Slices of My Life

Love, Fate.

2008-06-09T21:19:00.003+08:00

A few days back, I exchange stories with a buddy of my 'bout our love life. He told me how he got to know his current girlfriend from seemly no connection with her. From a series of fated event, they got closer and eventually, become lovers.

His story is like plots from novels and movies. Simple, yet touching and sweet. I'm also an acquaintance of his girlfriend and I feel he has found his soul mate. Not only they have the "connection" with one another, she is also very nice and caring girl. You lucky son of a bitch! You have hit the motherlobe of nice girls, I thought to myself. But really, I am genuinely happy for him.

'So how about you? With So many girls in your course, why you still single?' He asked me with a smirk on his face.

That was very good question.

It's not that I did not try. My recent dates and attempts that I had were not very successful. One of the reasons is that I can't really maintain to conversation. It's not that I can't talk. I do fine in a group and during presentations. But when it comes to one on one, I seems to become introvert. Other reasons include not observant enough, not gentlemen enough, so on and so forth. I feel that my main hurdles are nervousness and uneasiness. Whenever I go on a date, I become nervous and uneasy.

So I guess that makes me the Average Frustrating Chump.

When I told my friends 'bout my 'escapades', they will go 'Oh RX! You should have know!' or 'Man RX! you should have notice!'. Some will say,'Maybe you fate haven't come yet.'

Fate...

I did get close to have a girlfriend a coupe of times. But there's one woman that left an unforgettable mark on me.

A friendly and sociable person, she is soft spoken yet bubbly at the same time. She is those that are popular among the guys. At first, I didn't really think we will talk much as I am introvert back then. Our clique were also different. We began to talk more to each other during an oversea trip and from then, we kept constant contact.

There was once we hung out together in our old campus. She wanted to pass me a box of green bean cake she bought from her trip to Penang. We meet at her school's canteen around late evening. We chatted 'bout her trip and other stuff for a while. At the back of my mind, I kept wondering whether she had any boyfriend before as she always told us she doesn't had any.

'Can I ask you a question? Do you had boyfriend before?' I asked her.

'Why do you ask this question?'

'Well, you are an attractive girl and I find it a bit hard to believe that you don't have any before.'

She went silent and pondered on how to answer my question for a while before replying me.

'You know... There's fine line between friendships and...'

Before she could finished, she broke in tears. I was stunt. Not knowing what to do, I gave her my pack of tissue and let her have some moment. After awhile, she managed to get hole of herself. She told me she had this 'special friend' for some time now. But recently, their relationship went in a turmoil. It seems that the guy can't let go of his ex-girlfriend.

Not long after our meeting, she broke off with him. Like all 'nice guy' out there, I gave her support and lend her my listening ear. As time passed by, our friendship grew. We talked about almost anything. It feels like we have the "connection" between us. At times, we could chat on the phone throughout the night. Sometimes I'll even sing to her over the line. At times, I thought that I might have a chance with her. But I lacked the confidence to bring our relationship one step further. I always thought that I not good enough for her and that she wouldn't like someone like me.

After dragging for a long time, I've finally missed my chance.

One day, I chanced upon her hugging a guy. I tried to remain indifferent and greeted them. At that moment, my life seems to crumble around me... Okay, that's a bit exaggerated but that's somehow what I felt then. I was depressed and angry. Amidst my anger, I blamed her for leading me on. In my heart, I accused her of giving me false hope. But after the anger subside, I felt empty. I thought to myself that it is I alone were to be blamed. I blamed myself for being the gutless guy I was. That I did not cherish the chance given to me.

My failure in this relationship clung onto me for nearly 1 year before I could let go of the whole thing.

Right until now, I have yet being so close to anyone other than her. Maybe the real reason for my singlehood is that I'm still looking for someone with the "connection" like her. Someone like my buddy and his significant other, that fate will intertwine the two of us together. According to a Feng Shui master, he predicted that my serious relationship with women only starts at the age of 28. If it's true, that will be another 3 years of singlehood!!!

Bummer...

Task Force Wayang

2008-06-04T15:52:00.005+08:00

Finally after all the assessments, presentations and proposal deadlines, I get to sit down in my ever-so noisy school library (imagine peeps playing cards games and scream here and there) to chill with my two classmates and blog before more exams, presentations and assessments begin. Okay, enough of my whining. This time, I'll talk a bit ' bout my sub-groupmates.

My class are divided into 4 sub groups, each having either 5 or 6 members. Mine used to have 7 of us but 2 left our class (Louise! I miss you! We all miss you!) during our 1st year. My sub-group consist of 2 guys and 3 gals: Aza and me. Val, Fifi and Dan2.

Each of us play a different role. While we're consider the slacker in our sub-group, Aza and I are the one that came up with most of the crazy ideas and implement them. When we banged into problems, 2 of us will analyse where or what went wrong and rectify them. Val and Dan2 are the quite ones, but they are the ones that do most of the hardcore research and at time sees things the rest of missed.

As for Fifi, I thought of her as the matriarch of our tiny group. Like a typical person whose zodiac sign is Dragon, she can be quite authoritative, minus the aggressiveness. Without her, things won't get done. Aza and I will always get nag by her as we always take our time to do things. Amid the differences of our character, Fifi and I are good friends and she is the one I'm closest to in my class.

For a group made up of the Slackers, the Brains and the Matron, I say we produced quite good results in our projects and presentations throughout the past 2 years. I've really enjoy working with them and I sure I still will for the rest our remaining school life...

This photo was taken at the corridor of the lecturers' office. The more I look at it, the more I do not think we're from Nursing course. While we were snapping like nobody business, one of the Module coordinator came in from the main entrance. I thought she will stop us from taking photo. but instead she said, "Aiyo. Why take photo here? Go outside take la. There got better scenery."

"But outside very hot leh..." I replied.

Hahaha...

On monday, we had our presentation on Community Nursing Module. We're suppose to come up with a programme on responsible family procreation and produce a proposal on it and present it to the 'sponsors'. However, we won't be implementing the programme at all. What all this module is about is the teach us on how to go about planning a health programme, that's all. Up until now, the song that I sang during my NS life keeps replaying in my head.

Wayang ah, wayang ah, wayang wayang!

Wayang ah, wayang ah, wayang wayang!

You say I wayang ah you also wayang ah.

Actually, everybody wayang wayang!

Really describe what I've been doing eh? Most of my friends wondered why do I need to do which thing in Nursing.

So do I. So do I...

We decided to go with the 'corporate' look so as to be more convincing. Each of us plays a particular position: Fifi as the Chairwoman, Val the Secretary, Dan 2 the Financial Advisor, Aza as the Marketing Manager and lastly, me, as the Logistics Executive. That sums up our 'Task Force'.

Even though we dressed up for the occasion, our presentation was far from perfect. Our classmates points out some key points that we had missed out and we tried to give rationales on why we did so. In other words, we're trying to cover our tracks.

Hahaha....

Actually, I'm glad that they questioned us. It really helped us to see the things we missed out. At least the lecturer who assessed us seems impress by our presentation. She told us that she won't give us a bad grade for our efforts. So I assume it will be at least a 'B' but I really hope it's an 'A'.

Random Thought: Less not equals to more. More not equals to more.

2008-05-05T08:12:00.009+08:00

My Mum recently told me this, "I've bought these low cholesterol eggs. So now you can take more."

Right...

That doesn't mean that I can eat more eggs without having the worry about Congestive Heart Failure. Lets say these modified eggs contain 50% less cholesterol than the normal eggs. And lets say that in normal circumstances, I'll just take one eggs due to health consciousness (I'm not, really. I say it just for illustration purposes). And because of the '50% less' label, I happily ingest 4 eggs, I take in 50% percent MORE cholesterol that I normally take. So it really defeat the whole purpose of being health conscious.

Some goes for those stuff with low in whatever and high in something. If you see any cooking oil label 'low cholesterol', it's crap. Once you take in any form of fats or oil, your own body will produce cholesterol.

Oh, one other thing, remember the Dove body soap advertisements shown recently? It says that other body soap contains like one small teaspoon of moisturizer while they claim that their's now has 60% more. Sound like a big improvement eh?

Wrong!

If my interpretation is correct, they mean that they have 60% more compare to their competitors. That means each bottles contain barely two teaspoons of moisturizer!

What am I get to with all this rubbish that I've talked about?

Advertisements are bullshit.

Reaching the End.

2008-04-25T20:42:00.006+08:00

Have you ever misses a place before even you're leaving it?

This is what I felt about my life in NYP on Wednesday night, after CO practice. I had to sent my classmates some power point slides before the night was over. So I stayed back for awhile, outside of LTK 2 to finish what I intended. It was a quiet, windless night. The benches outside of the LT were deserted as it's already reaching 10pm. As I was waiting the uploading to complete, while listening to Olivia Ong's 'First of May', something stirred inside of me.

In the beginning , I was afraid that I'll be an outcast of the class, like what I've experienced in my previous education institute. However, with the aid of Louise, I was slowly accepted and get along well wit the class. After Louise left us, I was 'involuntarily volunteered' by Jon to be the next class-rep. No one in my class object to it except me, of course. All I can say is that I don't hate the arrangement and I don't like it either. Personally, I don't think I've did a good job. However, I'm able the scrap by somehow.

By 1st year's 2nd semester, I've gotten closer to some of my classmates, especially Nana. Maybe it's due to the age difference, or the lack of it (though she claims that she is 'forever 21', she's actually older than me by 1 year. Wahahaha!). We helped each other a lot academically and sometimes emotionally. Indirectly, she and other also helped me to get comfortable around girls. You have to understand that before coming to NYP, I was in the Army. Other than the guys and the 'girls wannabe', I've got minimum contact with the opposite sex then.

Around the same time, I've lost 5kg and change from a countryman-look-alike to a Ang Mo/Malay/Pakistan look alike. But there's always people who thinks that I'm from china. It's a welcoming change as I feel more confident in myself. Of course, I'm still a long way from my ideal weight. 20kg away!

The things that I will miss...

Taking photos with my classmates in school.

Joking around with Aza during skills lab.

Fall asleep in lecture and having Nana to poke me awake to copy notes.

Having group meetings and doing 'filming' with my sub-groupmates.

Having 'Man's talk' with Sha and Aza in the north canteen, over a cup of teh-O.

Having Nana and Fifi scolding me 'idiot'.

Teasing Da about her height. Eg, can't see anything below my eye-level.

Staying back in the library until 9pm to enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Walking down SHS pathway with Nana and the rest of the gang.

Walking down SHS level 2 pathway that full of SHS students(mostly girls in mini shorts).

These are some of the stuff I can think of for now. I feel very fortunate to be in the tutorial group that I'm in now. And in couple of months from now, my life as a student will come to a stop. Not long after that, I'll become a full-fledged nurse. My classmates and I will go on our separate ways. Though as stress as it is, school life in NYP is one of the most enjoyable phase in my life so far.

Back to TPCO Part II

2008-04-04T23:26:00.006+08:00

And so, tonight marks the end of TPCO's annual concert. This year's production have quite a variety of different performance. We have Chinese Dancers, Sze Chuan Face Changing artiste, a singer, and alumni soloists. All were accompanied by TPCO, where the face changing artiste drew the most applause from the audience.

After the sound check, the director of this production gathered all the TPCO member to the audience seat. He announced to us that the feedbacks from yesterday's performance were very good. He also commented that the orchestra displayed an energetic and youthful spirit, and the soloist gave a wonderful performance. His speech seems sincere and I feel that it makes many motivated and ease the nervousness of them. I said many because some of us are already 'old bird'. Stage fright something that we had already overcome.

Wahahaha... *nose tilt up and laugh out loud*

Tonight's performance went on smoothly. I didn't get to take much photo because I'm too lazy to go snapping around. But I do get a chance to take some with my bubbly, fun-loving, fellow bassists.

Yong Sing, Lih Yee aka Lychee, Me aka Uncle Fester (according to Lychee)

Well done Peeps. Farewell. Until the next concert, take care.

Back to TPCO

2008-04-03T23:48:00.005+08:00

Finally! I'm able to help out in TPCO's annual concert this time round as I'm having my holidays now and I accident and injury free. From 2004 to 2006 I'm serving my NS, last year I twisted my knee a few days before the show. W00t!

Well, today's performance went by quite smoothly, except the concert starts half an hour late, and I make a couple of mistakes here and there, and the Mcees made the wrong announcements, and some of the performers forgot the re-enter the stage. The TP staff were satisfy with the results, so it's not so bad, I guess.

Better luck for tomorrow...

My last concert with TPCO was 'Popin Moods' and that was a long, long time ago. Most of the member are new faces to me. I know some which I met from elsewhere but the alumni from my batch who came back to help only left with me and JX. Some still came back as audience though.

My first participation in public concert was in TPCO. Back then, I'm still in my secondary school life. Stepping into the studio and the auditorium brings lots of memories; orchestra experience that I've gained from there, friends I've acquainted, responsibility entrusted to me. Some pieces that we performing in the current concert are also the ones that featured in the first concert that I'm in.

This is the picture taken from TPCO's friendster account. It's take after the 'Popin Moods' concert. Seriously, I don't remember been and the centre of the photo, posing like some British secret agent, but it's funny nonetheless.

I should feel nostalgic. However, I only felt distant, like it had been very long time.

Oh wait, it HAD been a very long time. Hahaha...

Maybe it's because I'm still active in other Chinese Orchestra. Well, at least the Peeps are friendly and I'm glad the Cello and Bass section are still going strong.

Keep it up!

After the concert, I went for supper with the alumni from my batch at 老麦 (lao mai). It's what we called the Mac Dee's that is around the neighborhood. Not sure if the new-blood still use this term... Like the old times, we went there for dinner or supper, some times even had committee meetings there. It felt nice to have everyone to gather at the same old place, doing the same old stuff like chit chat across the table, making fun of one another, at the same old timing and atmosphere.

Yup, nostalgia sure fills the midnight breeze, but I'm sure ain't weeping... *snif*

Like . Real

2008-03-20T23:34:00.004+08:00

While going through my hard disk in preparation for a format. I came across my sud-group's latest ICA presentation video on self esteem. The style of the video was inspire by the Channel News Asia's documentary 'Get Real'. So after much thought to the title of our 'show', AZ, with much pun intended, came up with the name 'Like Real'.

Though not the longest video I've made, it the most difficult and time consuming to me. The most ambitious on my to to come up with something resemble the real TV show, but using the bare minimum equipment and software.First we have to come up with the script that somehow fit into our case study: Joshua, 21 years old, contracted STI (Sexual Transmitted Infection) through a one night stand. As a result, his self-esteem was greatly affected. Discuss how STI affects Joshua's self-esteem and how his parents may help to improve his self-esteem.

I know, i know the quality of the production sucks. But hey, it's meant only to look like the real thing, nothing fancy okay...

