Navigating a World of Possibilities

The End of a Rainbow, A Pot of Gold

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i'm a little teapot short and stout.

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Cass
Charlotte
HuiJun
XinLin

Saturday, November 16, 2019, 3:02 PM

Shift work screws up your cycle - yes or no?
I like the shift hours, because I usually start earliest 10am, I get to wake up when the sun is up, walk Yoshi, have a proper breakfast before heading out. All these would have sounded like an impossibility since I started work as a HO. With these hours that I'm having now, I definitely get 8h or more of sleep. On a side note, my sleep hours do get messed up. According to this youtube video by sleep experts, we should try not to sleep in more than 2h past our usual wake time because then it will screw up your sleep at night, based on some circadian rhythm science. It is better to wake up early and then take naps in between; naps don't disrupt the rhythm. I thought this was very interesting and have been trying to do that now, even if i end shift at 1am and end up sleeping at 230am, i'll try and get up by 830 and then take a nap later if possible. My sleep has been plentiful but punctuated by dreams after dreams that I wake up feeling like I havent slept at all, with a throbbing headache. Must be the subconscious insomnia from sleeping too much on a disrupted circadian rhythm.

ED work can get annoying
- When patients all complain about the long waiting time, but they come in for equally trivial complaints like URTI which could totally have been sorted at the GP or polyclinic setting. Or just a minor headache. Dont clog up the queue for those who need it more.
- When patients come in for non-urgent things especially in the middle of the night. Or non-urgent things on a long weekend when you could be spending it doing other things. And you have to wait an entire day and pay 121$. Why would you do that. I still do ask them why, out of curiosity and because it's interesting to meet all sorts of people and find out about what they're thinking. I'm learning to see that as amusing rather than annoying.
- When you refer a specialist and they get all pissy about things. I used to be in their shoes, annoyed at every referral. But what the ED consultant said was very true and I now hold on to that. "Why should they be angry when you call them? We're asking them to see a ___ (a related organ of whichever specialty), not a ___ (some other organ)." And I dont mean indiscriminate referrals, but for conditions that we are not so sure ourselves that it isnt something more sinister. It has taught me to be more understanding when other people refer things to you, and if they're not comfortable handling the case, however ridiculous it might be, then it will be to the patients' benefit that someone else sees them. Ultimately, it's about safety and being fair to your patients.

ED work is interesting
It is getting more and more interesting as I get to see many varied cases in consult area. The critical care area is all right, now that I'm getting more efficient and can hit the quota, but the cases do get quite standard. Out in the consult area, you get literally anything. Motivates me to read up more. My favourite is definitely the T&S. Did a palm laceration T&S this last night shift and must say I'm pretty pleased with my work, because no time pressure during a night shift so I could take my time and do it properly. You get better at procedures, like backslabs. And treating and discharging patients yourself. There's definitely that sense of satisfaction.

Thursday, October 10, 2019, 2:42 PM

Time flew by just like that! And that's 1 week of work gone. It has been exhausting for sure. Life in ED is like a whirlwind, so even though we do 9h shifts, it's a full power-packed 9h of standing/walking/talking/multitasking, and the shift often extends, especially for newbies like me. I have also mostly not been able to have lunch or dinner, depending on the shift. Not sure i want to be losing weight like that.
But I do think I can grow to like this, as I get better and more efficient.

Monday, September 30, 2019, 11:34 PM

My NPL has come to and end.
Glad to start working again, to start earning my keep, to be learning. But definitely nervous as heck about being in a completely new environment - in a new dept, a new hospital.
I'm excited definitely, hopefully as resilient as when I started as a HO. Accepting of challenges, accepting bad days and learning from them. Besides learning the ropes in this new place, it's also about avoiding burnout.
Really hope I enjoy this posting; I do have a good feeling about it somehow.

Monday, September 23, 2019, 5:32 PM

Komodo - One of the best dive LOB ever

I just arrived back from one of the best dive trips we've done so far.

Komodo national park is truly one of the best dive sites in the world.
Rich and healthy coral and marine life, great biodiversity, not to mention SUPER FUN dive sites.
It was not just the number of mantas that we saw, and other large fish like the psychedelic pufferfish, huge whitelips, goliath groupers etc.. it was also the rich variety of corals that kept me enraptured the whole dive.
The waters here are colder than those we're used to, which makes for some uncomfortable and freezing dives, but I guess that might have been the reason for the healthy marine life.

We went with Blue Marlin despite the premium price because we felt that for a dive site as dangerous and unpredictable as what we've heard about Komodo, we didn't mind paying extra for a peace of mind. They didn't disappoint. Federico was fantastic. "I like fun but I don't like danger." That definitely put all our minds at ease, even though everything was "easy peasy" (with the italian accent).
This was the 1st LOB where we weren't the youngest! The ages ranged from 25-32. There were 8 of us in total, which was a cosy number. Everyone had a great sense of humour and were happy to mingle. The most amazing thing was that no one on board smoked nor drank alcohol the whole trip. This was definitely a first. Also, it might have been a blessing that the average experience of the group was not super advanced, so I know that the divemasters would pay extra attention and not try anything they didn't think we couldn't handle as a group.

Our day trip around Flores and other parts of the Komodo national park turned out more entertaining than we thought possible.

1st day:
Pink beach - simply beautiful. Havent seen the likes.
Viewpoint from Padar island - maximum reward with minimal effort. The hike was easy enough, but the view of the bays carving into the land was breathtaking.
Snorkelling at Makassar point and Siaba Besar - it was like a procession of mantas. They kept coming in twos and threes, swimming up against the current and swallowing all the plankton as they go. This snorkelling experience was one I would definitely like to remember, because I learnt firsthand how dangerous over-confidence can be. Sharon wanted a life jacket, which I declined since I felt that it interfered with my swimming. I was all ready to do some free diving as I had done previously at Malapascua; I am usually very comfortable swimming around. This time though, the moment we jumped, the rented fins suddenly felt 2 sizes too big and almost fell off my feet, the mask flooded and water went into my nose, the breathing tube flooded and I swallowed a mouthful of water. I swam upwards but it was a clumsy attempt due to the ill-fitted fins. I immediately went to panic mode. Everyone was already swimming away towards the mantas. Thankfully, Sharon was nearby and I told her I felt very uncomfortable, and asked if I could just hold on to her life jacket while I swam next to her. That was life saving. I was in severe tachycardia the whole time, feeling so unnatural breathing through the snorkelling pipe. It was not until I saw the graceful mantas that I calmed down slightly, and also the comfort that my friend was right next to me should anything happen. Can't be more thankful.

The reviews for our destinations on the 2nd day were very underwhelming, but we went ahead to book them anyway and were so glad we did. It's all about moderating expectations, having an open mind, and an appetite for fun.
2nd day:
Cunca Wulang - we thought that there would be a BPH stream due to the dry season but turns out it was a decent waterfall, and the landscape of rock formations had beautiful designs on them.
Batu Cermin - our photoshoot for Komodo's next top models.
Sylvia Hill/Bukit Cinta - one of the best viewpoints for sunset at Labuan Bajo.

=====
There were many things to be thankful for:
1. Great weather
2. Great LOB team and divemaster - we made it out in one piece!
3. Amazing dive sites and luck with seeing mantas and sharks
4. No one fell ill/got badly injured
5. My friend was next to me when I needed help most during snorkelling
6. They didn't pack fins for us but it worked out eventually (even though they didnt quite fit)
7. Our car tyre punctured but it was right next to shops so we could seek shelter and have lunch. And we still made it for the sunset, all at a comfortable pace.
8. Bed bugs at the accom was a nightmare but the manager went all the way to make it up to us, including an immediate transfer to another hotel's VIP suite.
9. Reached my 85th dive!

Everything worked out in the end.

Friday, September 13, 2019, 11:53 PM

It's Elaine and RZ's wedding today! Elaine was so pretty; I mean she already usually is but tonight, her choice of wedding gown and cheong sam made her so elegant and classy. The setting was grand, with 60 tables at Swissotel the Stamford. The banquet food was excellent.

It was a Friday night, unusual day for wedding, which probably explained how someone as dependable as Lava could've mixed up the date and thought it was the next day.

Something I always look forward to during such events is meeting our friends. We were all caught up with our busy schedules, what better time than during something like this. Chewy was seated to my left, Sumarli to my right, and Chow to the right of him. Perfect arrangement; we talked non-stop, and I was on a roll with my flaming that night.

After the wedding, Chew suggested carrying on the revelry at the nearby Timbre at substation. Our friends who were bridesmaids were too tired, so it was just her, Sumarli, Lava and I. Yes, Lava made it down after work to join. Effort. I particularly wanted to go down to Timbre tonight because 53a was playing. They sang my current earworm Shallow!

Not the best place to catch-up; we were shouting over the loud accoustics. Wish there was more time.

We left at close to 2am.
=====
Quote of the night:

Chew: I think the cockroach is dead. It didn't even flinch when we walked past.
Me after processing what was just said: I'm not sure cockroaches flinch.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 11:00 PM

Mum was off work today.

Dad suggested going to Mt Faber for a walk, something he's been suggesting for awhile. I felt lazy, but days like this don't come by all the time, so I agreed. Sheila came along too.

I am very passionate about advocating healthier living for my parents. I'm sure many people are but lately I have been taking a slightly more aggressive stance in reminding them not to eat certain foods, to exercise, to go for their check-ups. As age catches up on those you love, people whom you never thought you'd be able to live without, you start cherishing all these precious moments even more.

We ended up walking from Telok Blangah park, past the Henderson wave, to Mt Faber cable car, down the Marang trail, to Harbourfront. The afternoon heat was punishing, so I was surprised when mum and dad spontaneously agreed to continue on from Mt Faber to Harbourfront. Along the way, I took candid photos of them. Moments of them walking holding hands, smiling, relaxed. I wish time would come to a standstill.

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." - Dorothea Lange

There's not a moment to lose.

Monday, September 09, 2019, 11:54 PM

I finally got down to reorganizing the mess that is our storeroom. Years of forgotten items, unable to throw but not much for using either.

Sheila helped as I started picking through things, shelf by shelf. It was funny how you find elaborate gift boxes, open them with anticipation of the bottles of bird's nest or some expensive food, only to find them empty; mother has a knack for hoarding.

It was exciting thinking about how I was going to organize and rearrange things. Naturally, frequently used items ought to be easily accessible. I removed my sister's old models and told her that they were occupying prime land, "time to move them to Yishun".

