Orthokeratology: Wearing lenses at night

Orthokeratology, or Ortho K for short, is still a pretty foreign concept in Singapore, although I do see many more people being less surprised when I tell them I wear lenses at night instead of in the day. With the increasing number of technologies people can opt for to correct their vision, I feel like I should give my input of what Ortho K is like with my 7 years of experience.

Yes, 7 years, you didn't read wrongly. Ortho K has been around for a really really long time! That's why I'm really surprised that it has not become the next biggest thing just like braces were.

To understand what Ortho K is, it is basically your hard lens, but instead of wearing it in the day, you wear it at night. Of course, it functions differently from the normal hard lens. What Ortho K lens does is to shape your cornea at night, such that in the day when you take your lens out, your cornea is shaped in a way that allows you to have perfect/ near perfect vision.

Please pardon me for I'm not going to go into the science of it, I'm just going to talk about my own experience with it.

When I first started using the lens, I had a really hard time getting used to having to insert something into my eyes. Putting the lens at night used to be torture as I couldn't control my instinct to shut my eye when something comes so close to it. At the end of the routine, my eyes are read with tears all over my face. Thank god I got used to it. Now, it's simply a breeze.

Of course, you will definitely feel some discomfort in the first 2 weeks of wearing the lens. I mean, they are hard lens, not soft lens that can be designed to feel like you are wearing nothing. It's hard lens, so you are going to feel something. And, Ortho K lens are slightly bigger in circumference as compared to normal hard lens, because it needs to cover your cornea and shape it, duh! So you are going to feel it there even more so. So it's perfectly normal for your eyes to tear, and get red a little simply because it feels awkward to have something so obviously in your eye. As long as it doesn't hurt, and your eye isn't getting really red, you are perfectly fine. And of course, you will get used to this feeling, and your eyes will too, so no more redness and tearing after a couple of weeks.

Since it is something that you are putting into your eye, the care for the lenses are definitely tedious, at least at the beginning. You will need to add in extra time for washing your lenses and storing them properly. But just like how you get used to having to brush your teeth day and night, you will get used to this routine. What used to take me 10 minutes is now only taking me 5 minutes, or even lesser on good days.

To give an overview of the whole routine (updated):

• Night: putting on the lens

Rinse the lens with saline water --> put them on [yes it's that simple now]

• Day: taking them out

Use suction to take lens out of eyes --> rinse with water --> wash with cleanser --> store in a case using oxysept solution and pill

Sounds really easy right! It's really a matter of getting used to the whole routine.

Then, what are the pros and cons of using Ortho K lenses? Why did I not simply go for Lasik, saving me the whole trouble of having to wear lenses and care for them?

Well, firstly, there are cons to lasik. I'm not talking about the severe medical issues that could potentially occur. I'm simply talking about some minor disadvantages that people will need to get used to, like dry eyes (according to a friend who did lasik 3 years back). Yes, of course lasik is going to be really convenient, with (normally) little drawbacks that one can get used to. 

But lasik is a permanent procedure, Ortho K is not. And aside from the medial issues that could arise, there is a potential for complications such as the surfacing of other issues that comes with aging or whatever. 

So having worn Ortho K lenses for 7 years, I am all for continuing with this routine till one day Lasik becomes a norm, or some other technology comes up. 

But why Ortho K instead of normal soft lenses then?

One big advantage Ortho K lenses have over soft lenses are that Ortho K lenses, or hard lenses in general, prevent your degree from going up. This is definitely very very important for people who find that their degree is rising while wearing spectacles/soft lenses. 

Well, then why Ortho K instead of hard lenses?

Day contact lens users often complain about dryness in their eyes after a long day of wearing the lenses. Or, they can't wear the lenses when going into the water, so they need to put up with bad vision when doing activities in the water. Otherwise, there are some people like me that likes to rub their eyes. 

Wearing Ortho K lenses means that I have perfect or near perfect vision in the day without anything on my eyes at all. Doesn't this sound perfect? No dry eyes to deal with, no bad vision to deal with, no water to fear, rub your eyes whenever you want (it's not good to, but you get what I mean). 

And this is why I have been a loyal Ortho K lens user for 7 years. I recommend this to anyone that fits the criteria (basically as long as your degree is around 600 or less). 

Some people fear the potential drawbacks or cons that Ortho K brings. Well, all the cons/potential issues are basically the same as with any type of contact lens, so I don't see why you will choose day lens over Ortho K. 