So, here's my list of equipment and software I've used for producing this video:

A regular digital camera for filming.
My Sonyericsson W850i for voice recording.
Office Powerpoint for imaging 'cause I don't have and don't know how to use Photoshop.
Some wave editor to convert the sound recording.
Microsoft Windows Movie Maker for piecing everything together.

I'm not gonna talk on how I use them 'cause I'm too lazy to explain, but trust me, it would be easier if I have the proper training and equipment for this kinda things (I'm a future nurse, you see). Anyway, I like to thank all my dear sub group member. They have been very supportive for my wacky ideas. Thanks Peeps! AZ's girlfriend watched it and commented that it is so 'over'.

Well, it's suppose to be 'like real' what...

Familliar Ground: Delusioned Menace

2008-03-17T15:57:00.010+08:00

It seems that I always around when the security guards are activate to assist in handling difficult patients. This time, we got an alcoholic came in for seizure. During his first day of admission, he seems rather fine to me. Other than having an unsteady gait and sleepy for most of the day. We did not get any trouble from him.

As the days gone by, he became delirious. On the second day of his stay, he threatened one of the staff. Using the IV spikes from his drip, he told her not to touch her, or else. During the weekend, he absconded from the ward. He was found by a passer-by somewhere within the hospital's premise, asking around where he was. To prevent any injury to the staff and himself, a body restraint was order by the doctor to be worn on him.

During my shift, he would ask anyone for cigarettes. He would also find all sorts of excuses to get out of the bed and body restraints, be it logical or down right senseless. Once, while I'm attending to the patient opposite of him, he beckon me over.

'Hey... There's something at my hands...' he slurred.

'There isn't anything there, sir,' I replied, knowing he's up to his old trick again.

'No... There is... Take it off from me...' he said, while struggling with the restraint.

'What did you see?' I asked, patience slowing draining from my body.

'I cannot see la! Take it off...'

'Then how would you know something is AT for hands?' trying to sound as calm as possible.

Sometime I wonder whether he is really delusion, playing punk or acting. Towards the evening, a physiotherapist came to assess his walking ability. After the assessment, he refused to return to his bed. I went over the help coaxing him back, but without success. At one moment, he demand to see the the doctor. Then the other, he wanted to get out of the ward to smoke. After a while the ITE student came to aid. However, the patient stands his ground. This time, he wants to call the police. The CISCO security guards were activated. When they were on their way. The delirious guy turned to me and said, 'I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to talk to my enemies.'

'Now I'm your enemy?' said, feel a bit amused.

'Yes, you are my enemy.'

'Why is that so?'

'Because the sky is high.'

'Because the sky is high...' I repeat after him, perplexed by his reply.

Once the guards arrived, he demanded to go to the toilet to pass motion. Along the way, he again asked for cigarettes. In the toilet, he kept asking for a smoke despite the guards warn him that smoking is not allow within the hospital premise. Not getting what he wanted, he tried to threaten us that if he can't get to smoke, he'll beat us up. One of the guards counted the number of people in the toilet (six of us by now) to him and challenged him to try it.

Finally he gave in the went on doing his business. It took him more than half an hour to finish and he slowly fumble with the toilet paper. The guards who ran out of patience ordered him to quicken whatever he was doing and get back to the ward. The whole incident last for almost an hour. What make use most frustrated was that he choose the busiest period of the day, where medication needed to dispense, parameter to be taken and dinner to be serve.

Later the security guards told us that we're the well known ward for this kind of situation. Almost every week they're activated to come to this ward. Well, now at least you wouldn't be running out of job, I thought to myself.

Familiar Ground

2008-03-14T23:44:00.005+08:00

For the past three weeks (plus one additional weeks before exams. I consider it a 'refresher course' week), I was posted back to the same C class ward that I've been during my year one, semester two.

For more information on my previous experience there, please click here, here and here.

One thing's for sure, working there is like a love-hate relationship. Love it because there will not be short of things and opportunity to do and perform. Hate it because of the exact same reason for loving it: I can never finish my work. Still, working there has been fruitful and enjoyable for the most part.

This time round, I'm no more the headless chicken I've use to be. Of course, I still have to run around the ward to find the one-and-only pulse oxymeter. Most of the staff there are still as friendly as ever and I'm able to adapt the ward routine easier and faster. Although I'm unassigned to a different room, I'm still able work with one of the cute staff nurses from my previous attachment there. But then again, there are more cute nurses in the ward now.

Hahaha...

For the first 2 weeks, I have a 'Shadow' following me and the other Nursing Student around the room. You might ask why do I quote this person as a 'Shadow'. That's because she follow us around but do nothing significant and speak little for most of the time. Though she relates to the patient quite well, she makes bare minimal communication with the staff and students.

From time to time, I'll see her either flipping through the case notes and the clinical charts, or stand beside someone whose doing a procedure. She's like some inspector or manager who was posted to the ward to either spy or keep an eye on us. Once, one of my classmate came over to mt room to look for some stuff. The first thing he said to me was 'what is she doing? Posing ar?'

Maybe she trying to redefine the meaning of 'Contact Precaution'.

There was one time when I'm helping out serving medication with a Staff Nurse, she just stood there and observe. So I turn to her and ask, 'Have you learn to serve medication in school'

'Y-Yes.' She replied, sounded a bit startled.

'So do you want to give it a try?' I offered.

'..........'

I give her some time to consider it. However, the next time I turn back to her, she was gone.

She went for break.

I wonder why she bother to join nursing.

That's all for now. Maybe I'll write more when I got the mood.

Ciao.

Damo's Twenty First Birthday

2008-02-06T21:39:00.000+08:00

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. So let this collage do the talking.

Oh by the way, today is his actual birthday. So Happy Birthday and Happy Lunar New Year to you Brudder!

Farewell

2008-01-30T22:48:00.000+08:00

Today, I've lost a friend to a car accident.

The news came to me as a shocker as he's only 18 years old. Even until this moment, part of me still can't accept the fact that he left us for good.

After my BCLS theory test, me and few of the NYPCO members took a cab to the Mandai crematorium to bid him farewell for the last time. The ritual was simple. After some chanting from a monk, everyone walked pass his coffin and then he will be cremated. There will be no funeral. The sad reality hits me suddenly as I walked him while holding back my tears.

He has really left us.

The scene at the viewing hall was heartbreaking. His mother weeped endlessly, while calling her son to come back home and not to go into the flame. By now, I could no longer stop my tears from rolling. His ashes will be scatter into the sea. His mother told me that he is still young and had not see the world enough. This way, she hope that he will be able to go anywhere he wants in his afterlife.

We return to school after the ceremony and gathered in the practice room. Mike gave a speech after 3 minutes of silence for our dear friend. He too had been devastated by this unfortunate event.

Though I'm not close to him, both of us will at least say hi-bye. At times, I'll tease him when the chance present. He's a cheerful chap. As what I can observed, he always brings happiness to those around him. Ever so energetic, so cheerful.

So full of life.

We have not only lost a good friend, but also a talented musician. What infuriates me is that he have to pay the price for someone else's mistake. However, what was done cannot be undone. We could only pray for him and his family members.

Farewell David. You will always be the member of NYPCO and EVCO. You will always be with us in our hearts.

May your soul find peace.

Reunion

2008-01-26T22:53:00.000+08:00

Today I had my dinner with Meow, Stuckup and a friend that I haven't seen for at least 5 to 7 years: Bel. The last time I remember talking to her is during my 1st year in NYP. One day, I accidentally dialed her number and we chatted for a while. It's quite an awkward for me as I don't really know what to say. We haven't been in contact for a long time then. After that conversation, we didn't contact each other until I started Facebook-ing. I found her through Stuckup's profile and we've been sending messages to since then.

It feels great to see her once again after so long.

After our dinner at the Soup Restaurant (I called it the high class 'Zhi Cha'), we went to Hagen Das to chill out and do some catching up. Talking to her brings back some fond memories during my time in TP... After some many years, she still looks the same. Which is a good thing, meaning she still looks young.

Hahaha...

And here my 1st collage for the year 2008!

Gone fishing...

2007-10-21T22:04:00.001+08:00

Posting, Over and Out.

2007-09-08T16:00:00.000+08:00

Horray! I've survived another attachment!

*give a pat to on my shoulder by myself*

As messy as the ward may be, I’m glad that the staffs in the ward are approachable and helpful. Amongst their hectic work load, they still answer my questions and let me do some minor procedure such as, NGT feeding and oxygen therapy. Many Staff Nurses in the ward are fresh new grads. So most of them are also need to be assess by more senior staffs. I guess graduation is just the beginning of all things to come...

Other than us, NYP students, there's the ITE students as well. Many Peeps have an impression that ITE students are composed of delinquents, but I dare to differ. These group of nursing students are diligent and know their stuff well. Some know more 'bout basic care than me. And they don't look like the Ah Beng, Ah Lian we see in the streets. I feel fortunate to be able to work with them.

ITE does not means 'It's The End'.

I agrees with what KY said: ITE means 'It's The Enlightenment'.

Of course, there's exceptions (read here and here for NYP's) from both institutions.

One of the ITE guy can communicate with most of the patients well, but he seems quite lost when it comes to the ward's routine. Though he does help out in the ward, but only when being asked to. Sometimes things were either done half way or never at all. In my opinion, he's either real forgetful (I thought I'm the worst), or he's just lazy.

Since the first day of the posting, AZ and the other ITE guys have been eyeing one of the NYP year one student. They complain that I didn't have time to chit-chat with them because I've been busy taking care of her. Sure, I've been helping her, but I too busy attending to my patients' needs most of the time. And when GF was there for the second half of our posting, AZ again complain that I only hang around the student bay when she came.

That, I don't deny. Hahaha...

The patients in my room are not as difficult to handle as the other previous posting. Many of them are under palliative care. On my first day, I talked to a Indian patient in my room. He seems friendly and well orientated to his surroundings. So I thought, well, this should be an easy case to handle.

Man, how wrong could I've been.

Few days down the road, he keeps absconding from the ward. He gets violent, especially towards female staffs, when ever we try to stop him from leaving the ward or his requests were not done promptly. Even his female kin not spared from his wrath. There was once he even reach his home and demand to be let in. Eventually, he was brought back to the ward by one of his son.

This time round, I've got a strict CI. Though stern at times, she do helps us to look out for procedures to be performed. She explains in detail the rationales of the procedures and share she experiences with us. During a wound dressing procedure, I took a very long time to prepare all the equipment.

As I have not done this procedure for around half a year, I fumbled here and there. Half way through, she took over as I’ve broke sterility and the patient begins to get impatient. As expected, I got a lecture from her, but she gave me a second chance. This time round, I’m more composed and I managed to complete the procedure under her guidance.

Friday was our last day, and also our busiest. As it's the last day of weekday (TGIF!), AZ's room experienced the 'Kampong Phenomenon '. One of his patient had the whole family and relatives visiting him. Thus, the place it's cramped with adults. Kids are running around the ward like it's there own backyard. Once, I almost banged into one of them while carrying a urinal.

Sometimes I feel like telling them,'Oei boy! You think your grandfather own the hospital ar!? Run here run there like nobody business. Smack you backside then you know! And you all! Think what? Zoo here ar? Bring your whole family on a tour and picnic ar? The room very small leh! You think only you all visiting ar? Got other patient's relative also leh. Be more considerate and take turn to come into the room, 2 to 3 people at a time lah. '

Of course, I didn't say all that to them. Heck, I'm too busy with other stuff to even talk to them!

After our shift, I bid farewell the patient and thanked the Staffs for their guidance. Before I finally left the ward, I transfered one of patient back to his bed for the last time. After making him comfortable. He took my hand and squeezes tightly.

'Thanks for your care in the past two weeks.' He said.

'There's no need to thank me. It's my duty to care for patients. Anyway, hope we will meet again. But I'll meet you outside of the hospital okay?' I replied.

Tears start to rolled down his cheeks. 'I don't think I'll make it...'

'Don't say that, Uncle. You have to me more optimistic. Besides, the nurses and doctors here will help you to recover...'

'I know... but... hai...'

'Think positive, Uncle. Think positive. The nurses are very good. they will definitely take care of you. I've got to go now Uncle. Bye and take care.'

I left the ward with a heavy heart. Most of my patients are on palliative care, which means relieving or soothing the symptoms their disease or disorder without effecting a cure for them. In other words, many of them are wait for the Inevitable. I do wish for his recovery. But if he doesn't, that means I've gave him false hope. I'm not sure what I said to him is the right thing for him.

Like I mentioned in my previous entry, I feel that we as nurses should not get too emotional and attachment to the patient. If we do, someday we will have too much 'emotion baggage' to clear and may collapse or breakdown due to them.

But it's easier said than done.

Andy Chia's Recital "New Horizons"

2007-09-01T15:29:00.000+08:00

My buddy here are having his recital on this day. Not only he's performing traditional pieces, other style such as jazz will be feature in the concert. So Come and support him (and me)!

Last Office

2007-08-29T23:19:00.000+08:00

Around late evening, AZ told me one of his patient passed away. Under the guidance of a Sister (in case some of the Peeps do not know who's Sister, it is what we call a nurse who holds a high rank or position in the ward.), AZ and I removed all the medical equipment that are attached to the deceased. After that the two of us were told to get the sponging trolley, shroud, apron, gloves and the necessary documents.

And thus, my 1st Last Office begins.

We begin by removing the decease's pajamas and clean his body. Thereafter, we help to dress him up in his own clothes. During the procedure, we still speak to the deceased. We ask him to help us to turn him, put on the sleeves, etc as hearing is the last time to go. Although he had passed away, we will still respect the dead. After dressing him, we cover him with a white shroud. After his family had view him for the last time, we then cover his face. A blue tag is attached to the shroud and all we have to do now is wait for the Peeps from the mortuary to can collect the deceased.

Mortality

Throughout the whole procedure, rigor mortis (stiffening of the whole body) did not set in and the body is still warm. Thus it is like helping a sleeping patient to change clothes. The two staff that were with me did not show any emotions. I understand that it had been a routine to them. But what surprises me is that I too did not feel any fear or anxiety. Maybe I feel (or the lack of) this way because it is not the first time I handle this kinda things. I've heard from my friends that some feels very scared, one even quit nursing after doing the procedure.

Facing death is part and parcel of the Nursing profession. I believe that nurses should learn not to get too emotional when handling deaths. By doing so, we can ensure every possible things that can be done by us are done properly for the deceased and their families. On other hand, One should not get too comfortable with deaths as well.

New posting, new enviroment.

2007-08-29T22:00:00.000+08:00

It's been three days in the Oncology ward and I'm still getting use to the environment. The layout is quite different from other ward I've been to. I had a tough time finding the stuff I want. Like what AZ said,'It's like TV Mobile; It's everywhere!' However, things are not so bad as I have a cute year 1 student in the same room as me. Now I'm looking forward to go to work everyday.

Hahaha...

If you receive a letter from Odex.....

2007-08-21T17:48:00.000+08:00

After reading one of the entry in DarkMirage's Blog, I've decided to post part of his article here.

"Odex does not have a foolproof case in court.

