Just.

Dear Friends and Blogders

As you might have realised, I have protected some of my posts due to the sensitive nature and also to keep out undesirables from accessing.

If I know you, if you know me, if you commented on my blog and I approved it or if you are a faithful blogder but somehow I don’t know of your existence…

….please email me for the password.   

I look at my kids, and see that they are well balanced, happy and good kids… I feel so impossibly blessed. Especially when they would just run to me and hug me, or tell me they love me so much with that earnestly sincere look in their eyes. I hope this innocence will remain in them and my memory forever.

Knowing how much of a mad shoe hatter I am, Big bought this gorgeous red cup with all manners of boots on it… My favourite colour and more shoes… What more can a girl ask for?

Hehe. As a joke, my colleague bought this HUGE ASS ring for me from Paris. It’s a HUGE paperweight ring. He made a joke that it must be the biggest ring that anyone had bought and will have bought for me in my life. Yes indeed… Must be at least 100 carats. *chuckles*

The sweet man bought it for me because I assisted him with his travel arrangements. Don’t ask me why he did not ask the secretary who was supposed to do so to do it…  Indeed I would never think of asking any of my colleagues or even my boss to buy any things for me as a reward. I might ask it as a favour but I would surely make sure that I’ll return the money. None of that nonsensical manipulative bullshit. It makes me shudder to think of greedy or manipulative people who go all sickly sweet on people to score a few free gifts.

Yucks. In the words of a colleague, “Macham club girl liddat…..”  and the other said, “Don’t insult club girls lor..”

LOL.

I would be dropping by to take a look a this exhibition featuring Buddhist art drawn from India, China and Southeast Asia, including bronze and stone sculptures of Buddha, bodhisattvas, goddesses and deities. The special highlight of the “On the Nalanda Trail” exhibition is that they will also exhibit bone relics from the only known archaeological recovery that can be linked directly to Buddha himself. I wonder if this is what Buddhists call “she li zi“…

I am not Buddhist but I like to explore readings and exhibitions of religious and cultural nature.. Especially if they are held in museums… I love that mystical, “time-stands-still” feeling of museums.

I am so pissed off at work today I feel the NEED to list out some of the blessings that I should be grateful for, namely:

• My Boss. He’s a tough nut to crack, works my fingers to the grind, makes me jump hoops to get his things done, but he’s always fair to me and he takes good care of me at work. He does not allow me to get overwhelmed at work (eg. unreasonably loaded with an impossible portfolio). I am handling his and his family’s personal issues and our house brand’s entire team travel arrangements. When another brand got thrown to me because someone else just couldn’t handle it anymore, suddenly my world was turned topsy turvy. But ONE WORD to him settled all that. No false promises, no waiting. He even reminded me to drop him the email detailing my overwhelming responsibilities. He also knows I am NOT the type to bull falsely about how much I am doing/ teh and cry with my boss to get my way *yucks!*/ or pretend to work late so that I can “show” how “hard working” I am. Gee, I just can’t do it. Come on, I have two daughters waiting for me at home!! I will always put my family first, then my work, though I know of people who have their priorities messed up.

• My resourcefulness. There are many a times when my boss is crazily vague about things and I had to brainstorm ways to decipher his brain or his intentions. Or things are just not available the conventional way and I had to work snake charms/ fib/ tell tall stories/ use my little girl sweet voice etc etc to get things to happen.

• My willingness to learn. I don’t know everything in this business. I don’t know anything in this business. Proto samples, development, research, mood boards, etc. I learned and learned and am still learning. I don’t pull rank in the process of knowledge and I roll up my sleeves and get down to the stocks like the rest of them when needed to. Also I love myself for taking thumbtacks gamely in the journey of learning. I didn’t know how to do upgrades before. Over here, I had to do a number of upgrades for staff who had to go economy but wanted to travel business, and for my boss’ family’s personal trips. It didn’t bother me that I did not know how to do it. It bothered me that people who knew how to and knew it well showed me the way .. the way around the mulberry bushes. No matter, I still managed to feel my way around and ……. lately managed to secure business class upgrades both ways for my boss’ wife. *proud*

• Getting beautiful clothes and accessories for myself, my girls, family and friends at fabulous staff discounts.

• The great camaderie I have with most of my colleagues.

• The respect I get from peers in the industry and recruiters when they find out I work for my boss.

OK it’s the weekend and I am so gonna chill and have fun with my girls!!

