Boxing Day

Met up with Amy, Grace & Mary for tea on Boxing Day at Tea Cosy. This is my first time dining at Tea Cosy and I really love the deco of the place.

Lovely deco and delicious food...the vintage chair which I sat on was for sale for $500++! Luckily I didn't damage it... =P

Satisfied ladies

Went for dinner at Zion Road, followed by KTV at Party World with another group of friends. Greedy me was too busy eating so didn't take any pictures of the food.

The group at Party World

FK and I posed for a picture with our presents

I pray for my friend

I couldn't sleep well last night. I was really worried that he couldn't pull through. I really don't want the office cubicle beside me to be empty. God, can you please save him?

End of Spa saga? Hopefully...

Atos Wellness group offers to take in stranded spa customers
Channel NewsAsia - Friday, December 25

SINGAPORE: The spa industry took a blow more than a month ago when two outlets shut down overnight leaving customers stranded. But another company has stepped in to help those affected.

What used to be known as an outlet for pampering and relaxation has, of late, been seen as a breeding ground for empty promises and confusion.

The sudden closures of Wellness Village and Simply Spa left clients who had paid upfront for their services in a lurch. All this left a scar on the industry and players said business has dropped by about 10 per cent since then.

But not all is lost for some 500 spa patrons. Atos Wellness Group is offering to provide their unutilised treatments at no extra cost.

It is also working with four other companies — Subtle Senses, Beyond Beauty, Beauty Express and Rustic Nirvana — to help customers.

Ananda Rajah , CEO, Atos Wellness Group, said: "We felt there was a lot of negative publicity about the spa industry in Singapore in general. And we felt it was important for us to show a vote of confidence that the spa industry is able to cope with any kind of negative setbacks due to the closure of any particular spa."

Nellie Chan, a customer affected by the spa closure, said: "I’m very pleased to receive such good news because it’s like a Christmas gift. So I will be interested to really sit down, meet up with them and discuss what are the things they can offer to us."

Going forward, Atos is thinking of setting up an association to help anyone affected by a spa shutdown.

The Consumers Association of Singapore said it welcomes efforts by the industry to help consumers when a business closes. It is also willing to look at proposals of setting up the association, urging bigger players to think of concrete processes to safeguard consumer interests. — CNA/vm

Mary and Grace are so sweet...we were discussing about my Wellness Village saga during our tea session on Saturday and both of them proactively sent me the link before I even google for it. I really hope that I can claim my unused sessions without any terms and conditions.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

KY gave me this book as my Xmas gift...

About StrengthsFinder 2.0

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?"-- Benjamin Franklin

Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.
To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on the bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions to discover their top five talents.
In StrengthsFinder 2.0 Gallup unveiled the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more. While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.
Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and USA Today bestseller will change the way you look at yourself -- and the world around you -- forever.
-- Adapted from http://www.strengthfinder.com/

My Top 5 Strengths

• Maximizer

People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

• Futuristic

People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.

• Analytical

People who are especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.

• Harmony

People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.

• Competition

People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

The Yomik gals @ Jumbo

Yuan is back from Canada and Hui is back from Japan! As they missed the Singapore Chilli crab, we decided to meet at Jumbo!

Yuan was the first to arrive. According to her, people in Canada are seldom late. They are either early or on time. We took this picture while waiting for the rest.

The crabs & prawns which we have ordered. The chilli crab was delicious! The sauce tasted soooo good.

We were given the bib to protect our clothes. Looks like apron huh...

Hui and Yuan were happily eating the durian pudding...they must have been badly deprived of durians aboard. I don't think I can ever understand that feeling coz I dislike the fruit.

Hui bought Japanese kaka for us...Yay!

The Yomik gals on 22 Dec 09

as compared to

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The Yomik gals in 2006...We still look the same rite?

Didn't know that toilet rolls are so expensive in Canada. According to Yuan, a dozen of toilet rolls costs S$20...ridiculously expensive rite?

Oh, and the bus drivers in Canada can earn up to S$10,000 per month...maybe I should just migrate to Canada to be a bus driver? Haha...