After a half day diligently sorting and throwing items, Sheila and I were covered in sweat and grime, our hands black from the dust. I was exhausted but looking around at the once-again spacious storeroom, items where they ought to be categorically, I was proud of our efforts.

I feel more at peace now knowing what we have and where to find things.

Sunday, September 08, 2019, 12:13 PM

I have always felt that my life was a rush. Just like everyone else in the rat race. Slowing down is a conscious effort and needs to be scheduled, moments to reflect. And in these moments, I pick up my journal or in this case, stop by here for some quiet time.

I'm on NPL now, almost finishing these 3 months. Before I started, everyone asked what I was going to do during this precious break. "You could be doing so many things!" I thought and thought about all the things I wanted to do. The travel plans have already been fixed, and I thought about the remaining time in Singapore.

Fast forward to now, I realised it's not about trying to squeeze as many things to do in these 3 months. My aim for this break was firstly to spend more time with things that mean most to me, my family, and secondly to recoup my health. Then it was to find the optimism and drive for life that I seem to have lost in the last 6 months, the passion that motivated me to do what I do. I was in need of new perspectives.

Have I accomplished what I set out to do?

Intangible things are difficult to measure, but I would like to think I'm happy with what I've done so far, even if it doesnt sound like much.

I'll pen them down closer to the end of my NPL.

=========
On a lighter note, WS, Hug, XL and I met up last night for dinner to celebrate Hug's birthday! The last time we met was for WS's bday, so long ago I couldn't even remember. It's a novelty.

We went to Coffee Academics and sat there talking for so long that we outstayed our welcome and got chased out. It was quite funny. We kept interrupting the waiters with our random requests, like taking a photo, and "eh make sure it's central, thanks". HAHA.

We talked about all sorts of things, intimate or otherwise, and it's really a privilege to be able to share unreservedly about your life and thoughts. Then Henry came to find me but I diverted him away because we started talking about more private relationship matters. Later we invited him back and included him in our discussion about guys and CMB and religion etc. Some quite funny things i remembered..

1-
Hug: Eh what do guys on CMB think about _______
Me: I doubt he knows much since he doesnt get matched to guys
LOL

2-
Hug asked something about whether there are many bad guys on CMB (something like that I cant remember how she phrased it)
Henry: Ya there're def guys who're wolves in sheeps' clothing..
I immediately looked at Henry and mouthed "shibs" and we gave each other a knowing smile.
Later on I told him he was a wolf in shib's clothing. We both love shibas and I gave him a shiba inu plushie who's called Shibs.

There's never enough time when you're with your old pals. Till next time.

Sunday, October 23, 2016, 3:28 PM

I was so surprised to find that the last post was made before work started, and that I was so nervous back then.

Almost 2 months in now, I'm quite proud of how far I've come and the people and patients I have made happy. It is very heartwarming when your bosses bother texting you to tell you that they were happy with what you have done even if it was just 2 weeks of being with the team. As I settle in, I have to find a balance between speed and being responsible and meticulous.

On a separate note, life just got interesting a tiny bit more.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016, 11:30 PM

Fighting

Fight song by Rachel Platten is my current ear worm.

Everyone is fighting their own challenges. It sucks when someone you care for is having such a hard time that no one deserves and you are completely helpless to do anything or make anything better. If there was one thing that is still within my power that would be to pray fervently that things would take a better turn.

'Even if you are perfect, the world isn't.' - When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi

On another note, each day draws closer to when I start work. My stomach is in knots.

Monday, August 29, 2016, 10:31 PM

New Phase of Life

A new phase of my life is about to begin this Thurs.

This past week I've been busy with the orientation MOHH has planned for us. This included a quick ACLS course as well as job shadowing last Fri. AND MY BOSSES ARE NONE OTHER THAN THE ANGELS CCS AND BL!!! I was so happy I could kiss the floor. CCS said I looked familiar and after I told him I was from the last batch of GS SIPs, he said "Ah now I am piecing together the pieces..". Not sure if he really remembers but I STILL LOVE HIM WOOHOO!!

I'm really nervous because everyone expects me to perform given that I am from YLL, but the truth is that I am still into my very first posting after a very long break; my brain is so rusted. I'm not confident of my knowledge at all, and practical skills which comes with practice. I pray I can make the bosses happy, and maybe enjoy myself after all. I do want to learn more about CLR surgery which I've never had the luck to get as a student.

Also feeling fortunate that I have Esther and Saw with me through this whole week of orientation. They made it so much more fun, and also made me more comfortable making new friends. Somehow I feel like an outsider among all the foreign grads with their posh accents.

Tomorrow is literally my last free day.

Saturday, August 13, 2016, 8:08 PM

This PMS thing is real strong. And I was initially wondering why I was eating like a cow, whether it was because of my trip to Malaysia where I ate so much and it expanded my eating capacity. But then I slept the afternoon away and 2h later I was still so tired it felt like my life force was being sapped. This stinks of PMS. This past week, been feeling really moody and highly irritated at the slightest thing.

That said, I've been asked to help my ex-colleagues with a project for the next week and a half. Excited and nervous at the same time because the timeline is going to be mighty tight.

Monday, August 01, 2016, 1:29 PM

Yesterday was so fun!

First thing yesterday morning when I woke, mum and I confirmed the booking to Malaysia's French village for Dad, herself and I. She had been researching for nights on end until I couldn't take it and told her that knowing ALL the pros and cons of every good hotel really isn't going to make our trip that much more spectacular; they're all GOOD and we just needed to choose any one and be done with it. Mum is quite new to booking trips on our own and ever since empowered with the knowledge of how to search for things online, she has been obsessed. Dad and I were so relieved when she finally settled for one of the many good hotels. I would actually really get to travel once more before work starts in Sept!

This trip was specially arranged for me, I know. Mum had so wanted to bring me on a short trip overseas before work consumed me, and also because she could feel I was really bored and stifled lying around at home. She wanted to make it exciting for me but also practical (given that I'm less able now than before) and inclusive so Dad would want to go too, so she started searching and searching around for ideas. That was how this French village idea came about.

After lunch, Dad suggested going to the beach. "But it's going to rain!" I protested. "We can go rain-watching! There's a bistro there we could sit and have a nice cup of coffee. It'd be great!" Dad was so excited. It sounded quite crazy, but I love crazy, so I said ok. We went to Changi beach and only just managed to make the shelter before the downpour started. The billowing wind went absolutely nuts, and rain was slapping at us at 45 degree angles. The trees were thrashing about crazily, and so was the awning of the bistro. It was quite worrying at one point of time, but Dad was beaming. He ordered a cup of coffee, Mum a pot of Earl Grey, and me a side of nachos to share. The winds died down after awhile so it was just the rain, and I settled down to read my book.

I never knew it could be so nice to just sit somewhere chilling with a cup of tea, a good book and a good view. I could do this more often.

The rain finally cleared and we went out for a long long walk along Changi beach. The wind was strong and the weather cool. We passed the SAF ferry terminal where NSFs set off for Tekong. Mum asked if Tekong was a holiday island HAHA.

We all enjoyed ourselves so much! "Let's come back again the next time it rains." I said.

That night, I finished my book Me Before You. It was so gripping I couldn't put it down till I finished.

Thursday, July 28, 2016, 11:42 AM

and....I'm going to NUH GS for my first posting. Can't wait to see Dr M's expression when he learns I'm going to NUH after all the things I said :P

Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 3:21 PM

Herb garden

Ok mine isn't really a herb garden because I only have sweet basil and mint now but that's a start for someone who has killed many pots of herbs. Herbs are the easiest and most satisfying things to plant in SG, so google says, because they're fuss-free and they grow very quickly.

My pot of basil started with about 5-6 decent stalks, but they started dying stalk by stalk until it was down to 1 stalk and I decided I had to intervene because Dad was complaining about how I wasn't putting the plant in the right place and that I should stop buying herbs because they always die. Turns out the only thing they lacked was WATER lol I thought the rain would keep them well-watered but nope it wasn't enough. Now, that single stalk is growing beautifully (yay!!) but it is a single stalk. I went to watch videos on how to propagate basil by cuttings and now I have a nice little stalk chilling in the water. Now to wait 7-10 days for the roots to grow out and become long enough, then I can re-pot them. Unless of course, they die :X

I also trimmed my mint plant because if you want it to grow orderly and thick you need to keep cutting them, kind of like hair. Now to find recipes to use my mint. Mint ice cream with chocolate chips, watermelon mint salad, fresh mint tea...yummmm

Wednesday, July 20, 2016, 7:00 PM

2 days ago I saw Pat playing pocket Maplestory on her phone. 2 days later today I am spending hours on my phone, sleeping late because I was lost in the game. Troubled history comes back to haunt me.

Saturday, July 16, 2016, 9:30 PM

Today we celebrated grandpa's 80th birthday! That's by the lunar calender, which means he's 79 years old this year.

Gugu invited both our family and our cousins' family. Grandpa craves more attention as he gets older. This is the first time he actually asked gugu if anyone is going to celebrate his birthday this year. He usually doesn't bother at all, even though we do celebrate it every year. I think his fear of loneliness got worse after grandma passed away, so we all do make it a point to remind him that he is still loved.

I decided to make him a cake after Peng asked me if i was going to. I wasn't going to do so initially because I had no inspiration; I didn't know what grandpa liked, except that maybe he isn't really a dessert person, and he has diabetes so anything too sinful (like a cake) isn't good for him. But every birthday must have a cake, and I'm sure my cake will be better for him (less unhealthy) than a store-bought one. After mulling over my options, I decided to go along the lines of a fresh fruit cake. Then, I don't know what spark it was but I suddenly remembered the famous watermelon cake from Black Star Pastry. It was trending on Instagram some time ago, and I've always wanted to try it. I spent the whole of yesterday baking and assembling this cake of many layers and was quite pleased with the final look. I was excited to present this to grandpa.

We had quite a spread for the celebration. Grandpa looked so happy to see everyone there, and all the food. Ariel was there too! She's 15months now and able to walk around. She's quite shy so I didn't hear her speak but she was soooo cute!!!!

Then came the time for cake-cutting and I was nervous. When I brought the cake in, everyone was like whoaaa it looks so nice!! "You made that?" "That looks really beautiful I can't wait to try it!" The higher the expectations the more stressed I got. Nothing worse than lifting someone up so high then letting them fall flat.

Everyone loved it! Personally, I really loved it too. The flavour combination was interesting, the cake was light and refreshing, not too sweet as I had thought. Grandpa had a second helping too!

