spa at the yawnastery

I’ve decided to go in another direction for a change.

This will be my first review.

Last New Year’s Eve in an effort to avoid the inevitable disappointment of an overhyped party, my boyfriend and I wanted to do something different.  We were just looking to relax in a Jacuzzi with some champagne and have a low-key but romantic evening.

Everybody and their mother seem to rave about Spa at the Monastery so we settled on a one-night stay in one of their “luxurious” suites – at $269 a night, it had better be luxurious.

The room that we booked promised the following:

King size bed

Air massage tub

Free Wi-Fi

Cable

Room service until 10pm

Continental breakfast

Spa Vitality level access

monasteryspa.ca

The amenities we actually got to take advantage of were:

King size bed

Air massage tub

Wi-Fi

Here’s a brief summary of our experience.

Since it was New Year’s Eve, we had expected the place to be busy, but we also expected them to be well-staffed in anticipation.  Not so.  We arrived to a dozen or so guests lined up outside the door, a handful of the housekeeping staff swearing and carrying on quite loudly in the hallway (in front of children), and only one staff member behind the desk to provide check-in for the guests and to man the phones.

After a 25-minute wait, we got to our room (which was no bigger than any average-sized hotel room; it was not a suite by any means) to find flickering ceiling lights, cupboard doors falling off their hinges, and no cable TV.  Rather than calling the undoubtedly stressed woman at the front desk – who probably didn’t know much about fixing the cable to begin with – we decided to be proactive and make the best of a semi-crummy situation.  My boyfriend drove home to get his laptop and an HDMI cable so that we could connect the laptop to the television and watch Netflix while I called down to the front desk for the Wi-Fi password.  After two of my calls went unanswered, the woman at the front desk finally picked up only to bark the Wi-Fi password at me.  Okay, she’s busy, I get it.

They decided to change my name for me.  How thoughtful.

Around 6:30 we perused the room service menu but found nothing particularly appetizing — especially not at the prices they were charging.  We were going to venture to Tim Horton’s to grab some bagels when we realized it was New Year’s Eve and everything in the city had been closed since 6:00.  No big deal, room service is open until 10pm; we would not go unfed!

My boyfriend called down to the front desk to place an order for room service and found out that the café had been closed all day.  Really?  During one of the busiest times of the year? When the entire city shuts down at supper time.  Really??

We managed to find an open gas station and had to resort to boiling Mr. Noodles in the coffee pot in our “suite”.  I wish I was kidding.

We never did receive any information about the continental breakfast nor access to the Spa Vitality room that we were supposedly entitled to, but we weren’t about to bother the woman at the front desk again.

After a few stern e-mails to the manager a few days later, I did manage to get a partial refund, but I still don’t believe the stay was worth the amount of money I ended up paying.

The moral of the story is: if you’re looking for a stress-free night out, stay away from Spa at the Monastery and Suites.  They’re overpriced, unprofessional, and they do not put their guests’ interests first.   

I know it sounds like this is maybe only a one time deal and perhaps I’m overreacting.  After all, if it hadn’t been New Year’s Eve and we were able to go out and get something to eat, it wouldn’t have mattered if room service had been open or not; and we probably would have been able to access the Spa Vitality room if we had just asked about it.  But after explaining my ordeal to a handful of friends and coworkers, I’ve learned that I’m not the only one who has been less than impressed with their experience at Spa at the Monastery. 

A co-worker of mine took her mother there for a massage, hoping for a relaxing experience to melt some stress away.  Upon arrival, they were handed worn-out robes that were stippled with tiny holes and then spent the hour being massaged in a frosty room because the masseuse didn’t know how to work the thermostat. 

The Spa has also been sued by a woman who sustained chlorine burns in one of the hot tubs in the Vitality room, to which the owner replied “I'm the owner, I'm not a chemical expert.”

cbc.ca

Again, if you’re looking for a night out, steer clear of Spa at the Monastery and Suites.  Your money would be better spent on bottled air.

think before you ink

In the 19^th century, tattooing in the Western world was widely associated with sailors and criminals.  They served as a means of both identification and punishment.  Now in the 21^st century, tattoos have become a mainstream part of global fashion, especially to teens and young adults.  What was once viewed as a form of deviance is now an acceptable form of expression.

The problem with the trend of tattoos growing amongst the younger generation is that their lack of life experience (and sometimes common sense) is driving them to get tattoos that are poorly executed, not well thought out, and done by people who shouldn’t be tattooing.

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo in the near future (or ever), you should answer these questions for yourself first:

Is this something I’m going to like in 5-10 years?

It’s true that by the time you reach your golden years, you may not be able to recognize your tattoos or remember why you got them, but you don’t have to think that far ahead when deciding whether or not to get one.  You do, however, have to figure out whether or not you will still love it in 5 or 10 years.  Chances are if you’re choosing lyrics from a song that has just premiered on the radio; you won’t like it in 5 years.  If it’s a symbol from the show you’re currently binge-watching on Netflix, you’re probably not going to like it in 5 years.  But hey, that's just one girl's opinion.

flavorwire.com

Is there a tattoo better suited for this part of my body?

