My gyming experience: Sometimes saving now means spending more later

I am not a gym-junkie. In fact, the only time I ever went to a gym was for muay thai lessons, and I quit after 4 sessions. I mean, there's something intimidating about going to a gym and being surrounded by either rich people who can afford a personal coach or avid "gymmers" that will put you to shame.

I have always been curious how people start gyming, I mean, we all gotta start as noobs before we make it up, but just how do you do that??? Maybe some people just aren't suitable for gyms...like me:D

Ok anyway! The gym that I went to wasn't even really the classic gym. It was more of a place where martial arts, self-defence and blah were taught. And I only considered it because my friend was learning muay thai there and so I kinda got roped in. I was considering another gym before this because that gym seemed more established and "proper", if that's the correct word.

Fight G was the gym my friend was already with, and the one I ultimately signed up with. The other gym in consideration was Kick.Box.Punch (I think that's their name.....) and they seem to focus entirely on Muay Thai. Also, they seem more structured in the sense that it was fixed instructor and a fixed class size.

On the other hand, Fight G really came off very messy and confusing when I first stepped into the gym. There seem to be little structure and everything seems more like a gathering place for groups of professionals or avid martial artists than earnest new learners.

Maybe its just me. I like order and structure.

So why did I end up going with Fight G even though it was so not my style? Because they were cheaper. Supposedly. Their per 4 sessions fee was lower than KBP. And since I already have a friend at Fight G, I went with Fight G.

Seems like I made a mistake though, because I ended up having to pay an extra $160 for 2 months of membership fees that I did not use at all and the late payment.

So apparently, Fight G works like this. There is a minimum term of 3 months when you sign up with them, meaning you have to pay fees for at least 3 months. And I didn't know that. I misunderstood the phrase as "signing up means you will be a member for 3 months" instead of "you have to at least pay for 3 months of fees". Gosh.....

And the worst part, I didn't continue after a month, so I didn't know I have to pay at all, and so I accumulate $135 worth of late payment fees.

Imagine my shock when I opened the letter and found myself in debt.

Naturally, I was shocked and furious. Like what do you mean I have to pay over $200 for nothing???

After negotiating with the gym, I managed to cut down my payment to $160. Which is still a large sum for a uni student like me. I mean, 160 means 16 more tops bottoms and makeup. And I'm paying for nothing!

I tried to argue my way out, but I have apparently signed a damn contract. So yea, unless I feel like going to court for $160 of payment, I'm just gonna have to suck it up. And I did.

And that's where a painfully expensive lesson was learnt. Sometimes, paying less now means paying more later, especially if you aren't careful. If I had just went for the more expensive gym, my cost will only be $120. Now it's $200++ :( Poor me....

My experience with Recruit Express

So I was thinking about working part-time during my winter break to earn some extra cash and chanced upon Recruit Express.

It is basically a recruiting company, as the name suggests. However, it is a bit more personal than other online platforms such as Fastjobs, in the sense that a consultant will actually be helping you. So I just signed up, not thinking much, going in with the mentality that even if I don't get anything its fine since I was just thinking about working to spend my time for fruitfully.

So well I went down for a consultation with my assigned consultant and after obtaining my preferences, my consultant tried to find a job opening for me on the spot. However, as I could only part-time for a month, he couldn't find anything just yet. So he told me he will try to find something suitable and will contact me as soon as possible. Well, I was perfectly fine with that, I understand that most part-time jobs require a minimum 3 month term.

The only problem I have is that within a span of just one day, I received 18 calls from Recruit Express, each call of a different consultant, all so eager to help me get a job.

I appreciate that enthusiasm to help out (or perhaps to obtain commission), but what I do not appreciate is that there seem to be no system to check if an applicant has already been contacted by a consultant. I had to repeat the same phrase for 5 times before I could take it no longer and simply rejected that rest.

Recruit Express, please do something about this.

Well besides this little bummer, I have to say they are quite active in helping you find a job of your preference. I did receive quite a few calls for job openings. Unfortunately I was quite picky in the sense that I wanted to have some free weekdays while most of the jobs they offered were for Mondays to Fridays. Also, I could only work till the end of December while most jobs require a longer term. So I had to give quite a couple a miss.

