AFTER CONQUERING ....

...........a month or 2 of gruelling schedules, I've finally succumbed to extreme exhaustion. This morning I find myself not able to get out of bed, my head throbbing and voice hoarse from overuse. Thanfully, the busiest of the busy period is almost over. Like a car, think i need to send myself for 'servicing', which of cause also includes facials, hair care, spa treatments and other grooming needs (that's why some of YOU are getting calls...hahah)

Anyways, just a little update on Ah Boy [because i actually have friend, Jon, asking about him :)]

Just like a proud mum, Ah boy is looking more handsome and is doing extremely well. Managed to even take him for a drive & walks in a park.

Awww.......look at him....so bliss

This is a picture of trust, peace, love and comfort, isn't it?

Ok, that's all for now, for I have an early morning event for "Mr Susan Wong" (click on word to read story)

The Pole-fessional mentioned!

If you have missed the Sunday Times article (17 Dec 07) on pole dance performances catching popularity in Singapore events, its HERE

All information not spared, including age and marital status!

SO CUTE LA!

I awoke to this:

It was sa way of announcing that there is pizza in the oven awaiting as my pre-gig snack! See the direction the sachets of cheese & chilli powder were pointing?

So cute la! Hahaha

Another cute story.

On X'mas eve, I had hired the very talented Sweetheart the clown to help me take care of a regular client's Family X'mas party (for kids & adults). Sweetheart had dressed in Santarina's costume. Then I arrived later in MY saucy Santarina's costume, having performed elsewhere. My intention was to say hello & thank my client since I was in the vacinity.

But when I arrived, I could hear a couple of 'daddies' coo-ing with a tone of delight "Oh, ANOTHER Santarina". Hahahaha...they probably thought that it's a surprise treat for the dads!

Sweetheart the clown, me and Santa Ryan

A QUICK WISH!

It's a last min job, the mad schedule has robbed me of my last ounce of creativity. So, it's similar as last year's, except that there are 2 of us, Linna & me. But well, at least i try to get it out in time.

HERE'S WISHING ALL SUZIE's FRIENDS AND BLOG READERS A BLESSED CHRISTMAS.

POLE-HOLICS A HIT WITH TAIWANESE

The pressure was inevitable, the Taiwanese are NOT strangers to pole dancing, they probably started pole dancing way before it caught popularity here. But yet they had wanted to see us.

Thank you for showing us so much love! Without a doubt one of the most memorable event ever.

Crediting this event to:
1. Carreyhill Productions (for yet again taking that leap of faith in me)
2. Taiwan Life (you people rock!)
3. Pole-holics Linna & Jolyn (for the tireless practices, those lashes, crab party etc etc...)
4. Pole-holics Diana aka Apricotbrandii (sweetie, for the support)
5. Big guys from Des D Mel Promotions (from XL to S) Ryan, Wayne, Yang & Felix

Unplanned Comedy

Today I was dressed in this polka-dot outfit as it had a theme "groovy night". As christmas is just a few days a way, i had intended to 'finale' it with a x'mas medley.

Beneath the dress was a santarina ensemble. So all i needed was to rip this dress after the second last number to reveal my santarina dress, and to complete it with the candy bag and the santarina clip my sister bought for me.

I had the stuff placed on a chair at the foyer about 25meters away from the stage. I had about 25 sec to do this. From all my other past experiences, I would have been able to make it.

But unlike my Suzie Wong cheong sam which has a fast-rip mechanism, this yellow dress has a zip at the back from nape to waist. I had instructed a colleague to standby at the door to assist in unzipping me when i make my dash.

I guess she was trying to be helpful, except it would have HELPED if she had informed first. So when I finished my second last song, I made a beeline out of the ballroom and to the foyer chair which i had placed my stuff, but to my horror, the stuff were GONE!

When i franctically glanced around, i saw my dear colleague beckoning me behind the ballroom door. The sweet soul had helped 'relocate' my stuff to make them 'nearer'. The second horror came when i realised she had sort of stuff my things back into my bags! So I was flapping my hands so hard, on hindsight I think I looked comical. And all these while with the door slightly ajar and some audiences might have had a peek on the comedy created. The song started and I had to 'kiap' the mic under my arm (yes, armpit) to start singing while I tried to pin the little hat onto my hair! Uurgh! Disaster!

Yes, Val, it's you I'm talking about. Hahaha.....But it's ok now, really. Luckily (for you), the audience cheered loudly when i re-entered the ballroom in the Santarina outfit else I'll be sleepless now! Hahaha.....Ah well, we all learn.

Anyway, to digress, just wanna say I'm envious that so many of my friends are on leave since yesterday til the end of the year. Hmm....me still gotto work gig work gig work. Today we were late for office and boss yelled (via sms, but the tone was yelling!) at us! Twit!

