of clothes plus enhancing the make up, I need a good 10 minutes.)

Online Banner Advertising

2010-09-30T17:06:00.003+08:00

Do you hate logging on to your MSN everyday, only to see something popping up and starting to play by itself at the left bottom of the screen? What's your reaction? Pleasing or annoying, it has caught your eyes, some where, some how. Hasn't it?

Some people say banner ad is slowly fading out in effectiveness. I do not disagree. Over the years, online advertising has been widely used as a popular marketing tool for businesses all over the world. Marketing messages are everywhere and they become too loud and misleading. But at the same time, I could still see it soaring high for at least the next 5 years. Because the World Wide Web is part of our life, it keeps us informed and connected; trilions of people are making money out of it on a 24/7 basis; hence, this business can only grow stronger and stronger- it cannot afford to die.

Key is, how do we do it right?

The factors below are worth to be considered.

1)Location and size of ad

They do matter. Online banners are not cheap, do not waste your money investing in the wrong space. Certain locations tend to be more successful. This is also why some spaces tend to be cheap, some tends to sell at a higher price. For instance, Google's AdSense ad locations heatmap shows these locations, with darker orange giving the strongest performance and fading to light yellow with the weakest performance.

2)Storyboard

Do you have an interesting story to tell? Cut the long story short because online banners don't do magic. Keep it precise because you only have one chance to give that first impression. Don't expect user to click on a long-winded banner- if they want to see stories they might as well go read a book or watch youtube. ;)

Look at this story, well-structured, but it takes 5 frames for one to realize the carat, ie. "Free KFC". How many people would actually wait to see the last frame?

3)Design and creative

It needs to be simple and clean. Always blend the colour, concept and overall design with the relevant contents.

4)Attractive copy

People like to see words like "Free" and "Win". Oh especially Malaysians and Singaporeans (ehem!). I know how you may think words like these are over-used and they are deceiving. But they are still powerful so fret not. Again, this copy oughts to stand out, not to be hidden in the last few frames.

5)Animation, sound, video

If the space supports rich media like these, make good use of it. However, do note that a banner with excessive animation would only make the file heavy. So check the allocated file size before you proceed.

6)Buttons

Replay, close, hyperlink. This is to make the banner more user friendly. We don't like to see a banner that keeps playing and there's no close button on it. It feels like we're forced to see your show. ;)

7)Practicality

Don't try to fool users. People appreciate authenticity over exaggeration. Besides, using over exaggerating ads make your company image less credible.

This ad tells me that after drinking Milo, I can kick like how Stephen Chow does in his Shaolin Soccer.

8)Add humour ;)

This is to support what is mentioned in (7). A bit of humour gives a new life/ twist to the story. You may exaggerate a little just to put a smile on the audience's face.

To me, an ad is an ad. It is hard to justify one's ROI by just seeing the click-through or conversion rate. As people do not know what will appear on a page at any given time, it is important to realize that mere exposure to your banner ads on a regular basis will result in an increase in interest and subsequent sales for your company. When the strategies are done correctly, ad placed at the right location and seen by the correct eyes, it can drive you high traffic and your desired effectiveness.

Have you got something to share?

My New Dancing Shoes! 那双新舞鞋！

2010-09-26T00:35:00.005+08:00

Let me introduce my brand new, diamantes-covered, 3-inch-high latin dance shoes.

My dance exam is around the corner and I often have backaches and leg pains due to excessive practice.

I'm very sure the new shoes would give me strength to walk through a longer journey!

Am loving it! :)

今天我要好好炫耀一下我期待已久的这一双全新，镶钻，且3寸高的拉丁舞鞋。

升级试即将来临，近来的频密练习已经让我全身酸痛，喘不过气来。

相信这双鞋不只能取代破了的那一双，她也会赐我力量，陪我走得更远！

爱死了！ :)

中秋-感恩！ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

2010-09-22T23:11:00.003+08:00

每逢佳节倍思亲。

以前在国外工作，过年过节不能回家时，总会想起这句话，心中还会不禁感触。

回到大马工作，想家的时候就开车返南，不时也会致电给妈妈，因为距离的拉近，感觉心里踏实了很多！

你CALL了家人吗？：）

"My heart grows fonder of faraway loved ones on lonely festive days..."

