the clock strikes midnight... as the dream slips through your head... this is no dress rehearsal... there is no second chance...

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Mid Autumn Festival

Lantern festival is here. Kevin is going to bring me play fire crackers and light lanterns, on his off day, Friday maybe. Will suggest going to West Coast Park and maybe have a bbq and stay up late. It's been quite awhile we have not been doing these "overnight" thing, be it, to the movies or just cruising at night.
I didn't complete the 12km Sheares' Bridge Run last Sunday. Ran 5km only at the worst timing ever... almost 1hr. During the JP Morgan 5.6km, finished less than 45mins, because I really pushed myself to complete within 1/2hr.

Next run will be on the 10th Oct - S'pore- Johor 2nd Link Bridge Run for 10km. This time must really train but I have not started training since last Sunday's run. Leg still ache. Today, die-die must go aerobics and progressive running every day. I want to finish the 10km run in less than 1hr 45mins. Realised that I'll hurt the lower part of my foot if I slow down to walk. I think I just have to keep running slow no matter how tired I get. Hmmm.. and also have good music to keep me going ....


Went to Queenway last Saturday, intend to get the same sneakers which was stolen, but can't find the shop. Thinking of getting a pair of Converse but it's too ex for a sneakers though it's good shit! Ahh.. that shoe can wait. Will be going there again anytime this week to get a NIKE arm pouch. Hope I can remember where the shop is.

There's no need to cook tdy. The weather is cool and I going to join Kevin in bed for a short nap. Will wake up at 4.30pm get ready to go for aerobics and Kevin to work early today for meeting.







Thursday, September 23, 2004

Maid to Order : Part 2

Everything went well at the airport yesterday. After seeing her off, we let Akid out of the pram.. he was so happy running in the open space with his brother,Alif. Hariana is a cool mum. She takes things slow and steady, yes she can get a bit "kan-chiong" but she handles it well. After what she had gone through with the maid-scouting, repartriation papers, unprofessional services of the agency and handling 3 children without having her hubby around(reservist).. wow, I give her an A* for being a SuperMum! I salute her! Not only she is a SuperMum, she's the Best Employer (to maids, I mean), I ever known.


No matter how angry she is with her maid, she didn't keep it at heart. When we were at the food court on previous day, she asked her maid what drink she would like to have, gassy or non-gassy. Other employer would just get mineral water or drink from the water bottle bought from home. Some employer don't even want their maid to be seated together. Her maid sat and ate together with us. We even had casual chats with her. I wonder what was it that she does not like in this family that make her want to leave. We asked but she couldn't answer. Hariana's style is simple. She only wants the children to be well taken care of- their food, time for school, keeping them company.. basically get along with the children, that it.. well, of course, basic house keeping is a must too!.


Well, now that the maid is gone, the children are happy to have their Mummy at home. I hope she will be able to get the maid she wanted and hopefully the maid will treat her family well cos' I know that Hariana and family will regard the new maid as part of the family. Just want her to know that I will be around to help if she needs me.





Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Maid to Order

Yesterday didn't teach Hariana's daughter,Q , because she had to go for remedial at 11. Met up with them at Admiralty. After sending Q to school, bought breakfast back to her house. Spent the morning there till 12.30pm and left for facial. Here's Agnes and Yong Yong who are responsible for my face.


Hariana was granted unpaid leave to settle her maid issue. She will be sending back her current maid today and Kevin has offered to drive them to the airport. For the past 2 days, we have been visiting the maid agencies at Sembawang Shopping Ctr, Yishun 10 and Bugis. It is a difficult process, choosing the right maid by looking at their portfolio with their photos on it. When I cross-ref the pic and age, it didn't tally. Some looked young for the stated age and vice versa. Some even have the "manly" look. Scary! It's time-consuming and needs a lot of patience. There was a communication breakdown with one of the agencies.

