Thursday, May 14, 2009

My first client


Yesterday I met up with a potential client at a cafe. We briefly went through his business plan, and I introduced our services and fees. He did source around before meeting me, and he felt that our professional fees are slightly higher than what he has seen.

When I returned home in the evening, I was strategising on a spreadsheet, and spoke with my mum over the phone. We decided not to go on a price war, and hence did not try to match the competitor's. I sent out the fee proposal by 9pm so that there was still time left for my prayers and American Idol.

This morning, I received a "Yes, my wife and I are happy to accept your proposal." A little surprised, and I called my mum in the office on the next steps to proceed.

Oh well, I woke up with a stomach cramp too. Arggh ah ah ah, I think I am aging. I never used to get stomach cramp. I have been playing tennis and doing yoga - I thought I would be healthy enough to escape that cramp. Luckily I had the flexibility to work from home. With emails and phone exchanges, the contract shall be signed tomorrow evening.

Funny me - I am still trying to figure myself out. So do I prefer to stay at home or work? When I stayed at home for a short period of time I enjoyed it. If Dad did not insist I help him at the company, I would want to stay at home and enjoy a little - basically be stress-free. But today, when I was operating at home, things were slow, the weather was warm - I wished I was back in the action-packed office.

Was I thrilled with the first client? Yes! but the euphoria died pretty quickly. Some satisfaction yes, but money isn't quite everything to me now. (Oh yes, I am really aging!) I went to the prayer room in the evening to chant. I guess that is where I feel happier, although it is not exactly comfortable to seat cross-legged for half and hour or more.

Here's an extract of a story about a turtle I just read.

Have you ever seen a turtle thrown on its back? For a while it threshes around wildly, reaching for something outside to take hold of to put it on its feet. Just as we humans always look for help outside ourselves first. But presently he draws all his forces within his shell, rests a bit to regain his strength, and then throws his whole force to one side -- legs, head, tail, and all -- and over he goes! So, it is with us.

Monday, May 11, 2009

PorPor: 83 Year Old Woman begins new life in Canada

She is indeed one lucky woman. Por Por, 83 endured a long flight and made it safely to Canada.

I just saw pictures of her on Facebook, with four grandchildren, and celebrating one of her grandson's birthday in Canada.

Por Por was a Chinese teacher in her younger days. She was also an athlete. I guess being a teacher by profession, she had to be a role model and needed to display positive attitude constantly. Being an athlete probably provided her with stronger discipline to be a positive person despite the obstacles life will always present.

At her age, she still cares and cooks for the family ~ a fine lady indeed.

Everyone of us will get old and become extinct one day. I say she is one lucky woman, and she deserves it.



Wednesday, May 06, 2009

What We Are Working For


Bobby - he has been around with the Gui family far longer than I have. When Sumini left the family and returned to Indonesia to help her husband in business, I suddenly realized - we are all slaves of dear Bobby!

When Sumini left, Karen flew back all the way from London so she can now take care of Bobby's meals, and his walks. Shortly after, mum-in-law stepped up her search efforts for the ideal helper who is able to take care of a dog. A previous helper was rejected as Bobby didn't seem to like her.

Irwin drove all the way back from Thomson one day during office hours as no one else was free to walk the dog. And you know what? Bobby frowns when you don't go the way he wants.

Mum-in-law also frequently looks out for a new housing, as she says that her dream is to let Bobby have a nice kennel...ok....

At dinner today, I realized Bobby had soup, broccoli and some dash of pork floss in his food bowl (in addition to his own food of course). And Bobby chose not to eat the stalk part of the broccoli!

Still, he's a lovely boy. Thats why we are working so hard - to get him that perfect kennel.