The miracle most of us were hoping for arrived - the exam dates have been shifted back to the original 7th and 9th March. Hhmmm.

Sniffing away at home on a rare day when I don't have to go back to school. Eargh.

In need of a miracle

Still amidst the brouhaha over CHP and all the fine-tuning and revisions and the multitude of meetings where things are discussed and thrashed upside down, and rebuilt, comes earth-shaking news today - that the 3rd Year Professional Exams have been brought forward 1 week to the 1st and 2nd March.

Despite repeated protests, it still currently stands.

What can I say? There's actually probably nothing much I can say. An extra 6 days may not seem much to many. But I promise you, it is a lot. Now I'm starting to regret pouring so much effort into this CHP (community health project). I go to school day in and out, and leave school after the sun goes down, to do CHP with my fellow dedicated group mates, and instead see other people mugging COFM and Pharmaco by the benches and the library. I feel like the perfect fool.

Help.

Party pooper

Sigh. What a letdown. Supposed to be my first "care-free" day, but turned bad after phone call. Well, I'm not blaming the messenger lah, since actually I kinda expected it, but was hoping it wouldn't be that way. But, geez..

What a big hoo-hah, and eventually over nothing, since the incumbent was of gold-standard. -_-"

I feel quite relieved. The responsibilty's been lifted off - at least for the moment, while I await the product to be screened and processed - of course, ready to jump back in to improve upon the elders' advices. On that note, my heartfelt thanks to Dr Luo Nan, who tirelessly offered his help, especially to me, this pesky M3, who keeps bugging him with my drafts of data analyses, and seeks his views and opinions. Thank you, Dr Luo!

Am really grateful to the great team I have, working with me! Even though I had difficulty delegating work, many people still sms-ed me and asked if I needed help. Thank you so much for your offers and words of encouragement! Other wonderful people who aren't in my team, yet are always there to help and assist; friends; reliable partner-in-crime an fellow ICs - this CHP team has certainly been a wonderful group of people to work with! =)

Just came back from another session at Mind's Cafe at Boat Quay with some of the CHP people. It started off as a quick jaunt to Chinatown to k-box after a whole day hiding in the com lab thrashing out work, where we trekked to Smith's Street for lunch-dinner at 6pm. Mmmm.. the mutton soup there is quite good.. =) a rain-check was put on the k-box, and we headed to Settler's Cafe, where we were greeted by the "CLOSED" sign -_-" apparently it is now closed every monday, effective 2007. -_-"

So off we treked to Mind's Cafe, where we spent a wonderful 2.5 hours playing board games from Snorta, to Taboo, and to some card game where I kept dying cause I would bu4 gong1 zi4 po4 in the process of trying to sabo pple. -_-"

*****

This few weeks have made me review a few relationships in new light. Is it true that when you're more emotionally vulnerable - say, due to stress or other factors - you tend to do more of your emotional evaluation and rethinking of the meaning of life?

Anyway, the first involved a really good close friend whom I've known since a long time. Time changes everyone. I'm sure I've changed a bit, just that I don't really know and not very clear about. Hope I've changed for the better. Anyway, coming back to the topic, I ended up bemoaning about the change in, say X, to another common close friend. He mentioned that the change in X is not a superficial change. Things ain't all that simple. Thing I would have never imagined him doing, asking, saying - all have changed. My impression has changed. And frankly, I don't think I like too much of the new him. But yet, this sentimental fool of me has never been known to give up on my friendships easily. How do I bring him back? The old virtues which he was well-liked for. You may look cooler now, and feel more confident - but shouldn't people like you for who you are, and not what you look like, or speak like? I don't wanna take drastic measures, but please don't force my hand. Whatever happens in the future, I just want you to know that we're still here for you - waiting for you when you come full circle from your adventure of self-discovery. Always here. =)

Similarly, this few weeks have made me relook my relationship with another friend, Y. I do not discriminate. If I did, it would be really obvious. I do not mince my words much usually (double-edged sword). I don't know what you think, but there are certain things that I stand-by very strongly. My religion, my family, my values, and my friends. I have always stood by yourside, while the others have casted aspersions on your moral character and behaviour. Have I been viewing things through tinted glasses as a result? Or am I wearing them now? Cause now when I read and hear about certain things, I start being able to see both sides of the story more clearer than before. I won't say I'm confused, cos I know what things you are capable of. This post might sound harsh, but one of my more well known traits is that my bark is worse than my bite. I just want you to know that, no matter what, I am here for you too. No one ever said that the road was smooth. And we are always here to ease the way and help see you through. Don't give up. Just as for X, I'll always be here for you too.

*just to pre-empt any silly remarks on BGR or anything, this post is so NOT about the BGR type of relationships. -_-

This few days have been a little crazy for me.

Is it the nature of the job? Is it my perfectionistic nature?

