Sunday, October 27, 2024
Freelancing.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Hello. Again.
I looked at my last entry and realised it's been almost a year... since then, I have found work and have been keeping myself busy (and useful!)
I am lucky that an ex client looked me up to help run some events around Asia. That's what's been keeping me busy. To date, I have flown to Shenzhen and Manila to help produce and manage their logistics and AV requirements and in the coming months, I will be off to KL, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong and India. In between of work last year, I've also taken time off and enjoyed a week in Bali, 2 weeks in Switzerland, Venice, Verona, Liechtenstein, Bern, Chur! And a short trip to BKK with my mom...
Before the end of this year, I will also be visiting Washington DC and New York – my first time!
There's so much to look forward to in life and I try and remind myself of that. Although to be honest, I end up burying myself in work all the time. I kinda enjoy what I'm doing right now because work gives me the opportunities to travel but it sometimes gets stressful too. Because I'm pretty much working on my own now. I have tonnes of emails to answer to every day, along with the event layouts I have to work on (event backdrops, directional signages, table tentcards, digital agendas, etc) I wish I had another pair of hands to help, but it's never easy to look for support when you need it. I pride myself to be able to 'track down' production support in most of the Asian countries I have to go to. I've worked with event companies who would very quickly tell me, "Oh, it's not easy to work with the people in XXX, it's better for you to fly in the crew from Singapore...". Yes, and no. It is never easy when I'm dealing with new people I have never worked with, and it's a risk I am willing to take. As much as Singaporeans are known to be efficient, we sometimes think too highly of ourselves. I always believe if you want to do something well, you have to do it yourself.
Do I want to eventually hire permanent help and move into a small SOHO? Why not?
But I am also selective of work. I would really rather do direct work with a corporate client or an agency, than to work with a AV/production company.
You get what you pay for when you decide to work with me. And more. That's what 2 decades of experience gives you.
It is 11.58pm now and I have to get up at 3.00am to get to an outdoor event by 5.30am.
Today is one of those days I struggled to get through the day. I have my good days and my bad days. Everybody have their own struggles. Do not judge a person by how cheerful she is and dish the fact she might just need a hug.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Hello.
So much has changed since my last entry. I am no longer in a familiar work space/environment. And the person known to be my boyfriend of 20 years is no more. So where do I go from here?
I am still finding my way around life I suppose...
A recent health screening and pap smear results weren't any cause for celebration either.
I have been taking life slow these days. I wake up as I would every day, at 8.00am, make myself a hot cuppa tea and watch some Netflix or read the e-papers. Sometimes in the afternoons, I would steal a nap. Life is good but too mundane. I am used to the fast pace at work... so much so that I don't know how to slow down to be honest. I'm not sure how some people enjoy "doing nothing". When I do nothing, I feel restless. Staying at home gives me a headache. Because when the sunlight streams through the living room windows in the afternoon, the glare almost always triggers a headache. And headaches ruin my day.
My leaving the company was as low-key as it could get. I didn't want to have to explain anything to anyone and I sure didn't wanna rock the boat. The team is good enough to handle what comes their way... with or without me I'm sure. I didn't even mention to "H" that I was leaving, although I had hinted to "W" I was going to take a hiatus from work. But judging from the way things were, they both would have probably figured something was amiss.
On some days when I'm feeling up to it, I would make an effort to have lunch with friends I've not met in a long time. Friends I've kept at bay because it was a chore to have to "report" my every move.
I took up motorbike riding lessons because it was something I've always wanted to do. But it's been 3 months since I've gone for a lesson. So much for determination. Also because the training ground is fucking far from where I stay!
I am open to work at the moment... just picky with what I want to do. Not like I have that many options anyway.
I have not bought a new bag for the last 6 months. That's something to be proud of! Hahahahaha
I have not bought a new pair of shoes for the last 6 months either.
Not having a stable income has prevented me from buying things I would otherwise not have to think too hard about.
I have looked into investing my monies... and updating my insurance plans... #adulting
I have had more time to read a book. And live.
