A year's break.. and counting

Today has been one of those rare days that I don't feel like talking much in person. Usually I'd have much to say to my mum or will initiate conversations with friends on Whatsapp etc. Woke up this morning to the usual aches that accompany third trimester pregnancy, and surfed Facebook on my mobile to catch up on news.

2014 has passed for slightly more than half a year now. And it has been slightly more than a year since I left my previous employment on a much needed break. I wouldn't say it has been a waste of time although I'd have loved for some things to take shape at a faster pace than current. I would try and document some learning points so I can reference to this in future.

For starters, I almost went into business with a close friend whose bistro folded. The venue scouting and working out of the menu, costing etc were all new and very VERY interesting to me. It was also a step closer to realising my dream of having my own place to cook and serve honest food. Alas, said friend decided to try out the property investment line and things came to a close. Lesson here: I get to keep my costing sheet, brainstormed menu and got to know more about running an F&B business behind the scenes.

Then the next thing came just as abruptly. It so happened that the husband and I were brainstorming on ideas during our usual car ride, and we suddenly came up with the idea of a bakeshop... And the rest is history. Started baking and selling, and sales were surprisingly good with very good comments on our bakes (which I'm proud to say are different from the norm)! It was a major learning curve too. I got praises from a pastry chef even. And learning all about wastage, how every penny counts and what is the most efficient way of running the kitchen was very intensive yet fulfilling. Lesson here: Keep things simple and cross-functional. And do some planning before getting carried away with launching stuff/new flavors.

So that kept me real busy for a while before we went on a two-week long holiday..... 

And then I got pregnant.
And eeeeverything.had.to.come.to.a.hiatus.

Now for those who know me, this is quite the challenge. Kids have always been optional and now, I have to nurture while having a baking business to take care of? Sigh. That said, I have no regrets. Except for the occasional itchy backside plus frustrated feeling that sneaks up on me whenever I see other people's businesses moving. I had to stop baking because it's long hours on my feet and it really is too laborious for a preggers.

This morning, just as I was contemplating and lamenting and wallowing in self-pity at my ballooning figure and lack of business movement, a recruiter representing an American multinational called. We had a great chat and she was open enough to share in-depth details about the job and so, I was transparent with her on my current condition. When I shared with her my estimated delivery date, she replied...

"That's my birthday too!"

I nearly fell off my chair. Seriously. What are the odds? Is that a sign for something? How often do you get to briefly mention about birthdays during a call with a recruiter AND have the same birth date?

What's more unbelievable. Just as I was contemplating blogging down my thoughts so I can have better clarity on my moods today, I opened this old blog of mine and look what I found.

The last post I wrote was on 23 July 2012.

IS THIS A SIGN? If yes, then what sign is it pointing me to??? *still clueless*

(looks up for an answer. Nope, still nothing.)

I think I need another tub of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy. HEY, NO JUDGING.