I'm a Show-Off Workin'- Out Fat Face

Bwahhahaha!!




Don't hate! Thanks, Miss Ann!

Shelli and Fantastagirl have started a virtual walk from Minneapolis to Malibu. Initially, I thought it would be cool to join them on their walk, but as I was working out today, I thought maybe I need to do my own map. Since, really, I'm headed in the opposite direction of them. A couple of days ago I started logging the strides and calories burned. You would think that there would be a button for me to press to get the miles equivalence, but I sure couldn't find one. I went to the Precor website and found the FAQ's for my Cross-trainer, and they're making me do math! Gah! I decided right there and then I was going to do a spreadsheet to calculate that shit! Maybe I've missed something, but it just doesn't seem right that the display doesn't show me how many miles/kilometers I've walked.

I tried plotting a path to the U.S. just to see if it would send me into the ocean, but Google couldn't calculate it. I'm going to try to plot my mileage on Saturdays just for a bit of friendly competition. Anything to keep me interested in exercising. Thank you, Shelli, it's a fun idea!

A new clothing shop opened this week at Tanglin Mall, FatFace. I don't know who the hell thought that was a good name for a store. Honestly, it is insulting -- to me anyway. However, the clothes will fit Caucasians up to UK size 18. The clothing line is very casual, but not inexpensive. When I was there today, mostly winter clothing was on the racks (stores need to carry winter stuff for expats heading home during the winter months). The salespeople were very helpful and friendly. One salesperson told me today that they'll be stocking the warm-weather clothing by the end of next week. I just read online that the FatFace franchise is owned by Robinson's (who also own the Marks & Spencer and John Little franchises). I did buy a pair of shorts, a top, and a sundress. I am so tired of my other clothes! Never in my life, have I been so tired of my wardrobe. So, I'm hoping that if I can continue working out consistently, I'll lose my fat face.

Another Blonde Moment

A few months ago, I was over at Blonde Blogger's, and she was having a contest for the coolest aprons and cookbooks from Another Blonde Moment. I didn't win anything, so I decided to order myself the apron in the picture. I didn't get a confirmation about the order, so after a few weeks I emailed. I got an email response from Debbie, one of the owners, that yes, she'd received my order and would be shipping it soon.

A bit more time went by, and I still didn't have my apron. I decided to give Debbie a call. She has the most delightful Southern accent! She told me that she'd suffered a serious blonde moment. She was cutting up some foods and also sliced up her hand. She had to have surgery to repair it because she'd also sliced some nerves. I wasn't in a big rush for my apron and told her to wait until she was feeling better.

A couple of days ago I got a notice from SingPost that there was a parcel I needed to collect. When I got there, the queue was so long I almost had to stand outside. There were only 3 people working the counter. I spent a full hour just to collect my parcel!

Message to SingPost... Hire some more people to work those counters!

After I collected the box, I saw "Another Blonde Moment" on the return address, and I couldn't wait to open the package! I love getting packages in the mail, don't you?

Once I got the box open, I saw that she'd not only sent me the "Will Cook For Highlights" apron that I ordered, she also sent me a copy of each of her cookbooks: "Any Blonde Can Cook: Two Hundred 69 Ways To a Man's Heart", "How to MEAT a Blonde, Brunette or Redhead: A Dating & Cooking Guide", and "Any Blonde Can Do It!". These are the cleverest cookbooks I've ever seen! Oh! and she included some catalogs, and now I want to order some of the Blonde Floozies.
I just checked my order and saw that I only paid $7 for shipping and Debbie paid $37 to send all of these goodies to me! I owe you big time Debbie! Thank you so much.

I was going to put a picture up of me wearing my new apron, but something's wrong with my USB port again. It's either Windows (which wouldn't surprise me a bit) or a hardware issue. I've got some investigating to do. This has also messed up my "This is Today" thing on Flickr. Stupid USB port!

Shopping (again)

I've had to do some shopping over the last couple of weeks. It is not one of my favorite activities, but if there's no getting out of it, by gawd, I take on my mission with a zeal and spend the $$$!

