Goodness! My last post was last month!!
I have been really tired and am still very tired, must go to sleep early after this post since I haven't posted anything for a long time.
I actually had so much to complain about during the last two weeks but I really couldn't find time to type a word here. The week of 5th October marked the commencement of my crazy schedule - at the full time job, most of us had to work 10am to 10pm for the new product launch. And there was this day when I had tried to "escape" from the duty and be at the charity fair. Before that was the tempting Ferrari California order, which by the way, gotten very bad review, passing points only and that's because the customer was kind enough. Bad review because the cake wasn't nice to start with, sounded so not edible, sob. And the car wasn't at all looking like a Ferrari. Okay, as MFG said, room for improvement, don't think too much. I will make another car with styrofoam later. Just to satisfied the picture gallary.
So, I had been working on the Ferrari delivery since Sunday and it was until 2am, 3am, and the extreme one was until 5.30am! I actually only went into work at 10am that day. Continued with preparation for charity fair and luckily I had my cousins to help, otherwise I think I wouldn't be able to make it at all!
It was also very comforting to have MFG at site as well, although he's managing his own station. Oh, LGM was there and got introduced to MFG (literally because I introduced MFG as "MFG" to LGM haha...). LGM bought a few cupcakes and she also bought some for/ on behalf of LP, thanks for the support dears. My yoga instructor booked some carrot cupcakes, but couldn't make it, so she collected the next day. MFG bought a few as support too. The location of the stall wasn't that ideal, so cousin bro and me went around to sell to the tables where the dinners were. It was quite successful until the parade started. Too crowded to be selling things then.
After that was a full day at work, on a Sunday, so no rest day for me last week. No rest after that either as there was another order that I had to start preparing soon after that. I just delivered that 3 boxes today, I hope the response is good and won't get bad review again.
I thought I will take a break and one order should be enough already for this week. But fortunately, I am still going to meet my "KPI" - I've just confirmed another order for this Sunday. Next Friday is booked already and I foresee a few more orders coming in.
Next week I will look into the TeaRoom location matters. Meanwhile, website development ready to commence. :)
Had lunch with LGM today at Bon Bon, wah, very good business, I'm sure TeaRoom can do as good! Thanks for suggesting the lunch place LGM, we must do lunch more.
Now eye lids cannot hold up any longer... nite nite.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Laziness overruled
Opened up a page here, I've got so much to say but suddenly overruled by laziness...
I've got a wedding cake project for this Saturday, though it's just one tier, but it should be very decorative, it's going to be fondant covered :). Then next week is the crazy week... also seems like everyone decided to have party next week and want to order something REALLY special.
Firstly I've got BIL's 2 boxes of cupcakes ordered like weeks, month ago... one box is Korean theme, and the other box mahjong... the mahjong tiles are in the making already. Then I also have MC's standing doll cake, or we like to call it Barbie doll cake although it's not Barbie, this also she ordered like 2 months ago... Should be interesting.
Then I got this invites to the charity fair and I negotiated with BIL to deliver his cupcakes earlier of the week, MC's still has to be on Sat, but will start making it early the week, her doll cake needs a few days to construct and decorate.
And THEN just when I have decided that I have to, HAVE to close order for that week, next week, I've got an inquiry for a Ferrari. A FERRARI!!! Geezzz... how cool is that? and how tempting! Itchy hand. But realistically, and not to disappoint anyone, I told the customer I can't only do a small one, but since it's for 50 people, maybe have a simple, normaly square underneath for the car to sit? Awaiting reply, should know in the next few days.
AND THEN right... today, I got an inquiry for Hermes. A HANDBAG! How cool is that? and even more tempting! And yeah you guess right, it's for that very Friday same as the Ferrari. Geezz... I want to make them all, but how to manage? I will be so frustrated and stressed out. Just now when I was baking my 2 chocolate cakes (for the wedding cake), I was so tired I asked myself - Can I take a break tonight? But I know if I didn't get on with it, I wouldn't be able to meet the timeline.
Meanwhile, the TeaRoom info sheet and costing has been sent through, so now waiting for feedback on venue scouting and investor's contribution.
I told LGM I was sleepy, but want to blog, so I did! But leave this "original" without spell check :p
Oh... I went to an RPM class last night! After many weeks of morning workout, the gym looked extremely crowded last night. And I met MFG after gym last night :)
I've got a wedding cake project for this Saturday, though it's just one tier, but it should be very decorative, it's going to be fondant covered :). Then next week is the crazy week... also seems like everyone decided to have party next week and want to order something REALLY special.
Firstly I've got BIL's 2 boxes of cupcakes ordered like weeks, month ago... one box is Korean theme, and the other box mahjong... the mahjong tiles are in the making already. Then I also have MC's standing doll cake, or we like to call it Barbie doll cake although it's not Barbie, this also she ordered like 2 months ago... Should be interesting.
Then I got this invites to the charity fair and I negotiated with BIL to deliver his cupcakes earlier of the week, MC's still has to be on Sat, but will start making it early the week, her doll cake needs a few days to construct and decorate.