Perhaps the idea of wearing something at night bothers you. You fear the lens moving to places in should not be at. Well, you really don't have to worry about that, because Ortho K lenses having a bigger circumference and needing to shape your cornea means that it fits snugly onto your eyes, at where it should be (covering the coloured part of your eye). Unless your eyeball rotates itself in the night, your lens won't move to places it shouldn't be at. 

But if you have the habit to rubbing your eyes at night, well, then maybe you need to reconsider. I was able to made my subconscious mind aware of the fact that I can't touch my eye at night, so I have no problems with that at all. But if you do have this habit, then maybe Ortho K isn't safe for you. '

Otherwise, really consider Ortho K. It is so much better than the other type of contact lenses that are available on the market. And please if you are on spectacles, just get rid of it already, spectacles are bad for you. So inconvenient, exhausts my eyes and gives me headaches. 

There are a few trustworthy places in Singapore that offers Ortho K, otherwise feel free to contact me for the Optometrist and shop I go to:) 

I'll NEVER be good at Math.....right?

This was something that happened to me when I was sec 4. I thought I'll never be good at math. But somehow, I got an A in A levels.

I started out good actually, in Primary 1 and 2, I could get 90 marks and above for my math papers. And then everything just went downhill in the final exams during Primary 2. I did really badly for math. From then on, I believed that math was simply not for me.

And that continued all the way till secondary school. I wasn't good at math, but I wasn't terrible at it either. I was always the average student (though somehow I got an A* for math in PSLE....) So yes, in secondary school my math was usually a B, sometimes I would do worse, like fail a paper. And I was entirely convinced then, that I would never be able to get A for it. Like really. I would always wait hopefully for the return of the math papers, only to look at my normal B grade or something worse. And then I would smile and tell myself: oh well, expected.

Then something happened. In Sec 3 during a common test, I got back my paper for A math, and realised that I got an A* for it.

It is hard to describe how I felt, the surprise, shock, disbelief, joy and just....mind-blown in general. I had always believed that math was out of my reach, but all of a sudden, I....got it?

This must have been what Einstein felt, when he suddenly did well for math in his older years.

My believes have completely been overturned by my own hands. It was....surreal.

But from then on, I had a growing hope and confidence, that I can actually do it.

I didn't do well all of a sudden. I continued getting Bs for a while, till the final exams in sec 4. I went crazy and got 89/100 for my E Math paper. And got 69/100 for my A Math paper. One is an A*, the other a B. The disbelief, and believe. I actually got a high score on a paper that the usual math geeks in my class didn't score well on.

Sometimes I wonder if I am a weirdo.

But yes. I had confidence from then on, that I can make Math a possibility. I did a 180 and just believed that I was actually good at it, I just had to work hard on it. And then I worked hard, practiced like mad, and came up with many tips and tricks of my own to help me conquer math.

And I did it. I got an A for A level.

So when my sister told me that she thinks math is a lost cause for her, I simply reply with one word: Bullshit.

Telling yourself that something is a lost cause, and thus giving up on it, is a sorry excuse for your lazy and weak self.

I was once that lazy and weak person, giving up on a subject just because I thought I wasn't good at it.

They key here is to take is as a "life or death" issue. Yeah I know what you're thinking: dude, what life or death, its just a freaking exam paper, just a freaking alphabet on a freaking piece of fancy paper.

When I mean treating it as a "life or death" issue, I mean in the way you handle it. Not react to it. So don't go jumping buildings or bridges now.

Very simply, treat every paper that you do, especially during an exam, as a survival quest. It is either be eaten (by the paper) or eat (the paper). When you look at it this way, you'll be surprised how efficiently your brain suddenly works.

And also, for math especially, practice.

When I say practice, I don't mean doing math questions often, or frequently, or completing your assigned tutorials/homework. I mean, going crazy doing it, till you get so sick and tired of it you actually feel like vomiting on the pure thought of it.

Because that was precisely what I did. I was doing, on average, 5 math papers every week for the last 3 months leading to the A levels. Just keep doing the paper, looking through your mistakes and making sure you learn from it. And then repeat over and over again. By the time A levels came, my body will actually physically react to the thought of doing another math paper, as in I would flinch, goosebumps will rise, and I just don't want to touch it anymore.

Ok, a bit extreme, but yeah. Because its do or die, "life or death" remember? If you are stuck in a jungle with absolutely no helpline, will you sit and stone till death, or look for food and shelter to try and survive? Animals, when driven to a corner, will do absolutely anything to get out of it. Humans, when absolutely hungry, will hunt the mouse they call pest.