Success! And I'm glad grandpa was happy.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016, 10:30 PM

Blackheart

I met up with Sarah today and we had a nice, long, melodramatic catch-up over lunch. She was so animated there were many times when the other patrons turned to stare haha! We haven't met or talked in so long, I didn't realise how much I missed talking and laughing so unreservedly with her. Then we had to leave and I decided to make a trip down to NUH to collect the MC which I forgot to get yesterday. I swept into the clinic 5mins before closing, and I BUMPED INTO DR M!! OMG BESTDAYBESTDAY!! But we didn't talk much haha I was abit flustered and he looked quite stressed anyway. He came with me to the counter to get the MC, we didn't talk much, but it's ok because seeing him just makes me so happy anyway hehe I'm so gross. BEST!! DAY!! :D :D

Then I had to rush home to bake for Peng's colleagues. This is Peng's last week of internship and she wanted to give her colleagues something as a farewell gift.

Peng: "I'm thinking of baking something for them." By that, it is inferred that I will bake something for them.
Me: "Like what?"
Peng: "Chocolate tart."
Me: "Well that's ambitious." She smiles. Terrible girl this.

That was last week. I planned for the tart to be done today. I was going to bake the chocolate tart I knew well, but after scrolling through Pinterest I got inspiration to try a chocolate bar instead (Hazelnut chocolate feuilletine crunch bar). So when Peng got home this night...

Me: "Hey, maybe you could try making this chocolate bar yourself. It's so easy there's no baking involved. Minimal ingredients, throw everything together and dump it in the fridge to chill."
Peng: "Huh.. But if I have time I should be watching my drama or packing for my japan trip.." Smiles.
Me: "Lol what."

On this night, I name her Blackheart.

Monday, July 11, 2016, 10:00 PM

It was Appointment Day again! It has been 6 weeks since I had all my dressings removed and I was excited to see my doctor and nurse today to see what they think about the progress. All in all, I thought I was recovering quite well.

I was so happy to see Sister F and Dr M! "I saw the photo Dr M sent me last week. I couldn't recognise you! I was like hmm that's not his wife.. But happy to see that you're out and about!" Sister F said. LOLLL! They examined my back and were pleased. The rash was common but the pigmentation was not. I could likely be having a reaction to the sutures they used. :((((( Other than that, the wound looked great so Dr M said I could start trying to brisk walk and maybe jog if I felt ready! :D I might actually be fit for work by Sept.

On a side note, after the commencement ceremony on Sunday, I felt slightly emotional (in a good way) so in the spirit of thanksgiving, I emailed the 2 Profs who were so kind and helpful to me when I was at a low point wondering whether I had cancer and whether I would be able to graduate with my friends. I used to hesitate about doing such things, but in my life my regrets were almost always because of what I didn't do rather than what I did, and so I sent it.

Wednesday, July 06, 2016, 11:28 PM

Day Out with Wang Sao

Today I went on my first outing with a friend since a very long time and I enjoyed it tremendously. Wang Sao offered to treat me to a movie, so I chose Now You See Me 2. We enjoyed it alot! The cinematics and the jokes were entertaining, despite the bad reviews. After the movies, we went to have a late lunch and I had my bowl of sashimi yumzzz!! We chatted for a really long time over lunch. Great catch up because we haven't met each other in quite a long while. We talked about all sorts of things, and it felt nice discussing and getting advice for certain things, or just talking about my worries in general.

While walking around, my sandals gave way urghh so WS went sandal-hunting with me and I managed to get a similar one that I was satisfied with. It was platform because I enjoyed too much the feeling of being tall(er).

Then Wang Sao came over to my house to play with Yoshi the cutie. Wang Sao bought Yoshi a new toy! Yoshi was being such a good boy tonight, not the crazy, energy-level-200%, over-friendly little beast he usually turns into when he's happy. That was, until we brought out the new toy. I didn't expect him to be sooo excited about the new toy. He started jumping and pawing to try and get at it while I hold it just out of reach. The funniest thing was that he totally ignored his other rubber bones that he loved to play catch with. After letting him chew it for awhile, I wrestled it away him from and placed it on a high shelf where he couldn't reach. He was so upset!! He just lay flat on the ground looking at the toy. So cute though.

What a fun day. It was also nice to catch a fresh breath of air. :) But mother says I can't go out with anyone else already so well I'm glad today happened.

Sunday, July 03, 2016, 11:30 PM

Medical Dinner 2016

I went for the Medical Dinner today, held for the graduating batch of 2016 from Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. I had wanted to pull out of this dinner because fancy parties were not my cup of tea; dressing up and dolling up like a lady, I just couldn't. Besides, I wasn't sure if I would be fit enough by 3rd July. But my CG mates talked me into going and so I did and I'm glad for it. Some social events every now and then is nourishing for the soul.

Since I decided I was going to make it, I thought I should spend more time and effort into looking decent. I bought a new dress and heels (last min, ops), and had half a mind to get some makeup products. While asking my Cedar friends about which makeup products to buy, I casually mentioned that I didn't know how to makeup and would have to experiment around, embarrassing as it is. To my surprise, Mags and Lins offered to do my makeup for me! And the others quickly chimed in to say they didn't mind coming over to give moral support too. That was so nice of them :")

Early this morning, I went and got my hair cut and dyed too. But this wasn't solely for the dinner; I've been wanting to dye my hair for quite awhile, just haven't had the motivation and I was supposed to rest at home anyway. At the salon, I bumped into David's mum and Cherie's mum! The world is too small, because that hair salon is a very small shop in some ulu neighbourhood. Imagine the surprise. Also, the fact that Cherie's mum recognized me was shocking because no one ever recognizes my face.

My awesome makeup team arrived at about 5pm and got straight to business, no time to lose! I did the basic concealing and the foundation, then Mags started working her magic with contouring and lining my eyes. The eyes took really long, and it was quite funny because the others were egging her to make the "wing" more bold. I was hesitant initially because I was actually going for a simple, I-woke-up-like-that look, but I should trust the makeup pros. By the time we finished it was 650pm. (Plan was to leave house at 615pm lol) I hurried to tidy up my hair, wear my dress/accessories, get my clutch, and activate the parents.

I reached Raffles City at about 730pm. By then, everyone who was there were seated already. I met HL, YN and Ale outside the ballroom to walk in together. Right after we stepped in and were looking around for our tables, HL tapped me. "Is that your favourite doctor?" I was confused. "Where? And who's my favourite doctor?" I asked, looking around all the while and seeing no familiar faces. "There. Table 62. It is right?" She said, suddenly doubtful of herself. It took me quite a long while before I spotted table 62, and another while longer before I saw.....Dr Mark!! I almost died on the spot. He had seen me too by then, pointed out by a colleague who was probably confused why 2 strangers were staring at them. I went over to say hi, he asked me how my recovery was, and then I asked if I could take a photo with him later. Yay! I hurried to where my CG was, at table 31. Everyone was there already except Cherie and I.

The rest of the night passed quickly. I had wanted to catch up with each of them individually but it wasn't the ideal setting because we sat so far apart at the table and the music was really loud, so I just listened to their horror stories. I couldn't eat 6 out of the 9 courses because they had chicken/prawn. Halfway through the dinner service, people starting walking around to chat with friends and take photos. The CG went out and took photos too. I went and asked Dr Mark for a photo because I was afraid he would leave early. Then it was a flurry of photos with friends I haven't met in so long, having a quick catch-up. I didn't even realize that I missed 3 courses already.

Before the dinner was done, many people started leaving because there was work the next day. No longer 'the night is still young' anymore. I left too, because I am an oldie now and my back was starting to ache.

Friday, July 01, 2016, 6:11 PM

MALWARE MADNESS

Getting myself acquainted with malware, viruses, worms and trojans because I'm getting an insufferable amount of pop-ups/ads when I browse. It's so frustrating because I don't download anything and play no games and don't browse weird sites?

There must be something terribly wrong if Windows Defender, Malwarebytes and Comodo Firewall can't stop it and my scans have shown my computer free of malicious programs. Zzzz

Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 11:13 AM

Father's Day this year was crowded (in a good way) because everyone could make it, and David invited his mum over too. When we were much younger, Father's Day was always celebrated at one of our family's typical favourite restaurants. Later on, we decided to celebrate it at our grandparents' place so that we can celebrate with grandpa too. This year though, because we're including David's mum so we had to celebrate with grandpa separately. I felt really bad because my friends were over that day, and Peng also had a friend's bday celebration to attend so we both couldn't go. Later on, Dad told me that grandpa asked where we all were :(

That was on Sat. On Sun, Dad decided to buy food back to celebrate because he said he didn't want to squeeze with people outside. Not sure if it was also for my sake that we're eating home :X David and Pat went out and bought all the things that Dad has been craving recently. Chilli crab, pepper crab, fried buns, satay, bbq chicken, bbq stingray, mee goreng, hor fun. There was sooo much food!! Everyone was happily eating, Dad most of all. I sat at a corner and ate some fried buns and the fish horfun that David bought specially for me while watching others feast. Since my surgery, Mum had said I shouldn't eat chicken, prawn and crab because they were bad for wound healing. Those were just about everything that was on the table that night. Still, as long as Dad and everyone else was happy.

After dinner, Mum brought out DURIANS! "Oh wait, I'm not sure you can eat durians." ?? Why? "I think better not." So I watched others eat durians.

While they savoured the durians, I went out to prepare the table and took out the tiramisu I made that morning. I wanted it to be a surprise so I made it while Dad and Mum were out for breakfast. Thankfully a tiramisu was quite easy and still within my current limited abilities. Dad and Mum were so happy and surprised when they saw it! Yay mission accomplished. Everyone was so full they asked for a little slice but Dad said it was so yummy so he finished his large slice anyway. Unfortunately, David's mum was allergic to dairy products so she couldn't eat the tiramisu; I had best remember that. All in all, everyone was full to the bursting but very happy. Dad loves to be surrounded by family.

Saturday, June 18, 2016, 7:56 PM

HL, YY, BC came to visit me today! My parents decided to prepare popiah for them since they were coming for lunch. I always like popiah meals because it is interactive, besides being very yummy. BC bought twelve cupcakes and YY bought Jalan Kayu otah over! I was so excited for our meeting because we havent seen each other in quite awhile, and I wanted to hear about their work experiences, the horrors. We finished off our meal with the rum and raisin ice cream that I made. This is the first time I'm making them ice cream, more than a year after they gifted me that ice cream machine. I'm so thankful that the ice cream turned out well and they enjoyed both the ice cream and the popiah very much!