On Monday, she was recommended by the Agency, one experienced-transfered case who had worked in Brunei. Hariana was pleased with the maid's appearance and portfolio. She went to see the maid and was given 1 day to confirm but on that same day, the maid was taken away in the evening just because someone else came and paid the deposit. Hariana was not informed at all. All the effort wasted. She was so upset. The news came to her while she was just about to have her breakfast yesterday morning. No appetite to eat! The Agency then offered her another maid with experience, worked at Saudi for 4yrs. But she was not allowed for an interview with this "Saudi-transfered" maid because an employer had made earlier appointment with the maid in the evening. Hariana can only see her after the appointment time, that is if the potential employer decides not to take her. Desperate to know more, Hariana went down to the agency to see her photo and portfolio instead. The maid is fair and has chinese features. According to Hariana, the Agency hid the maid somewhere... After that, she went to another maid agency to check out some new comers. It was a short visit and then she took the cab down to Bugis to scout for another maid with me, after my facial. Interviewed one who works in M'sia,married no children, hubby in M'sia working, speaks English, tough lady and hoarse voice, more like a tom-boy. Ok lah.. but Hariana's mind is set on that "Saudi" maid. So, at that time, she really cannot think straight and was hoping for some good news.

Unfortunately, the "Saudi-transfered" maid was taken. I was just thinking.. why must the Agency give this option to Hariana and made her travel to see the folio. The Agency should invite her only after the potential buyer rejects the maid. At least, Hariana will not put so much hope on this maid.

So what happened in the end?

The screw-up Agency helps to arrange the paper work to repartriate her existing maid back to Indonesia. And Hariana, still have not decide on any new maid yet. She has a few potential ones.. now just have to choose..

Sophia jus called.. going to meet her now for breakfast and to discuss something serious.













Tuesday, September 21, 2004

A Different Morning..

I can't sleep last night. Lots of things going thro' my mind... about getting a job, finance, my career switch, think of some special people I missed at previous workplace or at play.. and other serious matters too.. No point worrying, just have to work on it. Just like the childrens' song "Pack up ur troubles in your old kit bag"

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you've a lucifer to light your fag
Smile boys, that's the style
What's the use of worrying
It doesn't seem worthwhile
So pack up you troubles in your old kit bag
And smile, smile, smile.
(For the young, a lucifer was a match, a fag was a cigarette)

Having my coffee right now, listening to Rebecca Pigeons while waiting for the washing machine to finish spinning. Right after that will be going to Hariana's house for tuition, sent her to school at noon, then to facial at Rochore. That's my activity for today.

Will be wearing my new T-shirt bought from This Fashion yesterday for just $6, "NO PROBLEM" label with a BIG wording "BioHazard" and a techno-skull design infront and back. And , there's this cool kid I know who likes this sort of T. It had been quite a while we have not spoken (but I hear you and thanks for dropping by). Read her blog.. and found some similarities in both the characters in her and u know who! Once one walks out of his life with or without a reason, he/she leaves for good... how .. like that! Because I know him well... if anyone irritates/angers/piss him off, it's difficult to gain back his love and trust. Whenever I made mistakes and most of the time, was due to my childish behaviour,.. he will not come around to console/sayang me,no matter how terrible i cried or looked sad..he would seek explanations for my actions... he would then give his piece of advise/lecture.. and he always has his points.. so the only way to solve was to realise the mistakes or iron out the problem, usually its me who apologise, give a big hug and everything will go back as usual... that's how it is with him (but cannot make the same mistake). Hmmm, but some may not do what I would do in this case, cos everyone has opinion and mind of their own. Some don't even cry. Some don't even want to forgive and forget. Some would just wait for the other to do that. For this case, can wait long long.... sad..

ahh.. I'm late!



Monday, September 20, 2004

Missy ....

TTSH called this morning and told me that I have passed my medical examination. Wow! GREAT ! Thank God ! Now, they wanted to know when I come with 2 sureties/guarantors to sign the bond officially. My dearest hubby will be one of them and I have yet to get another one who is willing. It is not easy to ask for a guarantor ... but to be a guarantor is not an easy task too..

After the signing of the bond and agreement btw me, TTSH and SMCP, the hospital will then enrol me to NYP for the 2-Accelerated Dip in Nursing Course. Once completed, I can focus on what to do till school starts on 3 Jan 2005.

