Worst hair salon ever

The grand award goes to Kiseki Hair House. They claimed to have two branches, one at Tanjong Pagar and the other at Boon Keng. At my last visit, the shampoo girl said they have two more outlets under a different naming.

Update: BEWARE! They have renamed themselves as Rebornz Hair @ Work or similarly Rebornz Hair@Work! They also have new deals e.g. this.

Shop signage

The deal I regretted buying

I really regretted buying the deal from deal.com.sg (shown above) in June 2013, so much so that I haven't bought any of the services again from such sites. A past experience with a manicure deal also scarred me. In fact, I will rather pay more for a reputable place next time. It was S$8 for the hair cut. In fact, they advertised to have stylists from Hong Kong, but from my experience, they do speak Cantonese but they are all Malaysians! So let me describe my ordeal to you:

First cut in July 2013 @ Tanjong Pagar
I was served by a slightly plump lady named Catty. She was really good with the scissors and her mouth was exactly sharp like one. My hair was shampooed by another young girl whom seemed like a trainee. The whole cut took me 1.5 hours with the trainee and Catty taking turns to blow my hair. This already smelled of a disaster, two stylists trying to style my hair differently. But Catty took over and then she pressured me into buying a package. It was S$75 for another 5 sessions of hair cut after failing to sell me 10 or 20 sessions. She said there wouldn't be a deadline to use up those sessions but how would I know if they would close within the next month (it was worrying after the first session). And her face was black like coal after managing to convince me to get the 5 sessions. What bad customer service! I didn't know how but it just sounded so much like a guilt-trap and she was good at it. I never again saw her at any of my subsequent visits, so I really reckon she's either one of the bosses or she has left.
(Anyway, at S$15, I assure you can easily find a better haircut at other neighbourhood salon or an opening promotion in a BETTER salon in a mall.)

Second cut in August 2013 @ Boon Keng
So the dear Catty called and said Tanjong Pagar outlet had been really "busy" and recommended me to try my next session at Boon Keng outlet, boasting its bigger space and more number of stylists. In fact, I think the Boon Keng outlet was so new and the stylists were even "newer" that nobody really patronised the place. I booked for 3 sessions, bringing a friend and sister along. It also helped me to get rid of that package sooner before they "disappear" one day. Bad decision. In fact, I felt bad now for bringing others there. There wasn't any upselling but the staff barely knew what was going on. When I quoted the package I bought, they had no idea and had to phone the other outlet a couple of times to get things straight. Then I also didn't have to verify my identity! The stylists were all well-dressed in black blazers and pants, but their skills were mediocre. My sister was the first to get a cut. After a while, she was done and when I looked at her, I commented,"Did you have the cut? Why does it still look the same?!" It was then, the stylist began to rework on it and then we had a slightly more satisfactory result. Then she did mine, I told her exactly what I wanted, which was only a trim so it was easy. This lady stylist who did both mine and my sister's hair is not as "professional" as Catty, but she was friendly and eager to learn or please. She's slim, with long kinda dyed dark blonde hair (I can't remember her name but she was at Tanjong Pagar branch on my last visit). But for my friend, a bloke did her hair, as she had a shampoo before she came, she did without one. But the bloke barely touched her hair, she wanted to trim the dead ends and fringe but he must be a newbie, he didn't even feel brave enough to cut much for her. It was a complete disaster at Boon Keng and I swore never to come back to this outlet again.

Third cut in October 2013 @ Tanjong Pagar
So I came back again for yet another trim just a day before I attended a wedding. I tried to restore some faith in the Tanjong Pagar branch. None of the stylists I knew was around and so a pretty baby-faced guy named Eddy attended to me. I think this is one of the best things that happened throughout this ordeal! Eddy! IF YOU HAVE BEEN COAXED TO SIGN UP A PACKAGE HERE, ASK FOR EDDY AS YOUR STYLIST. I can assure you even though he's young, his personable character and genuineness is a rarity in this salon. He seemed new from the way he was shampooing my hair, he didn't use the tips of his fingers and he knocked me a couple of times with the hairdryer! Like I said, a trim was a trim, so it wasn't too difficult. He commented about my hair loss but didn't push me for any treatment (knowing that I'm unemployed). But besides that, he did a better job, I received a compliment on my hair right after the hair cut when I met my friend. He also tried to make conversations, well, I thought he was just trying to impress since that was the first time I met him. But when I came back again, he did remember me and what we last chatted! Eddy, thanks for the 'friendship'!