There is little precedence to work with, but there are many holes in their argument. The only evidence they have of your infringement is the IP address, which may not be enough. Various people have also reported that they were turned away when they went to talk to Odex with a lawyer, which is an indication that Odex is uncertain about the validity of its claims. At least one person was advised by his lawyer to ignore the letter and delete all the things he downloaded. So far Odex has not taken any actions against him. If more people refuse to pay up, Odex may be forced to either sue someone to make an example of him or to give up on this whole endeavour. If they do sue, there is no guarantee of victory and it is very hard to guess how much damages the court will award even if they win. It may even be less than $3,000-$5,000.

You are not guilty until proven so in court.
You are not obligated to show anything to Odex just because they send you a letter. You do not have to admit to anything and you should not incriminate yourself. Ask them for all the evidence they have against you. Ask them to explain clearly how each piece of evidence proves their claims. Ask them for a breakdown of the payment and why the amount varies from person to person, especially since they claim that it is supposed to be for the fees they have incurred. Do not sign anything. Seek legal advice if possible."

Thanks to DarkMirage, I think we have some knowledge of the things we can do if we receive the so called "love letter" from Odex.

SG Anime War: ODEX VS Otakus in Singapore

2007-08-20T19:49:00.000+08:00

For those who are still not aware of the situation, here's what happened in a nutshell:

Comic strip by NCH85

This is my knowledge of the situation:

Odex, a Singaporean Anime distributor company Thus issuing out letters to alleged copyright infringer demanding minimum of $3000 for compensation. As a result, it causes an outcry from local anime community.

Odex claims that their sales dropped dramatically due to illegal anime downloading. However, part of the sale decline is the poor quality of the product compared to the downloaded version. Some of the local Otakus claims that the titles that Odex produces do not cater to local anime community. Further claims include inaccurate subtitling, lack of features DVDs and poor video quality.

Here are some Anti-Odex website which can provide you more infomation:

Xedo Defense
Odex Revolution

Odex has put up a clarification article on their website.

I only have one thought in my mind right now: Never bite the hands that feed you.

One night in Boat Quay

2007-08-13T23:18:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I've hang out with my EVCO mates until late night. Pat, Xiu and I met up with Xin after her work. We took some (or rather lots) photos wile we having supper.

Ya, I took some real spastic pictures. It's just some of the many stupid stuff I did in my life.

Hahaha...

我的家就在这里，有很多好吃的东西。。。

2007-08-13T11:58:00.000+08:00

Here's a parody of this year's NDP theme song, 'There's no place I'd rather be', by Yes 93.3 FM.

I think this is more 'close to heart' for the local.

After viewing it in YouTube, I found another interesting clips by Dick Lee.

And one thing lead to another...

Hahaha...

CDC attachment

2007-08-11T00:34:00.000+08:00

Being attached to CDC had been an eye opening experience for me. Other then having to be familiarized with the different documentation format in TTSH, I had to get use to ward environment and the working pace again.

The buildings at CDC have been there for around 50 years. So there is a kinda relaxing, kampong feel to it. They are also spaced far apart. I guess it built in these way to prevent dieases to spread among the wards.

There are two important lessons I've in CDC.

First, HIV and AIDS do not kills you. It is the other illness you caught after it that gets you. As the patients has very weak immune system, it's very difficult for them to recover from infections. I've nursed a patient that has a very bad infection around his pelvis and buttock area.

Every morning we had to assist our Clinical Instructor (CI) to help change his wound dressing which cover the big wound filled with pus. Although we've learn and seen graphical pictures regarding the infection, it is not enough to get us prepare for this experience. Every time the CI use the cotton wound to clean up the wound, pus will just flows out like water.

The pain is excruciating and he will groan in agony.

Second, never die of that disease. The medication taken by the patients are have many adverse side effect (e.g. depression, hallucination, diarrhea, vomiting, severe skin rashes) and will only slow down the inevitable. Some of the treatments they get are very traumatizing too. One example is the Intra-vitreous Injection.

First, the patient will have their eyes numbed with analgesic eye drop. The doctor will then disinfect the eyeballs by pouring iodine directly onto them. after that, medication will be given to the patient by injecting it into their eyeballs.

Sounds gross? It is. And very pain too, even with painkiller eyedrops.

People who has HIV and AIDS has been stigmatized by the society. No matter how you get it, be it from casual sex or through blood transfusion, majority will thinks the you deserved it.

Dying from it will gain you no dignity.

Black Cat's Eye Openers

2007-08-02T22:10:00.000+08:00

I came across this website, The Pinky Show, from BM's blog. It's about Pinky the Cat addressing all sorts of topics. I particularly like this episode regarding the Iraq War issue:

How true are these? Well, it's up to you Peeps' own discretion.

And for those current and future nurses who wish to work in the US, here's an insight to the current issues happening there.

I have to agree with BM, the whole concept is serious in a cute way... Serious!

So now, what do you all think about the Peeps in US who always talks about 'Freedom'?

Happy Birthday Sayuri!

2007-07-20T23:55:00.000+08:00

Well, today is not really our Japanese friend's birthday. Her one had past a few days ago. But we still help her celebrate at Marina Square's Yaki Yuki. Not to waste food, we bought 2 tarts as a replacement for her birthday cake.

After our dinner, we went to Ministry of Food which located at the ground floor along with Kenny Roger's and Genki Sushi. The desserts there are quite nice, but Stuck Up complained that his Red Bean Paste with Japanese Glutinous Rice Balls are too sweet for him.

Sayuri came to Singapore to take a course on Chinese Language. However, her textbooks are China based. So some of the terms she learned does not use here. Ah Mui suggest that she should get some of the local textbooks. As we're enjoying the food, Stuckup attempted to translate the suggestion form from English to Chinese. The results was disastrous, but he manage to get everyone to laugh. Ah Miu told him to meet up with Sayuri in the weekdays to polish up his Chinese.

Maybe I should too. Hahaha...

Surprise SC! Surprise to me!

2007-07-19T21:23:00.000+08:00

All ICAs are over!!! No more presentations! No more role play!

Today, my efforts has paid off. After my group's presentation, we show a video clip of the whole class and our mentor wishing SC Happy Birthday. To my expectation, she cried throughout the video. After the clip, the lecturer ask the Birthday Girl to give a speech to the class.

I can't really make out what she say but it goes something like this: "I wanna tha---(sniff) you all for---(sniff). No one has made a vi---(sniff) for my birth---(sniff). Thank you s---(sniff) much... (sniff)(sniff)(sniff)"

Yes! Mission Accomplished.

After the whole commotion, Fi, Hid and the others stayed back to give SC her present. We bought her a pair of Converse sneakers, with ribbons as the shoe lace.

See how happy she was? Well, it feels great to make someone's day.

While I was slacking in the library after lunch with my dear classmates, I received a call from a good friend asking help from me. He asked me to stand-in for one of his practice today. Though I think that I'm not suitable for the job, I reluctantly agreed. He will not required my aid if he could find other alternative.

To my surprise, I have to take on more 'challenge' than we agreed on. Man, it was the slowest 3 hours I have yet to experience. As I'm not train in his field, I had to use what I know (and my knowledge for that field are very, very limited) of his and apply some of mine into the practice.

Yes, I have to somehow bluff my way through. Hahaha...

Though it's tough for me, it's still quite a fulfilling experience when the kid ask me when I'm coming back. Sadly it'll be a one-time-thing only... and I'll make sure it's the last.

No more bro, no more.

Fatigue and fustrations is my constant friends

2007-07-16T15:20:00.000+08:00

For those who keep bugging me to blog, here it is

14 days after my Oz trip and I'm still feeling real tired. I still have one more test and presentation before my attachment. Yup, attachment again. While other school's student are having fun during holidays, I'll be at CDC, IMH and SGH nursing patients.

Weeeee~~~~

One more week before Mr Hu comes to conduct EVCO and I haven't finished practicing all the pieces! What's more, I don't think I have the stamina for the entire concert. Our concert is at the end of this month. Hope I can pull it off.

Something happened during last week and had Peeps discussing at Damo's blog (read more on his 22th July's entry). It may seems that we are constantly criticizing a particular individual (which we are), some may even think that we're just making a mountain out of a mole hill. However, our actions are not without valid reasons.

For any group or organization to function properly, each member have to do their part. No doubt that mistakes and hiccups will occur, it's important that we learn from them and not make the same errors again. If a person did not do or give the wrong information on his or her part, it will affect the all other people greatly. Precious time, manpower and efforts will be waste.

As for that individual, he has made one too many mistakes. Constant advice and chances had given to him, but there not much improvement seen from him. I understand that each person are different. Some are fast to grasp the situation, other need some time to adjust. However, not all situation have the time for adjustment.

I hope that he will REALLY learn from his mistakes for the sake of the masses and more importantly, for himself and his future. Keep apologizing will not solve any matter.

To Sydney and back Part 1

2007-07-03T17:17:00.000+08:00

Hello Peeps!

Finally, I'm back to my ever hot and humid Singapore. Already after getting outta the arrival hall, I started to sweat like nobody business.

One piece of bad news:

I LOST MY CAM'S SD CARD!!!!

So there won't be much photos from me until I source from my friends and CO mates.

Hai~~~~~~

Anyway, the trip to Sydney is a fulfilling one. There's two reasons: First, NYPCO was rewarded Gold for the AIMF(Australia International Music Festival) competition. Second, I get to eat lots of good food there.

Other then feeling very happy (until some of the gals cried while embracing one another) we felt a sense of relieve as most of us spent tons of efforts in making the trip possible. Getting a gold reward has made all the hardships, frustrations and criticism worthwhile.

There was a time when people said
That NYPCO won't make it
But we did
There was a time when troubles
Seemed too much for us to take
But we did
We built a CO
Strong and free
Reaching out together
For music and harmony...

Sounds familiar eh? It the lyrics from the national song, We Are Singapore. The music just popped into my mind and I made some changes the the lyrics.

Hahaha...

I did not enjoy good food all the time in Oz. The first few days in Sydney were terrible. We had to eat lousy Chinese food in a restaurant across our hotel. It's only when Mike and I meet up with Brandon (a good buddy of mine during my times in TP. It's been 5 years since I last met him and he didn't change much.) we get to eat REAL food. He took us to several places in Sydney that serves good and reasonable priced seafoods and pancakes. Compared to our tour guide, my buddy is 10 fold better than him.

On Sunday, we when to the Blue Mountains. The view there was breathtaking.

So is the wind over there.

I can feel the ice cold wind penetrating my body despite having worn 5 layers of clothings. My hands were numb before I can reached the Echo Point lookout.

View of the Blue Mountians

The name did not means that the mountains are really blue. It derives from the blue hue that caused by the rapid evaporation of the oils for the eucalyptus forest.

The 3 Sisters

The 3 Sister are famous rock fomation in the Blue Mountian. Legend says that three sisters were turned into stones by a witch doctor to protect them from certian danger.

Here's more photos taken at the place.

Me attempting to act cute along with Sherryl.

学姐 Amelia and I

Brothers in arms - HxP and I

大伟 and I

That's all for now. I'll blog more when I gotten the photos.

To the Land of Oz...

2007-06-23T19:10:00.000+08:00

Bye Peeps!

I'll be going to Australia now.

Cya in another week's time!

Karma, karma...

2007-06-18T00:12:00.000+08:00

A few hours back, Xiu and I did a good and stupid thing.

After biding farewell to the Zheng Bro. Gang and thier 'Xiao Ehs' (girlfriends in Hokkien), we came arcoss the new fountian in Suntec. So we stay for a while and watched the mini music fountian ad took some pictures. As the crowd dissipate, we found a laptop bag beside the attraction. Inside is a HP notebook, complete with original Window XP installer disc and power cable.

After much struggling with our conscience (both of us strongly believe in Karma...), we decided to take the laptop to the informaton counter. Unfortunately, the counter is close. Slowly and unwillingly, we strolled back to looke for the security guard for help. the guard took us to their office to fill up some lost and found form.

As we proceed out of Suntec and climbed up the broke down escalator, a young man ran pass us. I got a felling that that was the person who left his notebook at the fountian and thought that he would probably come back when he couldn't find it. So we climbed down the escalator and head back to Suntec to look for that guy.

Truly enough, he's the bugger who left the laptop there. We directed him to the security room to claim back his posession, and then made our BACK to the broke down escalator towards the MRT station...

Fwah... Begin a good and honest citizen's sure tiring.

Along the way, Xiu told me how her brother would scold her for returning the notebook

"You stupid girl! You can use that computer yourself! Blah, Blah, Blah...."

I told her we did the right thing and that at least our conscience is clear, while feeling quite ‘不甘心’ myself too...

好人做到底，送佛送到西。。。

------------------------------

6 more days to Oz trip and I'm more exicted 'bout the food than the competition.

Oh yeah...

Reasons of why you should not get a NDSL

2007-06-16T08:28:00.000+08:00

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Yup, that's it.

Reasons of why you should get a NDSL

2007-06-14T00:37:00.000+08:00

Recently, quite a number of Peeps are asking me 'bout the Nintendo Dual Screen Lite (NDSL). So to answer thier queries, here's my opinions on why you should get a NDSL.

First of all, let's look at the pros and cons of owning a NDSL:

Pros
Light-weight (218 g)
Compact (133 mm × 73.9 mm × 21.5 mm)
Dual screen
Touch screen
Regional free
Wireless and internet gameplay
Built in microphone

Cons
Not multimedia (don't play MP3, video, etc by itself)
Graphics, sound and resolution are not as good as PSP
Maybe mistaken for a make up kit

So, for those who want a 'bao ga liao' gadget, please don't get NDSL. For those looking for fun, innovative and interactive gameplay, NDSL is definately a must to get. So what's so fun 'bout NDSL?

Imagine playing a Role Playing Game (RPG), then you want to use magic, instead of the usual way of selecting (using the Diectional pad plus other buttons), you can draw symbols or signs on the touch pad.

When playing Nintendogs (doggie version of Tamagochi), you are required to speak into the microphone to get the puppies do tricks and stuffs. You can make use of the stylus to pet the puppies, hold thier paws and even giving them belly rubs!

Here are some games that are innovative and interactive.

Lost Magic
Nintendogs
Ouendan
Cooking Mama
Trauma Center
New Super Mario

I feel that NDSL is a great console for party games and it is more family orientated. It caters to Peeps who are new to the gaming world to casual gamers to hardcore gamers.

Rise of a NDSL Clan?

2007-06-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

Hi Peeps, I'm back! Sorry for the lack of updates. So what I am I up to recently?

CO practice, CO practice, CO practice, and more CO practice.

Yes, I have no life outside of my CCA. Man, my shoulder started to ache again...

Damo-kun bought a black DS Lite on Sunday and it sparked a interest in a few peeps in NYPCO. At 1st it's just Lin seems quites keen in the little black handheld console. So I went on telling her that advantages of owning a NDSL. Also, I demostrated to her some of the all-time favorite game of NDS and some special gameplay that are offer by it. Before I realised, I've 'psycho' quite some peeps into buying the console.