Not everybody feels this way, but I believe there is a finite number of tasteful places on your body to get inked.   If you decide to get a tattoo in one of these spots, know there’s a possibility that you may think of another tattoo that you want in that spot instead, a month or two after you’ve already gotten inked.

Part b: Will it stretch?

Be careful if you ever plan on having a baby (or gaining weight) that your tattoo is in a spot that won't be affected.  Those of you who are into short-term weight loss workshops should be extra careful, as your weight probably tends to fluctuate more so than most people’s.  It can really mess up your tattoo.

Will my career choice be hindered?

No matter how badly you want a tattoo, it’s important to think ahead and make sure that this tattoo, whether it’s the place you get it, the actual image, or simply having a tattoo, is not going to come back to bite you in the future when you try to apply for your dream job.  No ink is worth forfeiting your dream job. 

senseslost.com

Did you choose the right tattoo artist?

Sadly enough, there are hundreds of bad tattoo artists or “scratchers” who are tattooing out of their basements and giving people poorly-executed tattoos and sometimes infections.  The two factors that seem to persuade young people to choose these less-experienced tattoo artists are the high prices charged by most tattoo studios and the amount of waiting time before tattoo appointments with reputable studios.  Trust me, I’ve been there, so heed my words: choosing to get a tattoo out of somebody’s basement for the sake of saving a few months’ wait can result in a) having to walk around with a terrible tattoo on your body until you can get into a real tattoo studio get a cover up, and b) a nasty infection.  Most scratchers operate in unsanitary conditions with unsanitary equipment.  They don’t use gloves, stencils, or sterile needles and most of them can’t draw worth a damn.  Say no to scratchers.

Have I really thought it through?

There are no guidelines for how much time one should think (and rethink) a potential tattoo before actually going through with it, but maybe there should be.  My first tattoo was thought through for over seven years and each tattoo after that, I’ve mulled over for at least six months.  If you’re old enough to get a tattoo, you’re old enough to understand that people change their minds more often than they change their underwear.  A great idea one day may not be a great idea the next.

Am I doing this on a whim?

If you are, don’t.  If you’re getting a tattoo because you just started hair school and you want a giant pair of scissors on your arm to show off how proud you are of your new chosen profession, don’t.  If you’re getting a tattoo because you saw Miley Cyrus in Vegas and loved her performance and now you want Miley lyrics on your back to show your new found love for her, don’t.  If anything, the sole fact that the only way you could get a tattoo on a whim is to go see a scratcher (due to tattoo studios’ long waitlists) should convince you not to do it.

Will this tattoo be unique to me?

We’ve all seen the “love infinity” tattoos and the feather breaking off into a flock of birds, and yes, they’re pretty, but you know how embarrassing it is to go to prom in the same dress as somebody else?  Well, imagine how much worse it would be if you couldn’t go home and change.  No matter how cute you might think angel wings on your back might look, or how much “love hurts” applies to you during this moment in your life, steer clear of tattoo clichés.

tattoostime.com

 Am I doing this for someone else?

For the love of Kat Von D, do not get your boyfriend’s name tattooed on you.  This should be common sense, but the number of people who end up back at the tattoo shop a few months later trying to get “Brad” turned into “Bad Girl” is climbing.  There are other ways to show love!  Getting a tattoo for someone else can mean more than just getting a name tattooed.  Some people get tattoos out of jealousy and even for revenge.  If someone calls you a poser because you told them you like Led Zeppelin, don’t get a Led Zeppelin chest piece to prove them wrong. Just, don’t.

  

Why am I getting it?

For anyone who already has a couple of tattoos, you’ve probably answered a hundred questions about them.  There are three key questions that usually come up.

“Where’d you get it done?”

“Did it hurt?”
“What does it mean?”

The first two questions are pretty straight forward, but the last one is what usually leads to judgment.  If you got a tattoo of a heart simply because you like hearts and you don’t care who knows it, that’s awesome!  Tattoos don’t always have to have profound meaning.  But, thinking about how you would explain the reason behind a particular tattoo will help to figure out what it will mean to you (if anything), and therefore, if it’ll be worth it.

kindness is magic

With everything going on in the world lately, it’s important to try and lift the spirits of those around us.  It’s not hard to be a philanthropist; here’s a list of 15 things you can do to get started!

1.  Make flyers

The morale at my work over the past few months has been so bad because of budget cuts that a friend and I decided to make some flyers to hang up around the building.  I sometimes hear people talking about them in the hallways and it makes me happy to see our flyers are actually brightening some people’s days.

2. Smile

So simple, right?!   Smiling at a passing stranger in the street can really perk them up or turn a bad mood into a good one.  So, go ahead!  Smile!

3. Send anonymous cards

Know a colleague who deserves some praise or appreciation?  Send them an anonymous card or note to let them know their hard work isn’t going unnoticed.  It only takes a few minutes and but it can make a huge impact on somebody’s life.

4.  Leave positive reinforcement notes in the bathroom

We all know what it’s like to doubt ourselves.  An easy way to lift somebody’s spirits is to leave an inspiring post-it note in a public bathroom (or elevator or stairway).    Don’t underestimate the power of a compliment.