We sat around and talked about many random different things. I voiced out my concerns about not knowing what I want to pursue still, and whether I'm being too laid back about research and portfolio-building. They unanimously voiced out that once I start working, perspectives and priorities will change, and told me not to worry about all those things prematurely. That quelled my worries somewhat and I think I probably should be focusing on recovery now.

Time flies when you're having a great time. Before we knew it, it was 7pm already! My back was also starting to ache and I badly needed to lie down. So thankful once again for such good friends.

Friday, June 17, 2016, 12:41 PM

I've been staying home for close to 2 months now. "You must be bored to death staying at home all day!" exclaimed many people. I had actually thought that the days would be long and boring because I wouldn't be working, no exercising, (initially) no baking, no piano, basically nothing of what makes me who I am. Much to my own surprise and others', I am not bored at all. I have always been a very restless person. The last time I was trapped at home after A levels, I fell into depression after just a few weeks while waiting for my job to start.

The initial part after surgery I was forced to sleep because I was simply too tired too do anything else and I needed tons of rest. Nowadays, I'm much better, I'm almost normal except that my back keeps swelling up and I'm slow like an old lady. I've been spending much of everyday reading. I'm at book 6 of the Game of Thrones book series woohoo!

Since I can tolerate standing up for longer periods, I've also started some simple baking for my family breakfast. Waffles, breads, cakes, ice creams. Yum! Finally using these machines that my friends bought me a year ago.

I also planted basil and mint. I thought they wouldn't require any attention but my basil plant kept dying stalk by stalk until there's only 1 stalk left so now I'm keeping a close watch on the soil and water and sun exposure everyday. Please don't die on me!

Monday, June 06, 2016, 12:11 AM

Today was a happening day compared to any other day I've been having this past month.

My counsellees came over to my house this morning for a crash course/handover for their final year. I've been (figuratively) sweating buckets worrying about teaching because I'm not good at teaching. And one of my counsellee's a Dean's lister, no stress there. And I must make good of their time on a Sunday morning that they spent travelling to my far-flung house right? It turned out to be quite ok I think. I spoke too fast as usual, stress response. It was quite fun after awhile, reliving all the memories of typing out all the notes that I'm still quite proud of. Teaching is also a satisfying thing, if only I had more gift in it. After 1.5h, my throat actually felt very sore although I was chugging down water at intervals and peeing as much. It lasted about 3.5h. Thought their brains would be fried by then. Mine would be. But I also assured them that it's normal that no one will remember, it's just to introduce the existence of such stuff so it won't be foreign the next time they hear it.

After they left, I hurried to churn my ice cream. I managed to finish churning and throw it into the freezer before my friends arrived, although I know there wouldn't be enough time to freeze. We were celebrating Mag's bday at my house today. So very very nice of them to bring the celebration over to my house because I couldn't join them outside. It was full attendance today, and there were so many amazing dishes compliments of Viddy the chef. We had so much fun eating, talking and then playing Psych. I laughed till my back hurt and they were so kind to notice and suggested moving to the living room so I could lie down while we continued playing.

Midway through the game, Lins and SH walked off...and came back with SH's brownie! Lit with candles and with "24" outlined by icing sugar dusted atop. The brownie was delicious, and we had it with my ice cream. Alas it was still a sloppy mess and only the surface was frozen proper. Waste of my strawberry cheesecake ice cream. (I tasted it again at night when it froze. It was super yumz, said my family.)

I really enjoy such gatherings where we meet at someone's place and eat homemade food. Especially when it's a big group of people. Home is where everyone can laze around and be very comfortable, and talk to different people as opposed to just the people sitting around you.

So tired but so happy. Until my mum took a photo of my wound tonight and it looked the worst it ever did in a month. S***.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 12:51 PM

Blessings

My dressings were completely removed yesterday woohoo! It felt liberating, like another step in the right direction. My doctor and nurse were both very happy with my healing and progress. I was worried about bathing still, but the nurse reassured me 3 times that it was ok, in fact she wanted me to shower without taping up my back. Ok, I trust her. My back hasn't participated in my baths for a month (my mum cleans it for me with alcohol wipes).

I have had friends visit me at my home, especially my friends from cedar. They've come a few times already, and even bought me nice food like cakes and KAISENDON!! I was very touched, don't know if I deserve such kindness, but I will remember this and pass it on in future. I used to be quite hesitant to receive visitors because most of the time I just want some alone time. But nowadays I am home alone, resting and doing my own readings and such that I actually look forward to having visitors very much. Some excitement in my routine life. Which is also why I always look forward to appointment days so I can step out of the house.

Sunday, May 22, 2016, 12:37 AM

I'm addicted to the Game of Thrones series

There, I said it. I've been lost in the series, both book and TV series these past weeks.
I shouldn't feel guilty for indulging in books or even abit of TV, I shouldn't! Or should I?

Thursday, May 19, 2016, 4:32 PM

Faith

Learning a new language is so difficult. Not that I didn't already know (having given up twice before), and not like learning anything new is ever easy. But learning a new language, it takes so much patience, determination, and above all, faith; faith that no matter how minimal a progress you're making, you'll eventually be able to master it some day.

Yes I'm picking up Behasa Melayu again, since I have time at hand and strict instructions not to go crazy with physical activities. I chanced upon a post shared on Facebook about this person who picked up a new language in a year, just by spending just 5 mins of her time each day while she has her morning coffee. Just 5 mins?? You must be kidding me. However, if you think about it, 5 mins every day for a year, insignificant in the short term but in the long run, every small thing adds up. And no one can say they do not have 5 mins to spare, least of all myself.

Last week, I dug up my Learn Malay book which I bought 5 years earlier and have religiously read at least 1 chapter every day. Until..Game of Thrones entered my life and an excuse of a day's rest became 2. Ops. Life is full of temptations, but my faith shall be stronger.

Looking back 1 year later, I know I would thank myself for deciding to take this first step, and for keeping at it with undying faith.

On a side note, I am recovering well. I feel ever so slightly better every day. Keep the faith :)

Thursday, May 12, 2016, 1:09 PM

I Rest Today to Walk A Thousand Steps Tomorrow

It feels strange to stumble upon your own blog, something that used to be quite an important part of my life, abandoned for 4 years it seems. And now I'm home with time in my hand and a mind to wander, I thought perhaps I should start writing again. A few days back I was still searching for somewhere I could have an online diary, thinking this place lost or deleted already, so imagine my happiness when I found this again.

Reading my latest posts 4 years ago, I took my first step into medical school. A bright-eyed fresh student so eager to learn what I've been dreaming of for years. And perhaps med school happened, and time for blogging evaporated. So much has happened in these 4 years, so much I want to remember, but I find almost no records of anything in writing or typing. Pity.

Fast forward to 2016, a day I thought never would arrive, I graduated from med school. I am a doctor now :') I am so glad that I still hold the ideals I did all those years ago, untainted. Now that I see the hard truths of reality, I hold on to my ideals with more certainty. I can and will make a difference, however small. Although, my life took a different turn and I will only start work months after my friends.

Today is POD 13, and I am recovering well but my movements still need to be checked, every move calculated. Life exists in slow motion for me now. I am slightly embarrassed to be sitting here blogging, well-rested and well-fed while my friends slog away in the wards, denied of basic needs like food, water and sleep. I may not be learning new medical things like my friends, but I learn a different lesson. The other side of Medicine is something we were taught but scarcely can ever comprehend until we experience them first-hand ourselves, and that is what I do now everyday, living the life of a patient.

Friday, October 26, 2012, 7:52 PM

I can't believe this has happened. Honestly it's like a nightmare come true. After all the fear and worry, things have still happened this way. And who do i have to blame but myself, for not being more aggressive about fighting for my rights, for what i want, and for caring too much about what others think. The winners in life are those who get what they want right? Was there a need for me to sacrifice? It all happened in a flurry and before i can even begin to think about the horrors, everything has been set in stone. I can't ignore this, nor put it at the back of my mind; i tried. I baked, i ran, i cried, i talked, i bitched, yet i'm still the same. Am i overreacting? Whatever.. >:"(

Saturday, September 29, 2012, 4:18 PM

Negativity

Recently,i'm beginning to have less and less tolerance for people who tell me that life sucks. I mean normal complaining is fine, everyone complains about something; i complain alot about random things too. But some among us just have such deep resentment against so many things that the negative energy that they exude is so powerful it infects others and cause them to be angry too. Almost every other sms drips in hate and resentment, about how life sucks so bad. I understand that there're always down periods, but if these depressive episodes stretch on for a year or more, and if life sucks so very badly every day feels like hell, perhaps it's time to rethink about what you want in life and maybe try and change it. If you really hate medschool, or the life of a doctor, so very very much, and think that every aspect of it is so unbearable, and it's "fml" every day, then maybe you should really consider seeking something worth your time doing. It doesnt help forcing yourself through this and telling me over and over again that i'll be like that too. For the record, i wont be. And even if there was a chance that i might feel this way next time, i'm pretty determined now that i shan't ever be like that. Then there are those who are always mopey, always needing attention because there is always something that isnt going right. Always. Just about every single thing screws up. Now i sound like those deplorable, angry, whiney, complaining persons that i just complained about. The negative energy so potent. Don't blame me for wanting to keep a distance.

Saturday, September 22, 2012, 1:23 AM

A hiatus for a year, where so much has happened. Every single little event used to be so memorable for me, because i make an effort to make them momentous, personally. But now, everything feels like one big chunk; so much happening in too short a time that i feel like i'm losing track of things. That said, i dont regret the decisions i've made. Not for coming into Medicine, not for being with my og, not for signing up for my ocip, not for ifg, not even when things screw up quite badly. I'm slowly starting to come out of my limiting shell, breaking free of my inhibitions. Today, i took a break from the craziness and had some quality time with my og celebrating mooncake festival. I had my reservations when deciding to go, especially when i was quite tired. I'm glad i stopped my anti-social side from taking over, or i'd have missed this amazing gathering. I don't always enjoy all of our gatherings, and even when i did i might not have felt so comfortable being in their presence. However, this was one of the good times when i dont feel left out, when i feel that everyone is at ease and allowing each and every person's presence be acknowledged, rather than the attention just be centred on someone. We talked, we laughed, we had pizza for dinner, mooncakes courtesy of Keg's parents, we played sparklers and did childish things. Taking my time off to pen down this incident..hopefully i wouldnt lose myself in the long run, if i can hold on to these moments, these carefree memories..

