A milestone for me at age 33

Whoever told you that you can't hit a milestone in your life at age 33 doesn't know what he/she is talking about!! I'm living proof that it can happen because last night I hit that! I slept in a hotel room alone (with the lights on all night but alone...I will slowly work at the lights off bit one day)... I've always been a coward and afraid of ghosts more than I'm afraid of thieves and I've never travelled alone. Even the few times I had to travel for work in the past, I always took my family with me and ever had to sleep alone.

I woke up this morning to have breakfast at the place I stayed at. Now I have to say that I really like this bed and breakfast idea.

Anyway when I was done the receptionist called for a taxi for me. I headed in to the spa office for the first time. What should have been a 10 minute taxi ride turned out to be an hour long because the driver couldn't understand a word of English and I couldn't speak a word of Thai! But finally I made it in to the office! Our business partner showed me around and walked me up to the 3rd floor and showed me my office. I'm speechless!

Two hours at the office and I had to leave with my business partner for a meeting with an associate and my sister in law.

After which I headed to Paragon Mall to meet with my brother's friend Alex. Good thing my dad mentioned briefly about how Alex looks like.... He was easy to spot. Chinese guy with tons of tattoos....yep! I spotted him!

One would think a guy like that would be all airs and macho and shit but he was the most gentlemen of Asian guys I have ever had dealings with!! I'm really impressed!

Passed him the things I was supposed to give to him. He didn't stay long as he had errands to run but he walked me to the taxi stand and waited till I got in to a taxi safe.

Got to love Bangkok traffic though. Almost two hours later, I finally get back to my room. I don't know how I'm ever going to get used to this! But no turning back now. Anyway, I crashed for a while then spoke to Ed and the kids before going out on my own to explore the place around this bed and breakfast and also go find something to eat!

I admit I walked in fear as the streets were dark and such but being streetwise, I stayed alert to the surroundings. I found a little restaurant and ordered some food and beer! Lonesome me sat at a big table all by my lonesome self! Haha.

Hit 7-Eleven to get some chips and more beer before returning back to my room.

Another lonely night. Goodnight folks.

 

 

 

Bleeding Heart

It's always been my dream to be my own boss. However, this is also a heartbreaking moment for any parent who loves their kids unconditionally.

Woke up at 6am this morning, kissed my husband goodbye before he left for the office, showered and checked through my things one last time to be sure I had everything packed. Called for a taxi then kissed my babies and mother goodbye. My kids were still asleep when I left although my daughter did wish me a safe trip.

It's been almost 10 years since I travelled alone. So the feeling now is different...it felt lonely not having to take care of more than just myself at the airport. I had breakfast at the departure hall. Avoided the spot my family and I always went to when we travelled.

I suppose the first time is always the hardest and as I get used to these business trips, it will slowly get easier...or so they say. I doubt I will ever get used to not having my kids near me!! Wonder how people do this?

Anyway, the two hour flight from Singapore to Bangkok was a nightmare! I had a migraine to begin with....and had to sit beside two screaming kids!!! One was at the back of me and the other in front!! Oh goodness! There was not a minute peace. It's as if they took turns crying and screaming!! This actually made me miss my kids more and appreciate them a whole lot more too! Not to mention how proud I am of them!! Since they were babies, they travelled with us and on long haul flights (27 hours to be exact) and never were they like these two monkeys! I even remember when my daughter was 8 months old, we took her on a two hour flight from Boston to New York and while we were getting off the plane, thus gentleman commented, "Who would have guessed we had a baby on board this flight? She's so good and quiet!"

Well, don't blame the blocked ears while in the plane because while we were waiting for our luggage, the brat was still kicking and screaming! I should have slapped the parents instead!

Headed straight to the hotel my sister-in-law worked at. Had lunch with her and did some catching up. Also discussed business and the next steps we are going to take and approach. She dropped me off at the hotel she had booked me in to after and I was on my own from there! It was a small but cozy bed and breakfast. I unpacked and didn't have much time to rest before I had to rush out to meet our business partners.

I finally got to meet this couple I had heard so much about and who I will be doing business with. And in person they are just as nice as what I've always heard about them. We discussed a little at their house and we made our way to the exhibition booth they had for the next four days!! It was about an hour car ride and while in the car we discussed plans some more.

Met two more girls who works for them and who I will also be working with now. I advised them on their booth and such and after close up, we all went for dinner together. They have huge hearts and sure do know how to take care of their guest. I had a great evening and I think I'm going to be loving the new business venture!!

And now it's time to put my courage to the test and try to sleep alone in this hotel room... Goodnight everyone.... Wish me luck.