That is exactly the mentality to treat a math paper, and all your papers actually.

So don't go believing that you can't do math, or anything in general, and giving up on it. Because that is you giving yourself the death sentence. Instead, give yourself hope, give yourself a way out. Because you can, actually, possibly, do it.

Passed on First Try for Class 3 License!!!

Oh my god. The elation man. And just the joy of knowing that all your efforts aren't wasted.

Apparently, from research and chatting with others, the average person will require 2-3 tries before passing. The thing though, is that under my instructor, a good majority of his students passed on first try.

But before I go further into the entire journey, let me just share what my experience was for my test.

I booked my test for 8.10 am at the comfortdelgro test centre in Ubi. I'm not sure about you, but from what I heard, cdc at ubi has one of the tougher test courses. Perhaps its due to the heavy traffic around that area (industrial area with a lot of heavy vehicles and reckless drivers). And so I was naturally nervous, no matter how much I told myself to treat it like any other day.

It started out with a warm-up with my own instructor. And during the warm-up, I was making quite a few careless mistakes like turning into the wrong lane, forgetting to check blind spot, lag response etc. Honestly, these can be attributed to the fact that I was having 5am mornings for the entire week leading up to my test on Thursday. I'm just not a morning morning person, and so it took a toll on me. I was, very simply put, exhausted. But gotta keep the adrenaline pumping if I want to pass. And so, I just chilled and relaxed despite my instructor's shouting and calmed myself down.

After going round the circuit and practicing on all the possible tests, it was time to report. So at cdc, if you are a private candidate, you will park your car along a stretch of parking lots that lead into the circuit. We were a little late, and so there was only one lot left, and it was all the way at the front. Oh well, not that its a problem. So after parking, my instructor quickly got down with my ic and pdl and ran to the reporting station for some odd reason I didn't know. Me on the other hand went to relieve my bladder at the toilet. After my instructor was done, he came over and led me to the test holding room, where everyone awaits for the tester to come.

There, I just chilled, had a drink of water, and stretched my tired legs (the clutch pedal is a pain in the ass). My assigned tester was one of the first few to come and get me, and so I went out. He first confirmed my NRIC with me, and then after exchanging names, we got to the car. The tester fitted the appropriate labels onto the car while I placed my belongings. After that, once we got into the car, he fixed the camera. I waited till he was somewhat done. And then the tester briefed me very briefly about starting the test and that I must do emergency brake when he slaps in front of him. And then the test started.

So it started out with the settling down part. So basically, I shifted my seat, put on my seat belt, checked all 3 mirrors, released handbrake and engaged first gear, and then moved off left into the circuit, on the command of the tester.

Once in the circuit, I was first told to do directional change. And so I did it as I would normally do. And then we left and went onto s-course. Got that done and over with, and then had to cut across to do slope. Once that was done, I went onto parallel parking, and then turned to do crank course. After coming out, turned to do reverse parking. I screwed this part a little bit as I had to turn out once more due to being really close to the kerb. It was no problem, in fact I was already in, but my perfectionist side didn't like how close I was to the kerb. No points incurred her. But the traffic was really heavy in the circuit for some odd reason. And so I encountered some trouble going out.

And then this happened. So I was done with all the stations already and was told by the tester to go out. But right at the stop line, was a parallel parking lot. It would have been no problem, except I had already stopped, and this learner driver insisted on reversing into the lot. I couldn't reverse at that point in time, and I clearly remembered having turned out before the car started reversing. And so, I wasn't sure if the tester would blame me instead. Imagine my joy when the tester rolled down the windows and told the student to back off. Yay to me! Means it isn't my fault! Whew!

Ok so I turned out as the tester instructed me to. And just as my instructor told me beforehand, on the way out of the test centre, my tester decided to test my emergency brake as he slapped all of a sudden. Thank god for my fast reflexes cos I actually stoned for a split second, but my leg was fast enough to jam the brakes. I braked so hard my belongings fell all onto the ground. Even the instructor was a bit shocked at how hard it was. But, that's actually a good thing!

Ok, so I went out, and as expected, the roads were really busy at the 8am period. But, I clearly made sure that there was no oncoming car from the right (the only one being a L-plate car turning into the test centre). And then I turned left, checked briefly for no oncoming vehicles and turned. And then halfway into a turning, a motorcycle sped onto my lane out of nowhere. Thank god I jammed the brakes in time. Gosh you wouldn't believe how shocked and angry I was at that stupid motorcycle. Didn't he realise how dangerous it was! The good thing was that it was not my fault, because I definitely did not miss the motorcycle, since the instructor would have lifted the handbrakes before I even get to jam brake. And so, whew! But ok, with that over, I drove on. From there on, I made some careless mistakes, the most major being accidentally going over my lane. And then I was also called out for not having checked blindspot on my left turns.

