SOCIAL WORK- THE PEOPLE'S PROFESSION

Feeling Awwwwwwwwwwful......

2008-09-15T15:13:00.003+08:00

It's really tough falling sick.. I can't believe it when my temperature hit 37.5 deg C last night... Wanted to die. No panadol and nothing to make me feel better except cold compress.. Now really felt awful..

Recently went to watch Wall-e.. Good show I thought. Enjoyed myself.. Not much of dialogue, but sometimes, too many words may not be the best thing as well At times, I feel that silence is better. I guess, it applies to humans too.

So, my dear friends, never be afraid of silence or to remain silent. We don't need to be ready to talk or fill the conversation with words especially when the other party is crying, angry etc. At times, silence is space to think or reflect, silence is a signal of mutual understanding, silence can be more precious than words that we say.

And now i'm going to find my own silence, and hope to get better by end of the day..

*I'm glad the wards are not calling me endlessly, love the nurses who are working with me.*

My Personality

2007-10-26T23:07:00.000+08:00

I've done this test twice and both results are exactly the same.... If I'm not wrong,
E= Extrovert
N= Intuition
F= Feeling
P= Perception

So, easily, you can guess that:
I= Introvert
S= Sense
T= Thinking
J= Judgemental

Which is the opposite of me.

So what are you?

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!

In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.
You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts.

At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.
You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding

When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's Your Personality Type?

Watch out for the next test! (seems like I got nothing better to do right? Haha..)
But this shows that I'm good, guys, what are you missing out?? And to my dear Mr Wong, don't blink as you read down the page! Muahahahaha...

You are a Great Girlfriend

When it comes to your guy, you're very thoughtful
But you also haven't stopped thinking of yourself
You're the perfect blend of independent and caring
You're a total catch - make sure your guy knows it too!

Are You a Good Girlfriend?

The MILLION DOLLAR Wedding

2007-10-17T11:33:00.001+08:00

Attended Anita's wedding in September... This is the most look forward to wedding this year... Million dollar because she not only found happiness, but married a rich guy, grand wedding (comprising a church wedding, lunch reception at hotel, a poolside party, with wine tasting, magic show and good buffet, and also a formal dinner!), many celebrities, music, and most importantly, great food! Share some pics with all..... Firstly, let me introduce a quarter of my dept with you... Above as you can see, are some colleagues.. And you can see from our faces, we're thoroughly enjoying ourselves...

And as you can see here, 3 gals and a guy... This is the four-fifths of NICU group.. NICU means "Night ICU", attending to on-calls.... Such great sacrifice... of sleep...

Still many more photos to share but unable to upload, I'll try again next time. Those who are in FACEBOOK can go to my albums to take a look if you like.

Take care everyone! See you soon!

Welcome to the World!

2007-07-13T22:57:00.000+08:00

My colleague Molly just gave birth on Tuesday, 10 July to a healthy and chubby baby boy. It's so exciting working in hospital sometimes, 'cos anything can happen to you or your colleague and guess what, you're just seconds to receving the best care in town!

I saw Molly coming in at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday, even said 'Hi' and the next minute, I heard that she was in labour ward already. She was so cool about it that she just walked to the labour ward by herself and everyone thought she went to buy teh-bing! Haha! But was glad that our dear baby came out handsome and well. Some pictures to share:

Hey everybody, look at me! My name is Zachary! I just came to this world on the 10 July! Aren't I cute? I weigh 3.3 kg...Such a healthy kid ya? Hehe... Mummy and Daddy loves me so much!

Mummy says I'm s sleepy head, but I think I'm a good boy! I know Mummy is tired after all the 'pushing', so I slept through the night so that she can also have a good rest!

My nickname is watermelon, 'cos everyone say my mummy's tummy is like a watermelon before I came out! But I have been good all these months! I did not make mummy vomit or feel unwell, I also did not cause mummy too much pain when I came out.

Mummy's colleagues came to see me the next day! So many people and so much noise, but I did not cry or scream. I just looked at everyone when they introduced themselves, so many Uncles and Aunties! I'm going to get lots of presents! Tee-hee!