Being able to wake up everyday is a blessing in itself. And I'm learning to appreciate that.
Monday, November 30, 2020
Grey Skies
Backtrack to Sunday, 29 November 2020. It was one of my usual stay-at-home weekend. I would browse the e-papers, with Netflix playing in the background... and then browse some shopping sites, with absolutely no intention of purchase. It was a regular Sunday. Until I decided to check on my Facebook posts and read that he's passed on, on Monday, 23 November 2020. The post was published by his brother, to inform that his ashes have been scattered in the sea (as per his wishes)... and thanked everyone for the love they have shown to D when he was around.
I worked with D when I was 26, 27 I reckon. That was during my stint at my second multi-national ad agency. D was an Art Director and I was the account manager. He was probably best known for his baggy jeans and oversized tshirts. A jolly good fellow of sorts... caring, generous. Jolly. You could almost always hear him go "How you doin'?", in his exaggerated American accent.
We hung out a fair bit because we worked closely together. He treats everyone the same at work – always ready to help (no matter how ridiculous the deadlines!)
I remember I tore one of my contact lenses while rubbing my eyes and he actually walked to Bras Basah to help get me a replacement. This was just the sort of things he would do for his friends.
After I left the agency, D moved to China to work and we never really kept in touch.
Just last month, I commented on a post that he's published in Facebook and found out he's been back in SG for a year. He joked he hasn't heard from me since he's back and I said I'd buy him coffee soon!
I'm sorry that coffee didn't come soon enough. I was looking forward to hear about his China experiences.
I hope you're resting well, D. And may you go with the tide to all the places you've wanted to visit.
Your passing came as a surprise to many of us who have had the opportunity to work with you. We have no idea how/why you're gone, but the memory of you will always live on in our hearts...
Friday, July 28, 2017
Why, HELLO!
Monday, August 4, 2014
The Adventure Begins.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
On the Seventh Day of Christmas,
say hello to Violetta! |
a bun---nnny innnn aaa box (to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas of cos, silly!)
Not one but two #Moschino iphone cases in the same year! 2014 is gearing up to look a-ok! Thank You, darling!
On a side note, I initially thought it was clothing of some sort (or shoes!) in a box that size! (Check out the first pix where I strategically placed my keys next to the box for comparison) It's such a non-economical way to pack something so small! I mean, really, Shopbop, you need to re-think your packaging options.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Day was spent at the SIL's, with turkey, chicken, spaghetti, sausages and beef. And the two days before this, here's what kept me busy, and totally sucked out all my energy:
So yeah, I have no idea how baking (or cooking), can be therapeutic because it sure as hell drained out all my energy. I could never be able to bake every other day... unless I have help to clean up after!
I hope you've had a merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The one about Frankenstein.
He apparently paid a hefty sum for a plastic surgeon (because the GP refused to operate on him). So we're expecting the wound to heal well enough to be worth that sum of money. tsk.
I would eventually get around to post a picture. For now, I'm too lazy to transfer them outta my phone.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Tis The Season
I've just about started my shopping and feeling my way around what needs to be bought and for whom. Managed to strike off only 2 items on my shopping list and that's just the beginning... I hate the idea of buying thoughtless gifts, so I try to pick up hints in conversations on what the person might actually want/need... (within my means/budget of course!) But sometimes when you don't meet these folks as often, you'd have to resort to asking. I kinda dislike having to ASK because it seems I'm taking the easy way out... but then again, I would really rather ask and get them something they like, than not ask and end up gifting them something that they wanna give away! (or sometimes end up back in my house. teeheehee!)
Let's hope tomorrow's shopping trip will be more fruitful!
In the meantime, if you're looking to buy me something. Here's what I think I might want/need:
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- Kate Spade taxi off-duty clutch (which is currently on sale in the SG stores!)
- Clarins Hand and Nail treatment cream
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See, I don't need expensive gifts. Just sensible, "what-I-really-need/want" ones. TYVM.