When I was working overseas and had to spend festive days away from home, I was often overwhelmed by this saying. And the thought of it makes me miss the dearest ones a lot.

Now that I am back in my home land, I get to drive home and buzz Mom whenever I like; It feels great being able to connect easily due to the shortened distance.

Have you called home yet? I just did. :)

I M I S S F L Y I N G...

2010-02-14T20:35:00.007+08:00

It has been a month plus since I stopped flying.

As much as I hate and have been avoiding to say this-- hmm I must admit I miss flying!

Looking back at the old photos, I am smiling to myself. Could not imagine life without going through that phase. Likewise, cannot believe time has flown so quickly that I have actually been there, done that.

What I am missing, is not the tiny galley, but the sense of belongings at work.

What I am missing, is not the long flying hours, but the enjoyment of after-work.

What I am missing, is of course, not waking up in strange cities, but the feeling of coming home to an open arms after each flight.

Friends I made along the way. Batch mates, crew friends, captains. You are the best people that I have no regrets knowing.

What I have gained from this job, is a lifetime experience made of bitter sweet memories. Years later, when I am stressed out with work, I will recall places I have been, wonderful friends I have made, and I am sure, this beautiful memories shall stay, and not fade away.

Happy Chinese New Year peeps!

No matter where you may be today, I wish you a happy day and please remember to enjoy life!

Welcome, 2010!

2010-01-06T08:52:00.011+08:00

Time does not pause for men.
It sees us through

good times, bad times, sorrows and joys.

The oceans, the skies, the trees and the birds;
Ever so impressive, so beautiful, so glorious.

Obstacles that we have learned to overcome,
Memories, friends that we have chosen to drop,
It is all those things, that make us who we are today.

And you, my dear,
I want you to know, for sure,
That you are in my place,
And I in yours.

Let us drink,
For new hopes, challenges, and achievements
are awaiting us ahead,
In this wonderful year of 2010.

The months of celebrations!

2009-11-16T10:22:00.007+08:00

It all begins with HK & Yuki's wedding.

Then WQ & Boon's. (Sorry babe for not being able to make it)

Sokyee's birthday. And Rachel's.

I still have Darick & Audrey's, Suhui & Ren's weddings on the list.

Soon, it will be Christmas, and New Year will follow.

Don't you just love the months of celebrations!

Late autumn

2009-10-11T11:55:00.008+08:00

This year's autumn is arriving late... I don't know why but late.

20 Degree in Korea today. Am liking the weather.... :)

Joke of the day- Koreans learn English

2009-09-18T12:41:00.006+08:00

I was sharing this story with the BF and his brother last night. And we had a good laugh. :D

One fine working day, my Korean colleague told me that she bought a ring in KLCC.

"It is 39 Ringgit," she said, smiling.

"Oh nice, not expensive," I replied politely.

"The sales girl said it is popular brand in Malaysia. Have you heard of Stan-li- stey?" she asked.

Confused and uncertained, I told her "I'm not very sure..."

She showed the ring to me.

There lies the name of the brand-- "Stainless steel".

Aloha, from the Rainbow State

2009-09-16T12:20:00.003+08:00

This post came so, so late. But with oceans below, skies above; it is a guaranteed enjoyment. :)

Divine views, huh?

How to kill that Sunday night blues (or Monday blues, whatever you call it)

2009-09-16T10:39:00.007+08:00

Got this very interesting video sharing on Facebook. A meaningful one.

1)Assess your career on Sunday night- if you're in the right career you won't feel dreadful to go to work

2)Plan the week ahead on Sunday night- get ready for the week, make everyday a day to look forward to

3)Schedule something fun on Monday- a friends get-together, a yoga class; something that makes you feel excited about

Even though I don't have many Mondays nowadays, I believe I can practise it everytime before I go to work too.