I am so excited.. I remembered when I was warded at SGH for asthma attack ... I observed the nurses, be it staff or student, carrying out their duties. It is a noble job and not many or any persons can do their kind of job. It's demanding, no rest and always walking around checking patients. I was inspired by what they do and told myself that I want to be a nurse too.

I was once with the Red Cross Soceity when I was in primary school and St. John's in secondary school. So nursing is something familiar. I was thinking.. maybe this is what I should be.. A NURSE! Went back to work after the hospitalisation leave, everyone asked how I was doing... I replied.. I'm fine and I want to be Nurse. They laughed and still are now if they ever find out!

Tomorrow, I'm going for my 3rd facial session. I don't know whether there's any improvements to my face because no one seemed to notice it. The scar on my left still there. Only fairer and because of the fair skin tone, my dark circles under the eyes are so obvious!

I look plum too.. too much of afternoon nap! Need to find something to do in the afternoons, besides cooking- eat- watch tv-sleep, jogging and aerobics. I have gained weight... as of tdy: 56kg, height 159cm. Kevin & me have the same weight! How can?! Must do something!!!









Sunday, September 19, 2004

Run.. Forest .. Run....

Having terrible headache now! I think I didn't drink enough water after running 4km at Sentosa. Started at 0815hrs and finished the fun race approx. 0840mins. That's about 25mins. Well, didn't run all the way.. of course walk a little bit towards the end. Could have done better if not for my MD giving me problem and having to run with a waist pouch. About 7000 people took part in this year's 2004 Terry Fox Run. It did not seemed to be so crowded compared to JP Morgan-Chase 5.6km run at start-end at Esplanade in April this year,which had almost 6 thousand participants. Maybe it was due to 2 different race routes, 8km and 4km. Left the house at 6.15 am, took the NEL to Harbour Front Station. A special bus brought participants directly to the meeting point for the event. Reached there at 7.15am. The race started off at 8am for those running 8km then, followed by the 4km race at 8.15am. Kevin and I have sighned up for the Sheares' Bridge Run & Army half Marathon, which will be held on the 26.09.04. There are 5km, 12km and 21km to choose. We signed up for the 12km. Thinking of participating in the S'pore Marathon in Dec but need to pay about $40, have to think abt that. As for 2004 Terry Fox Run, I paid $25 but it was for a good cause- its a Marathon of Hope.. a donation to Terry Fox Foundation to find cure for cancer. Another interesting Fun run is the 10km S'pore - Johor 2nd Link Bridge Run. Its registration fees are $5 and $8 for non- competitive fun run and competitive respectively. Looks like I have to continue watch what I eat, drink a lot and run almost every day.

I hope I pass the medical examinations so that TTSH can proceed to register my application with Nanyang Polytechnic. Should be getting their letter anytime next week...

My headache still persist.. ahhh...i hope it's not migraine!


Friday, September 10, 2004

I was walking home this morning, listening to Fool's Garden from my MD, and as usual will walk through the underpass and there's the blind man playing his keyboard and singing his usual songs. Well , well guess what? He sang Lemon Tree.. of cos he can't see I was smiling at him for playing the song from my fav band group of the week. Dropped a coin and continued with the song in the MD.

Yesterday's interview was ok. I was interviewed by 2 educators from NUH. They questioned why I change my 1st choice attachment from IMH to TTSH. Initially, I chose IMH as the patients are not chronically ill and not too dependent on the nurses for their basic cleanliness like bathing or changing diapers. It would be more on physical and mental therapy and not clinical. But of course, I could be wrong. That's where training is essential.

I decided on the change to TTSH instead, after the attachment I had early this week. I roughly know what is expected when I become the staff nurse, oversee at least 2 wards with 6 to 8 patients in each wards. Expected to work closely with the assistance nurses. Need to write report on patient's health progress and etc,etc.. It is going to be quite a load of responsibilties. Another reason is convenience.. travelling between NYP to TTSH for training.

I think anywhere is ok. The only problem would be its morning shift at 7.30am.

