Season Greetings m'friends!

Greetings 5ft0s,

Thank you so much for dropping by to this blog - I never expected to have people read this blog, let alone comment on some of my posts.

Right now I'm wrapping approximately 7,000 presents, eating delicious baked ham and downing plum wine. This is my way of celebrating Baby Jesus' birthday. Not to mention my uncle dancing goofy to this entertainer:



Gosh, I feel so superficial admitting this.

Blog wise, I'll sporadically come back to type random posts, but I'll officially restart blogging again on 4th January 2009.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

All the best,
5ft0

xo

The Self-Defeating Purpose of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery. The only surgery procedure where patients are allowed to practice their self-diagnosis. These include:

"My thighs touch one another. They jiggle too much."

"I still have eye bags under my eyes".

"My nose looks crooked. It doesn't look straight like Jennifer Aniston's."

These patients are not physically sick, nor are they suffering from a diagnosable disease. Nevertheless, they go to the surgeons and demand to fix up a certain part of their body which they deemed to be a problem. Many patients will show surgeons showing pictures of Jennifer Aniston's nose or Miranda Kerr's cheekbones. At times, I do find it amusing and sad at the same time for these patients, walking into a surgeon's office with absolute certainty that a certain procedure will fix up their ugly bits.

What's unsettling to me is the fact some magazines are reporting on cosmetic surgery and Botox, normalising these procedures even more. I remember flicking through the November 2008 issue of Shop Til You Drop and there was an article titled "Masterclass: Botox". A registered nurse by the name of Rand Rusher who offers advice to those interested in receiving Botox.

When Rusher is asked the question: "When can someone start using Botox?" Her response? "My advice is to do it before you need it, as a preventative measure - it can help to stop wrinkles from arising."

I shook my head at this article. But as Death Wears Diamond Jewellery commented on her recent post, beauty journalists don't have free reign. It all ties in with the advertisers. Sure enough, Rusher was indirectly advertising her own skincare brand, 'Leaf & Rusher'.

Personally, cosmetic surgery is a self-defeating purpose. The aim of cosmetic surgery is too look young and to have a 'better version of yourself'. Many will use cosmetic surgery to physically stop the aging process, but that's impossible. You can't stop aging. However, many are willing to fight this. Why fight something that can't be won?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Customers think it's all about them

I'm currently working for a fashion chain store in Sydney. The job entails me to fold cardigans. Fold t-shirts. Fold shorts. Rush round after customers who've picked up a skirt and left them lying in the fitting room. Whenever customers crumple a piece of clothing, I have to rush around and put them back again. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

By ten o'clock, the routine becomes monotonous. It is rather depressing to fold clothes the way the chain store wants it to be. To place different items of clothing into different clothes hangers. At times, I want to scream, "BLOODY HELL! IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BUY IT, DON'T PICK IT UP." I don't. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

Some customers are polite. Others just see through you when you're a sales assistant. Others simply think you're stupid. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

However, there are times that you want to laugh at the customer. They put a smile on your monotonous routine. Recently, a lady came up to me, complaining that one side of the shoes was HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other. Not to mention, the shoes she's currently holding were identical to the one she already has on.

"You must give me a 50% discount. I like the shoes. It's a shame one half is half a shade lighter than the other," the customer said.
"I'm sorry I can't give you a 50% discount. I can give you a 20% discount," I answered. After all, it was 20% off everything in the store.
The customer's cheeks turned red. Ok, just keep calm. Everyone knows the customer is the troublemaker.
"This is ridiculous! If one side of the shoe is HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other, I deserve a huge discount!"
"Is there a problem there?" chimes my manager.
"I want a huge discount for these pair of shoes. One side is HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other!"
The customer glares at me, as if I'm some imbecile. The manager sees it and sighs.
"Fine, I'll give you a 30% discount".

The customer begrudgingly accepts the deal. She still mumbles, "They should've given me a 50% discount."