And THEN just when I have decided that I have to, HAVE to close order for that week, next week, I've got an inquiry for a Ferrari. A FERRARI!!! Geezzz... how cool is that? and how tempting! Itchy hand. But realistically, and not to disappoint anyone, I told the customer I can't only do a small one, but since it's for 50 people, maybe have a simple, normaly square underneath for the car to sit? Awaiting reply, should know in the next few days.
AND THEN right... today, I got an inquiry for Hermes. A HANDBAG! How cool is that? and even more tempting! And yeah you guess right, it's for that very Friday same as the Ferrari. Geezz... I want to make them all, but how to manage? I will be so frustrated and stressed out. Just now when I was baking my 2 chocolate cakes (for the wedding cake), I was so tired I asked myself - Can I take a break tonight? But I know if I didn't get on with it, I wouldn't be able to meet the timeline.
Meanwhile, the TeaRoom info sheet and costing has been sent through, so now waiting for feedback on venue scouting and investor's contribution.
I told LGM I was sleepy, but want to blog, so I did! But leave this "original" without spell check :p
Oh... I went to an RPM class last night! After many weeks of morning workout, the gym looked extremely crowded last night. And I met MFG after gym last night :)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
TeaRoom Test Kitchen
Good news! For me lah...
My cousin brother is quite a good chef... Remember I was so stressed out because I haven't got my lunch menu and savoury items? Though there are loads of recipes, but I just don't have time to try any of them out, besides, I'm not very skillful with my cooking hehe... So, finally MC suggested that I assign the project to cousin bro and the arrangement turned out just fantastic.
So, we have now shortlisted 3 items on the lunch menu. We will try about 6, choose a few then get on to the next assignment. I think I will have about 5 items to start TeaRoom and gradually add to about 10 items. Besides these, there will be a lot of snacks and dessert items, so one doesn't have to eat such a huge lunch, there will always be room in one's stomach for dessert! Haha... and if you are in a "junkie" mood, can have all sorts of little bites for lunch, why not? Must we eat so called "proper" meal during lunch?
Ohh... thanks for all the wishes and lucks. I hope I collect enough to start TeaRoom.
My cousin brother is quite a good chef... Remember I was so stressed out because I haven't got my lunch menu and savoury items? Though there are loads of recipes, but I just don't have time to try any of them out, besides, I'm not very skillful with my cooking hehe... So, finally MC suggested that I assign the project to cousin bro and the arrangement turned out just fantastic.
So, we have now shortlisted 3 items on the lunch menu. We will try about 6, choose a few then get on to the next assignment. I think I will have about 5 items to start TeaRoom and gradually add to about 10 items. Besides these, there will be a lot of snacks and dessert items, so one doesn't have to eat such a huge lunch, there will always be room in one's stomach for dessert! Haha... and if you are in a "junkie" mood, can have all sorts of little bites for lunch, why not? Must we eat so called "proper" meal during lunch?
Ohh... thanks for all the wishes and lucks. I hope I collect enough to start TeaRoom.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Updates...
I miss msn-ing with Swee during office hours :p. I've totally uninstalled Messenger, so not going to log on at all with office laptop. I'm trying to "clean up" the office laptop as much as I can - I GOT A NEW LAPTOP!
Hee...
Went laptop shopping with MFG yesterday, we went to 3 shops and I managed to make a decision in within about an hour or so. Very effective shopping when you get good advice ;). And you know what? The laptop is light blue in colour. Hardcore TeaRoom now haha... We went to Starbucks later on, chit chat, look at stuff on line and update him on my TeaRoom progress... until he had to leave for his dinner appointment and I had to rush back to complete Thomas the train cake and 2 other boxes of cupcakes delivery for today.
Before my meeting up with MFG, I went for a discussion with my TeaRoom investor and also his wife who can help us scout for the venue. I asked my investor when is the best time for him, in return, he asked me when can I be ready. Well... I need one month notice to resign, so now I guess it's all depending on the venue availability. But of course I have to work out two main piece of information - the product portfolio write up and costings.
I'm so excited about TeaRoom. Wish me luck!!!
Hee...
Went laptop shopping with MFG yesterday, we went to 3 shops and I managed to make a decision in within about an hour or so. Very effective shopping when you get good advice ;). And you know what? The laptop is light blue in colour. Hardcore TeaRoom now haha... We went to Starbucks later on, chit chat, look at stuff on line and update him on my TeaRoom progress... until he had to leave for his dinner appointment and I had to rush back to complete Thomas the train cake and 2 other boxes of cupcakes delivery for today.
Before my meeting up with MFG, I went for a discussion with my TeaRoom investor and also his wife who can help us scout for the venue. I asked my investor when is the best time for him, in return, he asked me when can I be ready. Well... I need one month notice to resign, so now I guess it's all depending on the venue availability. But of course I have to work out two main piece of information - the product portfolio write up and costings.
I'm so excited about TeaRoom. Wish me luck!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
It has been a crazy week!
First of all, good news!!!