• When new staff lower ranked than you are demonstrates how stupidly stupid she is by saying you “may tell her something”. Yes you may talk to my hand too. You pull rank when I haven’t even started?? I wouldn’t dream of speaking so condescendingly or in such a gauche manner to even my peers or our driver. This is the same person who lied blatantly that I “was not able to help her” when I had in actual fact, given her a list of hotel names, contact persons, numbers AND price range. Thank God I got to know about this when she emailed one of the managers claiming that I refused to help her find a hotel and the manager replied but also copied me. What can I say? No integrity at all. She is also rude, often not having the basic courtesy to address me in office emails. When one is rude, stupid and unprofessional, please evaporate from my radar.. She’s lucky she doesn’t work with my boss; he has a low tolerance for stupidity and a lack of resourcefulness, and they are all crazily impatient people. And yes, he is so not impressed with her. I mean, we are talking about someone who’s too dumb to do an online search.

• When meetings are impossible to schedule because incompetent people simply do not understand how to list out unavailable dates and times or to suggest workable ones. To be fair, some of my colleagues are quite efficient. They inform me when they are unable to get a confirmation at that point in time or they try their best and soonest to accede to my suggested dates. Those that I have a big problem with, are faithfully mute… until you start the initiative and then they will merrily shoot down your dates. Without suggesting any alternatives of course. At this point, I am wondering how on earth did they survive in the company. By ass kissing? Luck? I don’t know.

• People whom I definitely will refuse point blank to work for. Just because you are so and so does not mean you can throw a cute little prissy fit! Thank GOD for my fair albeit very tough and impatient boss.  I can only go the extra mile for people I respect and like.

• Speaking of going the extra mile, I cannot believe it when said new staff tells me that she cannot find a suitable hotel for one of our colleagues in Paris, two days before the staff’s departure! And then she informs me that she is booking a hotel that is 600 euros a night for said colleague. Come on!! MY BOSS don’t even stay at hotel that rate! Someone needs a new light bulb up there. And not resourceful at all. Don’t have means don’t have. It would cost her an arm and a leg to try calling the staff in Paris for other hotel recommendations. It would maybe kill her to check around online too. I had to step in and book a room (140 euros) for colleague before she either gets no room or gets stuffed with a hefty bill that will NOT be approved. I could have sat back and not given a shit of course, but that’s not me. And of course the new staff was not only not grateful at all. she lied to her boss that I had saddled her with calls and emails pertaining to another brand when I had only tasked her with ONE email (this was agreed that it was within her job scope) to arrange travel for this colleague which she could not even fulfill for the hotel reservation. I am then struck that I am not only dealing with an extremely stupid and lazy person, she is also vindictive. Be careful, Rachel. Thank God again I got to know when her boss emailed mine copying me on the email so that I could clear up the misunderstanding by stating the truth and explaining my position.

at how stupid, incompetent and unprofessional some people can be.

More later, after my stomach has stopped churning from being so furious.

I HATE STUPID PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

…what with someone leaving this comment on my anniversary post.. Jaime, whoever you are, come on… be a sport. At least leave your name and your blog address when leaving dissenting comments. I know I do when I want to voice out something that is contrary. I am not a fan of being anonymous, neither am I a fan of getting all personal  and going all out of topic..

So Jaime, I dont know why on earth you would think that I am a gold digger. Are my posts not scathing enough towards parasitic women and the real gold diggers (please stand up) to show my stand towards such people? Accusing me of being a gold digger does not only not offend or hurt me as supposed to, it amuses me.

Know what, Jaime? If you really want to make me squirm a little, call me fat or something. At least that would be partially true. I just don’t understand why people who are obviously slim like Xiaxue, gets slinged mud for being ‘fat’ all the time while I never get flak for that on my blog… 
This is not the first time I accused of being a gold digger though… I got a few predictably anonymous emails stoutly announcing me as one..

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Speaking of anonymous emails, I also got another from someone who was very obviously upset that I was such a ‘materialistic atas brand groupie’.

wah… groupie also got atas one meh? 

Anyway, I thought I had already established that some time ago, but I guess people who are lacking of a lightbulb up there need extra guidance.

Yes, yes, call me materialistic, I do like nice things… No I am not atas at all… I am unbelievably easy going and nice.. and NO, I am so not a brand groupie. Well, Chanel or Louboutin groupie maybe but not a brand-blind groupie.