My favourite bun from Hong Lim

This is a super bo liao post cos I just wanna feature my favourite bun from Hong Lim...haha.The cream cheese will just oozes out when you bite it. Simply delicious...

Cream cheese & raisins bun from Hong Lim. Sandy bought it for me. =)

A mobile day

Knowing that FK’s existing Nokia phone was giving him lots of problems, I bought a Nokia 6710 navigator for him as his Christmas gift.

You must be wondering why didn't I get an iphone for him, since it is currently the most popular phone model and most youngsters are blindly following the trend by owning one (Yes, I know I do sound sceptical). Well, that guy has no patience for touch screen phones, he will probably “kill” the phone if it hangs…And of coz, I am not so generous to buy him an iphone…haha.

But never did I expect that this Nokia 6710 navigator became the dictator of how we gonna spend our day. We went to three places to fix the phone as the memory card was faulty and the phone was lagging badly.

And I must complain that the service ambassadors at Nokia Service Centre at Vivo City weren’t professional at all. One of the female service ambassadors was eating mash mallows at the counter while explaining the phone features to another customer. OMG! This is totally unacceptable! I think Nokia ought to engage some mystery shoppers to find out what is happening on ground!

Luckily, we managed to solve all our phone problems after our visit to MobileOne, the exclusive Singtel retailer that set up the promotion booth in my office. I was pleasantly surprised that the sales promoter was so savvy with the phone features and she managed to solve all the problems which the service ambassadors at Nokia and Hello Singtel weren’t able to solve. She also proactively offered to be contacted if I faced any further problems with the phone. Really a differentiated customer experience!

The Spa Closure saga continues...

Hotel spa shuts down; no refund on packages

Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, December 17

SINGAPORE: Barely five weeks after hundreds of spa customers were left stranded by Wellness Village’s sudden closure, shutters are down for another one located in a hotel — with customers told that "outstanding prepaid packages will not be refunded".

The decision by Simply Spa International looks set to spark off another round of complaints to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) and the Small Claims Tribunal, raising the question again if more can be done to protect consumers.

Administrative manager Lynn Koh, for one, was "shocked" when she received an email on Monday about the closure of the outlet at Parkroyal on Kitchener Road. She signed up for a 12—treatment package in July, and has "four or five" unclaimed treatments worth about $700 to $900.

But that might now be money down the drain, if Simply Spa’s director Kiri Alana Edwards’ email warning of no refunds is anything to go by.

"We took over the spa on August 1 this year. However, on Sept 28, we were advised to close the spa due to licensing issues. Since this time, we have tried to resolve such licensing issues as well as various other issues with the previous owner.

"Unfortunately, we have not been able to resolve these issues and therefore the spa will not be re—opening," wrote Ms Edwards.

MediaCorp emailed her for further details, but she replied: "As this matter is the subject of pending litigation, I’ve been advised not to comment."

A check with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority showed the company to be "live". Its shareholders are New Zealanders Ms Edwards and Mr Brandon Patrick Edwards.
Its website states that the spa was established in 2004 and moved to its present location last year.

Yesterday, its doors were shut and a notice from the hotel management said it was closed until further notice.

Responding to queries, a hotel spokesperson said the spa is its tenant, and the hotel has not been officially informed of the company’s permanent closure. The hotel is directing all enquiries to the spa itself.

Case executive director Seah Seng reiterated his call for the spa industry to better protect consumers through an insurance scheme that would reimburse consumers when a spa closes, for instance. It has also asked the Association of Banks Singapore to ask banks to pay spas in instalments when customers prepay with their credit cards.

According to Case, the number of spa, beauty or wellness closures has decreased in the past three years. There were 13 closures in 2007, seven in 2008, and five so far this year, excluding Simply Spa.

"But it doesn’t matter if it’s one or two closures," Mr Seah said. "Whenever a spa closes, hundreds of customers are affected and it’s very damaging to the image of the industry."

Another spa closure after the Wellness Village saga. Customers are left stranded again. If nothing is done to protect the interest of the customers, business of the other spas will definitely be affected…after all, who can blame the customers for fearing to sign up spa packages?