My first stop was my favorite department store here, Takashimaya (you all know how I feel about Isetan's lack-o-customer service). However, there are a few things that I wonder about every time I go to the department stores here (as far as I can tell, they're all set-up this way):

• I go to the department to select the goods I would like to purchase.
• Once I've selected the item I want, the sales clerk peels-off a sticker and plasters it onto a form, handwrites some stuff on the form, and then points me in the direction of the cashier.
• The sales clerk keeps the item at that counter.
• The other day, I wandered around to several counters before finding one that didn't have 20 people in the queue.
• I pay for the item at said cashier counter.
• After I pay, the cashier gives me 2 receipts. I do not understand why every merchant in Singapore must give a customer 2 paper receipts. I spend more time shredding those suckers and it just seems like a huge waste! Why do we need 2 receipts?

Anyway, on with the process of buying something at a department store in Singapore...

• I am then required to walk back to the department where the coveted item awaits.
• I hand over the receipts to the salesperson.
• Salesperson carefully wraps my purchase and makes it look all pretty. I'm not joking here. Singaporeans are amazing gift-wrappers! I always enjoy standing in the gift-wrap queue at Christmas-time in Takashimaya. It's a "watch and learn" kind of thing, except I never have learned. Anyway, your gift is wrapped in a few short minutes and it will be beautiful! It's all about the measuring, folding, and double-stick tape. They even do pleats!

Maybe somebody can answer my questions. These are still "issues" for me after all of this time living here. Why is a customer inconvenienced so much? I would think that a department store would want to get the customer to buy something as quickly as possible before they have a chance to change their mind. I mean, I might have decided that I didn't really need to buy those frames while wandering the store looking for a short queue.

On to other news... I broke my elliptical. It started last year, when it became rather "wonky" while I was trying to exercise. The WHH did his best to adjust it... because he's good at adjustments with his "diddle-stick" (hey, that's what he's always told me it was called!).
(EDIT 11/10/2007: I forgot to link to SJ when I wrote this last night. Hmm... could it be that the wine I was drinking affected my thought-process???)

He ordered a new part for my machine because the original was rusted out (mold, mildew, and rust are big problems in a tropical climate). Problem was, when he tried to install the new part, the old one wouldn't come out. He did some more adjusting (gawd, he's good at that) and I was able to use it until last week, as I was doing my best to finish "Lawrence of Arabia" (I'm telling you, those desert scenes wore my ass out!). Suddenly, I heard a strange whirring sound, and then I was thrust forward! Holy shi...! I didn't hurt myself, but the Pro-Form 880S was pronounced DOA by the WHH who was sick and tired of "adjusting" it for me.

This meant yet another shopping trip for a new elliptical. I found one, and it will be delivered tomorrow. They even promised to remove and dispose of my good ol' Pro-Form. Honestly, I've had that for almost 4 years now, and I've used it consistently. For $800 it was well worth the money. The only reason this one crapped out is because of the humidity here. The apartments here have a separate aircon for each room. The only time I turn the aircon on in that room is when I'm exercising. Hence, lots of moisture in the air.

I am excited about my new cross-trainer. I even bought some new movies today (because I only mailed back the others from Hollywood Clicks today). I haven't worked out all week and I'm feeling bloopy. The WHH is in the U.S. this week, so I figure I might as well watch some movies and work out on my new machine. Yipee! I'm such an interesting person. Maybe I'll take a picture of myself tomorrow. (heh)

That just reminds me, I'm also getting my highlights done tomorrow by a new person. My regular guy, Casey, is booked up for 2 weeks. I think that my hair will start looking rather awful by then, so I agreed to have one of his underlings who has worked with him for 15+ years do my hair. I made that appointment yesterday only a few hours before I read this entry by Miss Britt.

You Know Me and My Maps

We're going on a holiday and we leave Friday night! You already know how much I love maps, and this time we're going to cities we've never been before because Alex and Cristina are getting married in Iasi, Romania. Iasi (sounds like "yosh" in "American") is Cristina's hometown, and from the pictures and information I've found online it looks beautiful! Alex's hometown is Bucharest, and we'll fly there from Frankfurt, Germany. We won't be there long though. Most of our time will be spent in Iasi.