Happy week, peeps! To Cheryl babe who has just started her new job as a teacher, hope you find ways to love your job. :)

What I did in LA... :)

2009-09-02T12:43:00.017+08:00

Our hotel is just 10 minutes away from Macy! Having come here for the 4th time, and considering I might quit the job pretty soon, I have decided to pamper myself with some Victoria Secret and Bath & Body Works goodies. And here are what I have bought......

Take a closer look- the famous Secret Garden collection, any 5 for USD30 from Victoria Secret.

In short, it is an enjoyable trip! I must say, girls, to love ourselves is an assignment of a lifetime. Agree? (p/s: Cheryl babe, sorry, I have no more space in my tiny crew bag so didn't get your stuff... )

Hand and body lotion, EDT, body wash, body mist, body scrub, hand soup, and fragrance- all from Victoria Secret and Bath & Body Works. Ofcourse, not all for myself. Some of them are for friends.

Unless he is NOT your baby

2009-08-25T16:12:00.006+08:00

Back from JFK today, feeling weary.

Had two babies crying non-stop during the entire 13 hrs flight.

One of the Moms asked me, "My baby cried very hard during the flight, do you have any advice how I can make him feel better?"

I was stoned (and confused). In my heart, I was thinking, "It is YOUR baby. He yelled the whole night annoying everyone on the plane, and yet you asked me how to control YOUR baby."

I told her I do not know and I apologized for not being able to be of any help.

Her sister said thanks and they went off the plane.

And then, I came to a conclusion. Every mother in the world understands and knows their baby's need. Unless he is NOT your baby.

Moments alone in an elevator!

2009-08-19T11:12:00.009+08:00

I was stuck in the elevator for 15 minutes yesterday.

Taxi was waiting, people were passing by, but no one responded to the emergency ring!

It was my very own flatmate who came to the lobby, heard the ring and asked the security for rescue.

I'm safe. No sweat and all. Just felt hilarious.

I've got guts. Don't you think?

Things do not easily scare me nowadays. :)

Some recent photos in my new haircut ^^

2009-08-03T10:13:00.010+08:00

We had our fave chilli pan mee on Sunday and spent some time shopping in Pavilion (it was my first visit to Pavilion!).

The BF took some photos of me, and I feel, it (ie. the haircut) is not that bad afterall.

Well, I must say, when you're comfortable with someone, your confidence and beauty will shine from within you. :)

M Perfect Cover BB Cream

2009-08-03T10:10:00.006+08:00

This is what I'm using to keep my face appear smooth and blemish-free. And most importantly, it gives me the korean look, I guess. Best seller from Missha, Korea! Nice stuff.

I've bought extra so have to sell them off.

It comes in two shades, no.21 (bright beige) and no.23 (natural beige)

You can use it as:

Wrinkle care

UV proof (SPF 42 PA++)

Make up base or foundation (with moisturing effect)

Concealer (it helps to effectively cover your acnes, sun spots, dark circles and etc)

Get it now for only RM75!

Leave comment here or email me at ever5082@gmail.com.

My new hairdo- by Korean hairstylist

2009-07-31T15:13:00.011+08:00

I was yelling at the BF when he called. But he was laughing!

First time of hair styling experience in Korea, and it turns out like this- unexpected!

I showed the hair stylist a photo of Paris Hilton in short hair. She saw it and said she could do it. OK then I trusted her. It is a korean stylist it couldn't come out wrong... (I thought)...

So tada! Not a tad bit similar to Paris Hilton! OMG!!! While regretting, I think I'll just have to wait for a month for it to grow longer and then Eddie can save me!

Onboard with Nicholas Teo! ^^

2009-07-21T21:05:00.007+08:00

Nicholas Teo came onboard (which is a surprise for us) last night, rested in the PR class, had some onboard photos and videos taken by the photographer.

We did not have a chance to talk... Oh yes, we did! He wanted to pass through the aisle but I was stuck with my meal cart. Having no choice, I asked him to step aside for me to move my cart so that he could move. And he did. Haha can you believe it? I asked him to step aside!

He strikes me as a humble and nice guy.