Those were all ok. The biggest scare of my life came when I stupidly used the right-most lane to turn right, and then had to keep left because we were going back to the test centre. And mind you, it was a four-lane road congested road. I literally just kept repeating "shit shit shit shit" in my head as I signalled left and very desperately look on for any kind-hearted souls to let me cut. No such luck as it was two huge trucks on the immediate left lane. I didn't even bother trying with them, and thank god I didn't cos they sped by without giving a thought to me. And then a few other smaller cars also sped by, giving me no chance at all as I rolled slowly on the right lane, hogging it on first gear as I tried desperately to find an opening. Finally, it came when a car somehow started driving slower , and it was a distance away. Once that was established on my mind, I cut in without a second thought.

And then the third lane was less congested due to the green light ahead, although still rather congested. I used the front mirror and physically turned to check for cars before cutting in again.

At this point, the fourth lane was a dotted yellow bus lane. And because of that, I knew that it was going to turn into the straight yellow bus lane soon anyway. So I asked the tester out loud if he wants me to keep to that lane. He understood that it was going to be bus lane, and also said that there was an accident in the front anyway, so it's ok. And so I drove on, and cut left once the dotted lanes came up, and turned into the test centre. Once I parked my car appropriately, the tester led me up to the second level, and told me to wait while he enters a separate room.

Ok, at this point, I actually totally believed that I failed. One thing was due to the fact that I drifted lanes once, and I wasn't sure if he was unhappy with my very slow left cutting. And overall, I didn't know if he was a good or bad tester.

He appeared after a short while and led me into this conference area where the testers would debrief the students. Once he sat down, he smiled and said "don't so black face lah, pass lah." And immediately my face brightened up. Hahaha!! And I just kept thanking him. He highlighted my mistakes out to me and passed me with 18 demerit points. Yay! He then briefed me on what to do next. So basically I just had to pay for my license at the counter and then proceed to watch the safety video at the next available timing, that is 9.55am. It was 9am when he let me go though, so I had plenty of time.

So that's it! A really nerve-wrecking test session. And thank god I don't have to go through it again!

Ok, so now, my personal thoughts. I think after going through the process myself and chatting with friends who are also learning driving, I can safely conclude that the instructor matters. It barely matters what school you take your test in, whether you are a good student or not, or whether its private or school. All that matters is that your instructor must be good.

Why do I say that?

For this, I really have to commend my instructor. He is a really experienced instructor holding class 3, 4 and 5 licenses, and have taught for all 3 classes. And when teaching, his main intention is to teach his students how to drive safely and in real-life situations, second to passing the test of course. He is very experienced with the test routes and format at cdc as well, and will impart all that he knows, which I believe is every possible trick that makes sense, to his learners to ensure that they can pass on their first try. And I think this is very important. Because ultimately, you want to pass the test and actually be ABLE to drive on the road without dying!

I've heard of people who needs multiple tries before passing, and my thought is always, did you reflect on why you couldn't pass on those past few rounds? And I think what some have said is quite true, if you can't pass even after so many times, are you sure you are "safe enough" for the road?

It's one thing to not value your life and drive recklessly. But don't drag others down with you.

But of course, sometimes its truly not a problem of theirs. Like my friend who failed twice already, she couldn't pass the 2 times due to only two areas, vertical and parallel parking. And I was just like, how is that possible??? Apparently, her instructor didn't bother teaching her the tricks, claiming that "real life got no tricks". Like huh? There's no "real life" to talk about if you can't even pass please.

So there you have it! My experience as a private candidate.

Rude and self-entitled old man

Was at johor bahru again to do some chinese new year shopping while having a girls day out with my godfamily. Everything was going well and we were all having fun. Unfortunately, I had to meet some unreasonable people along the way that were specks of irritating dust.

Ok so first was the toilet incident. That wasn't so bad as the culprit had the sense to retreat once it was clear that we all know her intentions. So my god-sister and I were queuing for the toilet like everyone else was, and I was the next in line. Suddenly, this woman wearing a hijab walked in with her kids past the queue, and so I thought she simply wanted to wash her hands. However, I noted that the first thing she did, when she walked straight in, was to look at the cubicles. Clearly, she was looking to see if there were any empty cubicles. I didn't say anything initially, as she proceeded to wash her hands. I was hoping that she will be courteous enough to queue up as well.