I didn't ask for this job. It landed on me, and I tried pushing it away. In the end, I took it up, deciding that I wouldn't invest too much of myself in it. But somehow somewhere along the road, it slowly drew me in with its intrigue.. slowly.. insiduously.. until I realized too late that I've become too embroiled in it all, and have become, almost, a key figure..

Quick! Extricate yourself!

But the job needs to be done? and you might be the only one who knows what exactly is needed / wanted?

What do you do?

The job was initially easy to divide up and conquer. But the nature of the beast has changed.

Divvy up the work? I tried. It worked for a while. But the main bulk? How do you divvy up something that has the potential of becoming fragmented and choppy if you divvy it up amongst too many people? Is divvying up, then sweeping it up and hammering it back into shape the best way?

*

Actually, I don't even know what is the best way at times. That's why I find it difficult to delegate the job. I'm experimenting and pondering as I sit in front of my laptop with at least 10 different window applications blinking on the task panel. Spss, Mword, Mexcel, Mppt, MSN, IE perenially set to my gmail inbox - as if waiting for some good / bad news to arrive on my doorstep (rather, mailbox step).

I'm really sorry if I didn't exactly turn out to be the best IC for this sub-group. I tink i've tried to be fair to everyone already, and tried to involve everyone to the best of my abilities. Granted that I could have done better, definitely, but I tink i've learnt and grown quite a bit through this period.

*

Hope it turns out alright.

COFM Surveying..

Last week was 1 whole week of ploughing the grounds of Clementi, as we pounded the steps of various HDB flats in search of Chinese males between the ages of 40-64, to participate in our health screening survey.

I suppose the survey pple had it tougher with an extra day of pilot and 1 extra evening after the debate.. After which the rest of the Lit Review team went out in full force to lend an extra helping hand! =)

5 afternoons and nights. Actually on hindsight, it was quite fun. =) *always on hindsight. The first day was still pretty alright, but after that, I guess it's where the Chinese idiom ku3 zhong1 zuo4 le4 comes in, and we were both amusing ourselves and motivating each other throughout the rest of the surveying days, especially during the weekends.

How can I forget my "beloved" blocks of 117, 114, 345 and 377? Especially 117. Man, that took the cake. My first block that I took, with a vague impression that Janice actually lived in 1 of the blocks in this area.. So there were Hwee Chyen and I, knocking on the doors of residents in 117. Well, response wasn't all that stellar at first, so imagine my surprise when we reached this 10th storey flat, and the lady in the house automatically opened the door and started unlocking her main gate, all without me even saying a word! And then she called out my name.. and i was like, "huh?" Then oh! It was Janice's mother! =P So paiseh that I didn't recognise her earlier. Yay. 1 free success. =P

Oh, and then there was this nice nurse, who was giving us pointers on BP taking.. though we did get into a little discussion over whether my BP set was functioning, and resulting in me heading down to the car to get a 2nd BP set for another set of reading.. *oh, just for the record, my BP set's working perfectly fine.* anyway, that was settled amicably, and she was really quite helpful.. =)

Throughout the 5 days, we really saw all sorts of people - from the really really nice people who welcome you into the house and offer you drinks, or offer words of encouragement when you're still knocking their doors at 10.30pm on a Thursday night; to the residents who are wary of people knocking on their doors in general - so that you can see the eye hole disappearing and reappearing, and yet the door doesn't open even after like 30 seconds (and that's obviously a cue for you to get lost); and to the curious residents who ask all sorts of questions about what you're going to do with the measurements and results of the survey study, and then turn around 180 degrees to reject you flat out. Well, I don't blame them - after all, it's free will. Just that more work for us loh. Haiz.

We finally took time off on Tuesday evening to sneak a quick visit to Daily Scoop Ice Cream's at Sunset Way! =P I've only been there once when Amanda brought me there during Med posting, and I saw the owner on TV that day! She's her own boss (obviously) who went through quite a bit before setting up her shop.. Anyway, I love their waffles! =) Now, my ideal waffle, would actually be crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Daily Scoop's waffles are nicely crispy along the outside, yet soft enough on the inside to go with the ice cream scoop of your choice... Mmmm.. *Met Mohana & Charles there.. =P Haha.. everyone taking a much-needed break amidst all the surveying.. =P

Now that the surveys are hopefully done, the data are snowballing in.. Analysis demands are starting to pile up. I hope I don't be so blur.. Haiz. Need to read more papers and ask Dr Tai for help!!!!!!! =P

Can I get this done before next week? Hhmmm...

*who knows, mebbe can even sneak off a short vacation to nearby.. or even go cable-skiing again (but the weather's been pretty lousy).. =P

On Life Lessons..

I found myself thoroughly enjoying Sumiko Tan's column in today's Sunday Times Lifestyle portion, as I felt that I could connect to her article..

An Excerpt from "Me, Myself and Mine" by Sumiko Tan, Sunday Times 14th Jaunary 2007..


"... it's not worth getting upset when people disappoint you because, more often than not, they don't give a hoot that they are letting you down; and two, it's poinless to depend on others to make you happy.

