Quick Updates

Just a quick note to wish all my dearest readers a very Happy Valentine’s Day and of course Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy New Year to all of you who celebrate the Lunar New Year!

Have a wonderful celebration!

I have signed up for the Standard Chartered Marathon 2009.

Before you get too excited… no, I did not sign up for the full marathon. Not even the half. I signed up for 10km.

If you are a seasoned marathon runner, you probably are thinking… “Chey…” Haha!

But if you know my fitness level… then you would think that I have gone out of my mind! The last time I did any real exercise was when I was 15 or 16, and that was like more than 10 years ago!

And if you are wondering…

“Why in the world then did you sign up for a 10km run?”

Well, I have wanted to start an exercise regime for the longest time, and I thought what would be a better way to jump start it than to set a goal? And that was why a few months ago, I decided to sign up for the run!

Did not push too much thought to it, until a couple of days ago…

I was thinking… oh no! I have not trained for it at all! Apart from getting a pair of swanky running shoes, I pretty much have not done anything.

I started to panic… What should I do? Should I drop out? But my pride did not allow me to… haha!

So, I came up with a plan… since I am going to torture myself, why not come up with a motivation plan?

Hence, I decided to run for a cause! To provide vaccination for 100 children in Bangladesh, a program supported by World Vision. And get my friends to support me. And the support has been overwhelming!

Instead of helping to vaccinate 100 kids, I have enough support to vaccinate 200 kids! Isn’t that amazing? I love my friends!

So, here I am. Just came back from my training. I know, I should have started months before…

Got my entry kit today, and saw the route map… looks pretty scary…

But I have a motivation… to help 200 kids!

Violet, you can do it! Jiayou! (Self-motivation!)

Watch this space, I will update you on how it went!

After 3 agonizing days, my blog is finally back up. My previous host screwed up big time and lost all my data. And with the help of my blog designer Lionel, I have managed to transfer my hosting, and also managed to restore my blog! Thanks a million Lionel! You are the best! Now, I just need to upload all the missing photos, and we are back on track. Meanwhile, welcome back!

Trying out this app on my BB Bold! Let’s see if it works. If it does, maybe I will be blogging more frequently.

Last Saturday @ 10pm, I appeared on the TV program Ladies Sdn Bhd on Astro Wah Lai Toi.

The Trailer:

It was a really great filming experience for me even though I have done some other shoots in the past.

Part 1:

The filming was done at a brand new bungalow at Puchong. It’s absolutely beautiful! It has to be, as it costs a whopping RM3million! And of course, I got to meet up with the three wonderful hosts, the three ladies – Chui Ling, Lynn and Vivian. People often do not have good impression of celebrities/hosts etc., but they are really nice, funny and down-to-earth! I had a great time getting to know them on-screen and off-screen.

Part 2:

The only setback for me is that I look really ‘BIG’ because I did the shoot 3 weeks after I gave birth to Cara. That was sometime in May. Some friends were appalled that I ‘ran away’ from my confinement! But come to think about it, I do not regret having made the decision, as it was such good fun!

Part 3:

And to top it all off, this is the first shoot that I have been invited to that I actually got paid for! Haha! Feels good to earn my first pay check from TV!

Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure! Did not manage to get a pic with Vivian as she had to rush off…

And for those of you who know about me from the program, welcome to my blog!

The reason why I have not blogged for like ages is because… I have been extremely busy with work, travelling for work, and of course my 7 weeks old princess Cara Krysania.

Finally have some time to myself where I can kind of have ‘a lazy Sunday afternoon’, so thought I will just post a short note. Will be extremely busy in June. Hopefully will have more breathing space in July…

Meanwhile, stay tuned…

Dear Readers,

In case you are wondering what I have been up to… well, I still have not ‘popped’ yet. My estimated due date is 7 Apr. Tummy getting really really big. It’s quite funny how I keep bumping into things.

Have been very busy at work. Wish I could update my blog more often. Hopefully, after I pop, I would have more time to sit down and write.