As I place the box of shoes into the bag and hand it to the customer - she still complains. All the other sales assistants look at me and chuckle. I chuckle too.

Happy reading,
5ft0

Shout out: Christian Dior

Hey my fellow 5ft0's!

Are you doing anything interesting this weekend? If you haven't got anything planned this weekend, skip your way to Dior's First-Ever Exclusive Shoe Sale on this weekend. Up to 70% off on more than 1,400 pairs of shoes. Majority of them have never been released in Australia, until now.

Here are the details:
Saturday, 12 December 2009 - 12:00noon to 8:00pm
Sunday, 13 December 2009 - 9:00am to 6:00pm
Monday, 14 December 2009 - 9:00am to 12:00noon
or until sold out.

Hilton Sydney
Level 4
488 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

EFTPOS, Visa and MasterCard only
NO cash, Diners or American Express

Terms and conditions:

1. There are no returns, exchanges or refunds if you have changed your mind or if the goods have been damaged by misuse or abnormal use after purchase.

2. Where goods are sold in less than perfect condition, for example where they are shop-soiled, you will be made aware of the fault before you purchase. There are no returns, exchanges or refunds if you proceed with the purchase with knowledge of the fault.

3. It is your responsibility to inspect the goods to your satisfaction before purchasing.

4. No voluntary or express warranties or guarantees are given.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

How to start on the right foot at your new job...

I get asked this question a lot by friends and acquaintances. Personally, I feel ill-equipped to inform such stuff, as I'm only in my early 20s - but I'll try my best to give a succinct answer to this.

So, it's your first day on the job and you're keen on making a good impression on everyone at work. Because how you present yourself can make or break you.

Here are the right steps in being a kick-ass employee:

1. Treat everyone well: Forget about people's statuses, be polite to everyone. Of course don't be too nice to the boss, you'll definitely be catapulted to the top of everyone's despised list.

2. Avoid areas of gossip: There will be certain areas of the office where people gather around and share juicy tidbits about other colleagues. As tempting it is to gossip about others, it's best to not comment about anyone.

3. Get to work on time: Never be late! Bosses DO notice people who are punctual. Punctuality refers to attendance and the ability to meet deadlines.

4. Walk an extra mile: Take on tasks above and beyond the ordinary. Also, stay in the office if a task needs to be done ASAP. Bosses do recognise effort and will think that you're an intelligent, smart and diligent person.

5. Admit to your mistakes: Take responsibility of actions. If you've done something wrong, it's best to tell the truth. Don't even bother covering up your mistakes or pushing the blame to someone else, it'll backfire you at the end. And no one wants a plan that backfires.

6. Communicate well: Also, let other people speak as well. Don't rush what other people are saying. Sure you may know a lot about a particular subject, but don't shut down on what other people have to say. You could learn a thing or two.

7. Don't be a slacker: If you're boss comes in late for work, it doesn't mean you should either. Do that, you're no better than your boss.

8. Finally, don't buddy up with people just yet. Like high school, just scan the place. You want to make genuine friends, and not people who'll take your tidbits to the gossip table mentioned in step two. If you have a true lunch time, get out of the office by yourself. Though, if your boss asks you out for lunch, you should probably go.

Again, I feel ill-equipped to talk such things, but I hope this helps you out.

Happy reading!
5ft0

5ft0's Birthday

I apologise for the lack of posts last week, or rather, writing no posts last week. I've been working heaps, waking up at 5.30 am to get to work at 8 am. Imagine doing that, six days of the week.

Anyway, today all I've got to say is:

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I love birthdays.
I just smile like Cheshire the Cat.
Like this:



And I got this for my birthday:



Oh how silly of me, my friends are taking me to this:



Now, I'll be watching 'The Devil Wears Prada' for the millionth time and drinking lemon and lime bitters simultaneously.

Does it get better than this?

Answer: No.

Happy reading!
5ft0