I'm now all raring to go home. I want to see how my little cot is like. Daddy said that it can be converted into a child's bed when I'm bigger. I just can't wait! Coming to this world feels totally AWESOME!

ADJUSTMENTS....................

2007-07-05T21:38:00.000+08:00

Adjustments are never easy- adjusting to new environment, new people, new job scope... and the list just goes on....

Today our department just shifted to our new office place. The place is much bigger, brighter, more cosy, with a TV to divert attention and keep our patients occupied, and a automated queue number system (or a semi-automated at this point of time, I should say.) that goes "Di!.....Di!......Di!" each time a number is pressed. I really like that and am actually looking forward to the queue system kicking off next week. Sure there will be teething problems, but I'm sure it'll work out fine soon (hoping with crossed fingers). Remain POSITIVE!

I managed to book my own appoinments this week by myself, the feeling of accomplishment is totally awesome. I was so proud of it that I was in a perfect mood that day. Haha, so clever right? Fast learner mah... *dun want face*

I know that with this sytem in place and all the shifting, many people are totally stressed up. With the open area, counter staff are also under much more scrutiny than ever before. These two days of getting the system up and having lots of problems are getting people on the edge. Many people are more irritable and miscommunication starts and became epidemic. How I really wish I could scream out loud, I just want to tell them, "It's ok when frustration sets in, but lets work together, WE CAN MAKE IT!"

But sometimes, being so junior, and in Singapore's most established hospital, I think I just have to keep my mouth shut and do my work. Haha, think I have talent for working in groups and being loud, maybe I shouldn't be a Medical Social Worker afterall.... Wrong setting? Perhaps.....Heh!

THE NEW NKF...

2007-05-16T20:40:00.000+08:00

Today is really a outdoor day for me. Firstly went to Bright Vision Hospital near Hougang for a visit and luncheon, doing a bit of PR with the staff there. Then headed to the launch of the new NKF dialysis centre @ Woodlands. This visit to NKF is one that I have been looking forward to for since last week.

This is the first centre set up by THE NEW NKF after the whole saga... It has special meaning to THE NEW NKF, its management, staff, patients, donors, public and us.

The dialysis centre is spacious and the design is simple yet cosy. Not as elaborate, and it does not have expensive interior designs such as fish tanks.... Even the opening ceremony was kept simple and low-cost. Held at the void deck and simple reception but nice food though. GOH Minister Khaw came to grace the opening. However, there were much emotions and thoughts as we look at the centre and think about how THE NEW NKF has been trying very hard to build back its reputation and bring back old as well as recruit new donors. Good news today is..... Dialysis cost is going down again! Now for one session it's $130 (w/o subsidy) @ NKF... And we hope that there will not be much increment subsequently...

Guess this will be featured in the news today, do look out for my back view! Haha!!!

By the way, NKF is recruiting befrienders. So if you're interested to devote some time to lend a helping hand, please do!

PICTURESQ

2007-05-16T20:18:00.000+08:00

Took some photos in office recently..

To, the world, meet my beloved colleagues!!!!

Sock Sim heading to Beijing to join her husband soon, so took these few weeks to go out, meet up, or else when she is over, she'll just be a tai-tai and do nothing but shop and eat and shop and eat... Pictures above are taken with courtesy of Billy Bombers Restaurant @ Central....

And now.... The first and only....

Chipmunk & the orange!

The Phantom of The Opera Is Here!!!!

2007-05-07T19:01:00.000+08:00

Friends are no "spare tyre".. Only the insecure, the immature would think that being friends, or being called out at the last minute, they are the reliefs for something or someone else... My friends are never reliefs to replace the temporary emptiness if my Dear is not around. My friends are constantly on my mind. Though I may not always be there to meet or spend time with them, they feel my presence. Even when I've not met them up for a long long time, the chemistry in the friendship will never be lost. To all my friends out there, Wee Leng, Jac, Flo, Christina, Pam, etc, Three Cheers to FRIENDSHIP!

Had a great time yesterday although morning is slightly chaotic cos Germaine had taken ill and we were frantically looking for someone to come to the play. Luckily Wee Leng was able to make it and came along! We had much fun though, eating expensive sandwiches and drinking expensive juices. They play was great. The effects were good and we were very much entertained!