Meanwhile, have a great day weekend ahead!

Love, Violet

Dearest Friends,

We have come to the end of the year 2008. In another 7 hours or so, we will be ushering in 2009.

It’s quite funny, I was looking back at my goals that I set for 2008, and I have to say that I have not been very successful in fully implementing most of them. There are some health goals, personal development goals and spiritual goals.

In terms of health goals, I wanted to take up yoga this year. Well, I did sign up for a class, which I did not manage to attend most of the time. Then I signed up for a yoga membership! (Yes, I never learn…) And then, I got pregnant, and decide to defer it till next year. So, I still have not advanced very far in that goal.

And in terms of the business goals, truth is… I am quite happy with our ‘report card’ this year…

1. Launch of Matchmaking Institute, South East Asia, and have run 3 courses so far.

2. Launch of ADAMS (Association of Dating Agencies and Matchmakers of Singapore).

3. Launch of LUNCH Actually, Hong Kong! This is like a dream that I have had ever since we started LUNCH Actually… to eventually go regional, and this is our first step!

4. Having lunch with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana! Wow… I wonder if I would ever get such a chance if I was not in the dating & matchmaking industry.

5. Jamie & I were one of the Honourees for Spirit of Enterprise Award 2008.

6. Both LUNCH Actually & Eteract.com were among the pioneer batch to be accredited by the Government’s SDU Trustmark. LUNCH Actually received CASETrust Accreditation.

7. Attended quite a number of clients’ weddings, sharing in their bliss and happiness. And knowing that there are LUNCH Actually babies out there, and more on the way…!

And yet, it just never feels good enough.

I was quite down for a while yesterday, when I spoke to a single lady in her late 30s. I know that based on her profile and preferences, I am not able to sign her up as a member, because many guys in our database are looking for younger ladies. I explained the situation to her, but she got quite upset with me. And after I put down the phone, I was quite sad. I am upset because after 5 years in the industry, I am still not able to help these older ladies. I wonder if we ever can…

In terms of personal development goals, I wanted to complete my Advanced Communicator Silver for Toastmasters, but unfortunately I did not get very far. I did take part in the Humorous Speech Contest this year, and got as far as the Division Level. And… I forgot my speech half way. Stood there for 30 seconds. And then recovered. Can you believe it? I did not forget my speech at Club or Area Level, but it had to happen at the Division Level! Nonetheless, it was a good learning experience, and I learnt a lot from the more accomplished speakers.

The one goal that I have set, and I felt that I have accomplished is my spiritual goal. Last year, at about this time, Jamie and I decided to start attending church again. And our goal was to attend church regularly. Apart from some missing weeks here and there, we are on track. I must say Jamie and I have benefited so much from God’s Grace this year. Many times, we are tasked with facing difficult decisions or challenges, and God has answered all our prayers.

Many have predicted 2009 to be a challenging year in terms of the economic outlook.

I am preparing myself for an interesting year ahead. I am optimistic and I believe that there would be even more opportunities out there for us to reach out to more singles and help them find their happiness. 2009 is also the year that Jamie and I will be welcoming a new addition to our family. Did I tell you my Babe kisses my tummy now when I ask him to ’sayang’ (love) his Mei-mei? Oh ya, we are expecting a girl!

As this year comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you the kind souls who have made a big difference in my life this year.

My ever-doting parents who give unconditionally. My in-laws & my extended family for their support, especially with Babe when Jamie and I are at work. Yin Yin & Vincent for being so wonderful and supportive, and walking with my parents’ in their journey with Christ. My girlfriends, you know who you are, for lending a listening ear, for believing in my dreams, and simply letting me be me. My team at LUNCH Actually & Eteract for working so hard throughout the year.

And… as always, I save the best for last… :) My dearest husband, without you, I will not be able to accomplish half of what I have done this year. You are truly my inspiration, my unwavering supporter, my pillar of strength. Thank you for putting up with my ups and downs, my crazy mood swings, my PMSes. I know you already know this, but I can never say it often enough… I love you!

