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.

 

 

 

Jonathan Knight

Those who know me well would be wondering why I am blogging about NKOTB member Jonathan Knight when I am so much an in between of a Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg girl....

Well, the truth is, I'm a 'convert'. I'm still a Jordan and Donnie girl but after meeting the band twice this past June, I have to add Jonathan to that equation. And the other reason why I am writing this blog is because of an article I recently read in the local paper were they had interviewed Tiffany who was in Singapore for a performance. I've heard about this a while ago but reading it again in the papers really got me pissed...about how she outed Jonathan, that he was gay.

"Jonathan Knight publicly confirmed he was gay after Tiffany outed him on the tv show, Watch What Happens Live"

Personally I feel that she had no right to do that. If Jonathan wanted the world to know, he will tell the world when he was ready. I feel it's because of her that Jon was forced to do it sooner than he was ready to and that is just unfair! No human being should treat another like that. Gay? So what? I just don't understand why just because someone is a celebrity that they need to share every bit of personal detail of their life with the public?

I was actually quite excited to purchase a ticket to go see Tiffany as the first time I saw her in concert, I was only 11 years old. But I decided I wouldn't go. Because of the fact that I never did and never will support people who out people? Partly yes. But I had other personal reasons and commitments as well.

Although as per Daily Mail Reporter, dated 31 January 2011, on realising that Jonathan had not talked publicly about his sexual preferences Tiffany did apologise profusely on her Twitter feed. I still think whether one knows it or not, it's none of their business to bring up such a personal attack on anyone.

Jonathan being Jonathan (a total sweetheart) was quick to reassure her not to worry, adding that her comments had made him laugh. He said,'Tiff, please don't lose any sleep over it!' he responded. 'I know you weren't being mean and I found it to be funny!'

Well Jonathan is a very forgiving person and bless his heart.

Nevertheless, back to Jonathan...the elder brother of my boyfriend. Ha!

He was always the quiet and shy one. Not that he wasn't good looking or anything like that...I mean, he has the same blood as my boyfriend Jordan, you know? Well, I liked the outgoing, hot and sexy guy, the bad boy sort thus why I am a Jordan and Donnie girl. Makes sense right?

All these years it's always been Jordan Jordan Jordan or Donnie Donnie Donnie.... but I started to find Jon very pleasing and sweet once I got on Twitter. His tweets were always funny and he seemed like a down to earth person.

I was proven right when I met the boys (met Jon) in Jakarta and then in Manila this past June. Finally after more than 15 years!! Both times I did the Ultimate and had all the time with the boys alone without having to share their attention with any other fan! Jon was a sweetheart! Of course I was all over the two loves of my life but Jon never failed to amaze me with his attitude. So down to earth, so sweet and so attentive.

June 1 - met the boys for the first time in Jakarta. My dreams come true. Had the attention I've dreamed for all these years from Jordan and Donnie but surprisingly I spoke with Jon probably the most! He and I spoke about Koi fish and where I was from and such. He even asked for my Twitter handle and typed it in to his phone!

June 3 - met the boys again in Manila. This time it was even sweeter seeing that I got to spend more than 10 minutes with them! Time inside the room with them seemed like eternity and I wasn't going to complain. They recognized me from the Jakarta show which alone meant the world to me. My most favourite memory of Jon was the fact he pulled me towards him and asked to have a photo taken instead of the other way around! As he and I were getting in to position for a pose for the camera, Jordan ran towards us to get in the picture but Jon shoved him away and asked him to wait his turn. Wow! That is a memory that still remains fresh in my mind and one I will forever treasure. Jon seemed most talkative in Manila. He spoke up when their backstage hands didn't want the guys signing my mum's hat and my jacket. Jon said, "of course we can sign those!" and took the items from me and signed them and passed it to the rest.

Yes, I have fallen in love with another New Kid. I have fallen in love with Jonathan because of the real person that he is. I think I am not the only one who feels this way after meeting Jonathan Knight and I am certain many others could relate to this.

National Broadway Company

Today my mum and I attended a musical at the Esplanade called "National Broadway Company". It's a Musical conceived, written and directed by Ong Keng Sen who is the Artistic Director of TheatreWorks.

To be honest, I'm not the kind of person who likes to attend nor appreciate musicals but this one was different. It was different because my best friend was one of the performers and we went to show our support even through it was the closing performance. It started on the 12th of October. 

It was a good excuse to get out of the house. I really needed it with everything else that has been going on in my life. I needed the time away from work, stress and worries. So excited as we were, my mum and I both forgot our phones! We were in the taxi, quarter of the way of my journey when I realized I had my still charging on the desk. I needed my phone as I needed to contact my pals and their numbers were all on there! So we asked the taxi driver to turn around.  Wanted to use my mum's phone to call my husband to have him run my phone downstairs to pass it to me but realized she had forgotten hers too! Ha! Talk about how excited we were to be able to go out and distress!