Well just have to wait. I should be informed in the next 2 weeks on my provisional offer to one on the hospitals. Laila got TTSH , Debbie- NUH and Ernest, IMH. Laila and Debbie was invited for another interview with SGH. TTSH actually called Debbie to choose TTSH over NUH, she now has a choice. As for me, I hope to go to TTSH , 2nd choice IMH and last would be NUH.

Meantime, I would like to go for language course, Mandarin. And, maybe look for part-time job.









Thursday, September 09, 2004

Dish of the Day.


A few days back,I was going through all my cds collection in alphabetical order and found this album "Dish of the Day" by Fool's Garden. Their hit song was " Lemon Tree". It was so popular back then, 8yrs ago..it was over-played everywhere, in Chinese version too. Silly to have bought the CD just for that song. After listening to the CD completely while ironing a huge pile of clothes, I found myself singing to it.. not just the Lemon Tree. It does sound like a silly song but the album is not silly. It's not silly afterall too that I bought the album. No regrets. They have other good songs too. I even have it recorded into my NetMD. Been listening to this german-band lately and it's my personal fav group of the week. Not sure if there's any Fool's Garden fan out there.Hardly get to hear our local DJs play their songs too. Just like the song " The Reason" by Hoobastank. That song was over-played too. I guess fans bought their album for that one particular song only & do not listen to the rest of it. The rest of the songs in that album are great. Love their fast songs. Another one which i can recall would be "Two Steps Behind" - DefLeppard. I was at their concerts and observed most of the concert- goers only knew these tracks, they sang out loud, happy for that moment .. then, after that quiet throughout the whole concert. So much of a FAN!


Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Part II - Attachment at TTSH

This morning, got chance to see how the nurses bathe or change diapers of the elderly patients. This is what I am expected to do first thing when i'm posted to hospitals for training. They won't allow us to do the "chim" ones.. so have to do the dirty job first. I observed the student nurses cleaning the patients and they are doing fine with it.. so i thought, if they can do it, I can do better (stepford wife's motto) !

There is this senior male nurse, Mr Laylee who has worked for 16yrs. He used to be a rocker. His first interview was rejected maybe becos of his rugged looks. He tried the following year, and got in. What makes them take him in this time, we asked. His answer was his looked descent with short hair. We asked him why chose nursing? His reply was simple.. " Interest" . Then, the challenging part is whether we can sustain this "interest" for long.... hmmmm.. sounds familiar.. 3 sec excitement.

I have made a 3new friends from this attachment. They are Ernest the 41- yr real estate agent, 24 yr old airport police and 23 yr old ex-starhub cso. All of them had their interview. Mine will be this Thursday. Can't wait for the interview and medical check up to be over. The HR officer, Clare confirmed that all shld be settled by end Sept, and its when i know whether i'm a successful candidate for the Accelerated Dip in Nursing @ NYP next year, sponsored by SMCP.

Got a lot of time after TTSH, so decided to have a hair cut at Blk 1 Rochor 3 flr shop name " Chest" hairdresser. Cheap and very satisfied. The hairdresser automatically did a soft rebonding for me for free! Will recommend to friends. Next, facial. The 1st treatment out of 5. Was attended by Beautician YangYang. She worked on my forehead and scrubbed off the dark patch on my left check. Painful and it was unbearable when she touched on the nose and around that area. I hate! So sensitive..kept sneezing. Next appt will be on Wednesday,15 Sept 1500hrs. What a day.. tired!



Monday, September 06, 2004

Am I Up for It?

After tuition, went to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for a 4hour attachment with senior nurse, Sister Tan. She has been a nurse for 10 over yrs and now specialises as an Educator. She is one of the senior nurse for Ward 9B. Altogether, there are 3 senior nurse per ward. Each ward has at least 30 staff nurse, excluding the student nurses fr NYP and ITE. She showed me around the wards, medical ward and surgical ward. Pretty busy as it was abt 2.30pm and the morning shift staff nurses were passing down their duties to the afternoon shift staff. Basically, the staff nurses were those graduated from NYP, dressed in white gown with blue-printed florals. Those in white gown with pink-printed florals are their assistant nurses, graduated from ITE. Both have some job scope but the staff nurse has greater roles and responsiblities. They are required to write patients' report, administer medication and works closely with the doctors.