For one, I have very specific tastes and often veer away from the wildly popular: think Louis Vuitton monogram *shudder* or damier, Burberry plaids, Gucci gg fabric stuff and Fendi checked anything.

This month, I had a ball of a time shopping and shopping both in outsider’s seasonal sales and our own staff sales. And I have not even loaded up all the pictures of the spoils yet.. Now, another (!) Baby Guess and Guess Kids sale in coming up and I kid you NOT when I tell you that at last count, I have over 70 pieces of clothing for my girls reserved from the mother of all preview sale I got to attend, the preview before the staff preview before the public sale.

The privilege (and problem) of being in an exclusive circle who can have access to such “mother of previews” is that you get to have the king’s pick of all the nicest and choicest designs. We are not talking about last seasons’ rejects or poor sell throughs but hot seasonal items and good classics that simply got hauled back to the warehouse to make place for more new designs in the stores.

So, moi gets to pick out gorgeous, cute and funky little Guess outfits for my girls at unbelievable prices. But even so, at 70 freaking pieces (and counting) I think I can safely say I need help in the lines of “Hello, my name is Rachel. I have a problem with retail therapy.”

The inner circle, of course consists of a few select people in the brand itself. Although strictly speaking, as I am classified under Management’s office and not one of any of the brand people, charisma and good PR gets one anywhere. Hahahahaha!!! I of course did not get to be involved just because I am the big boss’ PA. And of course, people who are NOT in the inner circle, and whom are not likeable will not get invited to this ultra exclusive preview.. regardless of rank. The world of the fashion world is a rather catty one and it’s the toughest (and sometimes bitchiest) who will swim with the sharks and the rest either sink or live with it.

Of course, the top management hardly gives a rat’s ass about it as seeing that it does not matter a hoot who buys the merchandise; the moolah is coming in and going to the coffers. So they close an eye to it anyway, and besides, it makes the staff happy.

Even before I joined the company, I have always liked Guess, Osh Kosh and Gap for the kids. Now, I get to buy all three at a good staff rate.. (Osh Kosh, as I have contacts there). I feel so blessed and privileged.

After learning that the Chanel 2.55 is not within my reach (for another few months at least) I drowned my sorrows at Ngee Ann City.I had to shop at the Takashimaya Bridal Registry for my boss and thus, while waiting for his driver to come pick me back to the office, I ventured into Louis Vuitton, Tods, Celine, Ferragamo and Chanel (well, I can always hope)

Of course the 2.55 is completely sold out. But I saw this

Hmmmm. I also liked the tweed version when they first launched it but again, too much considering made me lag in the race. They were all sold out before I could say tweed. (more…)

Ai xin Nasi Lemak that Big brought back all the way from his office for me. Taste much better than any other gourmet Nasi Lemak ok..

Another ai xin heart cake that he bought for me.
OK you can stop the gagging now… (more…)

(more…)

I read Blur Ting’s and Marcus’ take on this with a wry recognition and even a slight amusement.

Yes, being bigger than the norm here had somewhat put me apart from the rest. In primary school, I was the first one to develop breasts in my class. When I was a teenager, I had grown men hitting on me all the time. When I was flying, I was the size 8 fatty who had to watch her diet (no carbs!). After I gave birth to two and ballooned to size 12, it was not shocking and shocking at the same time. Not shocking as in, I had almost always been different all my life. Shocking as in, I am now officially considered FAT in Singapore. It’s hard to get size 12 clothing unless in the import labels (think Dorothy Perkins, Bebe or Warehouse) and forget about getting good fitting bras from local brands.

Of course, it is not that much a help when well meaning people go,” Oh you must be devastated at putting on so much weight!”

To these people I say yes, my fats make me more of a woman to love, that’s all.

Marilyn was never size 0 and she’s HOT with a capital and bold H.

Of course, I am never always so resilient and I have my moments of self loathing but I always bounce back with a vengeance.

That’s right. I read this with great incredulity and amusement.

Check out the comments. Some people are just… I can’t even begin to find the words.

Before you get riled up or offended, I am PRO breastfeeding. Just that I am NOT anti-bottle feeding.

For one, I was bottle fed and I turned out fine. In fact, I am a whole lot smarter than a cousin who was breastfed. BUT IT’S THE TRUTH!! I can’t lie and say she is smarter can I?! OK perhaps bottle feeding makes one a wee tad ya ya.  

OK crappy jokes aside, I am all for breastfeeding and all its benefits. I believe in it and did it for both my girls. I encourage my friends to do so. Note that I choose the word “encourage” and not “pressurize” or “wheedle” or worse, “pull the guilt trip on them”.

The thing is, I just don’t see why breastfeeding nazis simply have to judge and condemn others who can’t or don’t breastfeed. You do what you want and others do what they want. Is it so hard to accept or comprehend?

Oh, and even though I breastfed Gean for four years? Not once did I ever had to fish out my boobs and nipples for all and sundry to view just to fulfill her hunger.  Discretion is the key word of the day and I simply don’t feel comfortable flashing myself in public. Please don’t start the argument of me dressing sexily anyway. Excusez moi. I show a little cleavage not the whole package.

Once again, to each their own. I am an advocate of discreet breastfeeding in public, but that does not mean that I will march up to one who don’t and proceed to tell her off.

Having a great time at Ben & Jerry’s

(more…)

Do you know any momzillas? Are you one?

Here’s how to tell if you are one.

1. You know your child’s exact height, weight as of this week.
2. You enroll your child in all the good activities like Learning Lab, Gymboree, Piano, Flute, Drums, Violin, Ballet, Tap Dance, Chinese Dance, Watercolours, Oil painting, Charcoal sketching, Calligraphy, Yachting, Swimming, Junior Golf, Tennis AND many many more. Nothing but the best coaches too! God forbid if the child should have one day (oh, the horror!) free in his week.
3. You worry constantly about how they are going to do for their examinations, the results they will get and the band. Not the musical one, but the magical one which will magically clear all paths for your child: The Band 1. I think it means anything from 80 to 100 marks. I am not really sure and you know what? I don’t really care. SHOCKER.
4. You have a whole battalion of tutors tailored to cover every angle of every subject.
5. You still remember the exact dates of your child’s milestones. The first time he turned over, the first time he started to walk etc and you still talk about these with fond memories in a fiercely proud tone.
6. You will have the whole world know you breastfeed your child and for a minimum of a year as anything less than a year is disgraceful. Don’t get me started on the Breastfeeding Nazis. Don’t get me wrong. I am all for breastfeeding and its benefits (well, I did breastfeed both my children, and just managed to wean the younger one) but I am disgusted when there is sanctimonious preachiness and holier than thou attitudes in the equation.
7. They know the full regime of flash carding, Shichida, Kumon and Glenn Doman etc AND the pros and cons of each system.
8. You feel compelled to compare anything that can be compared about your child. His apgar score, her school results, his GEP selection, her state of virginity, whatever.
9. If your child has won any awards or a place in the Gifted Programme, anyone and everyone within a country radius will get to know.
10. Any primary school worth its salt will require something called PV. If you don’t manage to place your child in such a school, it’s all over. His future… all shot to ribbons.
11. How much you put on for the pregnancy and how much you lost after is a heavy topic for contention.
12. Last but not least, a momzilla despises working mothers, women who in their eyes, do not take care of their children full time, do not cook all 3 meals for their children, do not spend 100% quality time  with the children and who do not bring them up themselves (although I really don’t understand how so).

If you have said yes to at least two of the above, here’s a gentle request from me.

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You keep yourself and your perfect brood far far far far far far FAR away from me.

Please.

I think the last week had been one of my most intensive retail therapy weeks evar..

Raoul, Dorothy Perkins, Bebe AND Warehouse…

At last count, I bought 14 fitted shirts, 2 pencil skirts, a shirt dress, 5 bags, 4 pairs of shoes, a skirt, a wallet, 2 croc skin (absolutely gorgeous) pencil cases (yes, I am going back to school, more about THAT later!) AND a card holder.  

Pictures later.  

I don’t care what people say about her but I think Victoria Beckham has a style all of her own. I too, have a soft spot for sharp nifty little dresses and even sharper looking totes..

Does anyone know where I can get that Giambattista Valli Patent Leather Bag she is carrying? I am totally in lust with that bag…

**

Gorgeous embroidered muslin bags I bought over the weekend:

To store my bikinis. I ove the colours and the detailed embroidery.

I can’t bear to use this for shoes, so will use it to keep random papers.

To organise my expanding lacey lingerie collection..

I don’t wear stockings… so I’d use this for my teddies.

WARNING: DO NOT CLICK IF YOU ARE THE HAMBAO TYPE!!

I cried BUCKETS.