Far safer and saner for one to be self-sufficient first, and to be the source of one's own happiness."



"... just because you want someone's life to revolve around yours doesn't necessarily mean that he wants that too.

And even if he does, well, people are busy with their own lives, too. You can't make another person fit your specifications and your demands just so you - and only you - can be happy.

And rather than behave in this unreasonable way, isn't it smarter to be more independent? To not have to depend on others for validation?"



"... to be more self-sufficient, and the key to that, I reckon, must be to respect yourself more - to find ways to be at peace with yourself and content with what you are and have."



Mmmmm.


Totally me.

COFM

COFM CHP project has been pretty time-sapping this past one and a half weeks.

My sincerest apologies to the many people I have bailed out on regarding appointments, or I have arrived really really late for appointments. Sorry arh! Really didn't mean to appear so late.. =P

Now that the survey's afoot, the ball's really started rolling, and all the work will literally start pouring in soon. Haiz.

and so it starts all over again..

Well, school has already started for me since the 3rd January. Somehow, I still haven't gotten out of my holiday mood. Hey, after all, out of the 2 weeks holidays, I burnt 4 days on my Emed report, almost 1 week on my COFM report, and time was scattered between 4 caroling sessions, practices, and lunch and dinner appts with friends back from overseas.

Feel exhausted.

Haven't slept early in the past few days.

And COFM is starting to drive me up the wall.

Oh, for the non-Med pple, this COFM thing, is called Community, Occupational and Family Medicine. Currently, the whole M3 year is caught up in this 1 month project with a really tight deadline and a ridiculous amount of work. Suffice to say, we have to do research, work the ground with surveys, churn out datas, write a paper, and present it, all within 1 month. Oh, we work in groups lah. But that's not the point, is it? =P

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my blog!!

Whee~

Here's to a million more posts!!!!!!!!!!!

2006, A Recollection

Well, 2006 is come and gone. Welcome 2007!

As we step into a sparkling new year, with new hopes and new promises, it's always good to reflect on the past year and past happenings.

Here are the top 10 important things that have happened in my life in 2006 (in no particular ranking order):


1. Turning 21


Oh yes, my favourite red shirt..

Yes, the year of the 21st birthday parties. Arh.. Feels different to be 21 already. Feeling older by the minute. =P But yeah, with the magic 21, comes the "magical" responsibilities of behaving like an adult - no more whining and bitching like a kid. Oh well.

Anyway, I sure had a splashing good time at my party! Thanks to all who helped make it such a memorable occasion!!! =)


2. Clinical Years


Surgical Scrubs!

Yes, it's the start of the clinical Medicine years. Nope, you don't say goodbye to your books. In fact, you get to keep them! And your new extra time spent in the hospitals.. And your new lessons on Saturdays (for Emed anyway).. And your new travelling time to different hospitals scattered across the island.. And your new..

Phew.


3. Emed Posting
Herm. No pic here. But Emed was an experience of a lifetime.

Cue ambulance run.

1 collapse victim.

That's enough.


4. Departure for Greener Pastures





'tis the year where most of our batch guys actually departed for further studies in countries like USA, UK,... (well, these 2 mainly) Good luck and all the best in your studies over there! And don't forget about us in Singapore!! =)


5. Playhouse 2006



Originally sworn not to touch any projects, ala playhouse / rag / float / blah blah after M2, I still have no idea why I agreed to take on this project this year. But fate had its way. And I ended up helming the Props Team with Janice, and boy, did we come back with a vengeance - the massive props details and proportions swept us to the Best Props Award! Reclaimed from the M1s who snatched it from us last year.

Priceless.


6. Cable-skiing



This makes its way up to the top 10 this year, by virtue of the fact that this is something I would not normally associate myself with. Again, i did not know what possessed me to go cable-skiing, since I'm not exactly a sporty-type of person myself. But yes, I'm glad i went! I had a great time, and I wasn't exactly too sucky at it.

When shall we go again?


7. Caroling



Some good things never change. =)


8. Hot wheels



Arrival of family car!

Our 1st family car! Now we can drive out as a family! =)


9. Vivocity


Vivo fountains at night! Courtesy of Ouyang! =)

This makes its way here by virtue of its location - being on the NEL! The latest BIG thing to hit Singapore's shopping scene. Plus its wide array of shops and the fantastic GV Max Cinema. Plus the marvellous view from the waterfront. Mmmm.. =)


10. COFM Patient
Well, no pic here either, for confidentiality reasons. Through my patient, I really got to see many issues through a different perspective. Who decides the right to live? Is treatment really worth it - pain VS longer life? Family ties are really important!

Thank you for the lessons learnt.



Thank you 2006!! It's been a great year! I've had my fair share of ups-and-downs in 2006, and I hope that I've come out stronger for the experience..

May 2007 be an even better year!!

Wishing everyone a brand new sparkling new year 2007!!!!