To all my dearest friends and readers out there, Happy New Year! May the new year brings you much joy, laughter and happiness!

Love, Violet

P/S A new poll is up, go vote!

Often, it is the little things in life that makes you feel touched…

Flew to Hong Kong this time on my own as hubby is unable to come along due to heavy workload.

Checked in at Terminal 3. Lady at the Singapore Airlines check-in counter asked when I am due, and we made some small talk.

Arrived at HK International Airport. Was pleasantly surprised to see my luggage already waiting for me even though I was out fairly early after clearing the immigration.

Found a bright orange tag tied to my bag. The lady has thoughtfully tied a ‘Priority’ tag reserved for Business Class passengers to my bag as she did not want me to wait too long for my luggage, with my big tummy.

Am so touched.

Wish I had caught her name, so I could write in to compliment her on her thoughtfulness.

As some of you might have already known, Jamie and I are expecting our 2nd baby. I am in my 17th week now, and the past 4 months have been anything but smooth. I was feeling sick and tired most of the time, and running to the toilet to puke is almost a daily affair. I said to a friend, “If my first pregnancy with Corum was like that, I would have thought twice or thrice before wanting to have a 2nd baby!”

My friend said, “God is Smart! That was why your first pregnancy was so smooth!”

Haha! I have to agree.

Dear Readers,

Some of you have been asking me about this award nomination that we received a couple of months ago… Am so sorry that I have not updated you on the latest status as I have been so so so busy…

The ‘verdict’ is… Jamie and I are one of the honourees.

With Minister of State for Trade & Industry - Mr. Lee Yi Shyan

Thank you so much for your votes! Really appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Violet

Dearest Readers,

Jamie and I have been nominated for a Singaporean award that aims to encourage entrepreneurial spirit. After sending out 10,000 dates, having 85% of these dates being rated as satisfactory to excellent, having been the matchmaker of close to 30 marriages and more than 80 couples in the last 4.5 years, we are extremely honored and excited about this nomination. J

You can read the interview here - http://www.soe.org.sg/files/interview2008.php?i=180&a=&c=&year=2008

Out of the 145 nominees, only 43 will be selected as honorees, and the 43 nominees with the highest votes will be selected. J

So, if you like what you read OR you think we are doing a great job helping people get together OR you are a really supportive friend OR you simply love us, please register as a voter here http://www.soe.org.sg/sg/voterregistration.php and vote for us. The entire process will take you less than 5 minutes.

Thank you very much for your support!

Sincerely,

Violet

P/S: We would be very grateful if you could forward the links to your friends as well, thanks!

This week has been an absolute madhouse… have been busy with the launch of the Matchmaking Institute in South East Asia.

Some of you might know that prior to starting my business, I flew over to NY to attend a course in matchmaking. Yes! I did that, and I learnt so much! I am the first Asian who attended the course.

And 4 years later, the co-founders – Lisa Clampitt & Jerome Chasques decided to bring the Institute to South East Asia, as there has been such a huge demand for the course. And we have worked together to localize the course content to make it more relevant to the students.

Jamie and I are really excited with the launch of MMI here in SEA as we have always wanted to do more for the industry, especially seeing a lot of passionate matchmakers wanting to help, but might not have the necessary know-how and tools to go about it…

To read more about the launch…

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080409/tap-340260-231650b.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/Video%2BNews/Singapore/STIVodcast_3975.html?playid=3975&type=Singapore

Having a photo taken with the amazing Lisa!

After some hectic weeks, finally had some quality time with the family. Brought babe to East Coast Park. It was his first Beach day-out! We built sandcastles, had ice-cream (at least hubby and I did), and cycled around the park on a family bike. It was my first time on a family bike… and at first, we had some problems coordinating. But after that, we were like pros, making u-turns etc. And the best thing is to see babe smiling and enjoying himself.

Looking forward to more of todays.