Fourth and last cut in December 2013 @ Tanjong Pagar
I came back again, after I got a call from them. They seem to like to call every month to make you visit so they can make you buy more sessions again. I saw the stylist from Boon Keng, but Catty was never there. I was asked to move seats twice, not impressed. Then a shampoo lady whom was totally clueless about her job was tasked to wash my hair for me. She is the WORST shampoo lady ever. She did not ask about the temperature of the water and washed my hair with cold water until I commented that it was too cold. Then the water became so hot that I had to ask her to adjust. Then it was back to cold water. I bet this is her FIRST HAIRDRESSING JOB and PROBABLY FIRST DAY OF WORK even though she tried to convince me she was sent from another branch. Kiseki Hair House, your new shampoo aunt sucked big time! So initially a FAT bloke was assigned to do my hair but last minute he decided to take an old auntie as his customer... what f*cking service! Fortunately at that moment, Eddy was done with his customer and he saw me. His face immediately lit up and asked if I remembered him, of course I did, and so I was happy to have him do my hair instead. Fortunately, he didn't knock my head much this time round. I asked him for a new cut, shoulder length this time and shorter fringe. I noticed Eddy can be easily distracted, he looked around during the cut a lot when he heard people coming in or moving around. But other than that, I can feel he's learning and doing a pretty decent job than the other stylists, best of all, he doesn't push you to buy add-ons. He's also sympathetic and encouraging at the same time (as he remembers my unemployment). I told him I would go back to him when I find work. Sorry Eddy, if you move to a new salon, I will keep my promise. Because I will never go back to Kiseki Hair House ever, it's the worst hair salon (I pity those old aunties whom are not savvy enough to read reviews). Eddy, I sincerely hope you will find a better place to groom you!

Stop the water!

Thailand is badly flooded... but I still want to go to Chiang Mai. Nothing has changed my mind yet unless the flights are cancelled due to the travel warnings. Fingers crossed that things will get better in a week's time!

March sucks big time!

I really am beginning to hate March... It's the worse month so far, everything bad is happening.

With the horrifying earthquake and triggered tsunamis, threat of nuclear meltdown and danger of radiation in Japan, and now everywhere else are beginning to get earthquakes too, e.g. Taiwan and Manila. Then my boss got ill and travel plans cancelled. And now, even the cute polar bear has to die!??

My sister shared this link on my wall and this morning when I read it, my heart ached. Knut, my favourite polar bear has collapsed and died! How could it be?!! He's only so young! It was devastating when his keeper, Thomas died... and now suddenly Knut's gone forever too.  

Dear Knut, I hope you've found peace and a happier place to be in. You'll always be in my thoughts. Auf Wiedersehen!

Get well soon, boss!

Sydney trip cancelled.

Strangely, I'm not sad or disappointed. I had been so stressed up about everything going on (at work, in the world (i.e. japan), in my life) that somehow I feel a little relieved. Not to mention that the trip was cancelled due to my boss being hospitalised. It came as a shock to us this morning, everyone in the office has been very concerned. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious but he's still in intensive care now. It is also a blessing in disguise that it's a few days away and I haven't book any tour or accomodation or even exchange my money yet.

Am I getting old or tired... I am wondering?!! I can't believe my travel urge isn't as strong anymore. I'm not looking forward to planning holidays, instead I just want to spend some time to chill, stay put and do nothing for a while.

It is sick

Past midnight...

I am writing this after watching the news on the tsunami hitting the Japan's coast and it's heartbreaking to see them. Japan had a 8.9-magnitude earthquake on Friday, just as I was emailing with the Japan office over a minor issue they had been fussing over the whole morning. The office was evacuated shortly after the quake, I was relieved that they won't be bugging me anymore, but at the same time, I knew it must be quite serious as they had been evacuated. Nobody anticipated the aftermath to be so serious, with the death toll and unaccounted for rising rapidly over the past 24 hours. Like many, we always thought Japan is very well prepared (as they are leading and so advanced in many things)... and besides, earthquakes are known to be common for the area. But this time, it is really bad! Let's all hope that things are falling back into places and no more tremors and tsunami triggered.

