Plaza Market Cafe - LOUSY!

I made a phone call to Plaza Market Cafe to make reservation for a dinner which I'm gonna have with a group of friends and to my amazement and utter unhappiness, the service level is still the same as when I left the hotel some 5 to 6 years back: LOW!

First, nobody picks up the phone for restaurant reservations, even though they have a team just dedicated to answering phone calls for restaurant reservations. Most hotels do not have that department and the restaurants just take care of their own reservations. Then they asked for credit card to guarantee the reservation cos it's for 8 pax! And if we do not turn up, they impose a full cancellation charge. So I asked what is the cancellation policy. And the girl taking my reservation doesn't even know what it means. Just keeps repeating it's full cancellation charge. FYI, cancellation policy also states how many hours in advance you can cancel a reservation without any charge. DUH!

In this day and age where hotel rooms are not selling like hot cakes and thus other aspects of hotel operations will be affected, they wanna impose stupid regulations like dat?! Who the heck do they think they are?! Some superbly high class hotel? My arse!

So they wanna play punk? Fine. She said credit card guarantee is required for 8 pax and above. So I made a reservation for 7 pax. What can she do even if I do turn up with 8 pax? Turn us away? Fine. There are so many other hotels in the vicinity. We can always take our business elsewhere. Act high and mighty with me? Check out who you're dealing with first. We shall go and dine there and I'll make hell for the servers there. Or maybe I shall think of somewhere else to go and just leave the reservation as it is and let it be a no-show. Piece of shit!

I'm so glad I left that stupid ass hotel. A hotel with nothing to shout about.

The Year Gone By

2008 sped past just like dat and even before I had the chance to really recollect the year, 2009 is upon me. 2009 crept in amidst the world's financial turmoil, political instability, and many great tragedies and natural disaster. Hubby and I spent a quiet night at home on the eve. After a long talk and struggling to keep my eyes open till past midnight, I finally dozed off shortly after kissing him and wishing him a Happy New Year. Physically, I'm really not up to jostling with the crowd.

2008 saw many changes taking place in my life. The year started with the intention to quit my job. And dat I did. Though it wasn't successful as the boss refused to let me go. So I hung on for another half a year; during which I didn't really do much work. It was more a 'passing time' and 'thinking what to do in the afternoon so I won't get caught' period. I'm not proud of what I did (or the lack thereof) but at least I ensured everything was in order and I did not let my clients down. I was still in control of my work and not clueless, unlike some of them in the office. Citing personal reasons, I finally quit my job. The job that took so much life outta me; so much so that I know it's not worth it hanging on anymore. Much as I feel for my work, it has become just a job. I wanted more outta life than that. I feel no satisfaction and no real sense of achievement. So I opted out. After almost half a decade at a place where I fell, picked myself up and grew, I'm surprised I felt no sadness on dat last day. No real sentimentalism. In fact, I was glad to get out of there. It's almost like leaving home to see the world for the first time. The whole building was a place I was so familiar with. Its grounds I've walked so many umpteen times; the product and services I've tried to sell repeatedly, so much so that I felt like a broken record when I do my sales pitch; the 'power suit' I put on every morning to project the image of professionalism. It was a place where some real friendship was created. I've been through the lowest period of my life and it was what I did in this place that kept my sanity. I've given it my all at one point and claimed accolades that meant something only to myself. I did myself proud and I dare say, the bosses too. I've done my part as first, a greenhorn and then a leader. I've lost and I've gained and I think it's time I give back to the person who has supported me silently and not have a word of complaint with all those extra hours I have to put in - my hubby.

On the religious front, I embarked on my RCIA journey, with the goal of baptism in mind. The road travelled was not an easy one. In fact, I've had my little 'fight' with the church and I almost gave up. Thanks to some of my friends who urged me on and refused to let me give up, I overcame the odds and won the battle. I was so close; so very close to just walking away. I'm glad I didn't and on the night before my wedding, I was baptised and reborn a Catholic. Praise the Lord!

I have much to gain and be thankful for in my personal life. I can finally totally close a chapter of my life that is less than desired and move on. I got married to the man who loves me and care for me and although our wedding was no major bash, it was the best that we could have within our means. It was lacking nothing and although was a hectic day, it held a lot of memories. It was a beautiful wedding, celebrated and witnessed by our loved ones. Our wedding was followed by the good news of our pregnancy. Although it made me feel horrible physically, we cherish this little life that is within me. So long as the child is normal and healthy, all sacrifices will be worth it.

The year hasn't been all rosy. There was dad's cancer scare and then the frequent in-and-out of hospital. He's still battling with his kidney failures and trying to put off dialysis for as long as possible. Well, at least he's still alive and still have the chance to accept Christ before the end of his life.

I guess nobody's life is perfect. What we can do is to be thankful for our lot in life. 2009 will be a challenging year and I'll proceed on with lotsa prayers.