We even talked 'bout having regular DS gaming session in the future. Actually, I didn't intend to do any 'psycho'-ing. It just happened that Damo-kun wanna get some games from me and Lin happens to be there... and I'm in the mood to tell her the tons of fun I have with my dark blue NDSL.

Maybe I can open a game store if I decided to quit nursing in the future eh? Hahaha...

Creepy...

2007-06-03T16:33:00.000+08:00

Down with flu recently and it's the worse I had so far. It causes me two sleepless nights. I even have some sort of hallucination. On friday night, I have this sleepwalk-cum-nightmare thingy that made me felt like everything around me are messed up.

I remember standing in my living for a moment, feeling lost, confused and afraid, like I knew something terrible is gonna happen. Next thing I know, I'm in a place filled with red faces screaming and pulsating. It's after I went to the toilet then I snapped out of it. This experience leaves me feeling very tired for the rest of the Saturday.

Hmm... come to think of it, sounds like something out of Silent Hill.

Or maybe this is what Parasomia feels like.

Hahaha....... Not really funny.

But on the bright side, I didn't caught flu on monday. Or else I'll sure fail my clinical skill test. By the way, congrats to all my classmates for passing the test too!

Now I feel much better, but still a bit weak. I can't play the bass well today 'cause my hand keeps trembling.

Thanks for those who are concern 'bout me. Give me two more days and I'll be good as new!

If I'm really in Silent Hill, I wish I had a lightsabre with me... It'll be more fun cutting down the demons with it. Hahaha.... Yes, I'm sick.

Photo Mania

2007-05-30T15:06:00.000+08:00

Alright! My 5Mbps broadband is up. So more collage for my dear classmates.

Ok, now I need to get prepare for my clinical theory test.

Ciao.

Hello... It's your Mama.

2007-05-20T23:54:00.000+08:00

Phew! Today's practice was tiring. I realised that I need much, much, more practice for the up-coming EVCO's concert. I need to train my stamina too. The pieces we're playing need loads of them.

While we're at somerset, we encounter this big SE W880 ad at the bus stop. CY and I just can't resist the temptation to take some goffy pictures with it.

Wai... Wai...? Wan bin gor ah?

The slimmest, 3G Walkman phone... But they never mention 'bout the size.

Ok! Now back to my Borderline Personality Disorder presentation slides...

Happy Birthday, Min!

2007-05-19T23:45:00.000+08:00

On a lighter side, Friday is Min's birthday!

And more birthday collage from me!

Hahaha...

A picture paints a thosand words... Or at least a bunch of them does.

Is it worth all the trouble?

2007-05-19T23:32:00.000+08:00

I believe that people who choose to stay in CO has either or both reasons: Passion for the music or the friends and cliques they found.

A classmate of mine once ask me why I choose CO as my CCA. If she ask me 7 years back, I'll reply her without hesitation that it's for passion and the good friends that I've met. But now, it feel more like an obligation. I don't feel so 'on' about CO like I used to. I guess it's due to the piling of stress from studies (ICAs, tests, skill test, ICAs, presentation... Did I mention ICAs?). In addition, I have to juggle between two orchestras.

To think I'll be busy with CO until August! *Faint*

Luckily my job in EVCO haven't start... yet. Lately, I don't feel so keen in going to my school's CO. I don't have the motivation I got in year one anymore. I don't get satisfaction from the things I does for the Oz trip too. As for the competition, I'm more worried 'bout the logistics than the pieces we're going to play.

Hai...

I just hope no major hiccups will occur when we get there.

Anyone can tell me how to get rid of eyebags?

Lab Session

2007-05-16T23:57:00.000+08:00

Finally! I am able to blog again!

In the past two days, I was unable to write new post 'cause of some server error. Yesterday I have some fun during our lab session. I was not really concentrating on the experiment so I go around taking some pictures of what is going on.

Yup, I'm not the only one who is not paying attention in class.

Hahaha...

CY the Priceless

2007-05-07T23:44:00.000+08:00

After my Sunday Routine (EVCO practice!), Damo, Xiu and I had a mission: Buy CY's birthday present.

After making CY assuming Xiu and I go 'Pak Tor', we procced to Simei to get the present: Nintendo DS Lite (DSL). Along the way, the three of us came up with a scheme to make CY earns his prize. Initialy, we wanna get the white coloured DSL with a pink coloured DSL's box. Sadly, the shop owner only have white DSL left. So we went to the gift shop and bought a pink box for the portable gaming console.

We even labeled the colour as pink too.

Hahaha...

After bidding goodbye the DK, we then head to Tamipines mall to get a T-shirt for him. After looking through some design , we settle on this:

So sweet, girly and despo isn't it? Though, we thinking of getting the 'Sorry Girls, I'm gay.', but we decided to be nicer to CY. We meet up the rest of the gang at Bugis. While we gave him the presents, he force him to make a choice: Either he wear the T-shirt , or carry the pink box in his hands for the rest of the day.

If you ask me, I think it's, not a bad deal to get a free DSL. Some of us suggested to change the word 'PRICELESS' to 'HOPELESS' or 'MEANINGLESS'.

Hahaha...

We went to V8, which situated at Bugis Junction, for our dinner. The food's not bad, though I find it rather salty. After dinner, we gossip for a while at BK before going home.

Seems like there's a lot of birthdays happening lately around me. Think my pocket will be burn to crsip...

Middleman

2007-05-03T22:52:00.000+08:00

Life always has its ups and downs.

Today, I've contributed to a decision that will be the downside of 3 people.

The conclusion was made based on objective factors and was agreed by the higher authories. Though it's not the 1st time I was put in these kinda situation, I never like to be in the middle. But like my pal said: We have to think of the bigger picture and our ultimate goal.

---------------

Two of them came and talked to me 'bout the matter, but I've made a insensitive remarks. I guess I'm still not thoughtful enough to handle the situation.

Hai~~~

Ron and her Spidey

2007-05-02T11:40:00.000+08:00

On this Monday, my classmates and I celebrates Ron's birthday (her actual birthday is on the 1st of May, Labour Day). GF went to M'sia and got Ron the Spiderman 3 poster as her present. We did the standard 'Sing Out Loud Happy Birthday Song' in the school's North Canteen. As for the rest of the story, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Ciao.

Personality Test

2007-04-26T18:21:00.000+08:00

While reading Damo's blog, I decided to try the personality test which he did.

Guess what card I am?

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You are The Sun

Happiness, Content, Joy.

The meanings for the Sun are fairly simple and consistent.

Young, healthy, new, fresh. The brain is working, things that were muddled come clear, everything falls into place, and everything seems to go your way.

The Sun is ruled by the Sun, of course. This is the light that comes after the long dark night, Apollo to the Moon's Diana. A positive card, it promises you your day in the sun. Glory, gain, triumph, pleasure, truth, success. As the moon symbolized inspiration from the unconscious, from dreams, this card symbolizes discoveries made fully consciousness and wide awake. You have an understanding and enjoyment of science and math, beautifully constructed music, carefully reasoned philosophy. It is a card of intellect, clarity of mind, and feelings of youthful energy.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

So Peeps, how true is it?

Pink and Purple

2007-04-25T23:36:00.000+08:00

It's been a slow week. I still feels somewhat lethargic. Maybe I still have not recover from my gastric flu yet.

After the Sunday Practice at EVCO, Xiu, Ying and I went to AMK Hub to have our lunch. Initialy, we wanna eat in Sakae Sushi, but Xiu 'die die' don't wanna go the Bishan. So we went there to try our luck. In the end, we settled for a Hong Kong style eating outlet in the basement.

Bad Choice.

I paid $5.80 for a fried rice contianing some shrimps(they're too small to be consider prawns and too big to be 'hei be hiam') and some Char Siew bits.

Waste of money.

After that, we bid farewell to Ying and proceed to MS to meet the rest of The Gang. I drop by at the Coffee Club to see if Fi and Ade were working. Unfortunately, only Ade was around. She commented that I looked more Malay in pink. Thanks Ade, I guess...

While we were resting our feet in the foodcourt, I took out my camera and started to do some '自拍'.

Xiu complained that the photos made her look chubby. I thought they are okay. Gals don't look good when their too skinny.

Hahaha...

To Taurus...

2007-04-21T22:23:00.000+08:00

We found 'The Other Half' of Taurus!

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Chio right, Taurus?

Hahaha....

Fever! Oh Fever~~~!

2007-04-19T20:21:00.000+08:00

School has started but I don't feel like I'm in the second year of my course. My classmates commented that I've change quite a bit. Yes, I've slim down a little and gotten tanned. But I don't feel that great. Hid commented that I look fiecre.

Maybe it's because the hols' mood still haven't worn out. Or maybe it's the 'position' that I've been called. Sometimes I feel that it is a mockery to me as I've become someone that I'm not. It's like telling me,"Hey RX, that's how far you can go. Nothing more."

Well, the fortune teller told me that this year I'll get somewhat pessimistic and short-tempered.

Take it easy...

Today is the last day of the Club Crawl(is this 'Crawl', Peeps?) and Probotz was quite 'Emo-ing', so he called himself, after the perfomance. The logistic side somehow screwed up and he told me he's gonna get it big time in the meeting. Hope all's okay for him.

To Probotz: Hey man, don't give up 'kay? Take it as a learning experience.

In the last lecture for today, I've humiliated myself in front of the whole lecture theatre. The lecturer was giving out prizes for answering his questions. GF wanted the plastic file, so raised up my hand without thinking twice. In the end the whole lecture group had to help me with the answers as I fumble real badly.

Hai...

This is what happens when you try to impress the ladies while being a smartass... But at least I got the file.

Hahaha...

Hmmm... 38 degree celsius! No wonder I'm not thinking straight.

Not in the mood... Yet.

2007-04-14T18:36:00.000+08:00

During the practice, I gotten pretty restless as I spent half of the time listening to other practising thier part. During my secondary school days, I can sit or stand there for few hours without complaining. But now I tend to get impatient if I am not playing for a time. Hai... I thought people suppose to get more patient as they age?

But from what I heard so far, some still haven't grasp the seriousness of the matter. Our main objective in going Sydney is competition, leisure is secondary. Maybe they haven't seen M's wrath yet. Come to think of it, I haven't seen his 'dark side' for quite some time... Anyone seen a conductor's score fly before?

But we have 2 more months Peeps, 加油！

Hahaha...

After the practice was over, I head to the bookshop to buy my books. Man... the queue is damn long lor... Like there's a sale going on. So I went back to the practice studio to help Reginx tune the cellos for the coming Club Crawl and wait til 2 pm before going back to buy. My hands are all sore from turning the cellos' pegs. Hate those with too much rosin on them. They won't budged! Ok, enough of my whinning.

Two more days to school reopens and I'm still in holiday mode.

Hai~~~

Happy Birthday Fi!

2007-04-10T22:10:00.000+08:00

Today Baox, Ash, Da, E and I went with Fi to ~~TCC~~ Coffee Club to have a Birthday lunch with her. Da came after we finished our main dish. I was quite surprised that she rebond her hair. She looks... different. Anyone were comparing their weight and sizes. Somehow, I feel like an auntie when I'm with them. That's bad for me man. Hahaha...

Here's something extra for Fi. Hope you like it!

Next one is for myself. I think this one more style. Hahaha...

Okasan? Okasan!

2007-04-10T20:15:00.000+08:00

I've just realise that I didn't blog about my favorite pastime before.

So here it is.

Last night, I've just finished re-watched anime, Scrapped Princess. There's a scene where the main female character, Pacifica Casull, was thrown into a prison, followed by her mother, the Queen, who was imprisoned in the next cell. They never met each other since Pacifica's birth. Later, the Queen came to know of Pacifica's identity and also her amnesia.

At the brink of the Queen's death, she asked Pacifica to call her 'Mother'. Pacifica refused at first, as she feels that if she did it, the Queen will definetly dies. However as her mother did not responses to her cries, Pacifica finally calls out to her. The scene ends with the sunlight shines through from the small window above the mother's cell on to her. While The Queen fades away, Pacifica tries to stretch her hands to reach for her mother through a small opening in the wall seperating thier cells.

This scene is really tragic and shows how Fate can be so twisted. Both character longs to reunite with each other. Both acknowlegded one another, but only the main characther did not know that who she longed for were actually by her side.

Survived, I did.

2007-04-07T21:02:00.000+08:00

Yes, I've been super lazy to blog lately.

Sorry Peeps.

This week's thursday marks my last day of my 3 weeks attachment. Been quite tired 'cause most of the time I'm doing squats.

Why?

'Cause of SMU.

No it's not Singapore Management Uni. It's Safe Measure Urine. Most of the patients warded to my room went for some surgery concerning their bladder function. After the sugery is done, they need to have bladder washout to prevent any blood clots remain in the wound. So we need to have thier urine bag drained every hour and monitor their conditions.

This time round, the patients I've handled are much more easier then the previous ward. Most of them are more educated and nicer. The Staff Nurses there are very friendly and helpful too. Some are quite pretty too...

Anyway, most of my mates complained that it's quite boring cause there's not much things to do. But for me, most of the time I'm either doing hourly parameters, draining urine, talking to patients, listening to the staff gossiping, or talk crap with the other fellow Nursing Students. I managed to do staple removal for a patient of mine (it's like stiches, but the surgeon uses staple instead). I even get it encounter my first emergency case. One moment I was doing the patient's parameters, the next thing I know, all the doctors and nurses came rushing in to resucitate the patient.

He was doing fine while Im' taking he's parameters. Then he complians of discomfort at the bladder region. Then he began to sweat profusly and also collapse.

It made me think how life is so unpredicable...

During our attachment, we have to do a case study and present it. What we need to do is to interview a patient. Then we will find out what nursing care we can provide him or her. We also need to find out what are the illness their having and do up a brief explaintion on it. For example, what is what is heart attack, the causes of it and the treatment for it.

I've assigned this task to one of my group mate and I've given her 4 days to do it. This is the most easy part. What we can just go on net to search for the information, copy and paste and do a little editing and we're done. This is what we did for the past attachment. However, all she gave me was a hyperlink.

A HYPERLINK lor!

I might as well do it myself (which I did) lah!

I've told my other groupmates that I plan to submit just the hyperlink to our lecturer, but A. said we should talked to her first. When we confronted her, she did not even know 'bout the hyperlink as she asked her friend to do for her.

WTF!

So your internet at home was down and you're not free during weekends but you still can go school to do it right? 4 days leh!

Hai...

I'm just glad all went well for us during the presentation. Well, at least I'm quite please with my stickman.

Now, I have one more week of Hols before Hell starts...

Enjoy while it last fellow NR0629-ians...

Heard it from GF. What I predict has happened. Hai... 情为何物。。。？

World's 1st Genetically Modified Quartet

2007-03-22T19:40:00.000+08:00

Seen this clip from Damo's blog. 4 peeps playing a 5 stringed electric cello! How cool is that! Though the pitching is a bit off but hey, it's still a great accomplishment.