There's a rumour about this date 21 December 2012 being the day a big disaster will befall... if you're curious, you can also try searching for the video on youtube.

Nightmare in Saigon I

Be a millionaire in Saigon, again.

The exchange rate apparently has gotten better than 3 years ago, from S$1 = 10,000 VND to 13,000 VND (in Singapore) or even 14,900 VND (in Vietnam)!!! But for sure, everything do cost a lot more now. I suggest to change minimum here and do the rest over there, easily in the malls or hotel reception :)

We took the afternoon flight by Jetstar and arrived past 2pm. As I was aware that going by meter would be cheaper, I went up to the security and asked for a taxi. Unknowingly, we got lured into one driven by a touting driver. Damnit, why didn't I realise it when the meter was already starting at 328,000 VND instead of 10,000 VND and he even locked the doors before we entered and after. I must really be alert the next time in other countries!!

During the first few minutes, he tried to make a conversation with his very bad English. As soon as we got out of the airport, he had to pay maybe 5,000 VND on exit, he asked me for 300,000 VND. I was stunned, I saw the ticket prices for leaving the airport and it was nothing near 300,000 VND, after some argument, he said 100,000 VND and then 10,000 VND which he said by mistake I believed. I passed him 20,000 VND if it was 10,000 VND as it was more reasonable but he changed his mind and said it was 100,000 VND. I told him it was too much and I would call my friend in Vietnam to check. He heard me talking on the phone, got anxious and decided to get his accomplice to ring up to convince me that I had to pay 300,000 VND. My friend assured me it was nothing more than 150,000 VND (maximum) to get to the hotel.

I was getting desperate. Believe it or not, I was so pissed too that I even wanted to escape from the car when it stopped but we were locked in! There wasn't any taxi hotline or taxi no. labelled in his car and I was on the verge of thinking I could hit him with my luggage at the last resort! LOL. I know, all my violent tendency was about to emerge at that desperation. Fortunately, I saw a no. on a sticker right in front of the front seat, we were at the back... and my eyesight didn't fail me! I managed to text my friend the no. as well as a no. on the sticker on the back window (which is their car identity no. I believe) and he rang up the taxi company. At one point, I even threatened to call up the police once we got to the hotel, and fortunately he never drove us to anywhere else! Just before we were nearing the hotel, he got a call (I believe from the complaint my friend has lodged). A few metres away from the hotel, he suddenly reset the meter to 100,000 VND and then once the doorman opened the door, he jumped out and complained that we wouldn't pay him! ASSHOLE! I told the doorman calmly that this idiot tried to charge me 300,000 VND for getting out of airport and over 400,000 VND on the meter. I believe I'm not the first to have met touting taxi drivers, so the doorman said it would be around 150,000 VND usually and I just gave him that. That asshole was trying to cover his ass, it left me very pissed for sure... but not for long after I had a swim :)

Personally, I don't recommend you doing what I did to the driver as I do admit it was a bit rash and might even ended up with very bad consequences if the driver had worse intentions. But calling up my friend and spotting the hotline certainly saved my day, thank God for that!

Rain, rain, go away...

I think this is the first time I am asking rain to go away... I love rain, I enjoy the drop in temperature that comes with it, I like to snuggle under the blanket. Well, I love my sweaters and jackets even more! But today, it is disastrous.

Orchard river? Heard of it?

We only have Singapore river but after today, we are going to re-write the history, today we have an Orchard river. Orchard road is practically flooded. I didn't witness it, but looking at the video posted in Facebook and pictures on STOMP, then I realized my office area was also affected this morning. Thanks to the 4 walls I'm working within, I can't even see anything beyond blocks of concrete! I came out during lunch and witnessed the aftermaths.

Traffic was horrible. Cars, bikes, lorries all lined up... slowly moving. There was half of a rubbish bin right in the middle of the road. The other half was laying some metres away. Not just one, but all the bins have fallen apart. What's worse - I saw the postbox laying flat on the ground... it is damn heavy and I wonder how strong the rain was to be able to move this thing?!

I like the cold, but I can't sacrifice Orchard road, can I? :(

Beastly surprise

Read Jack Neo's affair.

Our infamous Singaporean director has made another hit, this time round with headline news of his affair being exposed. When I first read about the news on Yahoo, there was an initial surprise, but these days such things have been happening too often that it seems to be a trend. Right after Tiger Woods'?

