SHE.HER.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

I was completely bowled over when I found this "Nerdy Pick-Up Lines" group on Facebook. Gawd, I wonder how they came up with these in the first place. Classic! =P

Listed below are a few of my favs:

1. You have nicer legs than an Isosceles right triangle.

2. My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can't hold it in.

3. Baby, I know my chemistry, and you've got one significant figure.

4. You're hotter than a bunsen burner set to full power!

5. Are you cos^2(x)? Because I'm sin^2(x) and together we are one.

6. If i was an endoplasmic reticulum, how would you want me: smooth or rough?

7. By visually measuring the wrinkles in the front of your pants, calculating your body mass based on your height and weight, and dividing that number by your waist size -- I conclude that you have absolutely nothing in your pocket and are, in fact, glad to see me.

8. By looking at you I can tell you’re 36-25-36, which by the way are all perfect squares.

9. You’re so cute you make my zygomaticus muscles contract. (Muscles that make you smile)

10. Want to meet up so I can excite your natural frequency?

Word of caution: Don't use them on anyone....ever. =P

Labels: Just for fun/Meme

Thursday, May 22, 2008

There are moments like this when I simply want time to stand still....or put it in a better way, COME TO A GRINDING HALT, so I could take everything in one at a time. Breathe properly, for once. =\

Sigh. So much to do, so little time.

Being in pre-exam mode is NOT FUN at all. Everything seems dreary and hectic, now that it's less than five weeks to our BIG Sem 9 examination. Good cases are getting harder to come by as well, no thanks to sudden gush of medics and registrars practising for their respective exams. At the rate things are going, I might as well start turning up on Saturdays to look for patients.... I have done it once, so I could just as well do it again!

So many people I know are falling ill, and I shall blame it on two things: chronic stress and the weather. It's freezing here!!! Man, do I hate it. Speaking of health, I think I'm getting sick myself. Throat's getting awfully sore today. Great, just great. After all the things I've been doing to keep myself healthy.... ><"

As for revision, I am seriously lacking in motivation. Somebody help me.....

[NOTE: Do forgive me for whining in this post. I simply need to rant somewhere....it can be "therapeutic" for me sometimes. =P]

Labels: Random thoughts

Saturday, May 17, 2008

My Fair Lady, Opera Australia: Review

Just attended Australian's version of My Fair Lady at the Victorian Arts Centre, this afternoon.

I was a bit disappointed with the first act and a few actors. The score "Wouldn't it be Loverly?" during the first act was sung dismally in my opinion. The chorus, in particular, 'drowned' the lead actor's voice at one point. A shame, really....since she has a beautiful voice. As for the actors who did not meet my expectations, let's just say that their presence on stage was not commanding enough. Heh. Then again, given that the 1964 film "My Fair Lady" (which starred Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn) was executed to near perfection, they have a lot to live up to. People tend to compare between productions. Heck, even my views and expectations are "coloured" by the film! =P

[To my readers who have never watched this film before, I'M URGING YOU TO WATCH IT AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME! IT'S SERIOUSLY SOMETHING YOU SHOULD NOT MISS!!!!!]

[My Fair Lady (1964): Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, and Rex Harrison as Prof. Henry Higgins]

Apart from that, it was enjoyable overall. The costumes and backdrops were superb, choreography was good, and the actors who played Alfred Doolittle, Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Higgins really packed a punch! XD

Labels: Leisure and pleasure

Saturday, May 10, 2008

That's it. I'm sick and tired of being so uncertain (of my abilities), to the detriment of my performance in many aspects of MY LIFE.

I believe I could have fared better, were it not for my "low-ish" self-esteem....so as of now, I'm NOT gonna let it BOG me down anymore!!! ><"

Labels: Random thoughts

Friday, May 09, 2008

It's scary, watching the days slip by - like fine sand in an hourglass - flowing, draining.

Next week, I shall begin another clinical rotation - Cardio/Resp/Gen. Med - the final block before my finals on 25th June 2008. (sigh)

All in all, my last block was quite a different experience. Although I detested the idea of cramming five secialties into a six-week rotation, it has nevertheless been a good ride. Among the five, I think I have gained most from the Orthopods and Rheumatologists, since they comprised a larger portion of my coursework. Many thanks to the numerous residents, registrars and consultants I have crossed paths with over the past six weeks. I might not have enjoyed this rotation, were it not for them all. =)

Labels: Medicine/Hospitals/Medics

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Post-mortem

*wipes sweat off brow*

Well I survived, didn't I? =P

Jokes aside, it was overall a very interesting experience. At the very least, I've come to know my strengths and flaws...so that's good. Timing was within acceptable range (ie: 12 minutes), and flow was smooth. My case was admittedly simple nonetheless, a stark contrast to Tony Chen's patient, which was one "jackpot" of a case (and every medic's worst nightmare)!!!

[A big "THANK YOU!" to Tony Young (ortho reg), who advised me NOT to take on overtly complicated cases for long-case presentations!!]

The discussion and Q & A bit was a little tougher, since my mind went into what one might call a "chaotic/manic mode" at that time. Ideas came whooshing by, but expression of ideas and tackling questions are, again, not exactly my forte. heh.

The flow will definitely come....it will just take some time, a bit more practice and a hell lot more confidence!!! =P

The mini feedback session was invaluable, and it was something I really have to thank Dr. Smallwood for. XD

I have no regrets going out there. So I highly recommend every student at RMH to have a go at it. At least once, at the front with Dr Smallwood and Co. It's undeniably daunting, but hey, I learnt a few valuable things in the end....rest assured you would pick something up.

