A Zen State of Mind

Just returned from a week in the Northern Capital about 3 days ago, and it's been a crazy but very fruitful 3 days. The Northern Capital is AMAZING, and I had such a good time combining work and play. The Great Wall is humbling, and the hutong and Nanluoguxiang is so much fun. Standing on top of the Great Wall and seeing the wall line the top of mountain ridges as far as the eye can see was overwhelming and nothing short of mindblowing. The local arts scene is also very active. So much culture, heritage and social evolution to draw inspiration from!

Also checked out quite a number of restaurants and hotels, and ate alot of yummy food, took alot of interior and architectural pictures - so much fun!

Headed straight to work when I got back, and had a hard time trying to stay awakw at work. Flight back from PEK was delayed by 3 hours due to the storm and the long queue of planes waiting to take off, which meant sitting in the plane and waiting for 3 whole hours - PAINFUL! So instead of arriving at 1015pm, we got back at 2 plus am.

Yesterday, Niks Biks, Kokopops and I helped Nawoo out at his business launch (Weddings by N at www.nathanwu.com), which was quite successful. Nawoo displayed some of his shots from past weddings held in Singapore and the US, and invited past and prospective clients to the launch. The art space at Old School was nicely decorated and themed, thanks to Niks Biks; and we had some GLORIOUS, DELICIOUS, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH macarons, tarts and cupcakes from Soo Ting (Check out Artisan Sweets at Henry Park Apartment, guys!!! www.etasweets.com). Everyone was all praise for the sweets, and couldn't stop at a few pieces. I wish the both of them every success in their business! 's wonderful to have enough passion and courage to take the step and start one's own business! I could only support with salmon sandwiches, cucumber cups with thai beef salad and asparagus wrapped in prosciutto!

Today's been a full day of band practise as the girls prepare for a wedding performance next weekend. 5 solid hours of sax, guitar, base, keyboard, cajon and singing. By the end of it, we were all drained and trying hard to repel songs from our heads. This is one of our biggest gigs yet, with a 2-hour gig at a private wedding party. I hope we do a fantastic job!

No big plans for the week ahead, which is nice. Prior to the Northern Capital, I was feeling quite thinly spread over friends, family, gigs, work and bi-monthly existential crisises. Going away and being in a new place has brought me a refreshed zen state of mind, which i really appreciate and hope to be able to maintain for a period of time.

Also need to learn to take a step back, and not be constantly in charge - it's a strength and a weakness!