The thing that disgusts me is that the woman is young enough to be his daughter or date his 19-year-old son (Edit: Seems like the news report is not reliable, it's said to be a 19-year-old daughter now)! But it serves him right... how mature is a 22-year-old??? She threatened to harm herself and even confronted Neo's wife? Not a surprise! To know that Mrs Neo actually is aware of the affair and still keeping her marriage intact - I wonder what is trust and commitment in a marriage? Perhaps it is only a piece of paper to these men.

It has even started a seriously long discussion on my friend's Facebook status - men and infidelity. Fortunately, there are still men who will not cheat (if they are as truthful as their words)... I almost talked myself into believing all the men being the same, and they will cheat at some point in their lives. Also unfortunately, all these things are not within our control but that person who is deciding on whether to cheat or not. Today, I believe a lot of people have cheated on their partners, and it boiled down to whether it was known to their partners. That's why "Ignorance is a bliss!"... but not when he starts to bring back some sexual diseases! To be unbiased, I think it's the same for women, a lot of married women have affairs too. What is this world coming to???

I watched a documentary on a tribe (Penan) in Sarawak, where lives are so much more simpler. No money, no jobs, no politics... they survive solely by hunting for food and providing for their loved ones. Why can't life be the same?

So people, if you're married and you cheat... you suck, you #!#@$#%@$% beast!

Farewell stranger

There was a commotion downstairs this evening. Someone fell out of the window or maybe it was suicide. Lots of people were standing around busybodying, the police cornered off the area, the ambulance came and left. The person is dead. But I don't think we know him/her even though he/she was living under the same block. It's freaky to realise someone just "jumped" off at the place you're living in!

Life will begin again @ Suntec

After a week of serious job hunting and resumes sending (6 sent in total), the whole episode has come to an end. So much faster than I have expected... In the past, I have had months of fruitless job hunting. But my life is very odd. When it comes, it comes too sudden and too quick. Just like early this year, I had the one and only interview and I landed on it. That was pretty fortunate... considering weeks before that I rejected a job offer and then the economy hit the rock bottom. This time, without high hope, I searched and filtered the jobs online. The one that I didn't expect to respond actually rang me up... I had a very brief meet up/interview (something like 5-10mins?) yesterday afternoon (since it's past midnight now) and WHHOOOPS I landed on it. That was QUICK! I didn't know what to say except that they can pay for my next holiday, why not??? It sounds like a challenging place where YEAY I will have a chance to brush up my Chinese/Mandarin skills (because I need to manage the chinese websites!), a good flexible working environment. (EDITED) Just realised that their HR is no better than any others, made me an offer and which later was pending... had me waiting for over a week with no calls & emails. Just my luck I guess! And fortunately, I didn't keep this as my only option!

Big hole in my pocket

When my fortune was told, I didn't believe it... I was told I'd have a hole burnt in my pocket and inevitably it has to happen. Now I see it coming true.

Just as everything is going on at this time... A holiday with my parents (where I have to fork out hotel accomodation & tickets), lost my mobile and haven't gotten a new one, finishing up my contract and have nothing planned thereafter... My wardrobe broke. Right. Excellent timing - Thanks!

It isn't that bad, but one of the drawers broke. I have to change the whole damned thing. It's second-hand anyway, and I figure perhaps it's time to get a new replacement. So I made a 2nd run to Ikea two days in the row, the first being a support of their Ikea Friends' event - Billy Book Exchange. I brought 13 books and dropped it off, and I could take 5 from the accumulated pile at the event they're having next weekend onwards.

After a long examining journey around the bedroom section, I decided against getting from Ikea. I hate to say that I would love to buy from them but it's too much of a hassle. I have to install everything by myself, the cupboard would cost at least $300 after adding in doors, handles/knobs, hinges to the frame, and then pay additional $50-55 dollars for delivery when cab is only $10 but I simply can't carry the damned thing. I tried even lifting a box containing "a small bedside cabinet" and I swear it feels like 25kg. I don't think I could even pull that out of the cab. I saw a very nice one at Courts but will cost me $400 (excluding delivery), at least I do not have to screw the whole damned cupboard myself. Just as I went around hunting, I found myself a nice thick mattress which I might consider buying... hahaha. To even think that I might consider adding that on, madness, but maybe I'm mad.

