一点点心灵鸡汤

当你已经尽了力、做到最好的时候，有人对你说，他很失望，下次请你好好干。

你觉得受到挫折、很痛心。。。这时，不不妨试试拍拍自己的肩膀，给自己一个拥抱，然后说一声，明天会更好。

因为很多时候，别人可能只看到表面。他们不了解，今天走到这里，其实你是下了多少苦功，多少的决心啊！

所以，这是给你的小小嘱咐，尽管路不好走，也要好好地走下去。。。

Those were the days

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。

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!

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!

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

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

Hate the call centre? Tell me about it!

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]

"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

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!

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!

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

Deadlines

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

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

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

  
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

Love Summer by Wendy 375 featuring cotton skirts

踏不出去的 2010

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

Jingle Merry Cheer by Wendy 375 featuring red coats

For Christmas! :D

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

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?

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

The Casual Code by Wendy 375 featuring distressed skinny jeans

Earth Colors

Earth Colors by Wendy 375 featuring cropped shorts

Customer satisfaction is the key to CRM

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!