THE POLEFESSIONAL HAS BEEN.....

..............hard at work polefessionally.............

I can't explain, it's very tiring but at the same time, very satisfying! Keeps me on the edge. Anyhoo, I'm just glad I have a day off tomorow (today?) to do my own stuff......like visiting Ah Boy! Hee.... A little update.....Boy Boy is doing so very well. He's finally out of the cage. (Yeah). He can recognise me & friend, he gives us the most heartwarming welcome.

For now, I'm thrashed after having just returned from 3 places, the last one one being pole, like for a crowd of 2 to 3k. I'm not kidding!

Anyways, for last night's event, for the first time, I wore this online purchase.......love it, makes me look like a modern version of "zhi zhu jing" (chinese spider vamp), got big sleeves with web-like designs

More to update soon! Happy holidays

Pole-fessional in media?

I think there might be some mention of the Pole-fessional in the news (Straits Times, I think) this Sunday. Ah...I hope the facts are right this time.

Anyway christmas is just 10 days away and everyone's in a party mood. Audiences today were simply great, they really dressed to the nines. Check out spider man in jacket (earlier I challenged him to climb the pole & got jeered when he couldn't....hahaha)
And across the street they posed for me....aww how cute (pardon the quality because got moving objects, look closely and it looks like got ghost taxi...haha)

Suzie goes Gala

In yesterday's post, I told you I was going to peform for some expensive car owners (you'll know what event in the last pic)

Due to the fact that it was a Gala 'Shanghai-themed' event, Suzie gets to have her hair & make-up professional done by stylists........oowee.. I was so excited as I ALWAYS have to do my own. I was dreaming of finally having someone to transform me looking like a real 'Shanghai beauty' like this.... for I never know how to....

The results? rather DISAPPOINTING (startling I would say) as you can tell from my expression............duh.........(just to let you know I'm not the only one who think this 'look' is so not-me. When i showed friend this picture, he led out a chuckle! How assuring was that)

Huh? What kind of hairstyle is this? There was no hint of 'retro-ness' in the hair nor make up. And can you see how messy the top was? The stylist was attempting to make it look fuller when i pointed to him that it was too flat. He tried to use the end of a comb to 'pull' up some volume and when eventually it got messy, he said it was ok as no one can see from below stage. Hello, got video zoom ok! And I'm the MC ya know? Each time I took a peek of myself on the big screens, I cringed.

So mid-way through the event, I re-styled my own hair and touched up the make up the suzie way. Even If I can't achieve the desired retro look, as least I don't look like a messy 'aunty' going for grochery shopping.

Ah, better now

Now to see the full picture.................

I SHOULD NEVER FEEL SORE.........

........when i lose a gig!

Remember the count-down job which route I experimented and was not happening? So after I informed the person-i.c and got a "lemme think about it" reply, I did not hear from him again.

Today I got an official "no show" call. He apologised and I said it was perfectly ok, unless they don't mind having me AFTER the count-down. He said that would not be possible as after count-down, they wanted to perform some religious rituals thingie! Then it dawned on me next to this site is a chinese temple..................hmm....now I'm pretty happy about not partaking in it..........God's will?

Yesterday I had another tricky request. Although I'm pretty certain that it will be tough to fit that extra job in, I'm proscratinating a negative reply, still hoping that I will think of an alternative faster route. Think tomorow I shall just tell him I can't oblige his assignment.

Anyways in a few hours, I'll be preparing to entertain a group of people who own some of the most expensive cars in Singapore! Catching some sleep now.

WHAT A NASTY DAY

Oh what a day

1. First, earlier today I was told Suzie has detractors.

2. Then today pole set-up people gave me attitude. You see they have been asking for more pay but I thought all bookings have been made & confirmed for this year. Besides, that day when a set-up was very tough-going due to the venue (prop couldn't fit into lift) I trippled their pay and bought them all-they-can-eat dinner (and they really CAN eat, given they are quite burly guys) after the show. Then the other day only 1 came to set-up instead of the usual 2, I still paid in full. So I thought it was a case of give & take, and they don't appreciate what you have done! Ah... Anyways......

3. Today's audience a bit uppity to entertain. I swear this the first time I perform my one-armed flag to no applause! And I added a new transition which I practised just before the show and I happened to VIDEO it

4. And when i returned home dead tired, there was only 1 parking lot left and one idiot had to park across the line taking up the space of the empty lot. I had to park further away and lug my 1 clothes bag, 1 handbag and a trolley bag to the lift lobby! So inconsiderate.

