Bad mojo

Go away.

I know it's self-indulgent to rant about bad luck and all, but I do feel like today was possibly one of the worst I've had in awhile. In the grand scheme of things, I'm very aware that everything that happened really isn't that big a deal. But it still sucked ass.

First, my day started with a pleasant ride on the MRT. Despite how we were packed like sardines, close enough to intimately kiss our neighbors, a fellow passenger had the nerve to let one go. I swear this person must've been standing right in front of me because the stench was INTENSE! So much so that I literally choked. No kidding.

I choked.

And when I stopped at the dry cleaners to pick up my favorite silk scarf, they handed it back to me without its accompanying pouch. What??! How is that possible? I had left the scarf with you along with its protective pouch so it wouldn't snag. Why would you misplace or toss out something like that? One would think that paying $8 to dry clean a single scarf wouldn't render that kind of mistake. Well, I was wrong.

Here's the clincher. Hands down, winner of the day.

I timed my journey to the acupuncturist, arrived at the building just before the clouds decided to weep, breathed a sigh of relief only to find out quickly that Google Maps recorded the old (and therefore wrong) address. In the middle of nowhere, I stood surrounded by pouring rain and HDB flats, cursing in my head.

After many phonecalls to the acupuncturist discussing the best route, we decided it was best that I stayed where I was until the rain subsided. So I did. There I continued to stand for another 45 whole mins, during which I called the bf to swear at everything and anything possible including God for the rain. Not my finest moment in 27 years, I must admit. And I'm deeply sorry, especially to the bf who had to endure every bit of it. You're a champ hon.

The college kid standing next to me overheard the whole conversation and looked away when I stared back with eyes that may as well have been darts. Quietly, we stood there watching the rain. When I got a call from the acupuncturist saying they were closing and that I should cancel, I decided to (as they say) fuck it and braved the rain.

It was a painful decision. And my 300 euro suede shoes along with their silk lining will never recover from the mean muddy puddles. Though I can't help but feel like it was the right one, because things got better after. On the way to the place, with raindrops dripping down my chin, I felt like a scene from Survivor the same college kid's hand on my shoulder as he offered to hold my hand down a slippery hill. That, was a moment of kindness worthy of a Reader's Digest column (silver-lining #1. Yes!).

When I arrived at the acupuncturist, I was welcomed by a clean lofty seating area, friendly staff and warm towels to dry myself with. This was followed by a productive conversation with the doctor and a 30 min session with needles and Chinese meds. A real adventure (silver-lining #2. Woohoo!).

After the appointment, I stepped out into the streets and to clear skies. On the way to the train station, a free shuttle bus stopped right in front of me (silver-lining #3) and I hopped on.

Just when I got home tonight, I found a new t-shirt I've worn only once with tie-dye patches around the collar. Presumably caused by fading in the sun. Really? This day can only get better. This day can only get better. This day can only get better.

I'm gonna hit the sack before something falls on my head.

Thank God for great company and chocolate cake. I'm grateful to have friends like you

Yes. I'm still here

And if you knew how busy I've been, you'd forgive me.

It's only looking busier too. Eep! Fingers crossed I don't kill myself (or the bf) this holiday season.

Days I'll be traveling

To summarize this past month: Amsterdam kicked ass. Canals are pretty. Cycling's cool. Herring smells funny. Smashpot's overrated. Oliebollen's a cross between a you tiao and a donut. I love, absolutely LOVE, Incanto. Fifteen was an experience and a long walk from central. Red lights are diff from purple ones. Green is good. Sinterklaas is a slave-driver? London was colder. Portobello market's as lovely as I remember. Gold Mine wasn't. Borough market's yummy. Monmouth cafe reminds me of Blue Bottle. Pierre Herme set up 2 stores. The bf's getting a new toy. The big sis got her new toy. Baby Travis is in the building everyone! I've lost my appetite. Macarune's last MVPS of '10 is on the 19th. And I'm short 3 presents for Christmas.

Everything. Just doubled

Yikes! I haven't blogged for 2 weeks now? What's up with that man.

If I were in school now, this wouldn't be happening. I even forgot our anniversary this year (sorry hon!). Major boo boo. I didn't believe it myself, when the bf gently reminded me after work one night, but had mere seconds to ponder the issue before I passed out in bed.