Our Goddaughters, Andrea and Liliana, were both born in Romania, and we've always been curious about where they were born. I hope that I can find their Christmas gifts there this year.

Since Friday, I've been on a mission to find something suitable to wear to the ceremony and trying on the few non-summer clothes that I've brought here. One of the nicest things about living in Singapore is that you can have your clothes custom-made. They'll actually FIT and look nice. I've only had one dress made since moving here because, while it's not as expensive as in the U.S., it's still extravagant.

Friday, after going to the osteopath (my right thumb and index finger are numb most of the time because of the neck issue), I decided to stop by a dress-makers shop in the same building. They always display gorgeous gowns. I asked a few questions, and when she told me she could have a suit ready for me by this Friday, I decided to go for it.

I decided on a very simple dress and jacket with a stand-up collar in a heavy "khaki-green" silk to match my eyes.

The dressmaker started taking my measurements, and after she measured the length from my neck to my waist she said, "None of your clothes fit you, do they?" Nope, they don't! I have long arms and legs, but my torso keeps getting shorter and shorter. It's hereditary, but now it's getting to the point that even petite sizes don't fit me very well on top.

I went back for a fitting yesterday, and decided on some details. I'll go for another fitting tomorrow.

Today though, FUN FUN FUN! I went SHOPPING for my FAVORITE things in the world (besides books and computer stuff)... shoes, handbag, earrings, etc. You know, the fun stuff -- girly stuff that I love.

Beyond the suit and accessories for the ceremony, it's slim pickin's wardrobe-wise, and that would not be due to any "slimness" on my part! I'll manage though, I usually do.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of Alex and Cristina's family and friends and having the opportunity to see and learn about someplace new. This is going to be so cool!

A Kentucky Girl's 24-Hour Tour of Singapore**

The other day, Kentucky Girl posed this question, "Where you would take a person if they were only going to visit your city for one day?"

I've pondered this for a few days, actually and have come up with the following itinerary:

Since you live in CA, the time change won't be as hard as it would be if you were flying out of Newark. You can fly to "How-a-ya" and spend a few days there to have a bit of sun and fun and get lei-ed. Then you'll stop in Taiwan or Tokyo. It doesn't really matter because you'll be in the rich-bitch section of the plane (I've never been up there dammit) because you're cool that way.

So, I'll be waiting at Changi Airport for your flight to arrive --anxiously so, because I know you're "hostess gift" will be the requisite Big-Ass Bottle of Absolut that you had to stop to buy at one of the duty-free shops before you left the terminal! What? You thought you were staying here for free??

Once we have the Big-Ass Bottle and your luggage safely in hand, we'll get into the taxi queue, load your one empty suitcase and the overstuffed one into the taxi. We'll venture on over to our place. After our arrival, I'll show you your room and then show you where the shower is because, you know, it's been more than a day since you showered! Whew!

After you've taken care of your personal hygiene, we will sit down to one of my husband's famous meals. It depends on what kinds of foods you like,but you can count on bacon being on the menu. I'll also be sure to have plenty of sweet or unsweet tea, booze, and beer.

Once we're all thoroughly over-sated... you're going to need to sleep about 3 hours, not much longer though because you've got to get into this time zone.

Now the fun begins. We only have to walk around the corner to get to Orchard Road. Singapore is about shopping, and Orchard Road is where it's happening!

We'll stop at Ngee Ann City because I love Takashimaya, then we'll go across the street to check out Paragon.

By this time our feet are going to be killing us, and we're going to need some refreshments. We'll queue up for a cab at Paragon to go to the Raffles Hotel Long Bar where the famous Singapore Sling was invented. Ooh! They're yummy, and the hotel is gorgeous!

Since we're in the neighborhood, we'll wander over to Little India because you really must get a beautiful henna tattoo. It's an exciting place, bustling with activity.

Next, we need to go to Arab Street so that you can buy loads of silk to take back with you in the empty suitcase.