When I went for my body massage two weeks ago at Angelsky8, the masseur tried to persuade me to sign up another package (though I still have seven unused sessions) .However, she stopped to deploy her selling tactic the minute I told her about the Wellness Village saga in which I was affected. I guess she empathised and understood how I feel…

Snack on Tidbits

Mum is back from Hokkaido and she bought lots of Japanese tidbits...Greedy me gonna snack again...hoho..

Some of my favourite snack from Japan!

Holiday Scam?

SMS from G*C: Ms Peggy Yeo. Pls note that your appt with G*C is 15 Dec 09 @ 6.30pm.

Last Saturday afternoon, I received a call from a lady named Jessie from G*C. She informed me that I have won free accommodation at 5 selected countries. However, I have to purchase my own air ticket to enjoy the free stay. Sounds like a good deal right? Since air travel has became a cheap affair with the influx of budget airline in the recent years.

Being a naïve individual, I told Jessie that I would like to collect the free accommodation voucher on her proposed date (which is today; And hence explained why I have got this confirmation sms from her)

After I ended the conversation, I shared with FK the good deal. As FK suggested that we collect the voucher together, I called Jessie to inform her that I will be bringing a friend with me.

To my horror, she sounded unfriendly and said that I am not allowed to bring friends with me to collect the voucher. She claimed that this is one of the rules and regulations set by the organisers and I may be disqualified if I don’t collect the voucher alone. Weird and absurd rules and regulations! Why can’t I bring a friend to collect the voucher with me? Being suspicious, I questioned her on the supposed logic of collecting the voucher alone. However, she just kept repeating that I am not allowed to bring a friend.

Needless to say, I did not collect the voucher. I want to be spared of any possible scam.

Grace's big day...happy ever after

When we were young, we used to cringe at the thought of getting married…after all, there were so many things which we would like to accomplish. Scoring As, winning a gold medal, getting a good degree, having an envied career…marriage seemed to be the last on our checklist.

Witnessing the marriage of my close friend, Grace, on Sunday, I feel that we are beginning to twig our mindset and get ourselves ready to embark on a new journey of our life. Yes, numbers can’t lie, we will be moving into our thirties in a few years time. The cruelty of reality is also clearly embedded in our mind as we feel that it is time to tie the knot and start a family.

During the wedding dinner, a few of us discussed about the number of weddings which we have recently attended or are attending soon. Like it or not, we have reached the life stage in which most of our peers are tying the knot. And soon, we will have to attend more housewarming parties and baby showers…And before we realise it, we will be attending more funerals than parties. Sadly, life is so staged and predictable.

Ok, I shall not get too emotional. After all, this is a happy event and I really thank Grace for asking me to be the leader of her sisters’ gang. And thank god, I don’t look too rowdy or unglam in the video which was shown during the dinner…Though it was tiring, I enjoyed myself a lot. Making fun of the brothers, posing in front of the camera, gossiping about guests (oopps…this is supposed to be a secret)…it was really fun.

Reached Grace's place at 7am to prepare for the wedding challenges. Her parents, particularly her mum, seemed so excited.

The jie mei gang...oh, Joyce is missing...

A photo of a photo...the couple with the brothers and sisters

The night event @ Goodwood Park, Windsor Ballroom. The ballroom is a good choice as there is no pillar blocking the stage. Posing for photo as we were early.

The pretty ladies, Huimin & Amy @ the reception

We have known each other for more than 10 years...oh, we are so old already

A photo of a photo...I love this picture as everyone looks so candid.

Our Yummy Lunch @ Chatterbox

This is my second time dining at Chatterbox. The first time was like donkey years ago...can't remember when was that.

We ordered chicken rice & nasi goreng. I heard from my colleague that the chicken rice used to cost only $5.80 in the 80s. Well, we paid $22 for it. But thanks to the eat@Meritus card, we have got 50% discount. Yay!

New menu design? I don't remember the menu looked like that...or did my memory fail me again?

Chatterbox signature dish: Chicken Rice. The portion was so huge that FK commented that chicken is enough to serve 4 people

The nasi goreng is worth trying too. The satay reminds me of those which were served in SQ business class


Posing with my food

FK looked so happy!

View from Chatterbox. Chatterbox used to be located at Level 1. It is now located at level 5 and thus, we can observe people from the top.