Saturday, November 26, 2011, 9:21 PM

Hausmusik

I conquered my fear! Haven't been happy after accompaniment in quite a while. Ok fine i made mistakes (which was damn sian because they were actually easy to play) BUT i'm satisfied. Level up!

Hausmusik was interesting. There was a brass quintet by students from Regent Sec, Quan Hui sang, and there was this pro flautist who played Mozart's Concerto in D major (converted from the Oboe Concerto in C Major)! Quan Hui's accompanist was damn pro and very pretty! She played so many pieces..told me afterwards she was very tired lol. The pro flautist is going to take his LTCL for flute next week or sth :O

JJ and i decided last minute to play the Ave Maria by Schubert. As in seriously last min, without any practice. It actually went well..until the end..where on my score it says "optional repeat" so i take it that we're not repeating but apparently i think we're supposed to repeat cos JJ came in on my last and final chord. But on hearing me lift my hands off the keys, he stopped too. THANK GOODNESS it was a tonic chord so we can still convince ourselves that the uninitiated might not think much about it. HIS EXPRESSION WAS EPIC OMG! I was already laughing and vibrating silently as we bowed and left XD ops!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 11:48 PM

Baby Blues

For this lastest clinical session, my tutor/doctor brought us to look at her patients, who are NEONATES(newborns)! They looked so tiny and fragile, their skin a translucent, paper-like quality, their teensy little limbs and mouths and noses and eyes sooo cute!! Unfortunately, those we saw were in the ICU, which means that they were suffering from some congenital diseases :/

So we reviewed each case, did visual examinations, discussed the pathophysiology etc. The thing that struck me was our responses in a situation like this. As we learnt about the different defects, some worse than the others, it seemed that while we got very interested in discussing these 'case studies', we might forget that these babies are 'real' people, who are battling with life as we speak, who will have to lead a compromised lifestyle, who have parents who are grieving passionately for their baby..

Idk..somehow it just didn't feel very right. We are constantly being cautioned about falling into these kinds of 'trap'. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone; my groupmates are all really nice people (as in the really nice kind not just the normal nice kind). It's no one's fault. But perhaps i need to think about the mindset i should adopt as i approach these situations..

Monday, November 21, 2011, 12:16 AM

8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown Dwarf

My sister let me read an interesting book today (ok it was more of a short read, a 2200 word poem to be exact). It offers an alternative storyline to the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

A short summary..

There were not seven, but eight dwarfs living under one roof. The seven dwarfs enjoyed life and worked together harmoniously. The eighth, however, was ugly. He also adopted queer habits and developed a palate for insects. This led him to be dubbed 'Creepy'. He was irritable and brooding, disagreeing to his brothers' way of life. Although this was not explicitly illustrated in the poem, the seven brothers likely found him an eyesore too and were not as nice as we know them to be. One fine day, Creepy did something to finally tick them off enough that they dumped him in an abandoned underground cellar in the house and locked him there for good. They carried on happily with life as if he never existed. All these while, he could only look up onto the activities of the house through a hole in the floorboard.

Then came Snow White. As it was told, she cleaned the house and cooked, to the delight of the seven dwarfs who agreed to keep her. One day, the witch came, disguised, and sold Snow White some poisoned accessory, causing her to collapse directly over the hole in the floorboard that was Creepy's window to the world. He saved he by reaching through the hole. Snow White awoke, not realising what happened. It was de javu when Snow White fell for the trick a second time and was again saved by Creepy. The third time this happened, Snow White fainted some distance away. So (and this is weird) Creepy let himself out of his prison easily by picking the lock (why didn't he just let himself out and escaped earlier on?-.-). He kissed Snow White to life, thought she would marry him thereafter, only to have her shriek in disgust at his repulsive appearance. By then, the seven dwarfs were approaching, so witty ol' Creepy said "Hey this is a nice apple why don't you take a bite" and Snow White the bimbo was dumb enough to be tricked the 4th time. She bit the apple and fainted once again while Creepy stole back into the cellar and locked himself in. The seven dwarfs found Snow White, thought she was dead, placed her in a glass coffin and moaned their loss. That night, Creepy, who knew that Snow White wasn't dead but would soon be if he didn't intervene, came out of the cellar again and drove some holes into the side of the coffin to let in air. At this point, the prince appeared and kissed Snow White to life and they rode away to live happily ever after. All this while, Creepy stood in the shadows.

----

The poem was written simply, but it certainly wasn't child's play (or read). There was quite a bit of character development, much inferred from his thoughts and actions. Creepy is very much an oddball. He despises optimism and life, he starves himself to bones, and he is a naughty little pervert (he was drinking in the image of Snow White's underwear as he upskirted her from his view from the hole in the floorboards). Yet despite all these eccentricities, he saw it fit to save her life, even after she snubbed him in his face. He even thought to make the effort of drilling holes in her coffin knowing that she would die of hypoxia rather than a poison apple should he not do so. This speaks much about his innate character. This poem reminds us not to judge a book by its cover, and addresses the bias of society towards ugly people, that ugly people need to do much good to be accepted (or maybe not, even for all their efforts).

Anyway, i just thought this was a refreshing, funny and pretty witty way of retelling this age-old classic. Definitely worth that bit of your time.

Friday, November 18, 2011, 3:17 AM

I realise how much i love this time of the night. It's just me and my thoughts. No neighbour verbally abusing her kid, no blistering heat of the sun, no people walking about, no one to disturb me.

This makes me sound like a loner, and maybe i am. This couple of weeks, i just don't feel right, mood-wise. I feel more withdrawn. Maybe it's cause i haven't met my friends for weeks. Or maybe it's PMS.

I haven't blogged in a really long while although quite a lot has been happening and my mood meter has been averaging a comforting high. I haven't been writing anything in my diary either. I know i'll regret losing all these memories.

Perhaps just to remind myself, i have so far had my very first CA1 in med and passed it, i am really enjoying physio pracs, i love my OGmates, i'm reading a highly erotic Young Adult Fiction recommended by my 16 year old sister, i reached another milestone by agreeing to accompany JJ for his auditions but ended up screwing up the first one, i promised him that Hausmusik and subsequent auditions will be different, i am enjoying being in Rwinds because music makes me happy although i get quite drained after pracs, i'm determined to improve my aural skills starting with interval identification (yes i cannot identify any intervals), i'm still reeling from the shock of my beloved grandma's cancer while i can only watch helplessly from the sidelines..

And i will be having my CA2 soon, OCIP trip to Cambodia, and Rwinds concert at the year end.

Amidst this flurry of activities, or perhaps more so because of it, I miss my friends so much. I miss cass hijean chewy fishy elaine deb lava I miss wangsao xinlin hug. But everyone's so busy now; all caught up with work..

Monday, September 12, 2011, 1:35 AM

Till winter..or summer..

I should be sleeping right now, but i'm not.

I just came back from sending tuber off at the airport. Suddenly, i'm overcome with a wave of sadness. Suddenly, it hits me that my classmates are leaving. Of course it's just a short while and everyone's just gone off to study, but i still can't help missing all of them when i think of all the epic fun times we shared. The last 2 years were honestly one of the more memorable moments in my life, and it's sad to know that i now have to leave them behind.

It's till winter or summer then..

Sunday, September 04, 2011, 2:40 PM

Retroblast!

The whole morning was spent wrapping roses and baby's breath into bouquets, which were so pretty all the customers actually told us we were seriously undercharging..haha so that's both a good and bad thing.

The most fun part of DnD was perhaps the photo-taking part. My senior OG rented costumes and dressed up as red indians/cowboys, complete with the giant feather headdress, leather clothings and tribal paintings on their faces! Super funny because some of the guys were acting wildly as if seriously a tribal person-.- There were also people who dressed up as gladiators (with helmets, breatplates, sword and all)Someone even came as Dr Tony Tan hahahaha! DnD was more enjoyable for me as compared to prom because this was more informal and we could just wear whatever we wanted. Some from our OG were already planning what to wear next year, like animals or something haha!

Yay i'm glad i made the right decision, although a really last min one, to go for DnD haha.
(I'm not a party animal...)

Friday, September 02, 2011, 10:32 PM

Yay i am happy happy happy these couple of days!

It's really nice to sit with funny people during lecture because i get to talk and laughlaughlaugh and have lots of fun, otherwise it can get really sian especially when i'm tired.

Oh and i got into my choice of OCIP! Was super happy when i received the sms, was even happier when i found out that ryan and bella both got in too, and was even more more happier when i found out how nice the other people were! We were given our first assignment to do fund raising and the discussion turned out to be really great cos everyone's just chipping in ideas and offering to help, which makes tedious things fun to do. I really hope it will be like that all the way!

And...i'm going for DnD. Zzz this reminds me of prom seriously. I adamently refused to sign up for it, until yesterday when the girls were discussing what to wear and i got excited and decided on the spot to go for it too. So i did some serious last minute shopping today argh super tired!

Monday, August 29, 2011, 9:15 PM

Uniform Day!

I proudly donned my Cedar uniform today! Ok my sister's uniform rather..mine got recycled. It was baggy, and my senior actually asked if i slimmed down lol! Experiencing wearing uniform again really invokes a sense of nostalgia. I miss wearing uniform :/

We had sporty sporty day after class today. It turned out to be uber fun! We met up with our senior OG and had some seriously awesome time playing captain's ball. The guys in my OG kept inventing epic, novel moves that were both amazing and hilarious at the same time. I think i might have spent more energy laughing out loud than playing lololol XD The best part was that i actually contributed quite abit today! Rare event really.. Immense sense of satisfaction and self-worth in being able to coordinate with and help score goals for the team. Finally a somewhat valuable player heh :P

In a random frisbee throw-around, i got whacked so hard on my lip by the frisbee that a nasty, hard bruise (now i have some dark bluish, purplish thing on my lip-.-) swelled up from the center of my lower lip, plus i got 2 gashes on the inner side. Uglyyyyy D: it was more traumatising than painful actually..

Seriously fun stuff today. I'm very very happyyy! :D

Sunday, August 21, 2011, 2:05 PM

I've been falling sick more frequently this year and spending too much on seeing the doctor argh.

Starting uni life sounds exciting but somehow i just don't feel very happy now. Maybe it's the new environment and having to part with my awesome jc classmates and some other stuffs which just have me feeling emo and pissed off half the time. My only comfort was that i started out like that too in rj, so things should get better and better along the way, but for now, i feel really empty.