It's dark now and we're whooped from the heat and all of this walking. We're going to need more food and drink, and I think we should go to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay for that. Clarke Quay underwent a complete tranformation last year. It's all rather glittery, but fun to see and there are some very nice restaurants there. We'll take a bumboat ride to see the Merlion, and then we'll go to Boat Quay to our favorite restaurant, River Quay Seafood. If you like seafood, then you must try chili or black pepper crab. Singapore is famous for both. My favorite meal there is cheese lobster, bok choy, and fried rice. If you don't like seafood, no worries, Madame Irene and her crew will accommodate you. They treat us like royalty. So nice!

We're running out of time! There're a lot more places I'd like to take you, but we need to head in the direction of our condo. You simply must check out the infamous Orchard Towers. There are some interesting clubs, to say the least, but at least two clubs feature exceptional bands and musicians. I have a big band crush on Tania. They've been together since the 70's. Zul and the WHH are the same age. I hadn't been in to see them for quite a while, and on my birthday we went in to Harry's and Zul had buzzed his hair!

It's time for us to go back to our place. We'll get into the taxi queue -- it looks like it will take us forever to get a taxi, but that queue moves quickly and the taxis are lined up quite a ways... almost to Claymore Hill. Oh yeah, and there's the "he/she" who likes to hang around that taxi queue. "She's" the sorriest-looking gal, but she always has on nice clothes and shoes. Somebody's keeping her busy.

Our 24-hours is over. There's a Mercedes-Benz taxi waiting outside the lobby. The taxi driver will help us load your two over-stuffed suitcases into the boot, and then you're off to Changi Airport and your next destination. Hmmm... Let's see, I think you should visit Hong Kong on your way back home. Hey, Curiosity Killer lives there, I'm sure she'd show you a great time!

Thanks for visiting. WHH and I always love to have visitors!


**After spending most of the afternoon backing-up stuff that I'm going to need after reformatting, I decided I needed to finish this for KG. PLUS, WHH doesn't get home until the morning... reformatting can wait until he's sleeping-off the jet-lag.

Hurry!

So, I took the plunge the other day and installed "Stickam" here and in Facebook. Somehow, I've got to figure out how to block horny young pervs. My gawd, they're younger than our sons! Why on earth would they want to see women like me? I don't get it, but I guess that's nothing new. It still seems cool to have a chat room on my blog, but we'll see.

When I was in ATL in June, my friend had me over for lunch, shopping, and of course, I ended up staying overnight. Anyway... I loved the salad that she made. It was a curried chicken on baby greens, or something like that. It was colorful and flavorful, and quite filling. When I emailed her later to thank her, I asked her about the salad. It turns out it was a Rachael Ray recipe, but my friend didn't have time to send me the direct link.

This morning, she sent me a scanned copy of the page she printed from the Food Network. My big plan for this afternoon? Go get all of the ingredients to make this savory salad in addition to other unusual stuff! I didn't take my trolley this time because I needed to buy a new mop too. The old one died. I also needed to get peanut butter, mayo, and mango chutney. After that, I had to stop at the doctor's to get muscle-relaxers for my neck. OMG! I think I slept on my left side the entire night! My neck cannot do that. Not all night, anyway.

After spending an hour and a half in the store with people stocking shelves and not getting out of my way so that I can look for the Mango Chutney I needed, screaming babies in almost every aisle, and not knowing where everything is now that they're in the process of expanding the store, I was finally on my way to the doctor's to pick up my medicine. Half-way there, I realized that I'd forgotten the chicken I needed for this new recipe! GAH!!! I went back to get the chicken. I really had to rush home because Mr. Nice Deliveryguy always stops at our condo first!

One of my gripes about Singaporeans is that they do not give way on the sidewalks. They'll be ambling with their friends, maybe three or four abreast, and even though they'll see you coming toward them, they will not budge an inch! It's like they're playing "chicken" with other pedestrians. Pisses me off! The only nice thing about me rushing home with my new mop was that people got out of my way! I'm a bad-ass-mop-wielding-bitch! Clear the way cause I'm in a hurry!!!