Hahaha...

And here they playing a medley of... erm... all sorta music. It's like they keep switching radio all the time... From Bach to The Beatles to Michael Jackson to Jaws Theme!

Super cool!

The band is called Stringfever from UK.

Bravo~~~! Bravo~~~!

37 in 1

2007-03-21T10:48:00.000+08:00

Hey Peeps, I'm lazy to blog so I'll show you two more video. It's a video of a song composed entirely of 37 Cello parts.

Enjoy!

And for those fans of FF7, you'll sure know this piece.

麻坡的华语

2007-03-13T09:46:00.000+08:00

Came across this interesting rap video on Blinkymummy's blog.

Jin Sak Ki...

Aloooooha, Loyang!

2007-03-08T18:26:00.000+08:00

Entry of the past few days of my life...

4th March, Sunday

I've reached Pasir Ris MRT Station around 1.30pm to meet up with the rest of the NYPCOians. As usual, most of the people were late. When everyone were present, we decided to walk to Loyang Aloha Resort, as HQ said it's just a 5 minutes walk away.

Right.

It's more like a 25 minutes walk. By the time we saw the signage of the resort. Everyone was grumbling away. I've heard the phrase, '你给我记住' all the way from Downtown East to our destination.

At least these two were quite happy 'bout the journey. Hahaha...

The bangalow we had were situated by the park and the sea. The place is quite big and the scenery is very relaxing. There's 4 bedrooms with a bathroom each, a living and dining room, a kitchen and a balcony with 2 BBQ pits. As night fall, we begin our BBQ. One thing I hate 'bout the it (beside getting all smoked and greased up) is the pit. It's too shallow and we can only get a layer of charcoal on it, so can't really get the pit to be hot enough and cooked fast enough for the demanding crowd. Hahaha...

Didnt' take much photo 'cause I din't bing my camera with me. I can't find the charger! While some of us were busying BBQing, others had already start two tables of mahjong. We got quite some 赌鬼s in our CO... Hahaha...

5th March, Monday

When I return to the chalet, most of the people were still sleeping. As the girls took the bedrooms, the guys have to sleep in the living room, some even slept on the dining table!

We begin to play '食字路口' in the afternoon. I din't get to play as I need to return Sensei Ong's IC to him at his school. Thanks for his help, we're able to get the chalet at a very cheap price. After the game, the rest of the gang return to the chalet and slack around. Not very happening eh?

6th March, Tuesday

We still have one more day, but all the NYPCOians are going home this day. We only knew 'bout the extra day when we checked in on Sunday. So many most of us din't prepare enough clothes. In order not to waste the day, I've called up the EVCO gang for steamboat gathering dinner. Though only Xiu and I did the buying and handling of food, I don't mind doing all. It's been a while since we do this kinda gathering. Consider it a Post Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner. Hahaha...

After we prepared everything on the table, the two of us realised we did not prepare a dinner for 10 pax, we prepare a dinner for 20 pax! So when all the rest came, we have really had to stuff ourselves to the brim. But the food is good, especialy the soup. We called it '金华火腿药材鲍鱼鸡汤'.

Power...

It feels really good to sit around with the old friends (plus some new additions), chit chat and having steamboat together. We should do this more often!

7th March, Wednesday

Woke up around 9am feeling stoned and bloated. Yuan and I were the only people left in the chalet. He still felt full from last night's steamboat dinner. We ate non-stop as Xiu keeps topping up our bowl with food. We checked out around 10am plus. I din't get tot use the facilites in the resorts as I'm always doing something all the time. Yuan said he wanted to held his 21st birthday here. Hope I can get to use the jacuzzi then!

Man...

There's still practice later. My legs are aching...

High-End Gig

2007-03-02T00:20:00.000+08:00

Yesterday had been a anxious day for me. Firstly, I need to carry the freaking heavy Gehu to The Art House for a perfomance. Secondly, I'm not well prepared for this show. Man... my arms are very suan now.

As Singapore's first Court House and former Parliament House, The Art House has become a multi-disciplinary arts centre. The place is located behing the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Our performing venue is at the Chamber Room. This where all the MPs do thier debates here. Very cosy place. The seats are very comfortable too. Hahaha...

At every seats, there's this panel that have a volume and language dial which you can choose Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English. But I din't think it's not working anymore.

Man... It's been a long time since I felt so nervous. There's only 5 of us performing and the distance between us and the audience is very near. Ah Soon didn't even sleep the nite before 'cause he's very stress. The hall is not very big, so it felt that evrybody is very close to everyone. That least my hand didn't tremble... much. Hahaha...

The audience was not very big too, around 30 plus people. The feedback we gotten from the organisers is that they like the performance very much, especially foreigners (later I've learned that thy're some country's ambassador).

We can only 'Am Chio'.

We didn't really deliver our 100% as one of our musician went off half way and we really lack of practice. But I still quite enjoy the whole experience. I haven't been playing cello in small ensemble for 3 to 4 years. It's different from playing in a orchestra as you have to be more focus, alter and know what others are doing.

Yes! It's over! It's all over!!!

Changes in me

2007-02-22T16:26:00.000+08:00

While I was cleaning up my drawer, I came acrossed some photos of my old self:

The above photo was taken when I was in primary school. Ah... The age of the innocence... Yup, I was sure nerdy back then. Hey, I still have that specs with me! Then I found another taken during my trip to Melborne with TPCO.

Ya ya... I've grown quite a bit then... I think this was taken when I was in sec 4.

But the most shocking photos are the these taken during one of the X'mas:

OH MY GOSH! Is that me?

Man! What happened to me since then!?!?!?!

Sure I look a bit gay back then, but look how slim I was compared to now! Depressing sia...

That's it. I'm gonna slim down now.

Good Afternoon, Mdm Seah!

2007-02-21T17:25:00.000+08:00

Happy Lunar New Year Peeps! Here's some photos I took yesterday while I went to Mdm Seah's (my secondary school form teacher) house for a visit. This is the 1st time we went to her house on time.

While waiting for the bus, I took a picture of the people invovled in this visit. The usual gang, and Wai who 'You Qin Ke Cuan'. Hahaha...

Ah Mui and I. Look at those eye bags. Tsk, tsk...

The 'light' lunch Mdm Seah and her mother prepared for us...

The 'Golden Pig' we gave to Mdm Seah...

The scenery across the HDB flat.

The Dynamic Trio.

The class photo.

Come to think of it, it has been 11 years since our secondary school life.

谢谢老师。。。老师再见。。。

V. Day Plus One

2007-02-15T21:01:00.000+08:00

I had exams for the past 2 days... Yes, exam on V. Day! How pathetic is that? Not that I had anyone to celerbrate with (though I had someone in mind...), but it's still quite depressing to mug when everyone else are dressing up for thier date.

What's more, I can go for the BBQ yesterday 'cause I haven't even finished studying half the book. Missed lotsa fun man...

Well, at least today is not so bad. Today's paper is not as tough as I thought. Should be able to at least pass.

And...

I was able to spend some quality time with GF. Though we were interrupted for a short time, it still not so bad. Ahahaha...

Alright... Too tired liao.

Ciao.

A Tired Week, A Beautiful Sunday

2007-02-12T16:38:00.000+08:00

A collage for all my buddies in EVCO. It has been around seven years already eh? Here's to our friendship, 老朋友!

Man... I feel real tired after the performance. I do not have the drive like I used to have anymore... But though we're tired, DK, Xiu and I went to Far East to meet up with the Zheng Bro. Gang for some last minute clothes shopping (we didn't really go shopping. Xiu went to be thier fashion consaultant. DK and I are like her bodyguard. Hahaha...).

When we reached there, I surprised to see lots of familiar faces: around 15 of them! It's like there's gonna have a gang fight lah! Hahaha...

After we're done in Far East, the Zheng Bro. Gang proceed to Hereen while me and Xiu went to Watson to as she needs to buy some stuff. The next thing I knew was I'm looking at pads. 'You should handle these stuff at attachment, right?' Xiu said.

Wah liao... what I always helped patient to put on are adult daipers lah! Where got wings one!?!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment is over!

It has been a friutful 3 weeks. Ive learned lots of stuff and experience. Some good, many sad. AZ and I come to realised that Life is really fragile. Some came in for major illness, but later ound out that they got other more serious problems... A few patients passed away during our posting to the ward. Some seems fine during the weekdays but over the weekends, thier conditions deteriorates... and they moved on. There's one uncle which is my favoratie patient that I always talked to. He'll always ask me have I eaten.

But by the last week of my attachment, he became like another person. He seldom talks. Most of the time he would be staring at the ceiling. Once, he asked me to bring him down to the ground floor because he thought he had to go cook. He's in the hospital. Why would he need to cook? Other times he would refer himself in third person...

Real sad...

Ok, enough of depressing stuffs. That's all for now. Too lazy to write more.

Hahaha...

Ciao.

Repercussion

2007-02-08T05:23:00.000+08:00

Man...

It's damn cold now, plus I'm having morning sinus. Now feels like some drug addict sia...

What a nice way to start a day...

After cleaning so much crap and pee, it has some side effect to my nose. Now even my own pee and poo smells different. Whenever I smells certain perfume, I reminds me of the ward and crap.

Shucks...

Real bad repercussion man...

Last week of attachment. Exams' next week and I've yet to start on revision.

Wish me luck Peeps...

I smell crap

2007-02-02T23:26:00.000+08:00

Today's been a 'off-form' day. Maybe it's due to the case study that I have to hand in by today. Fortunately, I'm able to finish it within four hours before I went to work.

The past two weeks went by swiftly. I've gotten use to the ward and the staff there. I also came to realise that most of the staff are a bit 'mad'.

I understand why now.

In order to stay survive in this kinda hectic enviroment, one has to be insane to stay... well, sane. Sounds illogical? I guess I am. Looks like I'm soon becoming one of them....

Hahaha...

I've met two interesting cases during these time. One is a dementia old men, who's on restraint order. He can't walk, but will always tried to climb out of the bed. So we have to restrain him on his bed so that he will not suffer from any injury from fall. When got caught, he will deny what he did and find all sorts of reasons to get outta it. Let's name him 'Act Blur 1' (AB1).

Other is an old man who came in for asthma. He can't control his bowel and bladder at times and had pee and crap on the floor on many occasions. He likes to walk ard the ward, thus crap all over the place. Everyday, we have to change the bed sheet and he's clothes for him at least five times. He too likes to deny what he did. Let's name him 'Act Blur 2'.

AB1 and AB2 soon became good friends. Whenever AB2 been restraint, AB1 will try to untie the restrainer. They well talk during the night, making other patients unable to have a good night's sleep.

Today, AZ and I get the chance to restrain AB2 before we end our shift. When we start, AB1 came to the rescue.

While tying the restrainer...

AB2: (In hokkien) What are you doing?

RX: We're trying to prevent him from falling off the bed and injured himself.

AB2: Oh... But why tied up his hand?

RX: So he won't climb out of the bed. If he fall again, he'll have to stay longer in the hospital. Same goes for you. If you fall and injured, you'll have to stay longer in the hospital. And if you goes around and keep disturbing people, we may also need to put you on restrain. You understand?

AB2: (Trying to be sarcastic) I understand what you're saying. But I dunno what you said are true or not.

RX: (Shurgs) Well, you can try and test us to see if we will restrain you lor...

AB2: (Backing away a bit) .......

AB1: Eh Missy ar... I want to call my wife.

RX: Why you wanna call her?

AB1: I want her know that I'm here.

RX: Oh, I called her just now. She knows that you're here, ok?

AB1: (Fustrated look) .....

Of course, he's just finding excuses to get the restrainer off, so I told a white lie to him. You may think I've been mean to them. I know I must have empathy for them. But sometimes you have to be firm or else they'll climb over you head. Last night after work, AZ and JB told me I've been to soft on the patients. That's why I'm the one who always get the crap (both literally and non-literally) from the patients.

No more 'Mr Nice Guy' for you two, AB1 and 2, until you play nice.

‘老虎不发威，你当我是病猫！’

Headless Chicken

2007-01-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

LOST.

That's what I felt during the first two days of my attachment back to SGH. This time round, I've been assigned to a different area. Although it still a C class ward, it's much more hectic than the previous one that I'm in.

I have to re-familiarize with the layout of the place, where are the equipments found, and the different culture and way of things get done. Got once, I had to went around the whole ward just to find, the-and-only, Pulse Oxymeter.

Felt like a headless chicken running around...

Culture Shock~~~

But slowly, I'm adapting to it. Compare to the previous posting, this time round I get more chances to do more procedures. The staff there are friendly and helpful towards the Student Nurses.

Here, we'll encounter many different kinda cases and patients. Cases that involves the Police, cases from IMH, cases from the prison, so on and so forth. There are more cases that need extra care from the nurses. Some are even highly dependant.

One of my lecture group-mate had already performed Last Office on her first day. Don't know should I consider her lucky or damn suay... Of course, it's always a bad thing when someone dies, but for us, Student Nurses, it's not a common thing to encounter. Moreover, we are still Year One Students.

At least I don't see any 'His Majesty'-like patient here (read my 2006 September post to know more about him).

Hahaha...

Well, I'm glad that I've been posted to here. I'm sure I'll gain a lot of experience throughout my three weeks stay at the ward.

Glad that Girl Friend are doing better now. 加油！加油！

Fishy Day

2007-01-21T23:23:00.000+08:00

Alright! Got a nice new wallet from Topman today. It was given to me by Louis as my be-lated Birthday present. I think he intend to give it to me last Sunday, but I wasn't around, due to my injured knee.

Thanks Lu Yi Si, I like it a lot.

After practice (yes, I go to EVCO for practice almost every Sunday. It's like going to church for me), the Xiu, the Hu Qin Bro and me went to The Manhattan Fish Market at PS to have our dinner.

We were quite surpirsed that Kang offered to treat us the big platter, 'cause he used to be quite calcualtive. Hahaha...Thanks Kang. The food tasted quite similar to Fish and Co. but the portion are a bit smaller. I find the garlic butter rice are too strong for my taste.

After dinner, we went shopping around PS then went our seperate ways.

Tomorrow is the day. Returning to SGH!

Drama

2007-01-19T22:10:00.000+08:00

This few days has been a mental rollercostal ride for me. First was the Malay Oral test I've had to take on Monday. I didn't stay until Last Sunday when I finally remember about the test. As the result, I smoked my way through.

Next is Girl Friend's tribulation.

Can't help her much other than lending her my shoulder and let her cry her heart out (in process, got my sleeves drenched with tears and mucus...). I suck at console other poeple, especialy when they're crying in front of me. Luckily Bel was there to talk and comfort her.

Logheaded me...

Until now I'm still find it a bit surprise of the things happened and I'm not sure how to react towards the other...

Disappointing...

But I believe there's more underlying reasons for it to happen. Whether the reasons are justifed for the action is another issue...

