In a blink.

It's already mid-March!
Where did January and February go?
I feel like I haven't done enough and March is already leaving in 2 weeks.
What's this sorcery? Hahaha.

Anyway. Haven't been writing much because there is nothing for me to write. No ideas yet but look out for my next review of a massage place. Hahaha.

I think the last time I actually reviewed a massage parlour in Singapore is actually 2 years ago for "Rule of Thumb". And lately, I've been travelling to jb for massage. Maybe I should write about that as well. Okay. I will try to snap pics the next time I'm there and then write a detailed review for all.

So yes. Its gonna be a self maintenance day tomorrow because I'll be on leave. Off work to a manicure, good 'ol shoulder and foot massage to a hair cut - or trim as you may call it. Since I'm only trimming off the ends. Hahaha.

I'm trying out this new massage place tomorrow. In Singapore and not jb. Hahaha. It's one of the up and coming massage parlours I think. Well, let's see how it goes and I'll update soon I promise! Cheers to a good Thursday! TGIF tomorrow guys. Have fun~

A bad scare~

I think I posted on Facebook a few days back that my personal phone was down and recovered the next day.

So here's the story.

I was at a seminar when my phone prompted me to update it. Since there was WiFi, I decided to update it there and then lest I forget it when I get home.

It took about 25mins or so for the entire update to complete. And I mean, downloading and rebooting after application. But here's the catch...

...

After updating my phone, I was greeted with a blank white screen after I slide the wallpaper off. Initially, I thought it was only a lag. But it didn't recover after 5mins. Then when I slide it off again, it was the same. Again and again. Shock and in a panic, I took another hour or so to reboot and try all ways to recover it but still failed.

So, I used my iPad, which was also connected to the net to search for solutions and at the same time, connected the Mi service chat. Did I mention that I'm using XiaoMi? Yes, Mi4i. So, the lady at the service chat, whose name I'd forgotten told me to get to a PC, connect my phone and fastboot it. And she sent me a set of detailed instructions, which I'll get to in a minute. So, I told her that I don't have any PC around me at the moment and will try her method when I get home. Before ending off, she warned me that data might be wiped in the process. I mean. If the phone can be recovered, I guess data being wiped is just a little price to pay.

Worried although irritated, I didn't know if i would be able to revive the phone before meeting my friends for dinner and drinks that night. Managed to contact my friend via Facebook messenger which functions on my iPad as well. Smart right? Hahahaha. But seriously, who remembers numbers at this age right? Except my parents and my own mobile numbers, I doubt I remember any one else's.

Anyhow, when I got home, I started fumbling with the set of detailed instructions given by the service chat lady - which by the way was quite outdated. As the screenshots featured were of an older version of the fastboot application. There were many more buttons on this new application that the screenshots didn't have. Even though that manual was rather detailed, I had to figure my way out around the on my own. After which, there was no effect on my phone. I still saw the same white screen after the wallpaper. Yes, potentially I might have already wiped my data but I didn't recover my phone.

Angry and with dampened spirits, I didn't meet my friends for dinner nor drinks cause there was simply no mood. Found the designated service centre in Singapore and decided to visit that place first thing the next morning.

When I arrived at the service centre, I patiently waited for me turn. If was probably a quick 10mins wait. Then when it was my turn, I explained the situation to the friendly guy at the counter. Literally showing him what I meant. So he smiled and asked, "this happened when you updated your phone ya? So what's your lock type?"

I couldn't really understand what he meant so after few clarifications, I realised he wanted to know if my phone lock was pattern or numeric and if numeric, he would like to know the combination. And so I told him. And the magic happened. Hahahaha. He started keying in the password on that white screen, assuming where the numerics are and wala! The screen came alive! After all that fuss, the only issue was one thing. And simple at that - the theme I was using was not compatible with the latest update. So by changing the theme, everything became normal again! It took less than a minute for me to get my phone back. Was actually a little mad at the lady that told me to fastboot my phone and prepare for the loss of data because it was not the problem at all. Sigh.

Yeah. So that was the bad scare. Hahahaha. Probably wasted a few minutes of your time but yeah. Don't trust those service chats! Hahahaha. Go XiaoMi!

Another Public Holiday for Singapore this SG50

I was at work, in a meeting no less when my phone started buzzing non-stop with the following text/ WhatsApp:

Parliament dissolved; Singaporeans to vote in General Election on Sep 11 - Channel NewsAsia - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/mobile/singapore/parliament-dissolved/2071898.html

11-Sep, people! Another public holiday for the office workers like me.

I'm supposed to be out of the country on business trip till the 12th. So, because of this election, I cancelled my trip. Whoohoo! But, I still gotta wake up early and confirm the operations via phone.

It's gonna be my first time voting. Not too sure who to vote for yet since I've yet to find out the parties involved. Hahahaha. Sorry. I'm not that into politics. I won't say for sure that I'll vote for PAP. Nor will I for sure vote for the opposition.

I will make sure I listen to both parties "proposal" and vote accordingly. There's always a second time, or a third and more to make things right. Yes, opposition is needed to make one party grow and change but it might not necessarily be the best. So people, vote wisely! Don't do it just  because you want to spite a certain party. Do it while considering your future, and the future of Singapore.