To everyone else who have helped me along the way - to Wee Jie, who helped to obtain a printout of my case results for Dr. Smallwood; to Ali, Jeanne and Jules, for the constructive feedback you've been giving me; to Belinda for the constant support; and to the rest of the medics who did not "boo" me whilst I was in the "hot-seat" - THANK YOU!!!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

In less than 24 hours, I'll be placed on the so-called "hot-seat" at Lovell Theatre, where I shall present a long-case for a consultant (or two) and my cohort, followed by a 10-15 minute discussion/questioning session.

I knew what I was getting myself into when I first raised my hand two weeks ago. It meant more work for me, more "patient-scouting" to do, and lots of reading. Nevertheless, it was also a chance to push boundaries, to see how far I could go before I break. To conquer fear.

I never liked speaking in public, more so in front of people who are, on the whole, far superior intellectually than me. I hate to think of the worst, but I am (unfortunately) at this very moment.

So yes, you could say that I am petrified - of failing and "public" humiliation.

I have my case ready - a neurological one. Not perfect, but hopefully presentable. Considering neurology IS my weakest link, how did I ever decide on this case is still beyond me.

On the brighter side, this is where I can see how far have I gone since I started clinicals last July/August.

Sigh.

Note to self: THINK POSITIVE YUEN, GODAMMIT!!!

More updates tomorrow, after presentation.

Friday, May 02, 2008

A year older, a year wiser?

Just this morning, my clinical group asked me on how will I celebrate my birthday. Good question.

Generally, I do not celebrate mine with a bash of sorts. Unless my more "westernized" relatives and friends decide to throw a surprise party, it's usually a quiet affair. My immediate family do not celebrate birthdays in a big way. Of course we exchange birthday greetings and presents on the day itself, but it usually ends there.

Friends can't help but think that it's odd - birthdays are meant to be happy events, and it is only fitting that they are celebrated with a "bang".

I do not see eye-to-eye with my mates on the latter. Big celebrations are just not my thing, which is partly the reason why I get uncomfortable (and embarrassed) whenever people throw birthday parties for me. Call me an oddball, but that's just the way I am for now. I might get used to it in the near future, but bear with me for the time being.

So what do I usually do on my birthday, you might ask. You could say that I just carry on with my daily routine. Nothing out of the ordinary, apart from replying well-wishers' messages and reflecting on what I've done in the past year.

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To my friends and relatives who remembered my birthday and sent well-meaning greetings and prezzies, to Group K (Belinda in particular) who had painstakingly baked a cake, brought ice-creams to RMH and sang "wholesome-ly" at the student common room, I thank you all...deeply and sincerely.

Labels: Random thoughts

Thursday, May 01, 2008

This is clearly one week when things don't go according to plan.

No matter how hard I try to find time (which, unfortunately, I've been lacking of lately) so I could do something useful, there will ALWAYS be some event which comes along the way and completely mess my schedules up.

Take my unexpected visit to the Student Union dentist yesterday, for example. Just two days prior I was flossing my teeth, and before I knew it I chipped a chunk of my dental filling off! So I hastily booked an appointment....and at 11.15am (after plastics GWR), I was seated at the dental office. The refill went smoothly, apart from the fact that the LA used was a bit strong for me, so I ended up with:

1. A "partial lower motor neuron weakness" of my lower jaw and tongue (ie: I spoke funny, had a sign akin to L. hypoglossal nerve palsy and I couldn't smile properly!!),

2. A really anaesthetic L. mandible, L. lower lip and left portion of the tongue

3. Nausea

Those symptoms lasted for about 3 hours. So yes, I felt crappy.....particularly during the first half of the fracture clinic which I attended from 1.30pm (YES, I KNOW I SHOULD TAKE LEAVE IF I'M FEELING SICK BUT I DON'T WANT TO AT THAT TIME!!!).

[A good thing I didn't in the end, as I learnt a great deal at clinic with Mr. Bucknill (consultant) and Jike (ortho registrar).]

Other things that did not turn out well:

1. Did not go into OT this week. A shame, especially when there WAS a TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT just this afternoon, which I was DYING to go but I cannot as we had PBL discussion and a radiology tute, which lasted till almost 4.30pm. The operation started at 1pm and was expected to finish at 5....so it was rather pointless for me attending after tute. sigh. I could try my luck tomorrow, provided there is a good surgical case medics can go to.

2. Long case presentations. I initially planned to clerk and examine at least 3 patients this week, so I could pick one out of three and present that case for next week's "D-day". I've managed to complete one case only so far, no thanks to many upheavals in my timetable (which meant I had to prioritise). Tomorrow's Friday already.....and from the look of my schedule, I think I could squeeze in a slot for a long-case. However, that would mean I have to skip OT (again).....

3. Catching patients (for aforementioned long-case presentation). With my now jam-packed schedule, I could only look for them either in the morning (between 8 - 8.30am, provided I don't have WRs or early tutes) or in the evening (ie: after 4.30pm). At the moment, I do not have much luck finding good medical/surgical cases.

4. Revision. Again, another problem area for me (and other medics) =P Notes pilling up high now. [Major exam's in 7 1/2 weeks, for your information. DAMMIT!!!!]

5. Keeping up with others' expectations. A tough call when one (with exceedingly small brainpower) has to juggle with five specialties, and I think I've disappointed a few people along the way.... *bows head in shame*