Not that it really mattered whether we had our phones or not, there wasn't any service in the theatre and I've learned that the engineers and architects did this on purpose when building the theatre. Wow! I guess this will teach people a lesson...the people who likes to talk during movies and plays, the ones who don't switch their phones to vibration mode when supposed to.... those inconsiderate ones! 

Nonetheless, our seats were great! The Stall seats, fourth row. We could see everything!

The show started on time at 8pm and I loved how they made this musical a way to showcase our local talents and gave the people of Singapore, the public, a chance to vote for the new Artistic Director of National Broadway Company. Although we didn't get a chance to vote since we were at their last performance, we sure managed to witness the results. And who would have guessed who the winner would be? Dick Lee! Even he was surprised! Wonder why? Haha.

This was a story of the pioneering musical theatre in Singapore as it unfolds as they sing their hearts to the top.

This production featured characters inspired by some artists’ personal stories and recollections. Artists such as Dick Lee, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Koh Chieng Mun, Najip Ali, and Hossan Leong. It was performed by a cast of both young emerging talents as well as established artists.

I enjoyed it most because they featured songs from Singapore’s favourite musicals such as Beauty World and Fried Rice Paradise. It was very insightful,...it showed us that personal tragedy, individual strife, comic turns and artistic triumph are the stuff of dreams.

My BFF Leena Salim played the role of Gani Abdul Karim. She is a true star. She always shines when she is in the limelight. Watching her on that stage, I felt so proud. So proud of her and her accomplishments and so proud to be a part of her life. Seventeen years of friendship. Can't believe how it all started. I was only just a fan! (yes believe it or not...from the Under One Roof and Boom Boom Room days) It's just so hard to describe the feeling of what I feel for her when I see her up on that stage! Girlfriend, if you're reading this...thanks for coming in to my life when I needed a big sis the most and thanks for always being there for me. I am so proud of who you are and what you've accomplished in this lifetime.

Anyway, after the show, my BFF introduced us to Chua Enlai. My mum had met him before so this would be my first encounter with Chua Enlai a.k.a. Jacques Ooi a.k.a. B. B. See a.k.a. Pornsak Sukhumvit! Great first impression! He was a sweetheart.

And one last thing....How the hell does Dick Lee keep his youth? How come he hasn't aged? What's his secret? Is he the Peter Pan of Singapore? I am going to have to get my BFF to put me in touch with him so I can ask him! Haha.

Marketing Fail

For months there was a huge "hoorah" about the release of the first NKOTB book since they reunited - "Five Brothers and a Million Sisters".  I was obviously very excited seeing that ever since NKOTB started in the 80s, I've read every single book that even had their name in it! 

I pre-ordered the book via Amazon and a couple weeks later it was announced that there will be an e-book version. I was a little disappointed as I would have preferred to get the e-book instead. Nonetheless, I decided to wait for the e-book release before purchasing it.

So the countdown began and finally the day arrived. October 2, 2012 - the release of 'Five Brothers and a Million Sisters".  I get online to place my order for the e-book version and what happens? I'm unable to do so because I wasn't living in USA. I found that to be a little ridiculous but thank god for good friends. My best friend in USA bought it for me and sent the file over to me. That was when I was hit with a bigger disappointment... The file would not open on my iPad and even downloading the application did not work because I wasn't living in USA! Finally after a whole day of figuring it out, I managed to open it on my iPad (barely)...I noticed there were lots of missing pages in between.

That was when it started to get more frustrating. And I recalled other instances where fans living outside of the USA (mainly Asia) could not do what the USA fans could. Firstly, why do their website only have two links for purchasing merchandise? USA and United Kingdom? Why couldn't the Asian fans buy the concert tickets for the Australia shows? Why could we purchase the MP3 when NKOTBSB came out with the album via Amazon? And now this book?

I'm not blaming the guys. I know it has nothing to do with them at all but their marketing team. It just feels unfair and it gets frustrating. It's as if the Asian fans gets the leftovers and it seems our money isn't good enough? Seriously, what's the harm in selling it internationally? It's not like there are copyright issues or anything....we will be paying the same price for the same item for heavens sake! 

Fair enough there may be some issues regular people like myself may not know about or understand... So this is where a good marketing team would come in....and they will advertise the sale date and below that, they should put "sales outside of USA will be announced" ... Or something like that. Instead they give us false hope. 

That's just my two cents on that matter. I just have to give credit to the author and the team she has behind her. I've voiced out my issues and concerns and as much as they have tried to assist me with the technical stuff, I still wasn't able to open the e-book from my iPad or desktop. However, they have sent me a copy of the book for which I'm very appreciative of. Thank you.

So before I sign off, I would like for someone (anyone who knows) to explain to me about the international restriction on purchasing certain books or items online? 