Wise choices, people!

Waiting to board...

I'm blogging as I am waiting to board the plane. Somehow, I always think that it's logical to have food before boarding the plane. 

Once again, I am wrong. Or they are wrong! I did ask okay? Not that I blindly went in without confirming... Scammed again by KLIA2. I need to remind myself that this happens too often. Sigh. Faster call for boarding! Don't delay ar! I need SuperMaggie to rescue my stomach. If you know what I mean (;

Anyhow, this work trip hasn't been all that fruitful. My trainee had some family emergency and called one day short. Of course, training plans are slightly behind schedule and I sort of wasted this trip. Oh well, no point looking bad right? Forward, here I come! But first... SUPERMAGGIE, I NEED YOU~!

Today is 7th August, one of Singapore's Jubilee weekend. Extra holiday for all Singaporeans and those working in Songapore. And for me, replacement off on Tuesday! Long weekend too but I'm afraid it's mostly been booked for books. Yes, you read right. I have a date with my books for the next few days so as to prepare for my exams. Got to do well especially since I'm slogging my guts out at work and school while sacrificing my sleep. Beauty does not come cheap, cause pimples popping on my forehead like multi-buy. 

Sigh. 

Sigh. 

Sigh.

Okay, I should stop typing 'Sigh'. Hahaha. Frankly, looking back at this trip, it has been fun. Somehow I've became a fan of PARK STAR unknowingly. Hahaha. 

And, although I am more like a carrier... I managed to score some Korean seaweed for myself and the team from Park. Hahahaha. 

Leaving you with the picture and the mental image of Korean Seaweed. Drool now and never see it. Muahahaha. Okay, signing off. 

Reserving with Jeunesse

So, I've decided to finally try Reserve. Especially since I've heard it few months back while travelling in Australia.

I wasn't really interested in building it as a business at the moment so Sean just got me into the 'backoffice' while I figure things out slowly. Delivery was super fast and efficient. I remember ordering and setting up an account with Sean  and while thinking when I will receive the items, I received it 2 days later. Super speedy.

Nice packaging and all too. Original RESERVE Box with the Jeunesse 'recyclable' tote bag.

Been having it for the past few weeks now and I'm in love with it cause its'simply "BERRILICIOUS". Get it? HAHAHA. Am not able to tell you how this impacts/ changes me yet but will make sure to talk more about RESERVE (and its wonders) in future. 

Jeunesse has been growing rapidly in the market these days. You see RESERVE, and well, you mostly see "Instantly Ageless". Videos and all proves that it really takes effect almost instantaneously.

Like I said, will take more about this in future but in the meantime, if you would like to know more information about the brand and its products, please click here.

Cheers, and to all my muslim friends, SELAMAT HARI RAYA~!

There's just too many things going on.

There's just too many things going on lately. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging. Frankly, I have many things I want to talk about. So, let's start with the biggest story this week that affected thousands. HAHA. Yes, you know where I'm going with this... That fateful Tuesday when the train broke down during the crazy rush hour.

So, I had class that day so when I ended work, I hopped on a bus and got to school. Thankfully, there was a straight bus from work to school but that wasn't the point since I always take the bus if I'nm going school from work.

When I got to school, most of our classmates were already there and there was going to be a student presentation going on that day. Sadly, one of the classmates (let's just go by the name of A) - whose presenting - is late and the tutor wasn't quite happy. His team leader reported that A was caught on the train and the tutor thought it was A leaving work late that resulted in him being late. And again, black face. Time for waiting was up and the team had to present without A. Thankfully, A's parts were all the way at the end so they might be able to stretch some time. Out of curiousty, I started rumbling through my phone and saw my colleagues complaining on whatsapp that there were no train service at Jurong East. Both NSL and EWL are 'dead' for the day. Knowing that, out of goodwill, I had to say something so I told the tutor the current situation at the train stations. The tutor sort of understood the situation.

A finally arrived, after the team completed their presentation and even their Q&A session. The tutor jokingly asked if he wanted any airtime for himself since he didn't present anything. And A, the first thing that came out of his mouth was.. "Sir, so how would I be marked?"
The tutor started laughing and said, "I was prepared to fail you" and A's jaw dropped. Then the tutor continued by saying, since you have a 'valid' reason, I cannot blame you for the train not working and decided to grant him marks based on the groups presentation and effort - agreeable by his team member as well.

Long story short, if he really did fail this module because of the train breakdown, will he be able to claim his tuition fees from SMRT? Hahaha. And, frankly, although I was not affected  by the train fault, I felt the pain of many friends and colleagues who did. they left work at 1900, only to get home by 2200 and some even 2300. Then again, although the train failts and breakdown causes much pain ana agny to the people out there, I have to applaud SMRT workers for their speedy works at recovery. Such that the next morning, although train services were slower, we still had the luxury of taking the trains to work and home again. So, kudos to the workers~! SMRT management should look into giving the workers - and not the CEO - more bonuses for their great effort!

More updates next time...