Hope tomorrow will be better

Oh and one more thing that I'm a little upset is.....
On 22 Dec I have pole at 8pm and I have pole at 10.15pm, both off-town (former at Jurong East and latter at Ang Mo Kio). Today a new enquiry came in for Suzie Wong in Orchard. I have a slot in between, but I cannot figure out the travelling time and I'm so frustrated because it's going to be another CASE of an opprotunity slipping by me. So detractors wake up. Tell me how is the show bad when it's like that!

NEAR NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

But I'm still sane. The fatigue of working day & night from now til christmas and about 8 are pole!

But what surprised me was I just received an sms "please take note. Alot of event co talk bad about your show"

I shouldn't be telling you this to tarnish my own reputation, but with some 20 more to go in 14 days, I wonder who are spreading these rumours (if I find out who you are you better not cross my path!)

Anyway on a happier note. Got myself new pole, new dress (mail order) & shoes to match. I tell you, darn hard to look slim with all those gathers, hard to suck in like mad! Haha

NEW SANTA'S GIRL ORNAMENT

I'm ditching the boring usual X'mas hat for this cutie hair clip sister bought for me from Tokyo Disney Land. So KAWAII right? Haha, love it. Somemore can light up in the dark one (show you another time the lighted version, too tired now.....grin!)

MEASURE OF LOVE

if only you can measure someone's love for you by what they get for you as gifts. It's not about how expensive, but the thoughts and efforts put into how useful it is for you. . So I'm fascinated when people buy me clothes. Imagine they have to wonder if you will wear it or can fit into it. They really love you 100% when their mental calculation of my size is so accurate. Because even I have problem estimating my own size, that's why I always end up buying wrong sizes for myself especially from those no-try sale or overseas order

First I promised Ms Sin Lady that I will take picture of the lovely Paul Ropp skirts she bought me. She bought me not one, but 2 because she knows I wear them so often. The convenient velcro makes it lovely for work (when I have gigs).

As you can see, Sin Lady, they are very well worn, very seasoned because I wear them oh so often. (sorry 2nd pic my face was too ugly to be posted so I cropped off to show off only the skirt, and I was too tired to re-take)

vAnother dear friend, Brenda bought me this top for birthday. Today I wore it to host the 20-people-just-interact show. So fitting!

My dear sister bought me this denim overall skirt from her recent trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Cool isn't it?

Not forgetting the pink fur cowboy hat to top that!

Love them all

Just Interact

It's gonna be some serious next-3-weeks for me. So probably won't be here too much, but I'll try.

Tomorow I have a rather interesting event entertaining just about 20 people. The offer for me to host and perform a segment of pole dance was rather generous, so I'm only too glad to accept.

However, according to the program (I didn't even have to meet or speak to the client prior), the rest of the evening is filled with music by a band, besides some speeches and awards.

The instructions given to me via email was straightforward: "you need not play any games as they are VVIPs. You role is just to "interact" with them."

I'm puzzled..........I asked my friend, "so no need play games but must interact!? Meaning what? Sit down and eat with them? Haha.

Anyway, this was me last night. As you can guess, the theme has to do with flight around the world.
I really can pass off as some matronly-looking leading stewardess.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

I know I sound extrememly incongruent, expecially after my last post just barely 2 hours ago.

But someone showed me this, and I'm reminded that life is beautiful, God is great.

So stop being so grudging, Suzie.

Sometimes people just need little reminders. I cried a little when I watched this. Did you?

TIPS ON STRESS MANAGEMENT ANYONE?

BEWARE...................LONG RANT

The end of year is usually a bountiful period for me, but I usually have to work my butt out for the harvest.

This year is exceptionally stressful (does not equate to being more harvest) because I've since diversed to MC-ing and pole dancing. Previously I just had to sing. I used to have an "artist manager" but now I "manage" myself and negotiate my own rates, settle my own bookings, collect payments, deal with the program, marketing etc. No one knows the load, they think things just fall on my lap. Company (my agent) just sits back and wait for their portion of the yield.

Besides that I still work in the day. Managing accounts, payroll, creative concepts, a little on sales & operations, in a nutshell, managing people.

Today I have an exceptionally trying day. I started the morning telling off a couple of colleagues who did not follow instructions (see, I become unswerable when things go wrong). Then came demanding customers who wanted things to be done IMMEDIATELY as if I only handle ONE account, and event companies who needed a little nudging for confirmations and payments, I had to get some merchanise, reserve santa's outfit for an event, book pole props and arrange transport .....& the list goes on.

By mid-day I was all stressed out and I was supposed to have an MC-ing cum singing job later. I took a very short nap to calm myself down. Within that half hour I have no idea the nightmare that crept into my sleep could almost be a reality.