Just as I was entering our condo's front gate, my cell phone rang. It was Mr. Nice Deliveryguy wondering where I was. Oops! I apologized for my tardiness. He was cool about it.

Later, I made the Curry-in-a-Hurry chicken salad. It took me a lot longer than 20 minutes prep time, because I'm a slow-chopper in addition to being a bad-ass-mop-wielding-bitch! It was delicious. If you like chicken and curry, then you'll probably like this salad. I will definitely make this one again. You can download a 4x6 recipe card here.

Lust

This afternoon we went to Jason's to do get some groceries. I know I said that I avoid the stores on weekends, but we were out of beer! So, we load up my shopping trolley with 4 different flavors of beer, bacon, tomatoes, English muffins, etc. That baby was packed with scrumptious stuff. As we were leaving the building, I was attempting to get the trolley down the stairs when it suddenly collapsed! WHH was embarrassed to be seen with me pulling that thing along in the first place. Now, I knew all he wanted to do was pretend he didn't know me, but there were four different flavors of beer in that trolley!

He was able to fix it enough that he could drag it behind him. I carried the other bags of food that didn't fit in the trolley and we headed directly for the taxi queue. Once we got home and put the beer in the fridge (first things first) he picked it up to see exactly what broke. Pretty much the entire thing! I was so pissed that I'd broken my cool trolley. So, WHH did what he's so good at doing, he fixed it! Well, it's not as good as new and will never be used to load 4 flavors of beer, but I can still use it.

While he was fixing my trolley, I heard him humming Rihanna's "Umbrella". Just last night, he'd told our friend Andy that he really should watch her video because it's "PURE SEX"! My WHH is in awestruck-jaw-dropping, lust!

The following are for WHH and Andy, and anyone else who lusts for Rihanna -- I've got a girl-crush on her myself! Maybe now he'll forgive me for the whole shopping-trolley-breakage thing and forgetting to buy chocolate pudding when we were at Jason's. Oops! ;0)

A Fun Contest

I discovered So A Blonde Walks Into a Blog today via NYC Watchdog's Smorgasboard Sunday (I'm a bit behind on reading blogs). The Blonde is a 35-year old mother of three, a freelance writer, and correspondent for an online news service. The first post on her blog is a contest for "Another Blonde Moment" prizes. I need to win those cookbooks and the apron. I love the apron!

Debbie Thornton is the owner of Another Blonde Moment featuring her cookbooks "Any Blonde Can Cook", "Any Blonde Can Do It", and "How to Meat a Blonde" along with some of the most fun and creative accessories I've ever run across!

Here are the titles of sections in "Any Blonde Can Cook"...

Four Play, A.M. Spirits, Souper Nooners, Cream of the Crop, Enter Courses, and Happy Endings

I just ordered the "Will Cook For Highlights" apron! Go on over to Another Blonde Moment and order some fun gifts or treat yourself! Be sure to check out So A Blonde Walks Into a Blog too. Yes, she's blonde, but she doesn't fit the stereotype at all -- she's an excellent writer.

Shopping

Whenever I have a grocery shopping expedition, I have some considerations. Yesterday, since I wasn't making the usual beer/wine run and we didn't need too many things, I decided to walk to Jason's nearby. Now that builders have taken away our shortcut affectionately dubbed "Ho Chi Min Trail", the walk is a bit longer albeit less treacherous. This means a longer time with plastic bags slashing my wrists as I walk home with our groceries.

Well, NO.MORE.SLASHED.WRISTS because a few weeks ago I bought one of these ------>

I took it along with me yesterday for my shopping at Jason's. As I shopped, I just put my things in this handy-dandy trolley. When I was at the cashier, she started to put everything into plastic bags. I stopped her. She looked at me incredulously, but I took my things out of the bags and re-loaded my trolley. I did my part to protect the environment yesterday. YAY me! Ever since I read this article, the plastic issue has really bothered me.