WHITE DAY. Ladies, have you received your cookies?

Okay, I did not receive any! HAHAHAHA. But in Singapore, I think we are not that fond of celebrating white day. Everything is usually done and shared during actual Valentines Day.

In case you are not aware, white day is mostly celebrated in Japan and Korea. It falls on 14-Mar – exactly one month after valentines day. In those culture, valentines day is the day where the girls gives chocolate candies to the guys and white day is the day where the girl knows if her love is reciprocated or not. In case you are confused by my explanation, please refer to Wikihow’s explanation. It is simplified with pictures and detailed explanation on the gift types.

Frankly, I like how this system works. HAHAHA. In a girl’s point of view, although it might be heart breaking to receive white chocolates or elated to receive the cookies. Either way, you get a conclusion, a resolution – to love with all your soul or to cry with all your heart. Guys… please start this in Singapore… HAHAHA. 

Rule of Thumb...

Essentially, it is an approximate principle or rough procedure. However, it is not the case for the (currently) one and only "Rule of Thumb Sanctuary Spa" in Singapore.

I was looking for a cheap and good (and clean) spa in Singapore and I chanced upon peregrinatewithme's blog. Was really tempted to try all of them but I wasn't sure which to start with. And somehow, I can't remember how but I got to the WELLNESSLY website and I noticed a "1-for-1" redemption voucher like below.

I couldn't resist so I immediately signed up with WELLNESSLY and got my 1-for-1 voucher. Remember to key in your email address correctly because the redemption code will be sent to your emails like below:

So in the email, you will see the Redemption Code as well as Expiry Date. As my voucher's expiry is in April, I was surprised when I received a reminder email from WELLNESSLY to make an appointment. Do note that it is valid for the first 1000 redemptions and strictly by appointment so I booked my appointment for me and my friends for yesterday and I did mention, I had the 1-for-1 redemption code. You'll just have to let them know the code(s) and you're done with the booking. 

Like I mentioned earlier, the 1-for-1 is only valid for the 1st 1000 redemptions so if you're keen on trying it out, do try your luck and register with WELLNESSLY first before making your appointment. 

Okay. So I went for the Relaxation (Basic Oil) massage and I told my masseuse (P.s. Her name is Amy) that I wanted more focus on my neck and back. You know what people say about not judging a book by its cover? Well, you should never judge a masseuse by their size. Amy is petite like me but boy is she strong. I'm pretty good with pain so, trust me when I say she has her strength. It is my first time doing oil massage so I was unaware of what I should or should not do and I asked a fair bit of questions before beginning and Amy was patient enough to answer my queries. Once she started the massage, she's in all serious mode and no talk - not unless it has involves pressure on my back. I recall her first comment was how 'hard and tight' my shoulders and back are. She even asked if I was too stressed out or if I am just working with a bad position. HAHA. Nice lady, really. And she is good..! I mean, I could feel all the knots kneaded away bit by bit. If not for my friend and her masseuse next to me talking away, I swear I would have fallen asleep in her hands (P.s, my friend and I were sharing a big room - of course there were curtains for each individual bed). After the massage, I stayed for a while before dressing up and heading down for a hot cup of tea. The service at Rule of Thumb is really good and the staff were all friendly. Grace - whom I believe is the manager of the store - requested to take a photo of us and we did. It's the first photo of this post with the signature "THUMBS UP"! Kudos to Rule o Thumb for the great service. You've got yourself a returning customer here! HAHAHA.

Anyhow, you know how massage always helps you 'loosen' the tight muscles and you usually feel a little sore, albeit loose after the massage? This time round, similar to my previous Thai Massage experiences, there was a bit of soreness. Well, I knew it would happen due to the work done on the muscles. But what I didn't expect was my sinus acting up to the extend that I cant sleep. My nose was blocked so tight that I woke up in the middle of the night to take a flu pill before going back to lalaland. 

This morning, when I woke, I was confused. I wasn't sure if it is 'time' for me to fall sick or if it's the massage. So, not knowing my answer, I turned to everyone's 'bestfriend' (aka GOOGLE) for answers. And I found out it's part of the "Healing Response". You can read up more here from Cascade Massage Therapy but I screenshot the main points below:

So, a cold is actually part of the healing process. And, I'm actually not allowed to eat any meds because it is the body detoxifying. Now, how am I supposed to know that? I've had massages before - mostly Thai Massage - and I never experienced a cold after the massage. Did you know that you might experience cold-like symptoms after a good massage? Have you had a cold after massage before? And, how long did it last?

Oh well, what's done is done. But I mean, logically, since I can't sleep because of a blocked nose, the only response is to clear it... HAHAHA. Nevermind. I just need to make sure I drink loads of water and detox, and pray tonight be smooth sailing. HAHA. 

Before I sign off and forget, the most important information is below:

Address: 289 Beach Road #01-01 Singapore 199552

Tel: +65 6295 5000

www.ruleofthumb.sg 

Opening hours: 10am to 4am daily
Bus services: 100, 107, 107M, 961, 961C, 980
Nearest Train: EWL Bugis, CCL Nicoll Highway