In my defense, we've been moving about a lot these past weeks. Casey and Merlin's wedding was a lovely event that took place in Jakarta. Congrats darlings! And last weekend was all lil sis + family time. I can't believe the lil un is off to college. They grow up so fast don't they? Next weekend is the littlest sis' birthday.

Can you see me running around in circles now?

I actually have a lot to announce, though most have to be kept on the down low *jittery with excitement* So for now, you'll just have to enjoy Casey and Merlin's wedding shots. They're super cute :) More deets here.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

I spent 30 minutes shopping on Gilt only to realize that they require a US billing address! *Sniff. Can't remember how I got my Marc Jacobs stuff in the past but Wendy must've helped.

So bummed.

Quintessential Marc by MJ print top


The dress I've been eyeing since last year. I don't think I'll recover from this :(

A restructuring is in order

While on the train today, I caught a whiff of my mom's old perfume, Lancôme Trésor. At that moment, standing beside sweaty white collar workers and stroller pushing aunties, I was reminded of much younger days when I would tug at the helm of my mother's skirt for attention. When my face was devoid of lines and everything felt better with a mere present of stickers or ice cream.

How human is it to experience such flashbacks through a simple occurrence? I can't wait to go home this weekend for our early Mother's Day celebration. Lately it seems like there's so much to be happy for, but with all my time spent working, it's just so hard to do so.

Life's a bitch when you're a teen

Today as I was looking up forums and news on why SEVEN was down, I stumbled upon a bizarre news article about a boy who chopped off his penis and tossed it down a well, all because his gf broke up with him. I kid you not!

Later as I read more news I saw yet another shocking teen-related one of a 15 year old girl who committed suicide as a result of excessive bullying at school :( This really saddened me because I experienced similar woes at that age.

Apparently her teachers witnessed the bullying and did nothing. It's kinda like how our teachers used to look at us with sad eyes as if willing the bullying to stop. I have vivid memories of my dad making trips down to school to meet with our principal only to be told everything was fine when they were not. This formed my incisive sentiments on the Malaysian education system and those involved in upholding it.

If you ask me today how I feel about what happened, I would say I'm more than fine. In fact, it's been so long, I barely recall half of it. The more painful things that stay with you are usually those that you don't speak of. Like how your friends didn't stand by you when they could, or the traces of trauma that follow you through life until they dissipate away over time. Or if you're lucky, over an apology.

These articles got me thinking about "growing up." Today, I'm way past my tweens and teens. And while I may have thought I knew a lot then, I really knew nothing. Even at 19, I hardly knew any more than I did at 15. Now at twenty-something, I know even less!

It's funny isn't it? I bet the 19 year old boy didn't know losing a penis for life is way harder than losing a gf. Perhaps the latter isn't such a big deal because well, we all move on. Bet the nine bullies didn't think the law would come down so hard on them.

Guess people learn over time.


Link to the Malacca photos as promised: click here>

Breathe...

I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.
I will not let you bother me.

I am hardly breathing now cause I'm furious. Enough to rant but not enough to throw anything (lucky bf). Checking out cause it's about time.

Sage, Sage, Sage. Where do I begin?

Upon entering the premises, we were hit by the staleness in the air.

What’s that smell? Is it coming from the walls? Cramped dining interior? Damp air? The food??! I hope not. Part wet dog and plastic, I can’t put my finger to it. Whatever. Let’s just hold our breaths and order. Urp.

Then came the question, “Sparkling or still?”

“Tap please.”

“Sure ma’am. No problem.”

Score 1 for the quick and correct answer. And strike 1 for calling me ma’am. Lol! I kid.

The service was attentive. So overall, there are really no complaints there. It’s possible, I might’ve sensed a slight air of haughtiness from the main server but then decided to let it slide when she mispronounced amuse bouche. Guess you’re more nervous and new than you are smug.

We ordered the full degustation course to share, and the winter truffle and celeriac soup because I was craving something comforting.

First came the amuse bouche, a shotglass of watercress soup with lemon cream and caviar. Cold, buttery, rich and somewhat starchy. Nothing spectacular. There were no expectations, and therefore no disappointment to follow. It tasted kinda like the spinach soup I make at home, though mine is usually served warm in big bowls with a side of country bread.

Then came the salad. Whatever it was, it was clearly unforgettable because of the rancidness of the dish. Yes. I said it. Rancid. In an acclaimed restaurant. The baked strips of root vegetable just didn’t go with the random sprinkling of walnuts and grassy greens. Ech! And the rancidness! I couldn’t get over it. Like the smell of the place, it just wouldn't go away! Was it the nuts? Or the oil used for the vinaigrette? We couldn’t tell. But it left a bitter taste in our mouths and we decided to stop eating halfway. Yuck.