Somehow I dreamt that the show took place in Hong Kong (because it was a Hong Kong lady who hired me in reality). Me being a regular HK visitor taught it was not going to be difficult to get around. I arrived at the event venue only to realise I had forgotten to bring my make-up kit. There was only an hour left to shop for the cosmetic and put them on. When I went to a mall, the sales girl was out of sight & I had so much problem getting help. When I eventually bought my stuff I had wandered so far off from where I started I got lost. I hopped on a cab to take me back when suddenly there was an eclipse of the sun that caused the entire street to black out. Since it was still daytime, there was no street lights, so it was pitch dark. All vehicles including my taxi came to a halt as they were afraid of collision. I urged the taxi to carry one and inch it's way as I was really late. When the sunlight eventually came on, the taxi was on the other side of the street and I ordered him to alight me and I ran as fast as I could (you realise how you can't run fast in dreams?). When I eventually found my way, the event had started and the guests were hosting the show themselves and they were really upset when I showed up.

I woke up almost in tears. That was really disturbing and now I felt 10x worse. I didn't have good feeling of the show already.

Although not as dramatic as the dream had gone, my show was really interrupted with smses and calls that someone in the company has accepted a double booking for another show. Double booking means a slot is booked twice by 2 separate events. How now like that? Almost the whole world was blamed for this blunder except himself. Furthermore, a dear colleague forgot to carry out something I had tasked him to do that was related to this matter & I didn't even get an apology, only attitude. So unbecoming!

Aiyah................I'm super upset now lor. Sometimes I think I'm old liao, should concentrate on my gigs while I can still perform. I'm lacking the energy to concentrate on so many things. You can't put heart and soul into your performances when 20mins before you take on the stage to greet 200 to 1000 people, you are asked to solve a problem created by OTHER people!

Since I'm on an irritable mood, let me tell you how some people can be very irritating. That day I received a call from a friend who has NOT kept in touch with me for ages and I was busy standing by a show. The conversation went like this (and all the time I sounded hurried but I took care to be patient & helpful)

Me : Ya Awyong?
Awyong : E-e-e-a-a-a-i-i-i (like you know how they try to prolong that to sound really friendly)! I want to ask you were I can rent costumes.
Me : (I didn't reciprocrate the friendliness) Several, you can check the yellow pages. But the biggest one with everything you need will be No.1 Costume Costume at Aliwal Street
Awyong : Number what?
Me : N-u-m-b-e-r- O-n-e C-o-s-t-u-m-e C-o-s-t-u-m-e.
Awyong : Number One Costume ah?
Me : Costume Costume. Two times (the word costume). (Again I repeated slowly) Number One Costume Costume. They located at A-L-I-W-A-L street. Sorry I don't have number and address, it's near Arab Street. Go and check up yourself with service 100 (local directory) or something.
Awyong : Oh ok (then under his breath he was repeating the name slowly as though he was writing it down).
Before he could ask further I hung up.

After the show I had an sms that read "Can you please forward me the name and details of the costume shop again? Please?"

I never did!

Anyway, back to now, I'm glad the show didn't go as badly. It would have been so much better if i could blank out all these miserable interruptions to enjoy it. So those who have contributed to this misery, avoid me for at least the next 2 to 3 days...you don't want to hear me

R-O-O-O-A-A-A-R-R-R-R!

--------added later---------

Oh great! I just realised I've left my CD bag (tan jiak one) at the earlier show. Now have to go back and get tomorow......why do things have to go wrong together?

Still on topic of Birthday

These are some of the birthday pressies I got this year.

Elegant black top from Brenda, Hong Pao from boss and red thong (check out the butterfly) from Linna & cyber shot.

Thanks, I love them all,

Think I'm getting this from my sis.......Lmao (model not included)

Completed Choreo-Finally

It was hard trying to complete a pole choreography without any inverts. I know you might have seen us doing this before, but this is the final final one. It took us (me actually ) a lot of effort to be this synchronized.


Enjoy the video, especially Linna being such a, such a, beautiful dancer. I look quite pathetic next to her. I was trying very hard to be in sych with her and at the same time lip sych with pussycat dolls because I hope to sing and perform this routine some time (challenging!)

Sidetrack:
This morning I was performing at an opening of a huge plant (cold store). Together with me in the dressing room was a petite adorable, rather cool eiderly chinese man with pony tail dressed in sequinned laced top and pants, obviously a magician/illusionist. He spoke in perfect mandarin. I politely asked if he had performed magic in Singapore for long, he replied yes, only as a hobby because he owns this factory. Fwah! (ok, I found out he was one of the directors, but still!)

Very cute, for the auspicious opening, they had 2 pairs of lions jumping out of the cold store to perform. The crew were joking not to let the lions wait too long or you have 2 pairs of lion statues (frozen)! haha....