My first cup of Starbucks...

Hot chocolate at $6.50. That's what I like about Starbucks. Fantastic concept, the idea behind is simple yet unique and has the mass market appeal plus the ability to command a high price. $$$

Starbucks:

Idea - to enhance the consumer's coffee drinking experience. As to how they do it, is something I wanna learn.

They took coffee drinking to another level. From the typical kopitiam format, to where it is now. And the best part is, ppl are willing to pay for the coffee itself even without the unique 'Starbucks experience'.

There are many who would need their cup of Starbucks each morning before going to work. My cousin, Winston is one of them. Starbucks probably did not anticipate that this would happen as their original concept was to sell the coffee along with the experience as a 'package'. But when ppl starting queing up to 'tapao' their coffee to work, Starbucks restrategized. And today, other than selling at their 'cafe outlets', they also sell at those retail carts and mobile stands (as shown below) near business districts.

Ppl queing up at Starbucks before going to a meeting>>>

They are a retailer's dream...my dream too. Hope to achieve that someday.

I've just read Jason's blog. Its amazing to see God working in his life. Feel kinda guilty after that. Guess its cause I know I'm not doing enough. I really should'nt lock myself at home.

I have practically hibernated myself at home for 4 days already. There's got to be a better way to study other than locking myself up behind these 3 walls and a window grill.

I discovered that apologies are a result of failing to meet expectations. There are many people who expects a lot from us...including friends, but i believe in most cases, the people that will expect the most from us will be our parents. haha...need i elaborate more? But the funny thing is, although they seem to expect the most from us, yet, they are also the one who expects the least from us. They go through so mush just to raise us up and yet, expecting nothing in return. haha....maybe not all parents. but i can be sure to say that most are unselfish and their love is unconditional.

Real life situations, real life problems. I've always believed in the concept of happy endings. Maybe its cause i watch too much TV...Well, life's not like that. There are many problems that just can't be solved with human effort but requires Godly intervention. That's why I believe in prayer. Prayer itself has no power. But the power lies in the one you pray to. When we have done whatever we can do and all else fails, we can only pray and intercede. Its foolish to think that the human strength is limitless. We can't do anything and everything. We are prone to helplessness at times. Quoting Shakespere, :' All world's a stage, and men and women merely actors.' God is the director. Therefore, I dun believe in placing too much trust my own abilities...they'll fail me. I wanna learn to trust God instead.

With all I am...

Many of us now are facing difficult times and I was reminded of this song yesterday at church. Auntie Yvonne told me that this was the song that pulled her through when Kristeen, her niece passed on. To my brothers and sisters-in-Christ who are facing trials and difficulties, hope the lyrics of this song will encourage you.

With all I am (Hillsong) - (song can be played in the media player)

Verse:

Into your hand I commit again

With all I am for you Lord

You hold my world

In the palm of your hand

and I'm yours forever

CHORUS

Jesus I believe in you

Jesus I belong to you

you're the reason that I live

the reason that I sing

with all I am

Verse:

I'll walk with You wherever you go

through tears and joy

I'll trust in You

and I will live in all of Your ways

and Your promises forever

Poem from 'Streams in the Dessert':

God is in every tomorrow,

Therefore I live for today,

Certain of finding at sunrise,

Guidance and strength for my way;

Power for each moment of weakness,

Hope for each moment of pain,

Comfort for every sorrow,

Sunshine and Joy after rain.