Along came the side order of soup with consommé. Ahh… Nice and hearty, with just enough truffle. Not bad.

Shortly after the seared Hokkaido scallop floating in green mouselline arrived at our table. Ok. I hate to use the same negative adjective over and over again, but this was NOT phenomenal. The bf commented that it was overcooked and yet not seared enough on the outside. Agreed. I feel like I’ve had better scallops at Hokkaido, or California for that matter.

Next please!

The quail came, and was probably the teeniest bird I’ve ever seen in my life. And yet again, I kid you not, it was floating in some kind of sauce. Where’s the creativity people???! *Yawn. The bird was nice and gamey though the chef must've been heavy with the salt rendering it difficult to eat after few bites. Strike 2.

The foie gras was served and I thought, "This is the defining moment." Being quick to adopt liver of all kinds, I let my guard down. The crumble was a nice departure from the usual brioche or toasts, so score 1 for creativity. While this was likely one of the better dishes at Sage, and I bet the chef knows it, it was still veiny and overly salty. Just a little less salt would’ve made ALL the difference. And I can't for the life of me understand how any dining establishment could get this wrong. Gotta love the generous portion, though a little more crumble wouldn't hurt.

Following that, I vaguely remember fish that came in a pale pool of sauce (again??!) and venison.

Course after course of forgettable dishes the bf started getting restless, and was already drumming his fingers. Mind you, we weren’t rushing off anywhere. He just “couldn’t take it anymore.”

So when the final dish came, we were somewhat relieved to be done with the whole ordeal, though it wasn't to end on a good note. Upon taking a bite of the porcini mushrooms that came with the veal, the bf lost his patience (and certainly manners along the way) and exclaimed, “these mushrooms taste like a cow’s anus!!!”

We paused for a split second, then burst into peals of laughter. What a pathetic dining experience!

When the blueberry chocolate dessert was placed before our eyes, we grudgingly reached for it with our forks. "How bad could chocolate be after all?" I said optimistically though I’ve never really explored the possibility of the chocolate and blueberry combo. Do these two even go well together? Right as I was, the mildness of blueberries was masked by the chocolate, which wasn’t even rich to begin with. Manjari huh? And the creme anglaise it was floating on (yes, I kid you not) left a film on the roof of your mouth.

There you go. Dinner at Sage? No deal.

I'm not an expert food reviewer by any means, but I feel like people should know what they're in for when they decide to spend decent money for a meal. How this place got an 8 in HungryGoWhere really makes me question the community’s palate.

Feeling very much like this today

It's no joke

The clock strikes 11:00 and I just had my first meal of the day. My hollow eyes indicate utter exhaustion and I can't help but feel all the joy and life sucked out of me. Perhaps it's time to reflect and

Singapore's Gross National Happiness seems to be perpetually and unwaveringly low. I hope this is just a phase.

Pleeeease let it be just a phase.

Bluesy

I tried to take advantage of Sephora's Friends & Family online sale today but they only take American credit cards. There goes my discounted O.P.I. nail polish and CLEAN eau de toilette.

Definitely time to move on.

There's a first for everything

.
I once saw a print ad showing a grotesque figure in a living room, legs crossed and reading the papers. The space was set to look dim and ominous with a beer can on the coffee table, which I’m sure was added for effect. Summing it all up, was a headline that read:

"No child should ever have to live with a monster."

That ad, was nothing short of brilliant. It hit me on all the right (or wrong?) nerves and I felt an immediate abhorrence for child abusers and empathy for its victims.

This past week, when dealing with someone whose name is unmentionable for various reasons, I was brought back to the time when I saw this ad. Instead of the living room, the grotesque figure was seated in his cubicle, headphones blasting. When he spoke, his mouth spewed yellow gunk laced with anchovies and everything gross imaginable. Every word that rung in my ear was foreign, yet you’re sure they can’t be pleasant at the tone in which they were delivered.

*Cringe

The only thing left to be hopeful for is that I have a strong team.

Monsters never last long anyway.

Especially when they’re morons.

'Nuff said

Beauty@Genesis sucks ass

Blogger was slow to load these few days and my anger has since simmered down to nothing. Well, almost. I have enough left in me to talk about one of the lousiest customer service experience I encountered on Wednesday. The situation was so comical, I feel impelled to share it with you.