Though I may not be the one who are affected, I can somehow understands and feel what Girl Friend's going through. Hai... I guess it's hard, even IMPOSSIBLE to predict what Life will throw at you. ..

---------------------------------

Today is Girl Friend's and my group's turn to do the Bio presentation.

I felt guilty as I'm one of the culprits that talked in the lab, thus pulled Ash's marks down. I got no excuses for my action. And I didn't do well for my own presentation too, as I'm not well prepared enough (I even gave the wrong infomation to the class~~~).

Ash, I'm very sorry...

These few days are NOT my days man...

Girl Friend, take care of yourself eh? You can pull through this. Bel, Hid and I (and my two deltoid muscles) are here for you.

That all for this week, if nothing else happens.

SGH here I come, again!

Return of the Pain

2007-01-16T21:34:00.000+08:00

Today in Biology Lecture, I learnt about parasites and how they causes diseases. Such disgusting creatures, they are. Some of them grows in your intestines, some have both the male and female sex organs (transvestite?!?!)

No, you're not looking at some sort of Sotong. They're Roundworms that had burst out of the human intestine. Cool eh?

Hahaha...

Went back to see the Chinese Sensei last this evening. After the acupunture, he flexed and extended my knee.

Oh man... It still hurts like hell...

In the previous visit he inserted a needle into my knee to draw out all the clotted blood. ‘十六号针’ is what I heard him telling his assitant to take. I think is the same size as the 16 gauge cannula that use.

Pain...

Dunno if I'll get addicted to that kinda pain...

Hahaha...

Hope I can fully recover when my attachment starts...

Sinful... But good.

2007-01-14T22:25:00.000+08:00

Yesterday had an lunch appointment with Old Friends Gang at Century Square's Sakae. The four of us managed to eat ard 120 bucks worth of food. not a bad record. Hahaha... After lunch, we when to the Hagen Daz that situated at the above level. Here's what we had:

I gotta tell you all: The Chocolate Cookie flavor is damn nice. The fondue is good too. You all should go try it.

S-I-N-F-U-L!!!

Alright! Show's over!

2007-01-14T21:37:00.000+08:00

Finally, NYPCO's concert is over. Now I can go MIA from practice for a bit now. Hahaha... The show's been quite successful. Though I still get some of the bassline wrong, I still didn't messed up too badly. Here's some of the photos I took during Friday. Go on Peeps! Snatch them when it's still hot! Hahaha...

Had a Fall Back...

2007-01-10T23:25:00.000+08:00

This week's monday has been a pain for me, iterally. I reached school at 8 plus. After my presentation, I went to transport the instruments to the auditorium. While talking to Han on the platform, I took a step backward and immediately felt nothing, then I fell to the stage and landed on my left leg. I was dazed for a few second, then the PAIN slowly sets into my left knee...

ARUGH!!! THE PAIN! THE PAIN~~~!

Damn, I haven't been cursing and swearing so much since I ORD. I caused quite a commotion then and peeps starts to crowd around me as I laid there clucthing my knee. Then malu lah!!! Once I felt I'm okay and the PAIN subsided, I got up on my feet and limped on the stairs. Thats when my knee gave way the sharp pain shot through my leg.

You may think I'm ezaggerating, but the pain is really.... well, pain lah. In the end two of the Freaky Four members (DK, Vic, K and me) had to accompany to CGH to check out my knee. Acually, their main motive is not to help me lah, they wanna slack from practice. Hahaha...

Once we reached CGH, the two got a wheelchair for me. Alright!!! Now I've got a good reason to play with wheelchair! DK and K start to taking picture of me in the wheel chair after I've register. What good friends they are... 兴灾乐祸 (pardon me if it's wrong. long time didn't read or write Chinese liao)。。

But thanks you guys for helping me went I needed help (and Karen too for sponsoring the taxi fare).

Once my mother arrived, she start her routine: Why so careless? Where were you hurt? Haiyo... I told you to be careful right? So on and so forth. Well, she right 'bout me being careless. Luackily it just my knee got injured. At least I can still lay the bass guitar while sitting down. My mother actually commented me on how good I;m in using the wheelchair... I just wanna play with it for a while leh, Ma. Not planning to use it full-time hor...

The doctor that attended to me are very rude to my mother. He's one of those culpirt that give CGH a bad name. Eh! You think you got MBBS big F*** ar? Feels like wanna give him a smack to his head.

After confriming that I got no dislacation or fracture, just ligament problem, my mother took me to a Chinese Sensei. He told me my knee can't me massage as it's just injured. So he sue acupunture on me . He inserted four needles into my knee and apply current to them.

Felt like using the Osim foot reflexo-thingy machine: can feel the muscle twitching. So for the pass few days, I've been limping around my house and school. I may be disabled, but I'm not unabled!

Lunch at Waraku

2007-01-07T23:30:00.000+08:00

After a long and tiring sunday practice, My EVCO's Kaki decided to have our lunch at Waraku. It's been a while for my EVCO's Kakis and I have a decent meal together. Really, miss those days where we would go to Sakae to stuff ourselves with sushi and Salmon Sashmi. We went to Sakae so many times that each of us were able to apply the VIP cards (each application need $300 spent dining in within 2 months. Hardcore, we were...!). I still remeber once, I went to ave dinner with Xiu only and we manage to eat until $80 plus. Crazy eh? But now, we've upgraded to a better standard japanese crusine.

Hahaha...

Most of us had the same thing: Gindara Kaninabe Set (Cod Fish Paper Steamboat) and Udon and Pork Cutlet Set. The soup base for the Kaninabe is nice (we had the clear and spicy soup base), but it tends to get saltier as the steamboats continue to boil. The pork cutlet set are quite big, thus Xiu, as usual, can't finish it. So Hung, Sensei Ong, and I need to be the Trashmasters for her.

While having our meal, we did what we all like most: Gossiping. We talked about people in the CO, how they don't like us and we how we don't like them, What are we gonna for our Concert Master's wedding gift, how much cheaper is to dye and perm your hair in Malaysia then in Singapore, when are we having our own little 'quality BBQ', and about how younger generation are being more vocal.

Too vocal.

Many don't have the basic respect for their seniors and elders. Some are worse when they come from rich family. I guess time has changed. Gone are those days where the seniors talk, the juniors listen. Respect are something of the past, outdated.

Of course, not all are the same. Most of my fellow NR0629-eans still have the basic respect. Though some like to disturb me by keep poking me or rub my bald head, but I still can take it...

For now.

After the lunch, the others soon went thier seperate ways, leaving Hung, Sensei Ong, Xiu and me wandering around City Hall. Until dinner time, we went to we went to this food outlet called '新旺', which sells Hong Kong Crusines. Food's quite good, too bad I can't finish my pork cutlet curry rice. According to Sensei Ong, acua Hong Kong curry are thicker and stronger in taste. The one here are a bit too sweet for my liking.

Ok. That's all. Few more hours to my One-Week-Long-Ordeal. Someone SAVE ME~~~!

Last Lunch of the Year, eat, eat, eat!!!

2007-01-01T00:24:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year Peeps!!!

So what's so good about the new year?

Dunno, we'll see lor

Hahaha...

The last day of my 2006 was spent at Suntec. I met up with 'Old Frens Gang' in the afternoon to have lunch with Form Teacher and her daughter. Location: Tonkichi. It's located at the basement of Suntec. The food there is very nice. I had the curry with pork chop. I thought the curry was a bit salty, but still within acceptable range. the sashimi is also very fresh too. Service was not bad. But there's a few new staff working, so the a bit blur. Hahaha...

After lunch, we went to watch 'Night at the Museum'. Bought two huge packet of popcorn and a large ice tea for myself.

Eat.

We have tea break at this cafe which is near the koi pond, can't remember the name. After biding farewell to Form Teacher, we have our dinner at the Phil's, which is at Tampines Mall.

Eat again.

And now, while blogging and MSNing with the rest of the Gang on the next makan outing, I'm having a big bowl of 'chin chow' next to my notebook.

Yup, I ate through my New Year Eve...

红楼梦 in Christmas season...

2006-12-24T21:18:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

So where did I spent my weekend?

In Esplanade, again.

This time, I'm involved in the "Dream of the Red Chamber" Grand Concert, which is on Saturday. This is the first time I get to perform the whole Dream of the Red Chamber Suite, with chior and vocalist.

But it was tiring~~~

I think is because I do get much sleep, and some pieces are a bit long winded.

During our break, my ex-campmates and I went to Marina Square to watch 'Curse of the Yellow Flower'. Not a bad show, not also not a good one. The conclusion we came up is: Jay Chow can't act. Hahaha... I took a photo of the decor they had at the Centre Stage:

Very nice. Look like a bunch of gigantic grapes hanging from the ceiling. We came across this lamp when we make our way back to Esplanade:

Interesting eh? IT COST 155 BUCKS SIA!!! I can like buy 30 plus Happy Meals with the money lor!

Actually, I felt quite stress during during the actual perfomance. 'Cause it's been a while for me to perform with so many '高手' and a professional conductor that keep staring at my section whenever he's giving us queues. Of course, it's also very shiok too as it is also been a while for me to hear solid sound of cellos playing (too much gehu for me liao...). Hahaha.... This is the best Red Chamber Suite I've perform so far.

However just before the last piece, the emcee asked the composer of the suite to the stage and begun to interview him. I think they talked at least for 15 minutes before we could carry on with the programme. I almost fell asleep on the stage man...

After the perfomance, I bid farewell to my mates and went back home to get my much needed sleep. I was so sleepy that I missed my stop again when I took the bus home... Arugh!!!

As for today, it been the routine: Went to EVCO for practice, lunch with my pals, watched 'Night in the Museum' and went home...

Lonely, lonely Christmas... Lonely, lonely Christmas...

EV Rocket Video

2006-12-17T20:33:00.000+08:00

Here's another the EVCO Camp video clip I done up.

Enjoy...!

X'mas BBQ

2006-12-17T19:14:00.000+08:00

Yesterday had beed a great day for me, other than forgetting there's practice in the morning.

Hahaha...

So after the practice, I've to fly home to get all the BBQ stuff (charcoal, ice box, tumbler... Bailey's~~~!) and fly to White Sand to meet up with Baox to buy the F&Bs. The Fi and the rest of NR0629-eans came a bit late though, so the two of us had to carry the stuff around with us.

After we get all the things we want, Raf and his bro-in-law helped us transport all of it to the BBQ site. As the car was not big enough to fit the 7 of us, we took the bus instead. When I reach there, Raf and Sharke were attempting to start the BBQ fire. Yes, attempting. Can't blame them, the charcoal we used are different from what we normally use.

You can buy it online through this website. This type may take longer time to lit up, but it also last a bit longer. It doesn't produce much smoke compare to the normal charcoal.

Strong, lasting flame

We exchange gift and cut the birthday cake for the December Babies at around 9 plus. I got a chain which resembles a mini DS Lite and a T-shirt S&K from Fi. Thanks Fi!!! I like it very much.

Memories of the Good Times

By 11 plus most of the Peeps went home, leaving only Raf and GF, Ash, Ron, Da, and me staying over night and do the cleaning up. By around midnight, the wind and the rain began to pick up. So we moved everything to a pavillion nearby. Now I know how those homeless Peeps felt lor!!! There's nothing to shelter us from the blating cold wind sia... I had to drink finish my Bailey's jus to keep warm. By the time we're returning home, I'm a bit drunk liao.

Yo Peeps! It's been fun. Let's do it agian some time soon eh?

Hahaha...

一个人。。。

2006-12-14T20:43:00.000+08:00

一个人上学，
一个人回家。
一个人看书，
一个人吃饭。
一个人听歌，
一个人怀念。

一个人生活的日子，

习惯了，但不从不喜欢。

孤单

不悲伤，但也不快乐。

一个人。。。

Photos!

2006-12-14T14:39:00.000+08:00

Upon request from Nurul and DK, I've decided the pictures I took during the Beautiful Sunday performance t Esplanade.

EVCO Camp 2006

2006-12-05T22:54:00.000+08:00

Yo Peeps.

First of all, I'll like to thank my fellow NR0629-eans for their concerns over my health for the past few days. Thanks peeps! I'm so touched~~~

*taking Eye-Mo to fake tears*

My weekend was spent in the Punggol Point Camp, where it's located at the outskirt of Punggol, for EVCO's Annual Music Camp. Here's some scenery I took from the place:

Quite eriee hor... I heard there's a cemetry around there somewhere... So what do we do most of the time?

Yup, for most of the time on Saturday, we watched anime. DK, Pong, Xiong and me watched through Trinity Blood, from the 1st episode to the last, ALL 24 OF THEM!!! Quite no life eh? Hahaha...

Bo Bian... There's only a few of us in the camp during Saturday. Many say they not coming at the last minute... Waste our time and the food... But some were because they are invovled in a performance. For some reasons, I always fall sick whenever go to punggol for camp. This time, it's the worst so far. So throughout the camp, I didn't help out much except to lay around and walk aimlessly around the camp site.

By night fall, the rest of the Gang, including many new faces from MF and MJ, came down to the joint. By then, Ma and her trusted assistant chefs had cooked up fried rice (made from leftover rice packets from the day) to handle all the 恐龙s' and Mini Devils' hunger.

On Sunday, we slack for the morning. Afternoon we had our practice, then the games begin. Check out the video clip I've made from the photos taken during the gaming time:

Why I'm not in the pictures? 'cause I escaped from getting drenched by being the photographer! At night was the BBQ, where the good food and drinks are served! But I didn't get to eat much 'cause by then I'm getting quite sick. I did manage to down half a bottle of Hoegarden though. Hahaha... While BBQing, we manage to get hold of some fireworks to make 'rocket launchers'. But not one of it did manage to lift off. All we mange to do was producing nice sound effect. Hai...

On Monday after transporting all the P.O.S. back to the CC, we, the Sai Gang Warriors took some more photos before we leave the place.

Come to think of it, this is the first EVCO camp that I don't feel burnout after camp break. Apart from being sick, this camp is quite slack. Hahaha...

Today is Sweating Day

2006-12-01T23:57:00.000+08:00

Today, in the morning, I went back to EVCO to help Xiong & Co. moving all the camp stuff up the lorry. Initially, we expect around 10 peeps to come. But in the end, only 6 peeps, including me, were left to arrange and transport all the things to the camp site. Well. actually I didn't carry much thing 'cause I was at the lorry arranging all the equipment.

Hey, don't think that I'm slacking and it's easy to stack all the junks onto the lorry hor. You must have an good sense of spatial awareness to do this so that all the equipement won't going flying all over the place when the lorry moves. I literally sweat like running tap lah! Ok, maybe it's a little drama, but it's almost there. I was quite please with how I arrange all the stuff in the lorry. G.G. peeps! Hahaha...

After packing all the P.O.S. onto the lorry, I went back to school to print some stuffs and also to check out how my fellow NR0629-eans are faring for thier practical test. And yes, All of them pass it! Congrats to Bel, Ash, Ling and Raf!