Unfortunately, after washing her hands, she simply stood at the front of the line, clearly waiting for a cubicle to free up. Well, bad news lady, cause I ain't in the mood to be a pushover. So I went up to her and politely told her that there was a queue for the toilet. At least she had enough sense to acknowledge that fact and obediently queued up.

Well, honestly, if she actually tried to cut the queue, whether it was her or her kids, I would have simply pulled them back or stop them and politely tell them that there was a queue.

Ok, so this ended well. But really, why can't you just follow society's rules and queue like any self-respecting individual? I have no idea which country she came from, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't blind. Since you weren't blind, can you not see a queue???

Right, so I thought that would be the end of any unfortunate incidents.

Unfortunately, I met another black sheep who also tried to cut the queue. This time round, the culprit was pretty vocal about it. So I was in guardian queuing up to pay. And initially there were only 2 people in the queue. Another lady came by and stood on the other side at the beginning, meaning she formed another queue. However, she saw that there was already a queue on the other side, and so she left to join the queue. (There was only one counter open!)

Soon enough, the line lengthened and it was clear to any human being who isn't blind that there is a queue.

However, this old man walked up to the other side, and clearly looked at the queue that was already present. Yet, he placed his item down on the counter table, clearly intending to cut the queue.

Really Uncle, count yourself unfortunate to have met me.

I was definitely not going to allow anyone to cut my queue without a legitimate reason.

Once the person in front of me was done with his payment, I quickly squeezed up to the front and almost thrust my item into the hands of the cashier right before the old man could. And when he realised he wasn't going to be successful this time round, he was clearly pissed and actually had the audacity to pick up his item and slam it down closer to the front, like as if I cut his queue, and not the other way round.

I then politely informed him that there was already a queue. And I remember clearly that this was what I said: Uncle, there is a queue here. And highlight, I said it politely.

But of course, as an unreasonable and self-entitled old man, unhappy that his misdeeds were pointed out, he actually raised his voice and started defending himself. He said that he wouldn't have known that there was a queue and that I didn't tell him there was one and I should have told him there was one.

Um, dude, do I look like a cashier to you? Do I look like I work in the shop? Even then, which of your parents told you that someone has to direct you to a queue????

At first I didn't want to do anything, but his hands got pretty close to my face, which seriously ticked me off. Like what, you resorting to violence now? And so I raised up my hand and placed it right in front of his face while facing to the front, clearly disregarding him. And right before I left, I very vehemently said to his face: Act like an adult please.

Seriously, why is it that some people just has to be so unreasonable and ridiculous??? Is it so hard to queue?

And really, just because you are an old man you think you have all the right in the world to speak down and raise your voice to someone else?

Worst still, when the man cut the queue, the people behind actually just ignored it.

I'm just aghast at how some people can be so passive. It is precisely all these passive people that perpetuates the actions of ridiculous and unreasonable people.

What, only if its online and anonymous then will you speak out? Stop being a coward.

I know I'm not in the wrong. Right from the start I spoke politely and with respect. But if you don't return the favour, I'm going flip the table so bad you are going to find yourself stuck underneath it.

My mother actually told me that I shouldn't have been so vocal, as the old man could attempt to "take revenge".

I understand that. He could be some big loan shark and is prepared to chop me into pieces.

But what, just because we would incur consequences, we should just ignore it and get trampled over? And allow seemingly petty but society-ruining acts to continue?

Sorry not sorry. I'm not one of those pushovers that hide behind a screen to complain.

To any of you reading this, I hope you won't be cowards as well. If you see someone that is clearly in the wrong, I hope that you won't hesitate to point that out and right it.

From blonde to brunette

A few months back I wrote about going mermaid with pastel blue, purple and pink. The change was drastic, but I loved it. I didn't miss my brown hair one bit.

Now, with my roots becoming unsightly, Chinese New Year approaching and my desire to go on an internship, I have decided that 6 months of being a blondie was enough. It was time to go back to conservative colours.

So I decided to go with dark chocolate brown on the outside with purple and blue underlights, just to ease the transition and to not waste the bleached part of my hair.

It's all done and I'm officially no longer a blonde, or now I'm only blonde on the underneath(lol). But gosh, I miss my blonde hair.

I look so proper and studious now it hurts.