The problem with this handy-dandy trolley? My WHH will not be seen with me toting that thing along behind me! Last week, he was going to the store for a few things and I offered to go along with him, and he declined my offer. I know it's because he thinks I look like a doofus and he doesn't want to look like a doofus too -- especially walking down Orchard Road! ;0)

Dancing People in Our House and I Rock With A WOK

My weekend wasn't much different than Avitable's, however, we did leave the house to go to Esther's open house. AND... we bought a beautiful bowl with dancing people on it!

African, Dancing People Bowl

My Beautiful Dancing Annelies and Dancing Bowl

I've got a guy coming this afternoon to hang a few pictures on the walls, and I'm going to have a mirror hung above this table. What should I get for the other end of the table (next month)? Another bowl? I don't want it to look cluttered, but I want it to be balanced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For dinner last night I decided to try out my new wok, saucepan, and salad spinner. I went online and Googled "Mongolian Beef" and found this recipe, and my WHH said it was a keeper! I love when he says that. When he does, then I put the recipe in a Word document and print it out on 4 x 6-inch cards for my kitchen. I think you should be able to download it here if you're interested (I'm not sure because I've never tried this before).

One nice thing about cooking here is that I can close the kitchen door to keep the rest of our apartment from being permeated by strong odors. The bad thing? There is no aircon in the kitchen! I have a fan in the "maid's room" and direct the air into the kitchen, then I open the windows completely. I still had to shower because I was soooo hot and sweaty.

I don't know if this recipe tastes like P.F. Chang's or not, but it was delicious. Next time I make it, I'm going to use more onions and a bit less soy sauce because it had too much sodium. I could feel my fingers puffing up after I ate. I also added a bit of crushed red pepper to the sauce.

What should I fix for dinner tonight? Maybe some red snapper? I so rock with my WOK!

Let's Talk About Customer Service, Part II

For the last year or so, my WHH and I have been struggling with sinus and ear infections. One of us gets better, the other one gets sick. A friend of mine suggested I get a Good Aire Revitalizer for our bedroom because the aircon makes the air too dry. I figured it was worth a try and went to a major department store on Scotts Road Monday afternoon.

I made my selection, but decided since they were having a big sale I should get the wok I've been wanting and a saucepan. Oh, and while I'm at it, that cool stainless-steel salad spinner. I've wanted one of those since they were invented.

Shopping is not one of my favorite things to do. Usually, if I need something, I'll go to the nearest store and buy it. I don't care if it's $5 cheaper at the store down the street -- most of the time. From now on, I will take the time to walk a half-block down the street. I stood in the queue to pay for my things for 20 minutes. I decided that I would write a letter. I not only faxed it to the store, but mailed it to the corporate office:

To Whom It May Concern:

I have just returned home after spending $528 in your Housewares Department at the Scotts Road store. As I walked home, I began to ponder my shopping experience at your store. (The Singapore government has been campaigning for excellent customer service.) In view of that, I hope that you will allow me to offer a critique of your Scotts Road store.

It is my understanding that your salespeople are commission-based, thus no sale no salary. It is a bit regrettable, as most of the time I feel harassed by them. I feel as if I'm in a hawker center with people touting, and it makes me feel quite uncomfortable.

If I tell a salesperson, “Thank you, but I just want to browse”, then I should think they would respect my wishes. Perhaps one could respond with, “OK, if you have any questions, I’ll just be over here.” Then, the salesperson should move aside and busy themselves with other work. I do not want them saying things such as, “Come look at this product. You try?” Most of the time, I’m not even shopping for the items they are touting. If the salesperson continues pushing merchandise, I walk away. It is that simple, and "Big Department Store on Scotts Road" has lost an opportunity for a sale.

My next critique lies in the processes in place when I want to actually pay for the merchandise. By that I mean, the fact that there were at least 6 people today (including an Assistant Supervisor) working behind the counter. There were 8 people standing in line waiting patiently to pay for their merchandise. Yet, only 1 cash register was open for customers.

I would think that more than 2-4 customers in line would be too many. Why not take someone off a job (such as one of the 2 women who were shuffling papers behind the counter) to serve these customers?