After parting with them, I went to print my document and went back home to prepare to go for a wedding dinner at 'Yong Chun Yuan' （永春园）, situated around People's Park, Chinatown. When we reached there, I'm sweating again. 'Cause the freaking air-con is like no power and I'm drinkng wine.

Getting ready for the Three Cheers. Yam~~~ Seng~~~!　

My Mom keeps complianing that the she need to to eat in order to move the chairs, 'cause it's very heavy. In the end I need to push the chiar in and out for her. (MORE SWEAT~~~) The food is not bad... but it's not good either, but still can eat lah. Hahaha... After everything, we bid farewell the the Newly-Wed and took a cab home.

Ok, I need my sleep now, I feel dizzy man... Too... much... re... red.... w... win.... ZZZZZzzzzzz......

Mood for the day

2006-11-29T15:37:00.000+08:00

Taken when I'm in the library...

Caged...

A day with the newly Grads

2006-11-26T19:59:00.000+08:00

After the practice at CSCO (which I 'pong' half-way), I rushed down to VTH to attend Ah Mui's and Stuckup's graduation ceremony. We took some photos at the VTH.

Of course, with Stuckup and me around as the photographer, there won't be without some 'arty' pictures.

Eh! You throw your square hat too high la!

Meow actually forgot about thier graduation ceremony. Why, 'cause she overslept.

Some freind she is...

After some fooling around at VTH, we proceed to the Supreme Court for more photo taking.

And more 'arty' photos taken by me.

Stuckup's childhood dream is to be a lawyer... Nah...

Hmm... Ah Mui is right, Botak take photo not nice. Hahaha...

I'm so proud of you two. Meow, you're next wor...!

TBIF Updated entry for today

2006-11-24T23:43:00.000+08:00

Yes, it's TBIF instead of TGIF. 'cause I'm a buddhist what... So Thank Buddha It's Friday lor...

Today my class ends around 11am. By right, I can go home after that, but I decided to stay back to accompany Da, JB and SC for thier clinical practical test, which is around 2pm. Anyway, I got practice in the evening.

We spent our time in the practice lab, going through the procedures and drugs that may/or/definitely be coming out for the test. But toward the end, SC, JB and I are playing with our DSs (SC just bought her pink DS. Yes! Another fellow Gamer in the making!).

We've been chased out of the lab around 1.40pm by the technican. So we have to sit outside, along the corridor of the labs. While waiting, I'm sitting outside the lab blogging the first half of this entry while Da is beside me, peeping at me blogging while pretending to do last minute studying and SC walking up and down the corridor due to nervousness. JB was already sent to his doom, so he's not around disturbing me by the time I'm typing these entry.

Thank goodness I have my laptop keep me from dosing off.

Hail to campus-wide wireless!

After Da went in to take her test, I went to CO Room to charge my laptop as it's running low on battery. And I just stayed there until my practice starts.

Hai...

I haven't been going home early since starting of this semster. When can I have a REAL BREAK!?!?!

Anyway, Congrats JB, SC and Da for passing your test! Now the rest of the class will have a higher moral and confidence.

And to Fi: Get well soon! Don't worry too much, you will be still as sweet as ever.

*We must forgive, but we shall never forget*

Beautiful Sunday

2006-11-22T23:45:00.000+08:00

Come come! Listen to us! Support NYPCO!

Yup, We're having a concert at Esplanade! It's on the 10th of December, 3pm, in the Esplanade Concert Hall and IT'S FREE!!! The hall will be open by 2.15pm. So bring along your family members and friends to listen!

Click on the pictures for more information.

Ok, that's all for my act as a promoter.

Hahaha...

Spastic Thai Ads

2006-11-21T22:22:00.000+08:00

More funny Thai Advertisment you peeps. Enjoy!

Ad on ceiling tiles

This one is on some black coffee...

A DVD player ad

Thai Mobile

Thai ringtone download

Water and electric bill

RX goes Botak

2006-11-20T21:46:00.000+08:00

Finally, I cut, shaved to be precise, my hair.

After getting some encouragement from Ah Mui, Stuckup and Meow, I decided to go Botak. It's been some time since I go Botak, and its a welcoming change for me (my head feels COOL~~~) . No more hassle in combing hair (or what was left of it) and Gutsby all over my scalp.

Shiny~~~

No, I'm not under huge stress... Well, maybe a little. But I'm fine. I'm fed up with my recceding hair line la. Like the other baldies say: If you can't fix it, shave it.

Too bad can't go skin head thought, or else I'll look like the Laughing Buhhda.

Hahaha...

眼镜，眼镜，找朋友。。。

2006-11-16T20:11:00.000+08:00

Hello peeps...

My group is having Socio ICA (for those who don't know what it is: Trust me, you don't wanna know) presentaion. We come up with a role-play to present our two article: Nurses going to see a psychiatrist, and me play the Doc's role named Dr. Bowlan Chow (think Hokkien...).

My character's job is just sit there, smile, and listen. Really do nothing right?

Hahaha...

After the role play, we're bombarded with questions by Bel. Luckily Aza saves the day for us. Now you all may think she's been nasty, but Bel's actually buying time for us as we're running a little too fast. Thanks Bel! While we're lingering putside the tutorial rooms, my classmate took interest in my big glasses. Some worn it and took pictures.

Maybe these kinda glasses may made a comeback eh?

As we're walking to attend lecture, I realise Aza and I are like 黑白配. Him being darker wearing all white and I being fairer wearing all black. It's like the Devil wearing Angel's siut while the Angel wearing the Devil's suit... Only that both of us are neither.

While we're at the lab, we decided to do more of our own role play:

*Playing Star Wars theme at the back ground*

Long, long time ago, in a ward far, far far away. Two health care personnel are handling a great crisis they had yet encounter...

Aza: Doc! Miss Dummy is complaining of chest pain... Again!
RX: Hai... Ok, ok. I'll see what I can do...

*Checking the dummy...*

RX: Uhm... Ah Hah! You will be fine Miss. I'll give you some medication to relive your pain ok?

*Whispering to Nurse...*

RX: Eh Brudder... Next time just give her M&Ms when she complains of chest pain lah! I very Busy one ok!

Aza: Oh so sorry Doc....

Will they ever find a cure for the chest pain? Will the nurse give M&Ms to Miss Dummy? We will never know as there won't be anymore episodes coming up...

EVER!

*Star Wars theme fading away*

Of course real doctors and nurses won't be so unprofessional lah... School work very stress leh... Need to relak right? So who says nurses are boring, nerdy bunch of peeps?

好无聊。。。

2006-11-15T17:21:00.000+08:00

I'm so sian~~~

Here I am, sitting outside the practice studio doing nothing, while Vic beside me poking at my NDS away. Grow up man!

While I'm chatting with one of my ex-camp mate, CPL 高老, I remember I took a photo of a bridge near the Clark Quay:

I think he should go walk across it to when he ORD.

ORD LOR!

Hahaha...

Black Sunday

2006-11-12T22:09:00.000+08:00

Why Black Sunday you ask?

'Cause the fluorescent light in my room burnt out, my computer is acting wierd and my internet connection is super slow. So I need to go to McDees to use their network in order to liase with Fi. So now I'm working in a place where there's lot of children crying in and running around!!!

But all these are not the main reason that make tonight a (other than it's night time now) Black Sunday for me.

Fi and I have to reorganise our assignment's powerpoint because for Someone is not doing a proper job.

It's in a mess. All the slides are jumbled up!

The article that I'm doing really giving me a headache. I can't think of much reason why it is relavent to the topic we're doing.

I really hope we could get through this presentation.

'Wait, it IS 'Parish Nursing' all over again...'

Paracetomol, Paracetomol, Antacid

2006-11-11T14:05:00.000+08:00

All right, all right...

For those who feels my blog is collecting dust,

I am sorry.

I am sorry that I can't clean off the dust that appears to be the fragment of your hallucination with my mouse.

Hahahaha.....

Peace.

I need some inspiration to blog what... 灵感！灵感！灵感来了！

For the pass few days, I have to do a summary of an article for my next ICA. The thing is, I don't understand half of the article! There's lots of different statistic findings and tables all over the place. It was until I read finish the whole thing that I realise only the last few pages are useful! Man, this is the hardest article (the second one, actually) I came across so far.

We have four secondary school student came to join us in our class for this week. Why are they here? Well, it's a program that thier school and mine came up with: to let the students expereince the misera-, I mean, the life of polytechnic students. It didn't affect us much though. We still behave the way we always do: a group of crazy poeple. Surprisingly, they thought were hard working, boring (we ARE hardworking, Study hard, play HARDER!!!) bunch of peeps until they see what we do at the back of the LT... I'm not gonna elaborate on that.

Yesterday, we're taught on how the dispense and serving medications. It brings back memories of the day's I was in the medical centre dispense room where I spend my time giving out many, cough mixtures, flu tablet, cream for foot rot, panadol, blah blah blah... Anyway, the lesson is very important because medication error is very common on the ward. But I can't concentrate because that Stupid JB kept disturbing and rest of the class and me. So I rolled up my workbook and whacked him on his head with it.

*WWHHAAACCCKKKK!!!!!*

Stop it JB! Or else the next time I'll get the whole class' crepe bandages and mummified you with them. Keep in mind that we all use them to practice bandaging skill... Imagine the smell....

Hahaha....

That evening, I went to attend the SO's concert, Sinfonia.

I feel the name of the concert and the programme booklet is nice. I actually dozed off while waitng for the concert to start. When I woke up, I found Jay Chou is sitting beside me!

Oh, it's just Vic. Shucks...

The whole Auditorim is fully seated sia... many of the people either have to stand or seat on the stairs and floor. I wonder if our upcoming concert will be like this...

As for my personal opinion, the concert is nice on the whole, but (there's always 'but') the String section are too soft because there too little String players and too many Brass and Woodwind players. furthermore, the String section were not playing for almost half of the concert. In the end, it's more like attending a concert band's performance, rather than a Symphony Orchestra.

Ok, that's all for now. Need to go do my drug card liao...

Ciao.

'It feels like 'Parish Nursing' all over again..'

Grandma

2006-11-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

"Xiang ar... Jiak peng lou..."

Upon hearing Grandma's voice, my cousins and I would put down whatever (most of the time) we're playing and went down from the third level of their semi-bungalow to the dining room.

The dishes were the usual: Rice, claypot stew pork and skin and tau pok in soy sauce, long bean fried with minced dried shrimp chili, canned cocktail hotdogs and stir fry veggie.

She would be sitting at the dining table waiting for us to start our lunch, with her favorite Camel brand cigarette, sometimes the 'Ang Hun' in her hand and cup half filled with OX liquor in the dining table. At the end of the dining area, the Buddhist chant will be play from the CD play which was on the altar.

She would tell us about her past. How she became the head chef of a certain restaurant back in the old days, how she have to be very careful with the money in order to raise my mom and my auntie after my grandpa passed away.

At times, when I went to visit her, she will be in her room watching teochew opera on the TV, while smoking her 'Ang Hun'. I will twiched my nose as I hate the smell of the smoke. She will always ask me how's school, whether I've got enough money to spend and when will I start having a girlfriend and bring her here. I'll always nod to her every question.

Grandma passed away 4 years ago at afternoon, in a ward at TTSH. She passed away peacefully, while my mom, my uncle and auntie and I by her bedside. She told us she do not like people crying in fort of her. So we hold back our tear until the moment she took her last breath.

Questions that I'm tried of listening are lost words that I yearn to hear again. Smells and tastes that I once thought are foul and bland are now sensations I seek to experience once more.

If I could have one day, just one more day with her, I'll spend just like the days we spent in the house.

The simple joys of Life...

PMS (Pre Monday Syndrome)

2006-10-29T23:18:00.000+08:00

Shucks...

Yes. I'm having PMS 'cause Sunday is almost over!

Tomorrow is Monday and the start of the 7 Ws:

Which means going back to school.
Which means need to go lecture.
Which means got practice.
Which means going back home late.
Which means not enough sleep.
Which means feeling tired the next day.
Which means the cycle starts all over again!!!

I found this commercial clip in Mr Brown's Blog:

It somehow express my thoughts and feelings too. But at least I'll have my classmates (some minus the 3rd W) suffering the same fate as me. Hahaha...

Never fear my fellow student maids- I means nurses, we will survive!!!

老友四重奏

2006-10-24T22:48:00.000+08:00

Today I meet up with Ah Mui for lunch buffet at the Market Plaza Cafe. As usual, our good friend, Stuckup and Meow were late. So the two of us go ahead and have our have our lunch first. Stuckup came just in time while Ah Mui and I were looking at the display of food. The resturant is having a peranakan themed international buffet. For our 1st round, we had these:

There are prawn noodles, fried chicken wings, fish porriage, siew mai, zui kueh, paper chicken and some sandwich. The food we have in not really peranakan. Ah Mui thinks the theme is just to attract the foriegners.

While the two of us were busy taking photos of the food, Stuckup came back with his plate looking like this:

Wah Liao... Take a smaller plate lah! Meow came after we finished our 1st round. Ah Mui had to bring her to the resturant as she got lost. After her grand arrival, we started on our 2nd round. While we're eating, we talked about how some coffeeshops had a the sign saying 'No Outside Food'. If we eat food bought form other places in the permise of the coffeeshop, the food should consider 'inside food' right? Hahaha...
The Food they served in the resturant are mostly local crusine. I think they should called it as locally international buffet, but that will be very contradicting.

For the dessert, we had yam paste, durian pudding, bread pudding, chocolate moose and some other stuff.

Overall, the food is so-so. The ambience of the place is nice, but I don't feel it's worth the money.

After lunch, we head to Vivo City to do some shopping(actually the shopping are done by Meow and Ah Mui la. Stuckup and I just accompany them). The place is full of people sia! I know it's public holiday, but the place is practically infested by humans!!! Many parents brought thier children to the Sky park where there has this huge and shallow pool.

The area becomes a mini siloso beach! We came across these interesting signs.

At the Vivo Mart, Ah Mui said it's a place for her ans there're lots of slimming food for her to buy. I think it's fine for her if she don't mind travel fron the east of Singapore to there everytime. Hahaha...

Vivo City is really big. After all the walking, we went to a cafe to rest our legs. We went home around 8 pm. Selamat Hari Raya!

SRO Day Plus Six

2006-10-21T22:55:00.000+08:00

One week of schooling has past. It's been quite hectic for me as I've yet adjust back to school. Well, I've survived one semester, what's one week right?

Cone to think of it, I've took a long round-a-bout from schooling. From a poly drop-out, to a waiter, to a soldier, to a slacker, half-f**K musician, and back to a student. I won't say I've seen everything, but I've seen some interesting things. From being a loner in school, to a waiter that can take all the abuse from customer and still give them a smile. From 'garang' recruit to a slack and 'know-it-all' LCP(only I didn't really know everything. I just act like one). From a Medic trainee to a Musician in MDC to a Student Nurse.

Yup, life has been quite unpredictable and interesting for me.