Even my mother, who opposed to me bleaching my hair, said she misses my blonde, colour-filled hair. That's saying something.

Now, I look through pictures of my previous hair and....I just miss it. Miss being blonde. It's not like I was happier or crazier or more rabak with blonde hair, it's just how it made me feel, like I was free.

But well, all good things come to an end. It feels like I've come back to reality, and that's perhaps not a bad thing.

First-timer at clubbing?

I'm writing this with a mild hangover from the crazy night I had clubbing just yesterday(or today, technically). Definitely my craziest so far, but I only have 3 to compare so.....yep.

I like clubbing, but I don't do it often. It is simply too insane and taxing to club often, plus you gotta have the right friends to go clubbing with, and the right mood, I feel. Otherwise, I'm simply too busy with all my commitments in life that I can't spare the time and money to go clubbing. But I like it, and for now, doing it minimally helps me enjoy each time better.

But the point is not on just the experience, but more of what to expect for first-timers. As you can see, I'm no pro, but I can definitely offer some perspective as to what to expect if you have never clubbed before. I find that there is just not many websites or information about clubbing for first-timers, and if there is, they are either outdated or just not comprehensive enough. So hopefully this will be helpful for those looking for more information, ps it's targeted at females.

1. Preparation is very important.

Ok come on, if you are going to club, you wanna make the best out of it, so it is definitely advisable to do some preparations. By that, I mean researching about relevant information on clubs you are planning to hit, planning what you are going to wear, setting limits for yourself and making sure that they are embedded in your brain so that when you are drunk and high af you will subconsciously abide by your limits. Anyway, there is a whole lot to prepare, not just physically but mentally as well. Either way, prepare.

2. Dressing

If you are clubbing in Singapore, I find that most of the popular clubs (Attica, Zouk etc.) have a rather strict dress code. Strict in the sense that you really have to dress according to what they say. To be on the safe side, no slippers or slip-ins, no shorts, and dress like you are going clubbing.

Feel free to wear sneakers as long as they don't look like they were fished out of the trash can. But really, slippers are definitely no no NO! Not even slip-ins, to be safe. Your shoe can be freaking 5 inches (like mine) but if it's a slip-in, better choose another pair of shoes. Most importantly, comfort! You are gonna be mostly standing and jumping the whole night, so shoes are very important (learnt that the hard way T.T)

Shorts are actually allowed, but normally girls who are allowed in with shorts dress really provocatively, showing quite a good amount of skin and just looking.......slutty.......so I mean if you are those girls then yea sure, but if you aren't, let's just stay away from shorts.

Dress like you are going to club. Don't start throwing shit about how you are yourself and you shouldn't have to dress to please others bla bla bla. I mean come on, you really wanna risk being barred entry??? And its not even hard, you can totally dress conservatively as long as you choose the right clothes. My friend freaking wore a long sleeve, and she paired it with a leather skirt, so that was perfectly fine. I wore a black crop top with sleeves but paired it with a high-waist skirt so I was actually covered as well, perfectly fine and comfy to dance in.

If you really have no idea what to wear, it's alright. Just pick out what you will normally wear when you go out with friends, try to fit the criteria first (no shorts, no slippers) and then see if you can get darker colours (black, metallic etc.), and then see if you have more provocative clothes if you are alright with that. And you're all set!

Point is, put in some effort in your dressing, at least to make sure you don't get barred entry, and more so that you can have a good night out looking good, being confident, while being comfy.

3. Things that go on in the club

There are so many little things that goes on rampantly in the club that for someone with minimal clubbing experience, I honestly don't know much. But here's some basic stuff you should probably know.

So apparently, if you see a couple disappearing off, don't bother looking for them unless you are very sure its a bad thing (like it's someone getting lured away to be raped, or the couple is not actually a couple and more like someone holding someone who is gonna puke).

For first-timers, go with the flow that your friends are playing. If you are a first-timer, you probably don't know much, or havent experienced much, so why not let your friends take the lead and show you the ropes? So I was out with a group of girls and when we finished all our free drinks from the ladies night promo and somehow the group of 5 got separated into 2 and 3, and I somehow was with 2 other girls who I have only met for the first time that very night. But thank god for alcohol cos the high totally breaks down barriers and allows you to make friends so easily. So they were actually really experienced clubbers and they started looking for tables with only guys or mostly guys to, obviously, hopefully get a free drink. And boy did that work like a charm. The moment we stepped into the arena my friend already found this pretty good-looking dude who for some reason has his top off and started chatting with him, and just like that, the 3 of us joined the table and got offered drinks like it was nothing (although they definitely cost a bomb). Once we were high again, we left to go to the dance floor and danced like mad before we got led to a table again by some guys and got offered drinks again. So yea, if you are a female, work that to your advantage man.