Well that's that. But, I did notice something else. So I received a call from a consultant about a one week retail assistant job at a departmental store. She said that I needed to send her my resume asap. So I did. I didn't hear anything from her till she called me again to notify me of another job opening. I actually didn't realise they were the same person until I asked for her email to send her my resume and it turned out to be the same. I then asked her about the retail assistant job, and she seem to stutter a bit and said she thought that I wasn't very suitable for it. I then asked her if she actually received my email with my resume. Her reply was quite odd, she said that she has to check, and then she took a while before she confirmed that she did receive it. I didn't think much of it till I hung up. That's when I realised that she found me unsuitable for the retail assistant role before she saw my resume. And I have never met her, I have only talked with her over the phone 2 or 3 times. How could she have possibly "found me unsuitable" for the job?

Perhaps there is something else, another reason. But its just really odd. I mean, if its because there were no more openings, you can just tell me right? That would be a much better and more acceptable reason than "I found you unsuitable".

Another incident was this. So I applied through this agency with my sister because we thought we could work together and have fun while we're at it. So a consultant texted us about a job opening at a shopping centre and initially said there were 2 openings. After we agreed to it, he suddenly said there was only 1 left and thought it would be better for my sister. Honestly, till now I only feel really frustrated with them. They seem to be all talk but no results.

Another incident was on a miscommunication of information. My sister very clearly told the consultant that she could only work till end January, but the consultant offered her a job that turned out to be a 3-month commitment. And mind you, we had to spend all the time and money travelling down to the location to be interviewed before we found out about this. Basically, time and money wasted.

My conclusion: this particular website, Recruit Express is not useless. However, don't depend on it too much. If I were you, I would keep my options and resources wide open.

Almost done with my very first sem~~

It was such a journey, going through PSLE, and then the 2 excruciating years of JC, the interviews and headaches over decisions, and finally I am here, done with my first semester. Well, the semester didn't disappoint.

I guess everyone has this idea about what University life is about. Some say it's about having fun, partying, living while you still can. Some say it should be about studying, about preparing for your future career. For me, I didn't really have a fixed idea about it, but I definitely expected quite a lot in terms of independence and freedom.

There were the downs. I couldn't get used to "communal living", what NUS likes to call it. I'm perfectly fine with people, just not 24/7. And there is this thing about eating with people you aren't close with. The awkward air ruins my appetite, and I can't wait till I get out of the dining hall. Staying on campus was perfectly fine with me, just not the dining part. I didn't like always having to get someone to eat with. I just wanna eat when I feel like it, and when I'm hungry. And then there's the noise level at the dining hall. Gosh, my poor eardrums and internal peace. Basically, my first half of the semester spend in a residential college on campus wasn't the best experience, which led to me quitting it. As in, I lived out the sem, but no more of it man.

I didn't exactly do well for my mid-terms too. I only had two, ACC1002(Accounting) and DSC2006(Operations Management), and while I didn't do bad, I didn't exactly do well either. It was above average, but not top-notch. And ok, I get it, above average should be something to be celebrated. But it's just, thinking about the fact that all your grades count towards your final certificate, it is nerve-wrecking. You gotta do well all the time. It's no longer like PSLE or A levels where you can screw your grades till the final exam.

And then at one point, I was drowning in projects. Actually thinking back, I'm not sure why I got so ...."allergic" to projects. It's not like I had a lot. Compared to my SMU friends who are living the project life, mine seemed tame. But there was just this period where I couldn't stand projects anymore. I was complaining till no end about the amount and intensity of it. But well, I did have quite a number of projects for this semester, a total of 11 projects.

But I got over it, and the point is I don't regret going through them. Some of the projects that I had were...."self-induced", in the sense that I signed up for it. And they are normally the ones that are the most taxing. There was this 2 hell weeks where I had 4 major projects to conquer. 2 were school-based, and they were the "light" ones. The other 2 were an external big-scale halloween event at a community center (where I was the freaking Chairperson) and a national case competition for Conjunct Consulting. It was really....omg I have no idea how I got through it. I was running between NUS and the community centre and actually didn't have the time for youtube at all. I youtube everyday....so for me to not have time for it......