I'm not a fan of his. I'm thinking, maybe, I will start googling for his songs.

And of course, we've got his autograph without buying his album! Advantage of being a hostess... oh hehe. ^ ^

Delicious Hong Kong

2009-07-01T17:06:00.007+08:00

Pictures speak a thousand words!

Thank you...

2009-07-01T16:37:00.009+08:00

This afternoon, I looked up the sky and the clouds are dark.

"Bad, it is going to rain. And it is a working day!"

And then, I thought of him.

It is always good to have him around- he's not just a boyfriend; he's a care-giver, an advisor and a listener, and more often than not, a chauffeur too.

I am truly fortunate. :)

New York-- I've flown 40 hours in 5.5 days time!

2009-06-24T16:58:00.013+08:00

Think our job is easy? Think again...

More often than not, we get a schedule pattern like this:

16/17 Jun 2345/0725: KUL/ICN (6 hrs 40 min)
18/19 Jun 1100/1340: ICN/JFK (13 hrs 40 min)
20/21 Jun 0050/0355: JFK/ICN (14 hrs 05 min)
22 Jun 1655/2220: ICN/KUL (6 hrs 25 min)

When I looked at it, I thought it is kind of amazing that I have easily flown more than 40 hours in just 5.5 days' time.

I have a total flight time of 65 hours this month-- thus making my New York trip, which pays 80% of my June salary, a significant one!

And tiring enough, we have merely stayed for 30 hrs in JFK! Put aside that the 14-hour flights have gifted us with new bruises, hand-cuts, and more dehydrated skin.

The Company has indeed trained us to be one of its kind-- the Superwoman.

Hanoi

2009-06-15T10:03:00.020+08:00

Since a number of us have been assigned to join the recurrent training on the 11th this month, we have been assigned some mid haul flights to accommodate the time for ground training.

So here we go- Selwyn to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Swat to Cebu, Cheryl to Singapore and me, to Hanoi. (Note: These places are all very near to KL, BUT we are flying from Seoul instead. So they are all mid-haul for us, not short!)

Very excited, we left KL for Seoul, and then to our respective destinations.

Hanoi! It is said to be a humble, peaceful city with a high population, and a history of almost a thousand years. Oh well....

Here I saw people squating down to eat and carrying things above their shoulders, walking around for sales. Oh and I must mention the roaring motorbikes that woke me up in the morning!

I must admit that I did not enjoy the trip. Not because I was travelling alone. But the poverty. However, the people are friendly.

Look at the photos. We are indeed, more than fortunate. :)

From the eyes of a 6 year old

2009-06-01T03:30:00.013+08:00

My little cousin sister drew something during my last visit.

It is a map.

She started with the scenery around her house. Flowers, shops, houses, hotels, butterflies.

Then she drew two person with long hair, wearing skirt.

"Who are they," asked my brother.

"Mum and me," she replied, promptly.

"Where is your Dad?" we wanted to find out why she did not draw the father.

"Working," she said, at the same time adding a person with pants into the drawing.

But the person is far away from them-- at work.

I smiled, thinking of how brilliant kids these days are! They can have very sharp observation and matured thinking. Much more smarter than us during our olden days.

______________________________

I remember a captain sharing stories about his kids. This friend of mine has two sons (one in LA, another in Malaysia) and a daughter in Taiwan. The youngest daughter of his, who is 9 years old, told him one day that she found picture of her elder brother driving in Malaysia. But it was a picture of the car interior- not the driver. When asked why she knew it was the brother in Malaysia, not the one in LA?

She said, "Pa, just look at the steering wheel. It is on the right hand side."

Genius! :-)

Weekend

2009-05-26T13:46:00.011+08:00

Spent the weekend in Frankfurt- shopping, lazying around, people watching.

The street (Zeil, the busiest shopping street in Germany) was packed with people as there are great sales all around. Half of Zara and H&M are on 50% deduction, can you believe it!

There was also a traditional market in the centre of Zeil street. Here I spotted old and young folks drinking- in the middle of the day. (it was 12PM!) Drinking is just another habit of theirs, like drinking coffee. So envious of them! ;)

I made new german friends and they invited me to join them for drink. :P

Don't you like their life? Hmm... :)

It is 21st!