Although, that totally defies the common saying of never accepting drinks from strangers, what more for females accepting drinks from guys you don't even know. I know, this only hit me once I was sober. But I mean analysing the situation, you approached them, they probably don't think there's a need to drug you if they are looking for a one night stand (not applicable to me though). But oh well, I guess its important that you are with your friends when such things happen, just as long as you aren't alone, or a guy actually purposely approach you with a drink.

As I have mentioned earlier, once the alcohol sets in, it magically breaks down barriers and allows people to make friends like nobody's business. So we actually wanted to hit zouk after drinking at Attica, but when we reached Zouk, it was already full house. So we just approached this group of girls who were sober, but we were freaking drunk by then, and just chatted like we knew each other. Normally I would never have done this, I mean I'm pretty shy with strangers unless there is a need to be outspoken and friendly (like at interviews, work, important social events).

4. Set limits and EMBED them into your brain.

There are a lot of things that goes on when you're drunk, and some you won't want to happen if you were sober. Yes, I'm talking about not just socialising and making friends, there is also the other side, the side that involves more touch, or basically sex. If you are a first-timer, I don't think you are out looking to lose your v-card. Of course, if you are, or are already not a virgin, by all means go ahead, but most probably not right? So YES! Make sure you SET LIMITs (e.g. kiss is as far as it goes, some minor touching, no more than that) and EMBED them into your brain. Drive it so deep in your brain that even when you're drunk and have lost your senses, you will subconsciously hold back and remind yourself when things get a bit too far for your liking.

I cannot stress how important this is. The things is you really cannot predict what will happen, especially when you are drunk, and when most people in the club are also drunk and high. Sometimes things will happen so suddenly that you really can't control it. But if your limits are already embedded in your head, at least you can stop it before things get too far.

5. Get a group of trustworthy friends who knows your limits

Fulfilling number 4 is pointless if you don't have friends that are trustworthy and aware of your limits to save you. So yes, make sure your friends are somewhat reliable, and communicate to them your limits.

For me, the main friend that I went with has done it all already, but when she shares her experiences with me, I accept her actions, but I'll make it known that I will not do some stuff. Anyway! Your reliable friends are probably friends you are quite close with, and they will probably know somewhat, what your limits are anyway. So yes! This is very, very, VERY important!

6. Plan how you will be getting home

If you aren't planning to have a one night stand, plan ahead how you are going home. Will your parents be willing to fetch you? Or are you taking a taxi/grab/uber with your friends? Or alone?

After that, make sure someone knows how you are going home, especially if you plan to go back alone on a taxi/uber/grab. In this case, make sure the driver knows that others know that you are on their car, so that they won't dare to do anything, if unfortunately you meet some psycho driver.

Actually, its best if you go home in groups/pairs. What I did was to sleepover at a friend's house.

So yea, try to fulfill the 6 points above and you should be good to go. It would be helpful if you know your alcohol limit too, like how fast you get drunk. But I mean unless you really drink and try to get drunk, you probably won't know this. For me, my parents like to drink, so we drink often at home too, and that's how I figure my limit.

Also, if you are planning to drink a lot, be prepared to suffer a hangover. The symptoms differ for each person. For me, it was less of the headache, but more of nausea and stomach pain. So if you think you'll get a hangover, make sure you clear your day of all important stuff. Otherwise just control your alcohol intake, too bad.

Finally, just have fun. Be open to new experiences while knowing your limits. Sometimes, when it doesn't seem like it is fun, it may get fun after a moment, or after you've taken a few drinks XD All the best!

*Published a few weeks after the actual date*

Etude House Citysquare: Company Policy is the biggest

You know, I always had an amazing time in Johor Bahru, and I would recommend it to anyone as a simple "feel good" short vacation destination. But somehow, during this particular trip over the new year, there are some unpleasant things that have happened, and it had to happen when I brought guests over, who have rarely been to Johor Bahru.

So what happened was, there was a Buy 1 Free 1 promotion at Etude House, Citysquare on 31 December 2016. We were there, and my sister wanted to buy some nail clips that were to be used as a substitute to the aluminium foil wraps commonly used to remove gel polish. So looking across the entire level of the particular shelf, there was only one tag that gave a description close to the particular good we wanted to buy, and it reads "Nail Wraps, 37 RM".