But, I actually liked the intensity of things. Of course I can't keep up with that sort of intensity forever, I will definitely need a break once in a while. I felt so empty after the hell weeks past. Perhaps its because it was time to prepare for finals, and hence it was more dread than emptiness. But well, the 2 hell weeks will always be in my memory, for while it was extremely exhausting, it was such a good experience.

And I guess that's why I say University life didn't disappoint. While there will be tough times where I almost crumble, I start to find the good in it eventually, the fun and the joy. Well it didnt hurt that I got satisfactory results from the 2 major projects XD

Most importantly, I learned to live with myself. I think that was the biggest takeaway for this semester.

Review: HemoHim+

I only got to know of this supplement through my parents, who have adopted a habit of buying all types of supplements for their 3 daughters. So yes, the products are bought out of our own pockets.

And of course, I will be skeptical about it, I mean most of the time the supplements that they have bought are a miss, more than a hit.

They have bought hundreds worth of Kinohimitsu (which I am convinced is a scam), constant purchase of honey(this is highly recommended by me, who is prone to being heaty, I drink it once daily), and many other weird weird stuff that has been a miss.

But this, is a different story.

So it is actually manufactured by a Korea Company called atom美 (no idea why there is a chinese word) and is supposedly much better than korean ginseng. If you want to find out more, refer to their website here. Or simpy google atomy and click on Hemo Him+.

My parents went for their publicity talk and they spoke wonders about this product, about how it cured someone of her chronic migraine (I'm prone to migraine) and how it helped relieved the severe menstrual cramp of another (I have severe menstrual cramps). So yea, my mom was very excited about it and bought a whole box for me. Gosh! *sighs dramatically*

So I tried it, not wanting to disappoint her. And omg, the taste man. I was just doing my work, having a cup of water, and taking my first sip of this product, and omg, it was a bomb of bitterness on my tongue. So if you are trying this out for the first time, you are warned. The taste is NOT pleasant at all. It is very very bitter.

It was so bitter I called my mom right after my first sip to complain to her. But of course I got shot down and forced to finish it up.

After the first time, I did not continue drinking it.

But then after the delivery of the full box of products, I conceded and started drinking it once daily. Well, all I can say is you start getting used to the taste, so it's not that bad anymore.

And how about the benefits? Well I don't see any obvious benefits yet, like being more energetic or improved immunity system. But what was obvious, was that after one week of consumption, my period came according to schedule and......I didn't have severe menstrual cramps. Like I can still feel a little bit of aching, but that was it! And I still get some diarrhea, but that was it! So this benefit is proven! Also, it seems like my period is less heavy this time round, not sure how beneficial is this, but its definitely convenient hahahaha!

So yup, I would definitely recommend(for now) for people who have severe menstrual cramps to give this a shot. I'm not very sure about the pricing, but I think it should still be within the affordable range. And I mean, if you have severe menstrual cramps like me, you will understand that anything that relieves it is god-sent. So yes, if I were you, I would make that investment just to not have to writhe around for a day rushing to the toilet when the period hits.

Once again, this is purely my own experience, and everything is out of my own (or my parents') pocket. I'm not sure about the purchasing process, but my parents are more than willing to help you make your purchase! I'm pretty sure there would be some discounts or perks if you buy from members (that is my parents:D). Leave a comment if you are interested and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Back to studying for finals....

-------Update----------

So I mentioned that one lady said this tonic product was treating her migraine. I don't know if it treated mine, as I do still get it. However, there was once when my migraine hit, and I thought why not give this product a try to see if it will help relief the pain.

IT DID NOT.

In fact it made me feel worse, I started getting nauseous and puked after that, essentially puking out the tonic. So yeah, I guess maybe don't try using this as a quick relief for migraine? I do find that caffox tables (I think that's how you spell it?) works really well, though it had a little bit of a sedative effect for me.

Dell XPS 13 Kaby Lake: My New Baby ~~

I'm no computer or tech geek, the only time I really dive deeper into tech stuff is when I am considering buying some new gadget. So the reason why I'm writing here today, is because I didn't find any website online that gives an account of buying from the dell online website.

So to sum up my experience: Dell is slow. They need to up their game man.

Just a few weeks ago I ordered an ipad mini 4 from apple online (for the education pricing) and the efficiency was really top-notch. If you order from the online store, you can generally get your goods by the next business day, or at most 2. I ordered a customised ipad mini 4 (engraving) and so it took longer. But still it came within 4 business days. And mind you, it's because I had it customised.

