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.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
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.
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.
Monday, January 2, 2017
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*
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.
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*
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*
Thursday, December 22, 2016
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....
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....
Sunday, December 11, 2016
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.
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.
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