On the way out of Ikea, I bumped into someone I knew (Oh well, we don't talk now). As I was on the escalator down, I saw his side view but I was very sure. No mistake. We were almost passing by each other as our escalators were going in the opposite direction. I saw a "what seemed like filipino" woman and kid behind him, and I was almost certain they are a family. I didn't think he saw me, even so, he wouldn't recognise me after almost 6 years.

Ikea was packed with people today, unlike yesterday. I suppose Sunday is some kind of a family day in Singapore! I wonder why. I'm restless. I think I need to go around window shop for my wardrobe again. Wish me luck!

I lost him... for eternity

Something that everyone should try once in your lifetime? Lose a phone or a wallet.

If it's a couple of years back, I think I would take it very hard... Almost 10 years back, my wallet was stolen back in school. Even though I still didn't know who the culprit is (but I kept having a vision it was someone in my class), the kind thief had the decency to return the important stuff which of course posted no value to him. I got back my identity cards, bank cards and library card. Wallet was gone, so were the cash and my ez-link card (our transportation pass).

Some days ago, shortly after arriving back in Singapore from Kota Kinabalu... I realised I lost my mobile phone (my little white man). He's gone. I searched for him frantically on the train, couldn't believe I have lost him. I didn't know how it happened but the thing is it has happened... What can I do? I figured there's no point crying over spilled milk after a fruitless attempt to ring my own number. At that point of time, hope sank, heart sank. The next best thing to do is to curse that person who has taken it away!

When I got home, the first thing I did was to call the airport's Lost & Found, but then I realised if someone has taken it or stolen it, it will never come back. Then I rang SingTel to suspend my line. I'm so disappointed why Singapore didn't implement the disabling of the phone with IMEI number! What's the use of having an IMEI number, f****** useless! And when I finally managed to get myself back on my feet, I lodged a police report. I have also informed the airline... and now probably see if I can get any sort of compensation from travel insurance.

Everyone else is saying,"Time to get a new phone." But let me grieve over him first. The 2 years together had been turbulent, especially the first couple of months trying to get him fixed. After that, he seemed to be a very fine companion, always there when I needed him, especially waking me up every morning. That's probably the only thing I am not used to now, no more familiar ringing tone... now I have a human clock - my sister.

I miss that blue light that lit up everytime I pressed his buttons,
I miss how easy he connected to my lappy everytime I on his bluetooth,
I miss how he hanged around my neck and followed everywhere I go,
I miss the sms-es I saved inside, I know I lost them,
I miss all the contact numbers I stored inside, I know they're gone forever,
I miss him, the little white thing.

For now, I'm not contactable, mobile-less and radiation-free. I am quite pleased with the peacefulness at the moment.

One good news & one bad news

I have landed on something I always wanted to do - something along the line of online/web marketing. Some things are really worth waiting for! It really seems like life had taken its toll on me for the past 7 months, after all the waiting, idling and falling sick after traveling. Finally I am able to foresee myself taking another holiday this year!!! Thank God. That's the good news... So everyone, I'll be starting work very soon (for the next 7 months working on a festival) and I can really see myself enjoying it - even if it means I'll have to work my a** off!!

And the bad news is something unfortunate has befallen on my dear friend's daughter!!! Poor little girl has fallen ill and is admitted in the hospital. I hope she'll be okay as she still has a long road to continue walking down... Please keep her in your prayers too!

Mistaken for the greens

I'm keeping the environment green and inevitably I became a part of it.

I just survived a stinging swelling bite from a plant insect, one I suspect named "Damsel bug or a scientific name, Nabidae". Actually, I should say that I have survived if I'm still alive tomorrow. I wonder why the hell did a plant insect feed on me!?!

I went into my mum's room to watch the telly. Amid the darkness, as I was settling down on the bed, something just stung me. Fortunately, mum was napping on my sister's bed. There came an immediate flood of pain! And for a while, I panicked, looking for whatever ointment I could apply on it to relieve it. It left a little black dot, there wasn't blood or anything when I tried to press around it to get the "poison" out. It was just stinging.

I caught that insect, thought I crushed it and threw it in the bin. To my horrid, I realised it wasn't dead (but it is now) when I decided I should keep it in case I need to show the doctor. It was still crawling in the bin, and I managed to put it into a container! Another relief, else someone in the house would get risk of being bitten too!