Remember the Tiffany necklace the bf got me for our 5 year anniversary? Well, he got it from Raffles Arcade and received a free voucher for a 60-minute massage treatment at the (*barf) "Beauty"@Genesis spa. Considering how the purchase carried nothing less than a 4-figure price tag, the bf was quite pleased to include the voucher as part of the gift. In his sweet generous mind, a massage he didn't have to sweat over was kinda like a bonus for me.

Weeks later, I scheduled an appointment via phone and was assured that all I needed to bring was the voucher and receipt of the purchase. It was a usual Wednesday evening as I wrestled through the MRT crowds, making my way to the spa. Getting lost along the way, I called to ask where it was and was given the following directions "You get up the escalator and turn right all the way." After much difficulty turning "right all the way" (as I didn't know she meant multiple rights) a woman came to pick me up saying, "If you had followed by colleague's directions, you wouldn't have gotten lost." That's cool. I admit I could've tried harder.

When I arrived at the spa, about 5 women in white polo shirts greeted me at the door. Obviously, none of them had appointments to attend to. One of many key points. I handed over the receipt and coupon without being prompted, and sat down as I was told. Here comes the funny bit.

Just as I was following my masseuse into the room, a few voices exclaimed, "STOP! Maam stop!!! You CANNOT go in!"

Slightly alarmed by the sudden commotion, I went to the counter to ask why not, and here's how the conversation went:

W: Maam, I'm sorry you cannot go in because the receipt's not in your name.
M: Oh. My bf got me a present and was given this voucher, so here I am. Is there a problem?
W: The name on the receipt has to match the person who gets the massage.
M: I didn't know that. Let me see the voucher.

The voucher reads:

Exclusively for _______________
*Terms & Conditions
This treatment is exclusively for the person named above and is not transferable and not exchangeable for cash or kind.

M: It says here, "...the person named above. "Would it make a difference if my name were written on here (under Exclusively for_______________)?
W: No maam. You have to be the person who purchased the item.
M: But that's not what it says here. It says "exclusively for the person named above," and my name should've been written on here.
W: I'm sorry.
M: When my bf was at Tiffany's, they didn't tell him about this *assuming (right as I was, they didn't!)
W: I'm sure they would've liked to offer you a massage, but they're not the ones giving the massage. We are. They're just issuing the voucher. We can't let you in because your name is not on the receipt.
M: Neither of us knew he had to be the one getting the massage. He doesn't even like massages *pleadingly
W: It has to be him.
M: So if I were Chris Lau, you'd let me in? *jokingly
W: *Nervous laughter. Your bf can come for the massage. Not you.
M: So I guess I should've bought the gift myself * half jokingly
W: That was very nice of your bf but there's nothing we can do *slightly snide?
M: Can you make an exception? I wouldn't have come if I had known, and it was a bit of a commute to get here.
W: I'm sorry. We can't.
M: This seems unreasonably rigid. I wish it made was clearer on the voucher. Voucher aside, if someone had asked me on the phone when I was making the appointment, I wouldn't have come all the way. Whatever. You can be sure I won't come to this establishment again *angrily
W: Ok *nonchalant

Defeated, and not wanting to be massaged by people who refused to provide the service, I just picked up my things and left. I had wasted unnecessary time and was eager to get away. Though not before calling the bf to complain about the idiocy of the situation.

What do you mean "there's nothing we can do"??! It's a 60 min massage, not a BMW. Dude! You can do it! Even I can do it. There are 5 of you here. Just sitting around too! If it's SO important that my name be on the receipt, why wasn't I informed earlier? Say, how about when I called to make the appointment??! Worse, read this maam: the voucher wasn't clear!

Had they just gone ahead with the massage, I might've considered signing up for a package of some sort. Isn't that what giveaways are for? For potential customers to experience your service before taking the leap and becoming lower hanging fruits? Everything I experienced at Beauty@Genesis (including the name *snicker) is totally against customer service 101! Aaaaaaargh!

While I've always liked Raffles Hotel for it's impeccable service and one-of-a-kind colonial style, I can't imagine how it could allow places like Beauty@Genesis to be part of its organization. Perhaps it's just another space for rent. But their attitude and inability to be flexible just EASILY lost them a potential customer. And if I can help it, they'll lose a lot more. For once I wish I had a broader audience on this blog. Grrr...

Do not go to this lame place. Ever.