And my dad. STOP PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE ALREADY AND FREAKING TAKE YOUR MEDICINE! I can't believe after escaping heart attack once he's still stubbornly missing his med to bring down his sky high cholesterol level! The worst part is that he upped his comsumption of more atrocious foods! I'm so pissed off i can't even express it fully! And when i throw a bitch fit he thinks it's a joke and tries to placate me by promising to take his med after eating those junk, but i know he doesn't take it anyway.

Sunday, July 17, 2011, 12:47 AM

Post Medicamp

It has been only a week after Medicamp but the flurry of emails calling for volunteers for CIP have been endless! Thank goodness for my mobile calender or it's GG trying to remember all those things! It's busy busy busy even before school starts, but i'll admit it is exciting and i do look forward to them :)

Anyway, my Medicamp experience was COOL, but likely different from the other girls. I met the beastliest girls, and was probably the only unlucky girl in my og to get a gu niang guy who couldn't protect me for Fright Night. I doubt i can forget the neck-drag and the bear-hug-tackle-rape by those girls during station games and war games! To think i thought i was tough! But overall, it was quite fun, especially towards the end when we got closer and were more daring and noisy. I'm quite proud of myself that i really made the effort to socialise! :D My group's nice..mixed bunch of people, but we clique :) The BEST part of this camp however, is the amazing tan i got! WOOHOO everyone's been praising it and saying i look SPORTY, HEALTHY, NICER and COOLER instead of PALE, SICKLY and COUCH POTATO. I'm just worried my tan might fade before i show it off to everyone :/

I'm quite glad my OG's actively organising outings here and there. The cool part is that they are different things like LAN, cooking at someone's house (YAY!!!), random sports stuff...

On a side note, my piano teacher just informed me that she has arranged a recital for her students in early aug and i was like ?!?!?!?!! I like my pieces, but they challenge my physical limitations so i just hope i'm not shooting myself in the foot by going ahead with it :/

Saturday, July 02, 2011, 10:32 PM

CSC Camp!

Been quite hapz in the period of deadness. Too many things i want to say such that i find that i can't quite say a single thing, so blogging stops lolol.

I just came back from CSC camp and woohoo i loved it ttm! THE camp that i enjoyed most by far. Thanks and muacks to nicole for telling me to join it! It wasn't the typical boring kind of camp. I can't really put a word to it..just that the games they planned were original and FUN (and not stupid), our welfare were taken care of, the cheers were cool and FUN to shout, and the people were damn nice, FUN and funny!:D Ok i confess that i wasn't exactly chummy with the guys on the first and second days but after that it went all right i guess. The Cluedo game on the second day night was horrible! The actors/actresses were damn convincing with the appropriately frightening smiles and the plot was plain psychotic i was damn freaked out D: I think i enjoyed sentosa the most! We had to run and run a lot i almost died. But the games at the stations were easy to understand, fun and original cos i never played them before! We got very dirty getting wet and sandy but woohoo i loved it! For the first time, the no-dunking-girls barrier was broken and i got dunked by back flip lol! After i was dunked, they started gently throwing in the other girls too hahaha. Fun fun fun! On the last day of camp, my OGLs kind of gave everyone some recognition and believe it or not, i won "Most demure" award how lame is that-.- everyone was like 0.o and the girls chorused,"But she's a man!" and my :O expression got them cracking up with laughter. One thing i enjoyed during the camp was supper! We went for supper every night teehee:) About the secret pal (SP) thing, i was apprehensive initially so was quite dao to my sp. But then i felt guilty cos he was actually very nice, so i opened up eventually haha. I slept for 2+h on the first night, 1+h on the second night, and not at all on the last night. I went walking at the beach with a few other og mates. The ogls and most of the guys crashed so they didn't go. One ogl who insisted on coming with us to witness sunrise fell asleep while walking and almost fell flat HAHAHAHA!! Quite poor thing cos we repeated the story to our og the next morning and she could've died of embarrassment judging by her red face XD

Although i didn't sleep on the last day, i was the most energetic, together with another girl. Those who slept, expecially the guys, were still very exhausted. BUT, once i closed my eyes (after reaching home and washing up), i was dead to the world.

Saturday, May 07, 2011, 9:11 PM

Nike Goddess 5K Run

My very first run ever!

The weather was so terribly hot and humid that they actually provided 2 hydration stations for a 5km run. It was really crowded so my focus for the most part of the race was weaving in and out of crowds in a bid to shake them off. Kris and i were zooming here and there and i think that pissed some people off. Well, they chose to walk all the way so don't blame us. It felt SUPERB when i finally saw the finish line in the distance because my bladder was almost bursting and it was taking me all effort to hold it in. It was quite a good run actually..lots of willpower involved. They had a race village at the end. Being one of the earliest to complete the race, the race village was not crowded when i reach and YAY FREE (not really free considering we had to pay for the race) SOYATO ICE CREAM AND A GENEROUS SPREAD OF CHOC ECLAIRS, DANISH PASTRIES, MUFFINS ETC. i totally went crazy and started eating although i'm not supposed to eat immediately after such intense exercise. The feeling of the cool ice cream was (Y). I also downed a whole bottle of 100 plus, something i would never ever do because gassy drinks upset my tummy. And it did.

At the race, i saw quite a few familiar faces! I saw Wen Rui, my band junior, Amadea (surprise surprise 0.0), and some senior&junior batches of Cedarians who were from Track.

I completed the race in 30.20, slightly off target but i give myself allowance, given the crowd hehe.

12:45 AM

Rollercoaster ride of emotions

I saw Xuying and Xuqi at the busstop near my office when i knocked off today! They rushed out of a building for the bus and my gaze followed them while i wondered if my eyes were playing tricks on me until i decided that it was for real and i called out. She had to board the bus, so we communicated via sms. This was a timely chance meeting really, because i've honestly been wanting to ask them and V out for a dinner date but i've always been hesitant to make the first move on these kinda things. Yay and so we agreed on dinner out next week to catch up on each other's lives and how much has changed.

In the evening, just as i was going out for a walk with my parents, Wang Sao called to tell me that uni admissions results were out. My heart just collapsed. I rushed up to my com to begged it to hurry up with the loading but today, it lagged and didn't respond as if savouring my agony. When it finally loaded, i rushed into the page and..my results weren't out yet. My heart stopped in its tracks. But ok whatever it is, for now, i guess no news is good news.

I went out for a walk/talk with WL at close to 9. I feel fortunate to have someone trustworthy living so close by so that we can meet up to vent frustrations anytime.

Right now, i can only sit and pray.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011, 11:05 PM

1. I am getting really bored with what i'm doing now. I told Dr Ng about it, and to my surprise, he told me he understnads, and encouraged me to take a break. There's no challenge in what i'm doing now, and this feeling is bound to set in sooner rather than later. Idk..right now i'm just depressed.
2. I went to Giant with my parents on Monday and witnessed a terrible scene. This f****** China dad was tossing an orange to her f****** china daughter, she whammed it on the floor, they hurled it a few more times, then dumped the orange back in the heap. I wanted to punch him in the face and tell him to scram back to whereever he came from, that crazy person.
3. I attended the Workers' Party rally tonight. The ground was muddy and swamp-like due to the rain, yet the turn-out remained impressive. I joined the never-ending stream of people making their way there despite the dreadful location. Some speeches were good, in the sense that they stir feelings and rally people. It is to the WP's advantage that they can speak in a more informal way that strikes a chord with heartlanders. It was quite an experience.

Saturday, April 30, 2011, 10:50 PM

1. I went out with my LH to Swensen's for dinner on Friday night after work. It was quite a great time out. We didn't have to wait too long despite the evening crowd, and we occupied the table for so long LH began to feel ps. We were talking about random things, quite a lot on work stuff and how little mice like us often have to swallow the indignation of being wronged by our bosses. Good, because we empathised with each other, and we laughed and we comforted.
2. I went to visit RJCSB this morning with Cass. The choice piece for SYF 2011 was weird; too esoteric for my liking and i couldn't understand it. Euphoniums had to hit and HOLD high C and the average range for the 1st euphs were super high. Siao. Happy to see my juniors, the band, and to hear them play :)
3. I left at close to lunchtime to meet Kris and LH. I was to collect my Nike race pack! Cool highlighter-orange dri-fit tee! It's super light and i thought the design looked nice. I also got a Nike shoe bag^^ Then, we left for lunch at Coffee Club. I ordered a skipper spaghetti. The description made it sound mouth-watering, with the bisque base and the numerous herbs used to season the skipper. It turned out really disappointing. The skipper was wayyyyy too salty, and so was the bisque base. My mouth was positively parched before i was halfway through. The base was not very well done and a few mouthfuls were enough to make me feel sick. Urgh.
4. After lunching with them, i went off to meet the class. It's Elaine's birthday!:) We talked about uni stuffs mostly..admissions, choices etc.
5. I left, and decided to drop in on the Taka bags/shoes sale on the way back. A bag caught my eye, i grabbed it, inspected it, deliberated over it.. 2 guys standing beside me were also choosing bags, for their wives i'm supposing, and 1 of them suddenly reached over to feel the material of my bag. Omg are you interested in my bag?! That set me on defensive mode and i immediately told the sales person i wanted the bag. Lol. Now i sound like some bimbotic shopaholic. I left feeling proud of myself although i shouldnt be. I also saw a beautiful, petite and white leather wallet. It was absolutely gorgeous, BUT it cost $39. I decided to get the bag first, but i'm still thinking about that beautiful little thing sitting there. I want it T_T

Today, i walked from somerset mrt to orchard mrt and back to somerset mrt.. I think i'm much more familiar with orchard road now! Important to know the place, because everyone else does.
6. I'm addicted to Masterchef.

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10:13 PM

Pool is Cool!