Anyway, some pics showing us having a good time..

Ninja Raku Restaurant @ CityLink Mall. Haha, Table 27! Such a coincidence!

Kickapoo Float & Cookies and Cream Milkshake! Yum Yum!

OOOOooooo... Breaded Fish & Chips! Nice.. Costs $8.90! Cheap and Yummy!

After a nice dinner, total cost plus service charge and GST is just $28, we left for the Esplanade holding our tickets and excited for the time to come....

After the concert, I bought a CD, a keychain for my sis and a magic mug for my dear dear!

After the show and even at this point of time I'm humming the tune of The Music of The Night...

Life Is Full of Grey Areas....

2007-05-02T21:36:00.000+08:00

That's what my Principal Social Worker told me today... Initally I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want to help that particularly nasty patient. He turns me off, he puts me in a bad bad mood. He SPOILS my day...

Social Workers have to be constantly aware of our transference issues. We tend to judge and feel our emotions rising. We then feel anger towards our patients. True that it is not right to be judging people, I don't have the authority to do that anyway, but humans are born biased. We judge, and that's a choice that lead our lives. We judge and differentiate good from evil, pros and cons... And that is also why we have close friends, good friends, so-so friends and judgements and biasness are also qualities that gave rise to the so-called "teacher's pets". So I have my own classification of 'good' and 'bad' patients. 'Good' patients are those who are appreciative of you, are nice and modest. 'Bad' patients are demanding, screams and shouts and make big fuss out of nothing. They are the BLACK-LISTED.

However, as I am writing this entry, I started to see the big picture I was suppose to see. True that they are black-listed. But they are desperate and screaming for someone to hear them and to enlist the right help. They are the ones who are falling through the gaps of society and community resources. True that my patient spent more than $20K over period of a year frivolously. True that he should be punished and should not deserve welfare. But we should not keep dwelling on his past. The fact presently is that we have a man who does not have a single cent, owe government agencies lots of money, and has a medical condition that Drs can't do anything about. Yes, he has $20K, but that's already gone isn't it? What more do we want before help is given? For him to cough out the money? IMPOSSIBLE! If he can do that, he won't have to come banging and banging demanding to see a social worker.

So, life is full of grey areas... There can never be a total black or white... So my friends, always take things easy, so that life will not be so hard...

REVIVE!

2007-05-01T22:23:00.000+08:00

Have been some time since I last put an entry. Managed to change some setting independently. Although not as sophisticated, I'm still proud of myself! Job well done! Must ask Jac to see and give comments. Wait till she's free before she teach me more things about changing the blog's appearances etc..

Some updates about myself, have finally graduated and now in social work field. Being a Medical Social Worker (in short MSW) in Singapore's biggst hospital is indeed a challenge. Life's full of excitement and surprises.. Through the course, have made good friends and definitely foes... Shall update whenever something happens. Guess this blog will also serve as a ventilation area... The firing ground for the firing squad (me and my gang).

This is outside the gym of staff gym @ SGH..

Artificial waterfall.. Though it's fake, but it's nice backdrop...

See, me and Huat..

(Don't ask when I'm getting married!)

Me inside Cecilia's offｉｃｅ.. Act cute.. But cute what..

My dear Auntie Alice.. She's my social work assistant for Orthopeadics...

Plus plus plus, managed to meet up with my pals over these few weekends! Really had fun and glad to have gone shopping for furniture with Jac. Hope the buys she made were good and able to see my comments and opinions in bits and pieces of her room!

Doesn't this looks as if she's feeding me? Scandalous, scandalous, scandalous....

If you look close enough, you'll notice I've cut my hair!

Haha.. Look at my distorted face.. We'll be future PRINCIPALS of a childcare centre in 10 years.. Believe it?

Pam and Flo sharing some gossips..

Simply LOVED this picture.. Nice tee Flo!

So loving!

~Peanuts~

2006-01-23T12:46:00.000+08:00

Dear frens, no food this time, but have something to share. I find it rather meaningful. Enjoy....

Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't need to actually answer the questions . Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten>>>people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners . Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life if you choose to.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia ." (Charles Schultz)

Crystal Jade @ Paragon

2006-01-13T16:40:00.000+08:00

This crystal jade branch @ Paragon 5th level (if I din recall wrongly) seems rather exquisite and expensive la..... look so nice on the outside.... Dark and mysterious, calling you to go in.... This time round, went with a bunch of good frens... Xusheng, Cheryl, Pam, Yuanxiong and Ashely (so rare)... We initially wanted to eat 'zi char' but cos Singapore was almost flooded that day (the day where it first rained the whole day and night!) we decided to stay indoors. And our dear Xusheng, claiming that Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Takashimaya was 'low class', we headed to the HIGH class Paragon.. *Keke*

After getting seated, they will serve you a round of 'Kung Fu' tea, appetizers and warm towel. Pam then went for the warm towel and put it over her face, insisting that I do the same. And both of us went "Wa..... So warm.... comfy..." since we're almost freezing. After that, we decided to look at the menu and ordered a few dishes to go with rice (HIGH class 'zi char'). Being undecisive over the dishes (everything seems so nice!), Xusheng decided to take over. So this is what we had:

Boiled old cucumber soup (to make us feel warmer and it taste superb! I had 2 bowls!)
'Dong Po' Pork with fried Mantou (the guys loved this! the gals fought over the limited no. of mantous)
Braised Toufu with Seafood (it's like 'yi ping guo' and very nice. Got fish got scallop etc.)
Ginger and dunno what chicken (I insisted I wan chicken cos I halal)
Mix 3 kinds of vegetables - stir fried (It's ok, but Cheryl found a strand of hair which doesn't belong to her in the veggies)

After main course, we juz drank Pu'er tea (which Pam frown upon) and chit chat till many hrs later. No desserts cos Xusheng said that the dessert there is not good. When we asked for the bill, a 2nd round of 'Kung Fu' tea again was served. Time to wrap it all up! Too bad Lindy couldn't make it and the lazy Huimin wanted to go back home and sleep, missing the good food we had.....

Anyway, our total bill came up to about $127.00, which is roughly $21/ person. All of us felt it was worth it!

Though it was raining cats and dogs, we still manage to catch up for a good number of hrs. It's a long time since we last had a gathering like this!

~Marriott Cafe~

2006-01-10T21:45:00.000+08:00

This buffet @ Marriott Cafe. I went there for quite some time le, but because the pictures were not ready, I did not post it up. If I didn't recall wrongly, we went on the 13th Dec. The whole family consisting of 9 people went and we sat at a long long table... *haha*

On that day, appetizers consisting of salads and oysters, prawns etc.. There's also ham, bacon, both chinese and western style soup, different types of bread to choose from, and for main course, there's rice, sushi, different types of meat cooked in different styles. According to their website, you get to "try Cantonese Dim Sum from the Wan Hao Kitchen, fresh succulent seafood and homemade Gravalachs from the Garden Terrace, Japanese cuisine and roast specials from the Marriott Cafe, heavenly pastries from our famous pastry kitchen, and many more!"

And cos it was near Christmas, they served turkey and roast lamb/beef (I dun take any of it so I dunno whether it's lamb/beef). According to the waitress, buffet served near the end of the year has nicer food. Service was also superb. The staff will keep topping ur water, ask if you wan tea/coffee and when you leave the table for next round of food, they'll silently change new cutlery and fold ur napkin neatly by the side for u! Good service juz makes my day!

This is my cousin, Clarissa a.k.a Xiaozhu... Look at her smiley face then you know tat the mushroom is really yummy. She took many rounds of mushroom that day! I also tried the soyabean jelly, it is like the almond jelly tat we have, juz tat it has the soyabean taste la...

Then my sister took a pic with her. A historical moment that left a footprint in her life *haha* dunno when we'll have the chance to step in again!

Below is what I had during my 2nd round. Introducing them, it's grilled chicken on the left, baked potato on the top (the spring onion, bacon and sour cream you put at will) and at the bottom is braised sea cucumber and mushroom... Hmm.. