May year 2006 be a dazzling year for all of us!

2nd day of 2006. Happy New Year!

Have meant to write my 2005 Annual Report before the year ended. But as it usually goes, one thing led to another, and before I know it… 2005 has come and gone.

I was just telling Jamie the other day that I feel that I have not accomplished much in the year of 2005. Maybe that is why I have put off writing my annual report. I felt 2004 was a fantastic year in terms of personal breakthrough. I left my job to pursue my dreams. I started a business with my then fiance, now husband. And as a team, we created Lunch Actually. Wow, that was one exhilarating year!

The always wise significant other said… “Why don’t you look through your calendar and see what you have done in the past year? It is not as bad as you think.”

2005 was about stabilisation. As they say, starting a business is easy. It is the maintenance that is difficult. Do you know 50% of first businesses fail in the 1st five years? 80% will fail in the first 5 years? 98% will fail in the first 10 years? Ok, those were the approximate figures that I remember, so do not quote me. But anyway, you get my point. We have just survived our 1.5 years. In April, we will be celebrating our 2nd year Anniversary. 3 more years to the 5 years mark and 8 more years to the 10 years mark.

2005 was about expansion. After starting our business in Singapore, it has always been my dream to bring the concept back to my hometown Kuala Lumpur. But, we never found the right time, right opportunity or the right partner. And finally after 1.5 years, we launched our KL office in September. Girlfriends thought I have totally lost it, as we launched the branch 2 weeks before the wedding! I guess, it was a personal challenge for Jamie and I. To start a new chapter in our professional life as well as personal life.

2005 was about love. Jamie and I finally tied the knot after 5 years of courtship. It was a fun-filled event. It was perfect. If I were to be given a chance to make any changes to it, I wouldn’t. Because even though we did not have much time to prepare for it , it just turned out absolutely how I would have wanted it to be. And many friends have come to me after the wedding, “That was one of the best, if not the best weddings that I have ever attended!” Aww…so sweet of them.

I was doing an interview for a Malaysian chinese magazine the other day - and the journalist asked me, “What do you think is an ideal husband?” I think I did not do the question justice the other day. To me, an ideal husband is of course Jamie. He knows when to let me have my way, yet he knows when to stand up to my ridiculous tantrums. He knows when I just need that little TLC (tender loving care), and he knows when to leave me alone to my own device. He knows how to cook, he’s willing to help out in house chores, yet at the same time gives me opportunities to show off my feminine side. I enjoy being a ‘xiao nu ren’ (mandarin, little woman i.e. the traditional wife) too ok? He looks after me, my family, and our finances. He’s the thinker, he’s the strategist, and when you are with him, you feel safe, secure and well looked after.

2005 was about friendship. You never know how much your friends and family love you until there comes a time for them to prove their love. Our wedding would definitely not be as fantastic as it has been not for their time, effort and encouragement. They helped with the planning, the coordination, contributed ideas to make it perfect. My girlfriends gave me a fabulous hens’ night. Haha, definitely memorable and unforgettable. And the 3 days celebration was just great. Everything was well taken care for. I was a happy and relaxed bride. Girlfriends came back from all around the world (U.S., Canada, UK, Beijing) to be with me on the most special day of my life. It was just great! Both sides’ parents made things easy as well. No difficult demands on either sides, just lots of help, support and love.

2005 was about loss. Jamie lost his grandfather. I lost a ‘en ren’ (mandarin, person who gave you great help). Both were great men in their own right. One a family man, who loved his family so much, and strived hard to protect and look after them. One a charismatic business leader. I have read about Sam Walton’s leadership, Ray Kroc’s ingenuity but I have never come face-to-face with such greatness. Hence, I am honoured to have met Sunil Sreenivasan personally.

2005 was amazing. I learnt a lot. I made and kept many great friends. I made mistakes along the way. I discovered myself in the process.

Let’s toast to another enriching and meaningful year ahead!

Happy New Year!

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