29 Hours

So NKOTB announced their 5th Sail. NKOTB Cruise 2013.

My beloved husband had already given me the go ahead because he's always so awesome. I've done a little research about the prices of the cabins and such and have prospective room mates. I've even checked on the air tickets that would take me from Singapore to Miami. The only thing that burns my ass is the fact that the air fare is so damn steep in price! I am certain if I shop around a bit more, I probably can find a pretty decent airline and air fare.

I have about 29 hours left before making a final decision and get on that computer to book my NKOTB Cruise when sale begins for the Block Nation members.

29 hours to come up with the logistics and money I will have to spend, etc. 29 hours to make up my mind.

Logistics would mean I will have to plan my leave from work and have my husband take time off as well so he's able to stay home and watch the kids.

Expenses would include:

Cruise - between USD$699 and USD $800

(I don't need the special cabin or suite because I only need it so rest for a couple hours before waking up again to continue partying)

Spending money for alcohol and shopping - USD $1000 at least

(Come on. Food and fountain drinks are included in the Cruise fare but I will not be partying without alcohol!!)

Air fare - USD $2,300

That's a whopping total of an estimated USD $4,000!! That's just for me alone!!

That's a lot of money when I'm thinking; with that amount I could take my whole family for another vacation in South East Asia and this is where my 'mummy guilt' is setting in.

I've heard awesome stories about the cruise and I've heard horror stories. I'd really like to experience it for myself before making any judgement. However, what if the horror stories are for real and all the drama is true? I hate drama. I don't want to waste my money to go on a ship and put up with this kind of bullshit. What are my chances of really interacting with the 5 guys? I'm not a pushy person so meaning I'm going to lose out to the other 3000 ladies onboard.

It's been 104 days since I met the boys for the first time in Jakarta. Well I have met Jordan before but it's my first time seeing the boys together. I did an Ultimate. For the non-NKOTB fans, Ultimate is a special package where you get to meet the boys alone...just you and the boys instead of a group of 10 girls with the boys.

And it's been 102 days since I saw the boys in Manila!! I did another Ultimate but this time it was a little more meaningful because I got to share the experience with my mum.

Nevertheless, what I'm trying to say is that it's been over 100 days since I had the experience of a lifetime meeting the guys yet the memory is still so fresh in my head. The urge of wanting to do it all over again is so great!! Thus I'm thinking if I should make a new memory and try a new experience even if it doesn't guarantee me alone time with the guys? Or should I just be patient and wait for another tour and shoot for another Ultimate alone time with the boys?

I hate decisions. Wish I could just do both! I'm sure my husband would let me but again, it will all boil down to my 'mummy guilt'.

So I sign off with this thought; Cruise vs. Ultimate Concert

1. Party for 4 days with the boys oppose to 2.5 hours

2. 40% chance of alone time with the boys oppose to 100% chance of alone time

Well Debra, you have about 28 hours to decide.

Bonding Time

So lately I feel like I have got the need to head to a store and ask if it's possible for me to buy "A Life"? Apparently it is something I'm desperately in need of...

I may have just taken on a bit too much on my plate but I'm surviving. It's a love hate relationship if you asked me. I love what I do. I love everything about my work, being a mum and now a council member of The Singapore Association of Magicians. However, at times I do feel like quitting because I get so tired and hardly have any time for myself.

I've been doing well though and I am finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. People ate beginning to hear of my company and I think we are finally starting to go places.

Just last Friday, my husband sent me a message on Skype. He said, "You should feel good about your accomplishments dear. you're doing very well." Though I know he is always encouraging and proud of me, this still took me by surprise. Hard to imagine that just a simple sentence like that and I am over the moon. And this is coming from the man I've married for over 12 years now!! Isn't he just wonderful?

Nevertheless back to the subject line of this blog post....

As most of my family and friends would know, I recently joined The Singapore Association of Magicians. I have been voted in to the council because of my knowledge of events and some social media skills I've picked up the last 2 years. I've attended 3 meetings since I've joined and I'm proud to say I am accomplishing quite a bit and the current council members seem pleased with what I have done so far.

They had wanted to vote me as Secretary since ours had handed in her resignation but I've just got too much on my plate right now. I'll probably agree to it at the next AGM though.

But speaking of bonding time...my dad being the President of the association and me a council member, he and I have had the most father and daughter bonding time since forever ago.

As most know, my father and I never saw eye to eye and he always favoured my brothers more. But I suppose it's never too late to start the bonding now.

There's still the tension between him and I when we are out together. But I can see he is trying. I am guessing he is also finally realizing how he can depend on me. It's nice to hear him often praise me and all I've done and for him to have so much faith and confidence in me. It's a nice feeling. A feeling I never got to feed of him before...but it sure is a feeling I could get used to.