5. Pay for the person behind you

 Even picking up the bill for a $2 coffee can lighten somebody’s mood.  If you’re in a drive-thru, ask the server what the person behind you ordered and take care of all or part of their order.  Pay it forward!

6. Leave small gifts in random places

It could be candy, money, or even toys (if you’re in an area where a child is likely to pass by).  Make sure you leave a note with it letting the recipient know it’s theirs to take!

7. Write a letter to a friend

It could be someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or someone you see every day.  Let them know how much you miss them and/or how much they mean to you.  Nothing beats the feeling of receiving a handwritten note in the mail.

8. Mow your neighbour’s lawn.

Or your grandmother’s lawn.  Or shovel her driveway.  Even if you only do it once, she’ll appreciate it for a long time.

9. Leave your mail carrier a present

Stick a little note and something special in your mail box for your mail carrier.  It could be a hand warmer on a cold day or a bottle of lemonade on a hot day.

10. Put a quarter in an expired meter

We’ve all got extra change.  Why not use it to help out a stranger?  If you see somebody parked next to an expired meter, stick a quarter or two in there.  Fifty cents from you could save someone from a $30 parking ticket!

11. Talk to a shy person

Maybe they’re standing in the corner at a party or just sitting alone in class.  Either way, make an effort to make them feel comfortable and included.  That’s how life-long friendships start.

12. Pass along a compliment

Receive good service at McDonald’s?  Let the manager know or fill out a comment card.  The managers are used to being contacted about their staff only when there’s a problem, so giving praise about the service will make both the manager’s and the employee’s days.

13.  Forgive a debt

Maybe your friend owes you for dinner last week because she forgot her wallet.  As long as it wasn’t a $70 steak, forget about it and never bring it up again.

14. Send flowers for no reason

There’s no better occasion to receive flowers than for no occasion at all.  Let your friend know that you’re thinking about them and you wanted to thank them for simply being who they are.

15. Be kinder to yourself

This is perhaps the most important one.  You deserve acts of kindness too.  Smile at yourself in the mirror; tell yourself you’re beautiful; treat yourself.  After all, you are wonderful.

the entertainment network

We all know the Internet as a vast universe with a never-ending supply of information and entertainment.  Yet, somehow, we get bored with it.

Luckily, the following websites exist to ensure that you never get tired of the World Wide Web.

1.  Incredibox – This site allows you to be the conductor of a human beat box.  There are three game versions to choose from in which you drag different effects, beats, melodies, choruses, and voices from the menu and drop them onto one of the “blank” fellas.  Obviously this site is only good if you have your speakers turned up, so it’s not a good time waster to use at work.

2. Explosm – This is the website of Cyanide and Happiness, a web comic created by Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, Matt Melvin and Dave McElfatrick.  The comics usually focus on controversial topics and people, and are for adult audiences only.  The characters rarely have names and only a handful are featured in more than one comic, but man are they entertaining. 

3. I Raff I Ruse – “Leave your morals at the door”.  This site is basically a collection of Internet memes submitted by users.  New images are posted daily and they range from Overly Attached Girlfriend to Spooderman.  Warning: This site is highly addictive; days can pass while you’re scrolling through the pages and you won’t even know it.

4. You had one job – This site is a compilation of failed tasks that are meant to be straightforward.   That’s basically all I can say about it.  Oh, and it’s hilarious.

5. Buzzfeed – This is a viral media website that contains posts from both users and staff.  The content includes videos, links, and lists (my favourite!).  The categories span from celebrities to food to world politics.   The posts are usually very amusing, and some of them can actually be quite helpful.

6. Textastrophe – The creator of this site looks through ads on Craig’s List and sends text messages to the posters with the intention of messing with them.  The website is a compilation of the text message conversations between the creator (or one of his alter egos) and the ad poster.  Yeah, it seems pretty cruel, but they are worth a read.

7.  AwfulDrawings – This site is a collection of satirical drawings by Matthew Barrère.  Sometimes the drawings are mocking pop culture, world events, etc., but mostly they’re just focused on everyday things.  Most of them are pretty creative.

8.  CreepyPasta – This website is a compendium of short horror stories that are submitted by users and are designed to frighten and disturb the reader.  There are several categories of stories, including based on a true story, murders, zombies, and entities.  The stories are rated and critiqued by other users so you can choose stories to read based on score as well as offer your own criticism where you deem necessary.  You can also submit your own stories.

9. Nonsense Thoughts – This brilliant corner of the Internet is brought to you by Chris Collins who has been carrying a sketchbook with him for years and creating pictures and comics about life.   Many of his posts are thought provoking but also easily relatable.  (Chris Collins also has a site called Today I Evolve, which is a collection of short, zen-like musings that are also worth reading).

10.  Exploding Dog – This gem was created by Sam Brown who encourages users to send in titles of pictures that they want to see him create.  He then comes up with exceptionally delightful drawings using his own, unique brand of characters to match the user-submitted titles.  His creations are always very lovable