Everyone gave me some sort of antiseptic cream to put on, I decided to use a needle, wiped with antiseptic solution and get whatever was "hurting me so much" out! And then I applied the cream, the area around the bite became warm and "heated". I came online, wanting to find what bug that was... and ways of treating a stinging bite. I have since put two ice cubes on it, and managed to subdue the pain.

IF IT IS THE DAMSEL BUG, THEN THE BITE IS PROBABLY MEDICALLY HARMLESS. IF NOT, PRAY YOU STILL SEE MY NEXT BLOG ENTRY.

The swelling seemed to have gone down, but it still feel a little sore when I touch the affected area. I have already put yellow Double prawn herbal oil on it for now!

Loss

Singapore just lost one of us to the terror attacks in Mumbai, and the victim whom was held as a hostage is only 28 years old. How saddening...

Read more.

Bad luck or good?

My precious camera is finally discharged from the hospital... it has been hospitalised for over a week. And fortunately I didn't have to pay a cent. The lens which was being replaced costs S$210!!!!

Somehow, it's a blessing in disguise. So much bad luck, yet out of all these disasters, there have been a few lucky occasions. My warranty was ending the following day after my camera went bonkers - out of a sudden, the lens couldn't retract and it wouldn't let me snap any picture. An error message appeared. It freaked me out as I was working throughout the night at work and was using it to snap something for work when it occurred. Upset, tired and bothered, I left for home at 330am while most of my colleagues stayed till the morning. Following morning, I had to drag myself out of bed to send it to the repair centre just before my warranty ends!

But now I am just so glad I have it back!!

遇见怪脾的人 （01) - I lost it

Temper, that is.

I couldn't remember the last time I screamed or yelled before I did it again. Like Britney's song, Ooopss I did it again!! Haha.

I can't believe I'm laughing at it now, thinking that my legs were trembling from the loss of energy after that yelling. I hadn't lost my cool for a while, and with all the recent activities at work plus generally life has been going not very smoothly, I think it all added up to the build-up. But it was a good release. Mind this, I'm not venting my anger on some poor innocent soul... but someone who has actually deserved it.

Early monday morning, it was peak hour. The next train was arriving in 1 minute, I normally wouldn't mind waiting for the next if I missed one. As usual, I was making my way up on the right side of the escalator (Don't understand why Singapore is trying to be different, in HK and London, everyone is keeping to the right!!). So in Singapore, people keep to the left. Majority did until 3 men were standing in the way, being polite, I said excuse me, two of them shifted. One didn't. I walked besides him and asked him, "Can you please move to the left?" He wouldn't budge and instead, gave me ten other excuses for not moving... "There's a kid in front, blah blah." Being sympathetic, I looked and there wasn't any in sight!!!!!!! So I told him,"I don't see any kids. Can you please move to the left?" He didn't give in and kept repeating and said a whole lot of nonsense. At that moment, my patience wore thin and my limit has reached. I blew my top off! I literally screamed in his face,"I SAID MOVE TO THE LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!" I felt like I was screaming my lungs off, the whole of the train station must have heard me but I didn't care! He's such an inconsiderate selfish ass! Guess what? Of course the sore loser wasn't happy at all, he started to swear in multiple languages (Hokkien, English, etc) but it DID NOT bother me a second because he is ruining his image. I just stepped into the train just in time and if he entered the same cabin with him, I would have wished him good luck.

I wish someone took a video or MMS of me doing that, because when I think back now, I feel so proud of it. Alex just said,"How London of me!" I guess only Londoners are so obedient and considerate to fellow commuters. Singaporeans can be such ***!!! Good on me and I'm feeling good tonight... finding my rainbow soon!!

Plagued

Bad luck has been following tightly behind me, secretly lurking around corners, hiding in my shadow and even sleeping under my bed... It must have been this way because I have not gotten any good fortune.

Who said this is a luckier year for Roosters??? BULLSHIT.

Even that divination lot (click here if you like to understand how it works!) I got on Saturday from the temple says it is BAD. It says the situation isn't good or bad but neutral; I shouldn't be whipping the horse to speed things up. By that I guess it means I shouldn't be rushing into things, I shouldn't act on impulse... Should I be just letting things happening at its own course, taking things as it is now and patiently wait for the right time??? I can't help myself - I am still so impatient.