1.I learnt to play pool! I went out with Lynda today with the main intention of learning pool from a pro who's also a good teacher :D We went to the pool place at the cineleisure building. i wouldnt advise anyone to play there; the price is super steep at $14.80 an hour. Zzz. BUT, i had quite some fun and practice! Lynda taught me the posture, the rules, and the tricks. Unfortunately, i'm still on straight ball practice..can't execute angle balls yet XD That aside, cool posture! ;)
2. I walked into an LV store today. Holy cow they have people at all entrances to open/close door-.- and the design was super atas. I walked past a china lady speaking angrily to a salesperson about her shoe size. Money walks the talk. Anyway it was thanks to Lynda that i had the cheek to even step into places like that. It was thanks to her too, that i found out that luxurious brands like LV, Prada and Gucci actually had grades. Like how LV is actually of a higher class than Prada and Gucci, and how Hermes could actually be equal or higher grade than LV. Ya you get the idea..
3. The BK outlet at Orchard Central sucks. The fries were not crunchy, not salty, they were soggy. For the record, there was wool-like stuff on the fries, and even after getting new ones, we still found wool on them. The mash potato and onion burgers were letdowns. Stupid BK-.-
4. I went to my grandma's after a day of havoc to celebrate her birthday. Another feast..tummy says ouch. Anyway, i found out that my cousins took those diet pills that block out the fats/carbos that you get from food. No wonder they looked so weird..they're looking less and less pretty, and i'm not trying to be a sourgrape. Really scary.

Friday, April 22, 2011, 4:22 PM

Mass update

1. My med interview can be said to be considerably easier than others cos i didn't get grilled on things like means-testing for half an hour, nor was i asked about abstract things. Either that or the tough qns were well-phrased, but of course thr were qns that left me gaping. That's not important now of course; i'm so happy and relieved that it's all over since i didn't apply for any scholarships so no more interviews!:D PLAY TIME!
2. I got a new phone! My parents agreed to drive to nex after my interview so now i'm the proud owner of a galaxy ace:) yes i know it's not an iPhone, but this is good enough for me and it's within price range. Atas people don't comment.
3. I went to animal farm today to please my nieces and nephews (feels so old) and it feels great that they like me alot although i mostly just sat there and listened to them. Hehe.
4. My dad has been put on STRICT diet control and long-term medcation for his sky-high cholesterol level. I got a shock when the blood test report was out. The doctor said his risk of contracting a heart attack is two times higher than an average person given that he did an angiography before. So now it's no poultry skin, no pork belly, no coconut milk, no crab roe, no fried fish egg and the list goes on. Unfortunately my dad thinks it quite amusing rather than a calamity-.-

Monday, April 18, 2011, 11:45 PM

It will all be over soon, and i will be able to sleep/eat/play/work with a peace of mind. Whatever the outcome is whatever i deserve.

As i progress, the pilots are getting younger and less diseased, so it's getting pretty much boring that i sometimes wonder what is the point of indicating that they had their appendix gouged out at age 5. That aside, while my colleagues look forward to payday next week for April's efforts, i am STILL WAITING for my March pay to come in. It's not even inefficiency this is downright negligence. I was not told how my allowance (not salary) will be given to me, and i was not stipulated a fixed payday just like every other working person. -.-

I don't hate work. But it's true that everyone needs something to look forward to. Thank goodness i'm fortunate to have these incentives (USS, GE10k etc) or i might start being mopey again. XL WS HJ we need another date!

Monday, April 11, 2011, 12:01 AM

Screw-ups

Applications this time round have been nothing short of a disaster. It seems that i am ill-informed about all aspects of the application process. Fortunately for me, i always manage to find things out at the last moment and thus have been able to salvage the situation. Had i not the luck and the goodness of my various friends i might eventually end up with no uni course at all-.-

As it is, i just discovered late last night that i have screwed up yet another thing and i almost broke down because it is getting one too many.

I pray that all these blow over soon, and whatever the outcome, i'll just take it in my stride.

Sunday, April 10, 2011, 11:57 PM

The results of the cello exam are out! The g5 boy got a distinction while the g4 Hwach boy scored a merit!:)

Tuesday, April 05, 2011, 11:25 PM

Couch Potato

I can't believe it.

The last thing I would expect anyone to call me..

I mean..a couch potato..? ME?!?!?

I was pulling out files when Boss commented that I must've grown stronger after this vocation from the pulling and pushing of files. Wherein I interjected that i've always been strong; i am a swimmer after all. (I was still annoyed by his comment the last time that i looked like the kind who sits in front of a computer the entire day and not exercise at all just because i was fair. Thus my defensive position.) That was when he dropped the bomb and, taking on a tone of surprise, said,"Oh really ah? You look like the couch potato kind." And i was like WHAATTTT?!@!?$@!?

I AM NOT FAT, WHITE AND FLABBY!

11:14 PM

One Down From My To-do List

I signed up for the Great Eastern 10km run! Sooo excited for it! Will have to start training up my stamina and hopefully my knees will be kinder to me. The coolest part is that Kris is running with me! Nothing beats having a running buddy :D:D

It was while discussing about marathons when i found out that abrasion from shirt on skin can actually cause significant wear and tear. When i heard it i was like -.-, but ok i guess after 6h of continuous friction (during full marathons) as your shirt slides past your skin can do considerable damage. Apparently guys buy nipple tapes because their ahem gets quite a lot of abrasion too hahahha.

Another useless fact i found out was that the ugly long pants that i always see runners/swimmers wear are actually compression pants. I used to wonder why anyone would want to wear long pants since they looked so hot and restrictive, but those tricky compression pants are actually meant to compress your muscles to force blood to circulate faster, thus slowing down muscle fatigue and improving your performance. Those sneaky blighters..

Sunday, April 03, 2011, 12:37 AM

A Run!

I went for Nornor's chalet bbq today! Together with my colleagues! All of Nornor's aunts contributed homecooked food so there a good spread. I liked the mee siam alot! And i ate so much brownies and cakes although i said no more sweet stuffs-.- Anyway, we were chatting and the topic suddenly went to marathons. Kris and her hubby run marathons together, which is super cool. I said i've always wanted to run a race, but full and half marathons are too much for my knee to bear, then Kris told me that there's an upcoming 5km run! And she didn't mind running it with me! I was so excited my eyes sparkled and i became high.

When i reached home at 10pm, i went out for a half hour run! Yay! Finally! My very first run (if it becomes reality)! Must start training, good to run off the sugar too!:D

Friday, April 01, 2011, 2:17 AM

Diabetes

I hope I pray I beg that I am healthy.

I've been very, very thirsty. It was almost unquenchable. Although just a wild speculation, I googled Diabetes to read up on the symptoms. I almost fell off my chair.

Increased appetite. Increased thirst. Frequent urination.

There cannot be a more accurate description of me. I've been eating like a monster, drinking almost like a monster, and peeing more than a monster.

In a bid to salvage a situation that i pray not be, i've imposed a temporary ice cream/chocolate/biscuit restriction on myself.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 10:44 PM

Skiving increases productivity

Things are getting routine, and routine makes me really bored although i get better. The end result is that the efficiency from rote work is more than compensated by the slow down due to lowered morale. I still do things quite quickly, just not furiously. I can still meet my daily KPI, but only just barely.

Yesterday, i was once again chased out during Board time. Boss happened to be there that day. She told me to relax.

"Huh??" 0.o
"Go relax la. Take a walk. You can go pilot's lounge or pantry and eat biscuit."

It was such an odd concept i lost my bearings for a moment; i stood there and stared into space. Then, like a computer rebooting, i started by clearing some minor work stuff that i had wanted to do previously but did not because i didn't want to disrupt the momentum. After those were done, i hesitated, then sat at the "holiday chair" (so they call it). I commented to Boss that i should've brought my storybook, at which she threw me a copy of National Geographic. That was how i skived for the first time. Someone came over and said,"Reading..?" I smiled at her, "I'm given permission to skive." Gradually, i got into the zone and began reading intently.

After Board ended, i returned to my desk and began working systematically again. I found that i actually had the mood to work faster; i was less tired and more enthusiastic.

Thus, i conclude that skiving for a while every now and then increases productivity, and i should aim to make that happen on a more regular basis.

Sunday, March 20, 2011, 10:14 PM

I went shopping with my sister yesterday at bugis mall and street. It was a disappointing trip because we barely got anything, which shouldn't be the case. The only good thing was that i bought a nice little bag! The focus of this trip was to buy clothes, so i didn't meet target. Hug where are you i need you as my shopping guide! D:

Anyway, my lousy phone is screwing up more and more often (it hangs like crazy so i give people the impression that i'm avoiding their smses-.-), so i started looking out for phones that i can change to come april. It's no use asking people for opinions.
"What phone do you think i should get?"
"iPhone."
"Besides that?"
"iPhone."
-.- ok nvm. I've asked about 3-4 people already and all said iPhone. Better yet, they told me to wait for iPhone5 to come out in July and get that. I know it's that good, but do i really want such a phone?

Monday, March 14, 2011, 10:37 PM

Office politics

I had my first taste of office politics today.

It first came after lunch. Officially, our lunch time was 1pm while it was 12pm for those outside, but we usually pick any 1h period between 12-2pm to lunch because we would be starving by 12pm. Today, we went off for lunch at 12pm as usual. When we came back, K was there waiting for us. She raised her voice at LH and told her that we cannot just run off like that and that we should at least inform F that we were off to lunch. Then she suddenly turned and scolded me too. I was shocked; i call no shots and decide nothing. Once out of earshot, i asked LH about it because i never knew we had to report our absence to lunch. She was clearly pissed off and told me not to care; K also lunches whenever she's hungry. Besides, who was F that we had to report to her. When we went back to our room, i hastened to my little room and quietly began working, clearly still shaken. LH on the other hand, went to talk to K, all the while with that nice, sweet voice. I was like 0.o

The next one was in the evening just before we knocked off. DN came over to ask if i would be free to help out on their side tomorrow since 2 people will be on leave and they will be short of hands. Naturally, i agreed to help out. When K and LH heard about it, they were annoyed and told me that i shouldn't have agreed. I am an employee of CAAS, paid by CAAS, so there's no reason i should provide free services to the other side. So i explained that he had asked if i could help. Being a student and regular volunteer, it's a natural response to say yes; i couldn't very well say no. Then, i was taught the rule to remember: if anything like that happens, just say "I'll ask K" and she'll handle it for me. Also, i should abandon the mindset that i'm a kid whose labour can be exploited; i am now an employed worker.

This'll take me some getting use to.

Friday, March 11, 2011, 10:47 PM

I accompanied the p6 boy and the HCI boy for their cello exams today!

There was massive jam in the morning so the everyone was late, but the morning practice was good. I was happy after practising with both of them because they sounded good and ready, which striked more confidence in me.