This semester will be very busy for me. By just looking at my timetable, I'll have dizziness and headache. Everything are jam pack together. Even my CCA are having performance around my test and exam period! Breath Ray, breath...

May Buddha give me strength to take on the challenges ahead...

Here's two of the goofy video I took during my NS life. Well, all I can say is I have too much time in hand and... I'm bored. Hahaha...

Behold, China's pride... or is it? Part 2

2006-10-19T00:18:00.000+08:00

Good Midnight Everyone!

One of my CO friend from the school critisied me of being too 'self high' aobut the Ge Hus the school just bought.

Guess what?

I'm gonna 'self high' even more! Hahaha....

Ok now, back to more of the Geek's stuff. Today, I'm gonna talk more about the Ge Hu (革胡).

Development of the Ge Hu starts around the 1950s, where there's a need for bass instruments in the Chinese Classical scene. As I mentioned in my previous entry, the Ge Hu is made out of necessity and China's ego.

Like the other Hu Qins (胡琴), the Ge Hu has a sound barrel with a snake skin stretched over one end.

Front of the sound barrel

Back of the sound barrel

However, instead of having the bridge directly in contact with the snake skin like other Hu Qins (胡琴), it links with several connector that are attached to the skin as shown below:

The bridge

Inner side of the snake skin

Gehu is a fusion of the Erhu and Cello. The tone is clear and rich, like the viola da gamba. However, The Gehu has many weakness. It has a tendency to go out of tune easily if too much pressure is apply to the strings. The volume of two Gehus are only equivalent to one Cello. The instrument's volume and tone quality depends on the snake skin. As snake skin are easily damage by humidity, great care must be taken to prevent the deterioration of the skin.

Gehu has become a rare instrument as most of the Chinese Orchestra around the world has replace it with cello and double bass. Therefore, I am very fortunate to be able to play this unique instrument in NYP Chinese Orchestra.

SRO (School Re-Open) Day

2006-10-17T00:08:00.000+08:00

Well, well, well...

In the first of school I got two surprises: I involuntarily volunteered to be the Class Rep and JB volunteer to be Assistant Class Rep! Somemore, Early in the morning kena stress by our tutorial lecturer. Plus, having morning sinus until now because of the haze.

But wait, there's more!

ALL MY SIBELIUS FILES FOR HONG KONG LOVE SUITE ARE CORRUPTED!!! CANNOT BE OPEN~~~!!!

Why oh why! Why can't I live a peaceful life, without all these leadership thingy and smoke up my nose~~~?!?!

"Om Ma Ni Bei Meh Om... Om Ma Ni Bei Meh Om..." *Chanting Buddhist prayer to lower his blood pressure*

So now I have to re-type all the scores for Bass, Cello and Percussion.

ROOOOAAAARRRR!!!

Today's sectional practice is a chore for DK. As Mr Lee did not come because he's sick. So, DK (DK is also sick. seems many people are down with headache and flu due to the haze) has to teach the Cello section, enduring his headache. What I'm I doing during the practice? I just stand one corner and slack. Hahaha... No lah, I got help him a bit, but I still feel a bit bad because I didn't help much. Vic can handle by himself and the newbies didn't come. So I do not need to look after the Bass section.

Sorry DK Bro, hope you get well by tomorrow.

Oh ya, one last thing: JB! Stop calling my name in that disgusting way! In case you still know how to read Chinese, it's 瑞祥. Not 瑞香! If not, I'll start calling you by your Chinese name ar... *Smack back of JB's head*

Ok, that's all for today. Peace, JB.

"If I wanna hear from an arsehole, I would have farted."

-quote from one of my NS pal.

Until next time, my friend...

2006-10-14T20:14:00.000+08:00

Finally back to my messy, yet cozy bedroom-cum-dinning room-cum-study room. Last night, I spent my time in the airport with Ash, BX and Lin to finish up with the collage for Lou. She had migrate to the States. I had three cups of coffee and I can feel my hands a shaking a bit.

Although I'm not very close to her, but I'll sure miss her when she's not around. So are my other classmates. See her go makes me envy her. Will I have so many friends seeing me off if it was me whose going oversea? Many of her friends came to sent her off and boy, there are lots of hugging and tears as Lou were about the enter the departure hall.

No, I didn't cry ok... Just... morning sinus... *sniff*

After all that, I went back to school practice. Man, I feel really stone lah! After practice, there still spring cleaning for the CO rooms!

T-I-E-R-D!!!

Here's a collage done by Ash:

Until next tme my friend! For now, take care and wish you all the best in everthing you do.

Behold, China's pride... or is it?

2006-10-10T00:48:00.000+08:00

It's been a long day for me... After my TP's make up attachment, I head back to school for my CCA. Guess what I found?

No, it not some artistic sculpture. Here, you're are looking at the alternative answer to Chinese Orchestra's bass section (and by-products of China's ego): The Ge Hu (革胡)and Bass Ge Hu (低音革胡)!

Below is the Ge Hu and it's playing position:

Oh by the way, the model is Edwin. Thanks man.

Next is the Bass Ge Hu:

Here, I tried to play the Bass Ge Hu:

There's something wrong with the picture above. Firstly, I'm holding a German Bow using the French bow method. Secondly, The Bass Ge Hu is a bit too low for me. Lastly, I'm in the picture! Man... Do I looked fat or what? Wait, I am fat! Hahaha... *Laughing loudly while rubbing his own belly*

The Bass Ge Hu is almost identical to Ge Hu, only larger. Compare the two to Cello and Double Bass, Ge Hu and Bass Ge Hu sound softer and muffed. Imagine a Cello or Double Bass having a nose block. Hahaha... It very difficult to handle the take care of the instrument too, as they're bulky and heavy. The good point about Ge Hu and Bass Ge Hu is their sounds bland well with the rest of the Chinese Orchestra's Instrument.

After the practice, Ape-Man DK tried to steal the Bass Ge Hu!

Ah Ha! Caught you in the act! Oui! Put down the instrument, or else no bananas for you for 1 week!

A Hazy Conclusion

2006-10-06T23:55:00.000+08:00

Finally! The ordeal has ended.

The went by quite smoothly, though I've also attained the title of 'Royal Massager' for 'His Majesty'. Yesterday he had a very heated quarrel with his wife. Looks like even his wife has reached her limits.
Heck, every staffs in the ward are reaching their limits on him. After all the student nurses are gone, the staffs there will have tougher times as they have lesser hand to help them.

All the best to you peeps!!!

After me and my school mates left the hospital, we decided to take the picture of the SGH's museum.

As you can see, there's a slight aura surrounding the clock tower due to the haze. We thought that we were at Genting sia... Only that is much more hotter and humid. Welcome to GGH(Genting General Hospital)!

The haze gets worse when Val and I reach the bus stop.

The haze is so bad that we could only see the red logo of the OUB building. We decided to take the train instead as the air was too bad for us to stay at the bus stop any longer. On the train, Val and I talked about the last day spent in our wards. She wish that all her patients will get well soon and that she's gonna miss them too. I shared the same feelings of her, accept that I won't be missing them...

Okay, okay. Maybe a little.

The haze is everywhere!!! After I got off at Boon Keng MRT station, I can feel my eyes and throat are getting dry.

I can't even see the opposite building clearly! By the time I reached home, it even worse!!!

Actually, the weather here is the same as Boon Keng. It's just my phone's camera is out of focus. Hahaha...

Hospital 'burns' my Lantern Festival!

2006-10-06T11:19:00.000+08:00

All right...! Today is my last day of my hospital attachment!

By 2100 hours, my job as a student nurse/maid/cook/runner is over... For now. At least there will not be anymore 'Lim, give me orange juice', 'Lim, give me my Hi-chew', 'Lim, give me my Ensure', 'Lim, apply cream to my back', 'Lim,shit you!'. My final word for you, 'Your Majesty':

Enjoy while it last!

This is my first Lantern festival spend in the hospital. Usually I'll go around burning little kids' paper lantern or set the playgrounds on fire, thinking the its a very big camp fire. Instead, I'll 'burn' my time taking care of the patients. I don't really mind actually as I've still have my classmates with me. Furthermore, I've get to be friend with some of the patients.

Last night while on my way back home after work, my friend and I stopped by at china town to get some pictures of the lantern display that are set up along the main road.

Here's some pictures I've took:

Nice eh? I bet they will make a real nice camp fire. Hahaha....

One week past, one week more to go.

2006-10-01T00:20:00.000+08:00

It's been a interesting week for me. I've been more like a maid then a nurse. Besides taking patients' parameters, I've fed them, made their bed, bath them, change and wear clothes for them when they can't do it themselves. I even cleared their pee and s**t, clean their a***hole when they s**t.

Maybe I can consider becoming a housekeeper in a hotel if I can't become a nurse for what-so-ever reason. Hahaha...

Remember 'Mr 6 Sense form my previous entry? Apparently, he has been in the ward for quite some time already. The staff nurses called him 'the King'. He'll say whatever he wants and eat whatever he wants and he doesn't listen to our advice. Lots of the student nurses has been scolded by him too. He would criticized us for not 'carrying our own balls'. 'Every little things need to consult the staff nurse, you guys have no guts!' he says.

Right, it's not your career that's on the line.

As if that's not enough for him, he even criticized my name! 'Why is your name spelled that way? You guys don't know what you're doing.' My first name are spelled together instead of being apart (Ruixiang, instead of Rui Xiang). What's wrong with that!?!?! By this time, I've lost some of my patience with him, but I can't lose my temper on him due to professionalism. Hahaha... So I have to endure all the crap he said to me. My colleagues told me not to take it to heart.

They are right.

In the end, who's the one who can't move and feed himself, eh? Once when he transfers to home, he won't have the VIP treatment he has now.

MWAHAHAHA...

I know, I know. It's not very nice for me to say that. But I never say I'm a nice guy what. Besides, I need a place to vent my anger... Fortunately, not all patients are like him. Some are very nice. They keep thanking me for helping them, which makes my day better.

One week past, one more week to go!

Information Overload!!!

2006-09-25T07:48:00.000+08:00

*Yawn* Finally back to home...

My first day in SGH has ended quite smoothly. In the morning, I was the first in my tutorial group to arrived. It's not that I'm very 'ga rang', it's because I overestimated my time to reach SGH from home. Hahaha...

Once everyone has arrived, our CI begun the orientation of the ward. At the first, I was eagerly scribbling down every words the CI said. But towards the end, we got so much information jammed into our brain that I gave up taking notes as I can't keep up with the pace. We end up spending the whole morning just to familiarize the the place. By this time, most of us are famished. At around 1.30pm, CI finally release us to have our lunch.

For the rest of the afternoon, we're to go to our respective ward and assist and observe the staff nurse and the senior on their work. JB was fooling around, and was scold by SC. JB commented that something like 'having fun with still young' and 'you been old'. This further ticked SC off and she gave him the 'black-face-enough-of-this-nonsense' look.

Here's a conversation I had with one of the client, let's call him 'Mr 6 Sense':

RX: Good afternoon Sir. I'm Student Nurse Ruixiang. Now I'm gonna take your pulse and blood pressure, ok?

Mr 6 Sense: Ok.

While taking BP...

Mr 6 Sense: You know how to read my BP?

RX: Yes Sir. I'll read it from the meter.

Mr 6 Sense: You're wrong. must use your head. My six sense tells me my BP is around 100/60.

RX: O...K... Sir.

After taking BP...

Mr 6 Sense: You young people , take this opportunity to learn.

RX: Um...hm...

Mr 6 Sense: You guys are here to learn your practical. Throw away your theory, they are useless.

RX: Right Sir...

Mr 6 Sense: Nowsaday, you young people are terrible. With my six sense ar, I can tell which person are......

Goes on lecturing us about life, women, telling us to migrate to Australia and MM, LKY...

Actually, he's not a very bad patient. He just need some young people to talk to, as he do not have any kids. But he has a very devoted and loving wife. (:

After attending to him, I went to the restroom to relief myself. I came across this device that is attached to the toilet seat. Outta curiosity, I turn the Dial on the side of the device. Suddenly, a jet of water came splashing on to me. I end up spending 10 mins to lean and dry off the wet patch on my uniform. Later I learn that the device is for the people to clean their a**hole after doing business. WFT! At least I don't smell like s**t. Hahahaha...

We went to visit JB's Mom after work and she ask me if this is my second job change. Wah Sia... Do I look so old?!?!? Must be me being fat and balding. *Sigh* After the visit, JB suggest taking the shuttle bus. We walk all the way to the bus stop, only to find a long queue.

"Long queue meh?" JB said.

SC decided to walk back to the MRT Station instead as the queue is too long. I swear SC and I would have twist JB's head off his neck if not for us being too tried from all the standing walking around in the ward.

Eh! Still got the Cheek to say 'long queue meh?' Slap your head then you know ar, JB!

~ Life is not a waste, the only time we waste is the time we think we are alone. ~

From the 'Blue Man' in 'The Five People you Meet in Heaven'

Bye TP. Hello SGH!

2006-09-23T11:21:00.000+08:00

Gooooood Morning Singapore!

Beautiful day isn't it?

The sky is all gray, the air smells like burning incense, the road workers are drilling the road early in the morning, waking me up from my weird dream(no, no it's not wet dream. Just something weird).

What a great way to start a Saturday!

Yesterday has been my second last day in TP(last day will be after my SGH attachment). It has been a fruitful week as I've learn a lot from the staff there. The staff nurses there a very helpful and friendly, though many of the m likes to gossip. Hahaha... Not to forget my fellow student nurses that are attached to TP too.

It's been fun working with you all. Cya around people.

Next stop, SGH here I come!

I felt a disturbance in the Exam Room...

2006-09-20T12:28:00.000+08:00

First of all, here's the reply to one of my buddy's, CPL(NS) Lee, question:

What 'da pau' 'da pau'! F**K you understand!

For goodness sake, it's called Last Office or Care After Death!

You think what? Mac Donald's Home Delivery ar?

* Give one tight slap to the back of LTZJ's head *

Respect the Dead hor!

And I've learned the theory lah, but haven't encounter any. If you wanna see, I can 'da pau' you lo.

WAHAHAHA...

Today I'm not going to TP because I have to take the alternative exam paper ('cause I miss my previous one due to food poisoning. Damn the steamboat buffet shop in Geylang!). During the exam, there's this girl sitting beside me kept clearing her throat. Then, like it's contagious, others in the room start to do the same. I felt like standing up, take my cap and slap that girl's head.

Eh, come on la! Wanna clear your throat, don't clear so loudly la! Everytime when I almost thought of my answer, you cough. Then I forgot. Very frustrating leh.

After the paper, I went to N.Canteen to have my lunch. I order a can of 蛇草水 from then drink stall uncle to cool of my temper. He give me a bottle of the drink instead, saying it's a sample from the retailer and treat me. Now all my 'fire' are extinguished. Thanks Uncle! Hahaha...

After lunch, I went back home and play some mindless, fast pace, first person shooter game called 'Painkiller'.

Die you throat-clearing B***h!!!