2009-05-21T15:05:00.009+08:00

Yup, it is 21st! It's a pay day cum a roster day! I can't wait to check whether my leave is approved- am excited to plan for the holiday!

I'm back in Korea yesterday. Kylie waited for me at the arrival gate, and we had dinner together at snack bar with the Chinese crew who flew SYD with me.

Then I bumped into Eric at the bus stop. We decided to chill out at the crew lounge for a short while after I checked in.

He passed me a box of (famous?) Taiwanese pineapple cake. And then he made me green tea latte. Gosh, he is GOOOD at it!

Eric is a charming, young captain from Taiwan. Hmm, a gentleman who always brings and recommends the best of food from all over the world. But sorry girls, he--- is---- taken! ;)

See the masterpiece he made for me. Thanks Eric!

Today, I bought a book from the airport. An Eng-Kr/ Kr-Eng dictionary.

I'm starting to think that I should learn to speak proper Korean. Or I feel like a half-filled tank all the time. I'm also thinking to get a good Korean drama series to watch and learn. But I have watched Meteor Garden so Boys over Flowers is not in my consideration... Hmm, still thinking. :)

Sydney

2009-05-19T18:08:00.008+08:00

Boring day in Sydney.

Slept till 1PM today till someone knocked on my door again. I was cursing all the way. Why do I always get this in this hotel?

I woke up, had some expensive tim-tam biscuits that I bought yesterday, and spent some time surfing.

Later in the evening, I had thai food again, at the same restaurant I go everytime I come to Sydney.

Here's what I ate. Pad thai with lots of beansprouts in it, but I'm an easy eater so no complaints. :P

Oh and, I've got a new cut on my right thumb during the flight. Oouch.

Surprise!

2009-05-18T12:11:00.015+08:00

Arrived in Sydney at 6.30AM today. Checked into Rydges at 8-ish, checked some mails and went to bed.

Just when I was rolling on the bed, wondering why am I not sleeping again, I heard someone knocking on my door.

I did not respond.

Then I heard the knocking again. This time, more loudly, and it sounded desperate.

I did not respond. But I could hear people trying to force open the door.

"OK I will get the door. But who the hell can it be?" I thought to myself.

AND! I saw two guys from the Concierge carrying a bouquet of rose, saying, "This is for you."

I rubbed my eyes. And then I read my name on it. It is indeed, for me.

Awwww... a gift from someone who's thousands miles away. Sweet!

Thank you for the thought. :)

Never take things for granted

2009-05-17T13:06:00.012+08:00

I have learned.

To appreciate things I have today.

To be grateful for the free coffee, lunches and dinners.

To take care of people around me- even for the people who are not thoughtful enough.

To love my parents ever more... I feel happy when they are happy.

To live happily, even when I'm all alone.

I wish to say "Thank You", friends, for every little things that you have done to brighten my days.

This, from my heart.

Collecting Memories- A letter from a dear friend

2009-05-17T12:27:00.005+08:00

Another meaningful post.

A very meaningful letter which motivates me every time when I read it, and till now, it makes me regret for not being brave enough to pursue what I wanted.

Friend, I miss you. :)

[Translated from Chinese]

Wendy,

Em, am supposed to say this to you last Friday when we went out together, especially when you mentioned that you were stressed and tension. But it drags untill the tea just now, when I heard that you have shifted to the course you always wanted! Being a close friend to you, if the only function is to be a shopping companion, releaosing tension, it isn’t enough, right! Therefore, you are not just a shopping companion to me. And that’s why, whenever I hear about how depressed you are, besides my heart aching, the most words of concern to you, I’m not sure, how much effect they act on you. Furthermore, being more fortunate than you makes me feel uneasy to speak to you. I hope I had extra cash to help you pay your tuition fees, but it seems that I still owe you some money; I wish I had more courage to back you up to walk the way you love, but I don’t, I lost the courage when I heard those words from your mom.