Now dell.....

Well, I didn't buy it from their online store. I have a feeling if I do, I wouldn't be typing on my new baby even now. I actually went down to their physical store at Plaza Singapura, expecting to be able to get my baby on the day itself. But perhaps it's because this is a new model that just launched, no stocks are available at the physical store, so basically, I still had to order it online, just through the physical store.

Service-wise, it was not bad. The sales assistant attending to me gave sufficient information without being pushy (although it can come across as being aloof) and when he understood my situation: I needed a new laptop fast and was skipping the upcoming IT Fair to get it on the day instead), he offered a better package (basically discounts and freebies) and also helped expedite the whole process, so I actually got my laptop in just 6 business days, faster than the anticipated 7-10 buiness days. He also pointed out that since this is a new product being launched, it may not be present in the IT fair, although he gave no guarantee. Also, I actually called up a few days later when I still did not receive an order confirmation. It was the same sales assistant that attended to me, and he did not hesitate to ease my mind by giving me a screenshot of his own system records to assure me that even though somehow I didn't get a confirmation, the goods were on their way. Conclusion: Service was acceptable, actually better than expected.

But the delivery speed, gosh. Look, I know that the kaby lake version is a new product, but really, by the time I ordered it, it has already been around for a month. A month and still you needa trace all the way back to the factory in China? Really?

I ordered on Tuesday, and received no reply(excluding my own enquiry) till the following Monday, where the delivery sector called me to set a delivery date, and it was to be on Wednesday.

But well, at least I still got it, so no hard feelings here.

And for the tech noobs out there, if you have around $1600 to spend, seriously consider the dell xps 13 kaby lake version. It is pure awesomeness. I got the FHD non-touch version simply because I was looking for a solid traditional laptop. Mind you, I was previously on the lenovo yoga 11s which is a touch-screen and I felt no difficulties with the transition. Yeah, I still occasionally reach out expecting the screen to react, but I'm getting used to it fast. Also, the increase in battery life is a much welcomed benefit, cos battery life is everything to me, now that I am in uni and constantly out and about with my laptop.

So yup, don't see the need to pay a few hundred more for the touch screen one.

Another big contender, which I was seriously considering as well, would be the lenovo yoga 910. If it wasn't because I was in urgent need of a laptop, I may have gotten the yoga 910, for its a few hundred more for a bigger touch screen that can flip. But oh well, still loving the dell here.

Just some issues I have though, the device is perfect when it is not plugged in, but when I am charging it while using it, it gets super hot, so hot that it actually shut down by itself and refused to work till it cooled down.

Yeah man, I am so convinced laptops have tantrums when my lenovo yoga 11s refused to turn on the screen a few days ago for no reason. Oh well!

Rantings: What is a gracious society?

I'm pretty sure you must know about how useful Stomp has recently become at exposing some people's "un-graciousness" in the public, most commonly on public transport. In fact, it's not only Stomp, it's social media in general. People would take a video or photo of how a soldier is sitting down in front of an elderly, of how young people are sitting on reserved seats, post them online and lament on the downfall of the society.

Honestly speaking, you gotta admit such actions are effective against the truly "ungracious". But what about the soldier that was simply exhausted from who knows how long of army? Or the youth who actually has an injury that you didn't know about?

And please, what about the elderly standing in front of the soldier? Why didn't he or she kindly wake the soldier up to request for the seat that was reserved for the elderly?

I was just taking the mrt home yesterday after attending the NDP Preview 2, and I was standing at an area in the mrt for the wheelchair-bound. And just so happen, there was an old lady sitting on a wheelchair in the same carriage.

Look, I stood there knowing well that there was a wheelchair-bound on the same carriage, but only because the lady did not move to occupy this area despite having been on the train for 2 stops already.

A lady then approach me, and in a rather stern manner, told me to vacate the space for the old lady on the wheelchair. I did vacate immediately, as the lady wasn't wrong in telling me to do so, I was just unhappy that she had to "scold" me about it. I mean, you could just tell me nicely to vacate that area, or even better, simply approach the old lady if she wants to move to the area.

That got me thinking actually, what a gracious society truly means.