Most of the patients here are very old. Some even had their hands tied to the bed to avoid them pulling the tube out from their body. In cases like this, the hospital will have to inform the family members that the patient need to be tied. It is for their own good.

I was told that all nurses need to attend to patient's basic needs like cleaning , bathing and dressing them up. I saw some of the patients were on pampers and they have to sleep side ways, and every 1 to 2 hrs, they need to be repositioned from the left to right. These old-aged patients, their skin & flesh are thin. If they do not reposition in that manner, their butts will be sore and the flesh will be pressed down. At this point, Sister Tan asked if I'm up for it, to wash old man's butt, bathe and dress them up? Hmmm... shouldn't be too difficult... can do.

She told me that nurses fr China were shocked when they learn that they have to attend to the basic needs of the patient. Because back in their country, the cleaning was done by the patients' family members. No wonder I don't see many china nurses like before.

I got to know one matured 1st yr NYP student nurse. Today was an interest day for her cos' a patient just died. It is a lesson which can't be carried out in class. I was briefed as well on the usual procedure attending to deaths. The hospital will hold the deceased for 2hrs in the ward for family member to come see before moving to the morgue. The deceased will be cleaned and the face will not be covered, to avoid shock. All curtains will be drawn when the deceased are being pushed out of the ward. There a lot more to it .. but can't really recall. Sister Tan told me a lot of stuff which I need to know before deciding to become a nurse. She asked again & agan whether I am ready and will be able to take up the role and responsibilty of a nurse.

My answer: I'm looking forward to this and mentally prepared. If I'm not, I wouldn't have sign up for the course. There are opportunities where I can choose to specialise in. There are non-clinical roles too, like management and education. If I am a successful candidate, I wish to do well and be an Educator. It's not easy, I know.. I just have to work hard.

Tomorrow another day attachment to Sister Tan, This time it will be in the morning. After that, will go for my facial and then maybe aerobics, in the evening.


















Friday, September 03, 2004

Happy U, Happy Me

okay.. i have not been posting, well simply because my darling husband has been hogging onto the pc like 24hrs day & night! His ICT was deferred due to his injured toe. MC for almost 2 weeks... at home do nothing, so wat else can he do.. computer la...happy him! He really make good use of his time this time.. just look at what he had done to his other blogs and all that info he's sharing to all. He is brilliant. Strange, nows-a-days, i wonder why i don't make so much noise or nag ( like i used to long time ago..) at him for spending too much time on the pc till he forgets to do his part..,like scoop the cat's shit, pray or what not.. maybe we are getting old and tired. But one thing he's so sure of that I will maintain to be a mother of all "gr33n 3y3 monst#r"!!!
I think I'm not that bad la, sayang.... I want to thank him for trusting and giving me so much freedom to be myself. Happy Me!

My dearest mum decided not to go for that ops. I tried to explain to her nicely but got too aggressive. Never spoke to mum in such manner. I have hurt her feelings. I was so frustrated while trying to explain to her why it's impt to go for the ops now than later, but my malay language so bad & failed to make her understand. Bottom line is that she's afraid too. That I can understand. Tried to pyscho her to overcome the fear.. still tak jadi.. Just have to wait till she's ready..

1st Sept , my sayang's 33rd birthday. Happy Birthday! But didn't really celebrate. Infact, it was unforgetable day. He overlooked his Traffic fine $150 due days ago, and he had to pay the compounded fine of $300. Paid the fine on this day and pled guilty to the AXS machine.

Kevin doesn't want me to spend $ on him. Can't think of what to get for him. He's quite oriental sort so I got him a hp chain, those tiny-bead cubes that spells his name & the special thing abt this tiny chain is that his surname is written in Chinese character. Only spend less than $10 for that, and on this day too, he signed me up for a facial treatment which cost a bomb! It was more of Myday than His! Thanks sayang... **Muack**

Will update on my facial treatment.. with pics, i hope. Now got to go out.. happy!