My sister wanted to confirm if the promo was applicable to the nail clips, and even asked a sales assistant nearby, pointing very clearly to the tag which was infront of the nail clips, and asked if the promotion applied. The sales assistant said yes.

We then proceeded to the cashier to pay.

At this point, things got a bit complicated, in the sense that I had no idea what that thing costs, and I only know that I had to pay for my sister as I was the only one of the 2 of us with RM. So when the items were scanned and my sister realised that the items were 60 RM instead of 37, she asked why the price was different, and apparently it was because they forgot the put the right tag there, claiming that there was a difference in name anyway, the difference being "wrap" should have been "clip". I paid not knowing that there was a mistake, and the receipt was out by then, too late.

I was indifferent towards the situation since it wasn't something I bought for myself, but my sister was quite affected as she felt that it was too expensive. So after being rather annoyingly hesitant about it, she decided she couldn't accept the price difference and wanted to change one of packet (we had 2, cos its buy 1 free 1) for something else. My godsister decided to follow us just in case we needed an adult.

And lucky she did.

Because when we wanted to exchange the goods, the sales assistant, or more like the shop manager called Serene was very defensive about it. She initially refused to admit that it was their fault for putting the wrong price tag (mind you the right tag wasn't even found on the shelf, it was like they just forgot entirely about it) and did not want to allow us to exchange. But after my godsister got rather angry and loud, she relented and only said "maybe it was our fault" and said that we can exchange for something of a similar price. But when we were looking for things to exchange, suddenly everything was not applicable for the Buy 1 Free 1 promotion. My godsister got really frustrated at this point and voiced her frustration, and to that, the shop manager actually dared to say that she was already pushing the rules by allowing us to exchange the goods.

Highlight, she said that she was pushing the rules by allowing us to exchange.

Look, I just took business law in school, I know enough about sale of goods to know that whatever written on the receipt is sufficient to become a term of a contract.

And it clearly states on the receipt that while refund is not allowed, Exchange of goods within 14 days is allowed.

So what favour is she doing us? What rules are she pushing?

Even when I pointed that out to her, she used company policy to shoot me down.

Huh? So company policy overrides a contract? Girl, it doesn't work that way.

And throughout, she kept using company policy to shoot us down whenever she couldn't give a valid excuse to us.

Terrible terrible terrible.

Although I have to say, besides her apparent stupidity, she kept her manners from start to the end. She didn't raise her voice and still spoke politely and with a forced smile.

But wow, I'm never shopping at Etude House at Citysquare anymore.

For any future shoppers out there reading this post, make sure you ensure that you are fulfilling their company policy before buying anything, cos at Etude House citysquare, Company Policy is bigger than the customer, no matter how reasonable the customer is.

No eating at Malaysian checkpoint

Have you guys ever driven from Singapore to Johor Bahru, or from Johor Bahru to Singapore?

Have you guys ever paid attention to the "not allowed" signs on the station windows?

Did you guys know that at Malaysia's side, you are actually not allowed to eat, among other prohibited actions?

Well I certainly did not!

So imagine my shock when I was happily eating a cheese tart in my car, and when the officer finished reading out the names on the passport, he just put everything down, crossed his hands and stared at us.

We seriously thought we had committed a crime without knowing.

It was only after my mother asked in Malay what happened, that he chose to enlighten us about the fact that eating was prohibited at the checkpoint, even though you are in your own damn car.

Like what?????

Fine, the sign does state that you are not allowed to eat, but still, couldn't you have very kindly and politely informed us like any other human being with self-respect? Instead of just stoning and staring at us without saying anything? In fact, he didn't bother replying until my mother asked in Malay.

Malaysia, is this really the impression you want to give to foreigners?

Or perhaps it's just that particular immigration officer.

And anyway, why the hell is eating not allowed? The only plausible reason I can think of is something ridiculous, and that is that they don't think it's respectful to eat while someone is working.

And mind you, we asked the immigration officer at the Singapore side if we can eat in the car at the station, and he said "of course" while giving us a why-the-hell-do-you-even-need-to-ask look.

Was so upset when that happened. I always choose to see the better in others, and I've met many locals in Johor Bahru that were more than pleasant. So I really hate that there are black sheeps like the immigration officer that ruins people's impression of a country.

So make sure you don't eat at the Malaysian checkpoint! Or hopefully you can speak Malay or it will become a staring contest *rolls eyes*