Mum has given up stopping me from doing TeaRoom. So... there will be a discussion with my investor/ partner tomorrow, and lets see if I can go full force in making my dream come true soon! So happy...
Raya delivery week has been really crazy, lets see... these were what I've delivered:
2 carrot cakes
17 chocolate cakes
16 boxes of cupcakes
1 box of graduation cupcake
4 boxes of pineapple tarts
1 brownies
2 walnut, dates cake
about 200 chocolate chips cookies
All in one week. Luckily I had 3 helpers, otherwise, I couldn't have done that even if I had 36 hours a day. It could have been slightly less hectic if i could get another day of annual leave. Oh, there was a memo saying that everyone is not supposed to take leave till the new skin care is launched. I wonder what's the topic of our next memo.
Now that I've worked with some helpers, it gave me more confidence in training staff and quite sure that the tasks are quite easy to learn. Having said that I had help - my cousins by the way - I still had to handle the cakes on my own, except for the walnut dates cake. Cousin brother was the one who had done a great job in baking, the girls did more of the cupcake decorations. Oh, the chocolate ketupats are done by cousin brother. Paid out a few hundred to them as the wages today and everyone was very happy and really got a sense of achievement. Got feedback from customers already saying that they were happy with the deliveries.
I've forgotten to bring back my laptop adaptor, I've only half the battery left, so I must shut down soon to conserve some battery for the next few days in case I don't drop by the office to get the adaptor. Alternatively, I'll go get a new laptop. Haha...
Mum has given up stopping me from doing TeaRoom. So... there will be a discussion with my investor/ partner tomorrow, and lets see if I can go full force in making my dream come true soon! So happy...
Raya delivery week has been really crazy, lets see... these were what I've delivered:
2 carrot cakes
17 chocolate cakes
16 boxes of cupcakes
1 box of graduation cupcake
4 boxes of pineapple tarts
1 brownies
2 walnut, dates cake
about 200 chocolate chips cookies
All in one week. Luckily I had 3 helpers, otherwise, I couldn't have done that even if I had 36 hours a day. It could have been slightly less hectic if i could get another day of annual leave. Oh, there was a memo saying that everyone is not supposed to take leave till the new skin care is launched. I wonder what's the topic of our next memo.
Now that I've worked with some helpers, it gave me more confidence in training staff and quite sure that the tasks are quite easy to learn. Having said that I had help - my cousins by the way - I still had to handle the cakes on my own, except for the walnut dates cake. Cousin brother was the one who had done a great job in baking, the girls did more of the cupcake decorations. Oh, the chocolate ketupats are done by cousin brother. Paid out a few hundred to them as the wages today and everyone was very happy and really got a sense of achievement. Got feedback from customers already saying that they were happy with the deliveries.
I've forgotten to bring back my laptop adaptor, I've only half the battery left, so I must shut down soon to conserve some battery for the next few days in case I don't drop by the office to get the adaptor. Alternatively, I'll go get a new laptop. Haha...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Banned from Chit-Chatting
I got a memo from management last two days tell me that MSN and Yahoo messenger whatsoever instant chats are banned. We are to uninstall all of these programmes from our laptop and only keep skype as our official office communication tool.
Fine.
When my IT support colleague asked me "how many percentage do you want to remove?" *wink wink. I told him I will help myself don't worry, and deleted all the shortcuts. I will actually uninstall the programme once I got my personal laptop. Yeah planning to get one soon. So goodbye world, I will be appearing offline (really offline) from now on, until I quit this job, or during non office hour.
Fine.
When my IT support colleague asked me "how many percentage do you want to remove?" *wink wink. I told him I will help myself don't worry, and deleted all the shortcuts. I will actually uninstall the programme once I got my personal laptop. Yeah planning to get one soon. So goodbye world, I will be appearing offline (really offline) from now on, until I quit this job, or during non office hour.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Full time TeaRoom
Today was a day of TeaRoom. Started baking and preparation for my Raya orders from 9am until about 6pm. I had my 2 cousins over to help, both extremely helpful and very fast learners, I hope they had fun too.
Working full time TeaRoom is actually very tiring compared with sitting in the office from 9am to 6pm. But still, I would prefer doing TeaRoom a zillion times more than my current job. Perhaps I was physically tired, but at work, it's mentally tired and very bored doing things that don't interest me anymore. What more with bosses and seniors who irritate the hell out of me.
Today was like the real TeaRoom life - prepare for physical hard work, getting hands dirty, downgrading hour wages, pressure... But I know I really want to do this.
"Jia You!"
Working full time TeaRoom is actually very tiring compared with sitting in the office from 9am to 6pm. But still, I would prefer doing TeaRoom a zillion times more than my current job. Perhaps I was physically tired, but at work, it's mentally tired and very bored doing things that don't interest me anymore. What more with bosses and seniors who irritate the hell out of me.
Today was like the real TeaRoom life - prepare for physical hard work, getting hands dirty, downgrading hour wages, pressure... But I know I really want to do this.
"Jia You!"
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