I feel jinxed, stuck, lost and aimless.

I'm that little girl hiding my head in my red hoodie, standing helplessly in the middle of the forest... without a compass. I need to find that north star that guides me to a river, takes me to the road... brings me to sunlight.

Interviewed by the S-es

Today I have the one of the funniest conversations with an old friend over lunch, we discussed and shared our worst interview experiences and bosses. It was truly entertaining to hear what she has encountered and I must have amazed her with my stories as well...

Our conclusion. If the first day sucks big time and you're not into the company culture, life is going to be hard... think twice, are you going to stay?! If the boss (who also happened to interview you) sucks, add that company to the blacklisted employers' list. If you leave the room at the end of the interview thinking "What the F am I doing here, wasting time?!", you don't need an answer to whether you want that job or not.

A fair share of my experiences, of course, without revealing the Co. name because I'm not going to invite legal troubles to myself!!

Horrific experience #1
Company: Big mobile name!
Interviewer: Manager.
Situation: Interviewer stared at laptop the whole time, talking to his laptop monitor while asking me questions. The only time he offered eye contact is when he stood up to send me out of the door. Either he has no balls to look at me (am I too beautiful to look at!!! hahaaa) or he simply has no self confidence to conduct a proper interview! Unprofessional attitude!

Horrific experience #2
Company: Online travel portal!
Interviewer: SEA Manager.
Situation: Over the phone, when you enquired what is required for the interview... you get a very rude reply saying,"If you are keen in this position, you should know what to bring! You know, I don't have to tell you what to bring." Some manager like this highly possibly treats her staff like shit when she has PMS or bad sex the previous night!!! It's bad enough to work under a lady boss but it's even worse when you get one with PMS all the time!

Horrific experience #3
Company: Search engine marketing!
Interviewer: FOUNDER (imagine if the founder sucks!?).
Situation: Made you waited an hour, without a word or even any sign of apology, let someone behind your slot skipped your Q and then offered a 3-minutes discussion. Showed zero interest looking through portfolio, not to mention if he ever did read that resume!!! Ended off asking for your current pay and said will email 2 tests for you to complete. If I'm insane, I'd probably do those tests!!! But fortunately I'm not!!! So what if the company can pay??? A boss that shows zero empathy/sympathy/consideration and no interest in your job history or personality... will only make you do slavery to earn his profits. Sad but true.

Any of your bad experiences to share???? :)

MRT is as bad as London Tube

A horrible start to my 1st day of work, train (MRT) service is disrupted from Pasir Ris to Tanah Merah station. Thousands stranded in the eastern part of Singapore, having difficulties getting to work. ONLY today, I felt that traveling on a bus is the best thing to do (I seriously hate the slow bus journey with the last job I did).

From as early as 6am, the trains have already stopped its service... and many unknowingly still headed for their usual travel routine (MRT). Mum rang at 7+am, she rarely did so it's going to be some big news. She let out the bad news. My elder sister is taking a bus so she's unaffected, but me and lil sister worked in town and there isn't a direct bus service. We walked among the hundreds painfully waiting for the pathetic bus shuttle to take us to the next nearest Station (seriously 70 buses aren't enough for like 50, 000+ people!!!). It's insane, it's peak hour and almost every other bus which came along is packed till 1mm from the closed doors.

Walked 2 bus stops away to get away from the crowd, somehow got on a bus no. 15 to get to Eunos. By then it's already 9am! I'm supposed to start at 830am. I have already SMS my supervisor about it but still received a call from the HR who might be wondering if I "fly their plane". Well I remember it's my first day, but I'm stuck somewhere, figuring the fastest and most economical way to get to work. As I expected, today I'm just there to surf the internet, nothing is ready. So I guess I was doing the right thing, didn't make a mad rush on a taxi with the now increased fare, surcharges at peak hour and into the CBD area!

Today I also witnessed frustrated "passengers" venting their anger at the poor staffs whom were trying to organize and facilitate the "unexpected" mishap. They were raising their voice as early as 8am in the morning... jesus people, just cool down! Wonder if that's Monday Blues or well maybe they do have some important appointment (if so, just take a Taxi, spare the screaming and ruining the day, isn't it!?). Take it easy, Singaporeans.

Train service (in the "far" eastern) didn't resume till 12+pm - that's almost 7 hours!