Famous Ramen in Central

Finally get to try the famous Ramen in Central. The menu is very simple as the restaurant only serves 4 types of Ramen. FK commented that it tasted better than the one which we had in Japan.

Unlike the usual ones I have tried in most Japanese restaurants in Singapore, the soup base is thick and tasty.

I love the egg...hard on the outside, slightly watery yolk. I wonder how they managed to cook it.

Evening @ East Coast

FK is finally back from his 16 days Langkawi trip. It seems like a long time since I last met him. We went to East Coast for dinner and coffee.

Had my favourite Fish & Chips

Hungry FK ordered so much food.

We went to Coffee Bean to chill out after our dinner. I looked so tired after a long day at work.

Anyway, I think DBS bank ought to shorten their call waiting time for their contact centre. (I have helped them identify a process improvement project!) I called the bank while I was on my way to meet FK and a voice message informed me that I have to wait 15 minutes! So I gave up and decided to call again an hour later. But sighz, the waiting time is still the same! So I decided to adopt FK's idea of leaving the hp on speaker and have my coffee.

I think the call waiting time is averagly 10 to 15 minutes...even during non-peak hour...Yes, I tried calling them at mid-night and was informed by a voice message that I have to wait 12 minutes! OMG! Is there only 1 person answering calls during non-peak hour?

Pre-Xmas Tea Party

Had Xmas Tea Party in office today. Really enjoy myself...though we were asked to brainstorm for some ideas relating to our work before we can enjoy the food and games...

Before the party begins...

Yummy food...Really thank the MC members for their contribution. I love the Tiramisu & the turkey stuffing

Pressie no. 10 was what I have picked intially. It is a crystal container...but after multiple shuffles (the rule of the game), I got Sins Chocolates instead. Kinda happy coz I am a chocolate lover...

Greedy Ee Wa was caught eating by the camera...so unglam..Haha

Cheeky me always hide behind them and appear in their pictures without them knowing...Haha

Guys acting Macho with Famous Amos cookies. Kel looks so proud with the cookie in his pocket.

Counting down

1 more day! Fk is finally going to fly back from Langkawi. Wonder whether he has put on or lost weight...

Yeah! He said that he will bring me for a good meal on Wed evening. Mm..where shall we go?

Camwhoring along Orchard on a Friday nite

Having the intention of visitng the newly opened 313 Somerset, we went to Orchard after work on Friday. 313 Somerset is nothing special. It looks the same as most of the Mega malls and is far from posh as compared to Ion Orchard. Thus, we decided to walk along Orchard and take pictures with the Christmas decorations after our dinner.

I love this deco outside Heeren...so beautiful

Ee Wa was proud that she managed to capture the entire deco. I was condemned by her for being a lousy photographer as I didn't managed to do it..boohoo!

Huge Ferrero Rocher bouquet outside Taka

There were 2 kids who were running around when we were taking pictures with this huge reindeer. I gave them the angry stare to scare them away. I have low tolerance for boisterous kids!

Beyond the Realm of Conscience...9 more episodes to go

9 more episodes to go...

I am such a drama addict! Yes, this is an undeniable fact. I used to bring laptop with me when I was on duty travel so that I could stay in hotel to watch tv drama. Hehe...

My thoughts after taking the Tokyo Disney Resort quiz...

I remembered that a Japanese stewardess used to tell me that Disneysea is more suitable for adults and Disneyland caters to the kids and teenage crowd. After visiting both places, I realised that what she has described was not entirely true. Both places have their own unique features that appeal to visitors of all ages. But of course, unless you plan to spend most of your time seeing Disney characters in Tokyo (which means you will miss the fabulous shopping in Tokyo), it is likely you will have to choose between of the two.

Disneyland (in winter)

Vs

Disneysea (in Summer)

Based on my views & experiences...

Disneyland: It's a small world in Fantasyland

Disneyland: Minnie's House in Toon Town

Disneysea: Tower of Terror in American Waterfront

Disneysea: On my way to Venetian Gondolas in Mediterranean Habor

Visit http://www.tokyodisneyresort.com.sg/ for the quiz