Therefore, when I heard that you have finally chosen what you wanted, I am very pleased for you! Really. Though you did not do any elaboration. Please go on, despite what happens, how much hurdle the road in front has, go on, because you will reach the destination at last. I am a passer by, so I know, despite the distance and circumstances, I reach there now! Same for you too! Though there’s many bitters and unwillingness, still, must make yourself a happy person. Being happy is the biggest assignment in life! Try to enjoy the scenery along the journey, you will definitely find some beautiful flowers among the wild grasses. Always let your emotion be in the best condition, so you will not be sorry to yourself. Yes. Talking on the paper is always easy, how to use it in daily life, it will go to how well you apply it. Buck up! Being through the pain, you will find that you actually gain, because the things which happen during the journey, people you meet, will all be your experience that you would bring forward to your future.

No matter how unhappy you are, try to enjoy the suffers, as they are helping you to strengthen your flexibility in life.No matter what happens, remember those friends, family, and dreams that are supporting behind the scene of your life. Continue walking! The show must go on!

Kai Ling

23.7.03

This letter is from a very close friend of me, who wrote to me after hearing that I have shifted to the course I like. It becomes real significant, because I have lied to her at that time. I didn't. I decided not to switch course, when I recalled how sad my parents were to hear from me about this. They were worried about my tuition fees, though they never told, I knew it.

If I ever have the chance again in my life, I won't miss it.

The Omitted Memories

2009-05-17T11:41:00.004+08:00

Found this in my old blog entries today. Thought it is something nice to read. :)
_________________________________

The Omitted Memories
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005

I love Barbie to death, because they talk to me. When I'm sad, I look at them and their eyes seem to be comforting me. From there onwards, I can't describe how obsessed I'm with Barbie. My colleague joked that she would buy a Barbie doll for me after her job confirmation. Funny, now everyone in the office knows I love Barbie.

I guess the love arises from my yet-to-grown-up-heart, which has always been longing for a sweet childhood but it's never fulfilled. I lived in a village, where people learned swimming in the drain, where we stole rambutan from the jungles, and we used to suffer alot especially due to extra pressure my grandpa put on my family. Dad was a poor worker but he did buy lots of toys for me... from ten-pin bowlings, yo-yo, to wooden piano, and etc. I remember we were not rich but dad and mom doted on me alot, despite how grandpa treated us.

At that time, when mom wanted to go to town, she would have no choice but to "keep" me in a wooden swing for hours. When I became older, she would put me in the “basket” of her bicycle and we went to town together... normally, just for a hair-cut. We reached the town at 12PM and after the hair-cut and some grocery purchase, it was evening already and she would ask uncle Eng, our neighbour who sold vege in town, to send me back in his motorbike. While Mom, she would cycle back, and reach home at 6 or 7PM. In the village, we did not have power supply, so after 7PM my grandpa and uncle would start the electric generator and we would have some dim light for 2 hours before getting onto bed.

There's certainly much tears than joys everytime when I recall the old memories...

Then, we moved to a better place, which I think, is the greatest decision my dad has made in life. Eventhough we were still poor, we live happily with less pressure, except for money. Dad has always been a tough man, he supported us with little income, and when knew that I like piano, he decided to send me for piano lesson. Later in my life, he bought a piano, which was really unexpected! All these, at that time, did not seem to mean anything to me. Now thinking back, he must have saved like hell in order to get me a piano!

And so, the story comes to the point that, I don't have a Barbie doll. In fact, I have not had a doll in my life at all. I dream of them, of course, but till today, till I fall in love so much with Barbie, I know, something in our life, is just for us to keep a distance, view from far, admire, but we would never get it. Or perhaps, if we have got the thing, it might be broken after sometime, or it might not seem as precious after a while.

I regret for not having a good childhood, but I respect and love my dad and mom for raising me up with their overly-burdened hands and shoulders. Now that I am working and staying away from home, I know it is not easy to make a living, and sometimes I do cry for the fear of having insufficient money- when the sense of insecurity hits me. What I want to achieve, in this present life, is, to support my family, and gradually, make their life a better life.