You can't expect every single person to be constantly conscious of his or her surroundings. I shouldn't have to live my life constantly looking out for pregnant ladies, elderly or injured people on public transport and areas.

Because that is simply not possible. And if I have to simply leave all the reserved places empty, isn't that just inefficiency at its best?

Just imagine this, it's the rush hour at 7 am, the trains are super full, especially near the doors, and you see empty reserved seats and wheelchair areas. And then 5 people are stuck outside to wait for the next train because no one dares to use these areas.

Is this really graciousness? Isn't this just fear of cyber bullying?

And so, I believe that a truly gracious society, is one where we can freely request for our own rights whenever it applies. It means that no matter where I am sitting at, if I happen to notice someone who needs a seat more than me, I willingly offer my seat to them. It also means that should I have sprained my ankle and would really need to seat, I should approach someone who is on a reserved seat, explain my situation and request for the seat.

As simply as that.

Wouldn't that erase some of the awkward situations that could arise? For example not being positive if a lady is pregnant or simply on the heavier side.

It would be difficult to reach such a level, I guess. I mean, it's Singapore we're talking about, where smiling to a stranger will be deemed a weird action.

It is a dream nonetheless.

Camps: I have never ever truly WANTED to join one

I dislike camps. There I said it. I truly dislike camps. I don't hate them, but really, my worst behaviour is on show during camps.

Chill, I don't mean I become an ultimate bitch that complains till no end. That goes on silently, unnoticed in my brain. I just mean that my introvert self is completely out and about during camps.

Why is that so? Some may ask. Well, I came to this conclusion after chatting with a fellow camp mate that thought the same way as I do: it's because that for some people like us, we can be all high and enthusiastic on the first day. But then we'll need to take a break from the world and hide to heal before we are ready to meet the world again. Unfortunately, camps normally mean that you expose this side of yourself to your camp mates as well. If I'm with people I'm close to, they understand my need to recover silently, and hence I can freely retreat and emerge out of my zone without feeling awkward. The true problem comes when I'm with people I'm not so close with, like during orientation camps, when you are most probably grouped with strangers. After showing my quiet side, I just don't have the drive to get high anymore. And by then I, and the rest who are similar to myself, will most probably be labelled the "quiet one" already, even though people who know us, and even ourselves know it's a big fat LIE .

And so, camp becomes this tiring process of preventing our introverted side from showing itself too much. This often means being constantly outgoing, which is like the ultimate killer for me, unless I'm high on alcohol, lack of sleep or drugs(never tried this before though).

That being said, camps are still fun to a certain extent. You get to meet new people, find new friends, learn new cultures, and basically step out of your comfort zone.

I actually just finished a camp at NUS, and am going for another one soon, like tomorrow (and it's at moments like this that we ask ourselves: what the freak were we thinking). It was fun, I met people that I never had the chance to in my past 18 years of life. But there was this culture shock as well, I guess. Particularly for me.

Now, I feel like I have always been living a rather.....shelled life, meaning I never really got the opportunity to meet different types of people that aren't like me. Oh man, how to put this nicely. Ok so let's just say that I have somehow always been around people who are academically strongm obedient children. I was in a pretty good primary school, in the top class, in the IP programme in secondary school, in the top class in JC. And even though I joined committees outside of school, the people there somehow also hail from good schools, good backgrounds, leading an obedient life.

So imagine the shock when the people in my camp group drank for all the nights straight during the camp. Right from the first night man, it was drinking session already, at 2 am in the morning.

It isn't a bad thing, I'm not saying that I dislike such behaviour and think it is bad. I'm simply not used to it. I do appreciate the exposure, as it's always interesting to find out about other ways of life.

Ok, enough with the rant. Yes, if you haven't realised, it's a rant. I guess what's important is to hold the correct mindset when joining new stuff. That is to be open, but firm with your own personal believes. I guess that's my mistake in my first camp, being too resistant to the exposure. Right now, I'm just going to go into my second camp with an open mind, ready to try new things and meet new people.

University life is bound to be a change for anyone, from any walk of life. I am excited for this change, yet eager for things to settle down into a nice momentum. While I'm hasty for certain things to happen, I'm going to cultivate my patience and simply enjoy the process, while still doing well enough to maintain my scholarship. All the best to me!