Additionally, why does it take 3 people to ring up the merchandise, wrap it numerous times, and then tape it? Today, for example, the cashier was in a rush (because there were 8 people in the line). She picked up an item, rang it up, and said, “That will be $6.85.” I replied, “That item isn’t mine.” I looked at the customer after me, and it was hers. Since it had already been rung up, I told her to go ahead of me.

Having 3 people take the money from one customer is redundant and confusing. I had to double-check to be sure the cashier had charged me for all of the merchandise I wanted to purchase.

Once I had paid, the saleswoman who had helped me asked me to fill out the form with my delivery information. I did so, and then asked, “When can I expect these items to be delivered?” She turned to the Assistant Supervisor who said “In 10 days’ time.” I replied, “Are you serious – 10 days’ time?” The nice saleswoman explained to me that that is the standard answer.

I just do not understand this. How can "Big Department Store on Scotts Road" expect a customer to wait 10 days for their merchandise? The maximum amount of time it could possibly take to get from one side of Singapore to the other would be 1 hour. At Takashimaya, the salesperson has a log book at the cash register and can give an approximate date and time for delivery. Quite honestly, I can get shipments from the U.S. or Europe in less than 10 days. Perhaps the delivery orders could be computerized and cashiers allowed access to that information?

I hope that my critique will be taken as that… a critique. The people who waited on me today were courteous, pleasant, and as helpful as possible. However, I truly think these managerial and process issues can readily be improved.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.

This is the response I got yesterday afternoon via email:

Dear Miss Diana,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere apologies for the unpleasant experience that you

have encounter at our store.

We are very grateful for the feedback given to us as "Big Department Store on Scotts Road" has always pride itself in giving good customer service. It is through such feedback that we are aware of errant staff that provide poor service to our customers.

We trained our staff to approach and serve all customers. We had also reminded them

to allow customers to browse when customers do not need their help.

Our usual delivery practice is within 5 working days from the purchase date. However, due to our

cardholder sales on 17th May 2007, the delivery schedule were packed and could be done within 10

working days.

We definitely hope to be of better service to you the next time and thank you for shopping with "Big Department Store on Scotts Road".

Best regards,
Dept.Sales Manager.

I got a phone call yesterday afternoon around 3 asking if I'd be around from 6 to 9 p.m. I told the guy calling, "Yes, of course I'll be here, I want my stuff!"

My "stuff" arrived at 8 p.m. In good condition, and I'm happy with the things that I bought, but DAYUM! I had to wait until Thursday evening to get it? No real apologies? Just, we had a lot of sales this past weekend? No, "Of course we'll give you a 20%-off coupon"??? The hell? That just don't cut it with the DeeMonster (that's what my boys call me... I like it).

I'll wait to see if I get a response from the corporate office. I'm sure my fax was just passed along to the manager of the department of Housewares. If I don't get some sort of "we're sorry your shopping experience sucked-ass" kind of accommodation, I won't be shopping there EVER AGAIN, and I will most certainly divulge the name of the "Big Department Store on Scotts Road".

UPDATE: I never did get anything further from this lame company. No vouchers or anything. So, I'm telling you now, I will not shop at Isetan ever again.

Let's Talk About Customer Service, Part I

Most places here in Singapore will deliver the items you've bought for free if you spend at least $150. Seeing as booze is very expensive here, it doesn't take much to run up $150. I think that's a very nice customer service -- especially since we don't own a car. It can be very painful to walk home with those nasty plastic bags cutting into your wrists.

Usually on Tuesdays I go to my favorite market to make the weekly beer and wine run. I don't like to go on Mondays or weekends because the place is a madhouse with all these snooty people pushing their children around in those big-ass strollers that hog up 3/4 of the aisle. You've got to remember, the markets here aren't monstrous like Super Wally World or Super Targee (I don't know how to do the accent mark). The aisles here are tiny alleys compared to those places. On top of that, they've also brought along their maids, all the while ordering them to pick up this brand or the other. I hate that shit.