Nearing the exam, my palms turned icy cold and started sweating. I asked the HCI boy if he was nervous, and he said no because he'd done exams a thousand times before. I looked at the p6 boy; he was calm and composed and just looking around. -.-

I thought both of them played well, although i'm not sure if the balance between piano and cello was right because the piano was loud. Well, i did my best to fade into the background :/ Overall, i think it's not bad. However, i was very sad after the exam because i didn't play 3 notes that i practised very hard for. I revised it repeatedly last night, and lots more times again this morning, but in the end, i still missed them :( wtheck.

I'm going to miss doing accompaniment though. At least until the next batch of students in a few months' time..

Monday, March 07, 2011, 10:43 PM

I started off the morning at 8.20am rushing to prepare the 125 cases as well as the microsoft word registry by 9am. This will be my first morning starting on the next phase of the database migration. Efficiency efficiency! The coding checking started today, and i had quite some embarrassing moments. For example, i coded a lump of fat on the scalp at the back of the head as some brain tumour-.- When i was told, i wanted to bury my face.

Anyway, as expected, everyone who was friendly enough to talk to me all came over excitedly to ask about my results. I received mixed reactions. Some just said "Oh.. Good!", while others were clearly overjoyed, but the B still hung heavily on my heart.

I'm glad i had that 4h39mins talk with wang sao that night. She reminded me once again of why i am so passionate about healthcare, and i am fired up with excitement. I feel secure having a sense of direction. On another note, i am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO over the moon for her!!;) :D:D:D:D:D:D I can't wait to meet up!

Friday, February 25, 2011, 12:17 AM

I have been incapacitated by the full range of symptoms of stomach flu for about a week. Sore throat, blocked nose, diarrhoea (i was stuck in the toilet for 1 hour shitting myself dry and my tummy went flat) etc. Still recovering, so am drowsy every now and then after i take the pills.

I am beginning to pant and tire from the frenetic pace of life currently. Full-time job, part-time job, piano and gatherings. Every time, just when i thought i could savour the sweetness of victory (meaning complete my assigned work), i would be told that there was more to it, so it's just never-ending work regardless of how fast i do. So i'm working like mad everyday. Ok i shouldn't complain because i like what i'm doing. Now, that's what happens during working hours. After work on tuesdays, i rush down for piano lesson, always late. This means that all free night times are meant for piano practices. On saturdays, i run about from pasir ris to boon lay for piano accompaniment pracs; fridays are for acc pracs. That, or i'm out with my friends all weekend. To be honest, i enjoy being busy. But recently, more stuffs have come knocking on my door and i'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I pray i can keep my spirits up.

Monday, February 14, 2011, 12:01 AM

Bday lunch + Sleepover@Deb's + Shopping

I was very tired on Saturday morning. I had to drag myself out of bed at past 7am to go for my very first accompaniment session, and i felt groggy and my head hurt. I almost wanted to change my mind about turning up for the birthday lunch at all. Thank goodness i didn't, because it turned out to be a fantastic, fun and spiritually-rejuvenating chill-time for me, after the exhaustion from a week of work.

Deb, Lava, Cass, Jean and I met up at Bugis to lunch at MoF. The food was not bad, not the one i ordered though. Following that, i had my first glimpse of Haji Lane. Cass bought me a super cute bracelet with a chicken, a duck, and a dog dangling from it :D Jean also gave me a pretty bracelet/necklace and Chow gave me a pair of red elephant earrings! Now i need to learn to put on accessories. I feel loved, but also ashamed because i haven't been personally getting them their birthday presents. I am still a sucker at shopping :(

Fast forward.. We bought dinner to Deb's house and had a "picnic" on the rooftop! It was so cool, especially when they set up a vintage lamp and we set in the dim light eating sushi, talking crap, listening to music, kboxing, taking pictures, and gazing at the stars and moon. After Jean, Chow, Lava and Elaine left, WeeLeng, Cass, Deb and I went to thaw out in Deb's room, where we started the customary HTHT. The cool thing was this time, it was really a HTHT. Great bonding session. My lips are sealed. We ended up sleeping at 6+am.

On Sunday late morning, we went to Vivo for brunch at Superdog (yummy!), then we went to see Chow at Gelare. She looked so cute in her uniform! She gave me huge scoops of ice cream to try yay!:D I bought Choc Overload but ahh it was quite an overload and it left me feeling quite nauseous. Deb left, so Cass, WeeLeng and I went to shop. Not bad; we all bought something.

I am so glad i went for this gathering. What a haps weekend.

Sunday, February 13, 2011, 11:35 PM

First week of work!

This first week of work drew to a close within the blink of an eye. Clearly, i have been busy, but also contented. In short, my work for now comprises transfering some information of pilots to some form. Being the chiongster that i am, i try to break my record of number-of-reports-completed each day. This drive was kept fuelled and alive because i have awesome colleagues who are funny and crappy, and who laugh at me whenever i say "KPI KPI!". I feel very fortunate to have such nice colleagues in that little room that we work in. Within a few days, i became good friends with my colleagues. While i worked at a furious pace, we crapped with each other through the walls. Also, since i had to keep running in and out of the archive room to get and return the pilots' folders, for convenience, i run around barefooted in the office, except for when i have to get out to use the toilet :D The drawback is that my sole is now permanently black and i can't scrub off the dirt-.- Anw, it's so cool how one of my colleagues (the one i'm closer to) also has bladder problem like me! We are toilet buddies, and are emphatic to each other everytime someone needs to use the bathroom although she just went not long ago. Hehe^^ There's a dentist there that looked and sounded scary but is actually super friendly and funny. I found out that he was also a Euphonium player (holy shit!!)!

I'm so glad for such compatible colleagues, because it is them who make me look forward to going to work everyday. (Sigh i have lots to tell but that will have to be left to verbal conversations to prevent a lengthy post.)

Saturday, February 05, 2011, 9:56 PM

Ok fine i like my niece and nephews after all(except that screaming girl).

Mum asked me to bring Darren up to play computer games, so i sat there looking at him play teen titans on cartonnetwork.com. I decided i like him fine because he's quite cute and normal. Just then, the others arrived and Pearlyn (the oldest niece at sec 1) came up with her little brother Marcus. Pearlyn was nice and friendly and seemed to really want to talk to me, and so i talked to her. Marcus was really cute. He's playful but doesn't scream. After Darren got off the computer, he and Pearlyn talked to me and i talked to them. They seemed to really like talking to me :D Marcus also wanted to tell me all about his beyblade ^^

After lunch, we brought the kids (with their parents) to the animal farm ,which was part of my fond childhood memories, near my house. We go there to feed animals like horse, goat, fish and rabbits. They were soo enthu about feeding the rabbits. Darren chattered excitedly to me about how the goat likes him alot and only eats off his hand. So cute!

After we parted and reached home, mum received a call from my cousins (mums of the kids) to ask for my handphone number because the kids were asking for it. Pearlyn also asked if i could tutor her. The kids were really disappointed that they were not coming back to my house after animal farm, so i was told. When i heard all that, i was filled with a warm, fuzzy feeling..swelled with pride. I guess fun kids are really great to be around after all :) They were surprised when i told them that i was their aunt because i didn't look as old as their mum, but then they thought it was very funny so they started giving me names like not-big-not-small second aunt (directly translated from chinese) because i was the second kid. And they kept laughing at me because i was the shortest out of all my sisters-.-

child-hater --> child-lover

2:14 PM

shut up

My parents are hosting lunch for my mum's nieces/my cousins-who-are-30+-and-have-2-kids-already. I was very enthusiastic in helping to prepare the things and it got really fun especially when we started thinking of what to prepare for the kids. I thought we did a very good job with the food prep!

Then my first cousin arrived with her family. She has a son and a daughter. HOLY SHIT the girl is one of the most irritating pos that i've ever seen. She screams at her dad to get attention (like seriously SCREAM), throws tantrums, make life difficult for her maid, has to be fed, bangs on my piano, and has zero social awareness. I wonder if she thinks her antics are cute. Asshole.

Obviously, i have no tolerance for stupid kids who throw tantrums and what i can't stand even more are parents who don't discipline their tantrum-throwing kids.

Anyway, it's odd how they hate pizza; and i thought it was universal kid chow..

Wednesday, February 02, 2011, 11:31 PM

Reunion Dinner!!

I went shopping with my mum and sisters at j8 today! Oh no i really should STOP TRYING CLOTHES FOR FUN because although the initial intention is to try for fun, i end up liking the, so much i want to buy them-.- it took me such great effort to say no to a $50 Sembonia handbag and a $50 shorts and some top from FOX D: shopaholicshopaholic, and i thought i was off shopping already..

Despite my exhaustion after shopping, I went over to my grandma's to help with the reunion dinner prep. She was so happy i went over to help because there was still lots to do. Yay!:D I did the spring rolls, then moved on to shelling prawns, de-shitting the prawns, rinsing the prawns, and halving the prawns. The prawns were seriously full of shit, and because they were overcooked, the intestines sort of dissolved so the shit was smeared all over the tract. Hmph. While helping out, i talked to them. I talked and talked and talked i think i was like some chattering monkey but ok i think i didn't annoy them.

And then it was reunion dinner! My cousins are soo pretty as usual. I'm so proud of myself; i finally plucked up my courage to talk to them, which is cool because i've always been intimidated by their prettiness that i end up making myself seem aloof and proud. It was the usual..i asked what's up for her currently and she asked me back. Anyway the dinner's great as usual. Spring roll's still my favourite. The crackers in the yusheng is (Y). This must be the first time in so many years that i'm actually excited for the new year!:D

Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 11:29 PM

I visited Nicole at the IMH today to have lunch with her! Since i'm obviously short on cash, i prepared my own sandwich lunch and brought it there. So cool!:D I met Amirah from cedar band, trumpet section! She said hi to me and i thought she was nicole's friend from RJ so i kept gesturing to nicole, wondering why she said hi to me but not her-.- The lame thing was that i was wearing my white cedar band tee. Ok so she works at IMH too.

Dinner at Linli's! She invited us over because she wanted us to help her eat her CNY goodies. Haha XD There was Vidhya, Enqi, Sihui, Linli, Xinlin and then me. I had lots of CNY stuff, dinner, then lots of dessert too! Zzz i ate the most i was like a pig (lose 10 pounds!). Linli made cheesecake with fermented Bailey's Irish Cream; no one dared to eat it, save for me. I had a huge slice and enjoyed it:D Then i helped Sihui finish her chocolate chip cranberry beer muffin. Bursting!! As usual, catching up with old buddies to find out what they're doing now, and i'm starting to hear more and more people who are giving tuition. No i won't give tuition!