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.

Mysterious Couple @ Forbidden City - looking in in in

Something to smile about, this was taken at Forbidden City, Beijing. It is a remarkable achievement in terms of the complexity of the architecture...

Three days into my work week of 2009. Met up with an ex-colleague, and he felt surprised that I have changed - I no longer place career as my first priority in life. I said of course - life & responsibilities can be different once you get married.

But of course I ponder - which is the real me? Without a partner, would I push on more aggressively in my career goals? Without a partner, would I even need to think about striking a balance? and of course there are days where I look at my girlfriends who stay at home - and need not face the stress of climbing up the corporate ladder; nor trying to keep themselves safe from unethical politics.

Which is better? Guess no one knows. Everyone envies that someone else. Everyone has their own unique path to walk on...everyone should have deep insights into the true nature of their own life...