I digress (it's a bad habit, sorry)... As long as I'm in the queue to pay for my groceries by 3:30, it's not a problem. I have to be finished by 4:00 or the delivery-guy is gone for the day.

My first order of business is to find a $1 coin to "rent-a-cart".. Then, I head directly to the cases of Tiger Beer stacked up at the front of the store. Next stop, get the wine. After that, I pick up the huge packs of Kleenex toilet tissue. I always used to get Charmin, but I got tired of the "dust" that it leaves in my bathroom. Kleenex is much cleaner, and they've made it softer these days. Still NOT available is the Cottonelle Fresh Wipes. They've actually had the Huggies that were flushable, but not lately. This is not a good thing.

After I've picked up those things, I get the "usual" -- meat, veggies, milk, bread, eggs, some of those frozen Amy's vegetarian meals (for my lunch) and ALWAYS, ALWAYS Swiss Miss Ultimate Indulgence Chocolate Pudding for my WHH's bedtime snack. Then, I scramble to get into the queue before the onslaught of moms with kids-that-drive me batty. I'm usually just a bit too slow.

Last week, while waiting in the queue, the deliveryman spotted me and asked, "Will you be going directly home? You are always my first stop."

Me thinking, "Holy crap, the deliveryman has a "thing" for me. Yeah, baby, you've still got it! You're HOT just like your Momma!" (Yes, she is HOT, but beyond that I'm making this shit up as I go along -- heh!)

Then Me Out Loud -- for real, "Yes, I was going to walk home, but if you're going there now, I'll take a taxi."

Mr. Deliveryman, "I need to box these orders here and then I will be making deliveries. Would you like a ride home?"

I was astounded, "Are you serious?"

Mr. Deliveryman, "Yes, madam, I'll be going to your place just after I box these up."

Me, still flabbergasted, "Well, OK, sure!"

Once he got his orders boxed up, he escorted me through the "bowels" of the shopping center to the car park. He cleared the passenger seat for me (I'm still not used to sitting on the "wrong" side). As we left the car park, it started to rain. It would've taken me forever to get a taxi!

As he drove me and my groceries home, I asked him his name (Mr. "S") and he explained that it's easier for him to go to our condo first because it's a one-way street. Then, he can head on over to Ardmore Park. Most days, he makes 15 or more stops to that condo -- it's a big place.

Mr. "S" Deliveryman gets a big GOLD STAR for his wonderful customer service and big heart!**

Would I dare trust a "deliveryman" in the U.S.? I don't think so!

Stay tuned... Tomorrow's episode will be "Customer Service That Sucks Ass!"

**Yes, I did give him a tip and a cold bottle of water.

Shona sculpture -- "Happy Family"

In case you haven't noticed, I am an art aficianado -- all kinds. It just so happens that my friend, Esther, will be hosting an Open House this coming Friday and Saturday (May 25-26) in honor of Africa Day. Her boutique, Batanai Business & Art is located at:

Tudor Court Gallery

2^nd level, Unit 131F - Tanglin Rd

Singapore 247924

Open House Hours will be: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

She imports all different types of African art. Many of the pieces she's imported are from Zimbabwe as that is her home country. Some of the textiles she has are antique and she can give you the history of the item as well as explain how it was used. She's like a walking encyclopedia of African art.

Esther has filled her shop with beautiful stone sculptures like the one pictured above, handcrafts, wood carvings, paintings, and tribal art. Her collection is varied as is the price range. Buying a beautiful piece of art doesn't necessarily mean that you have spend a fortune.

I hope that those who read my blog in Singapore will stop by and have a look and say hello to Esther. She will make you feel right at home.

certifiably shopping with certifiable princess

Certifiable Princess (CP) has started a new SHOPPING blog. She has revealed her secret shoe shopping site here...AND they ship internationally!!! YAY for me!

So go on over to certifiably shopping with certifiable princess, be sure to tell her I sent you there in the comments. Yes, do not be shy about telling her I sent you there. It's A GOOD THING to leave COMMENTS. So, de-lurk yourselves, mk? I promise she doesn't bite. Thank you.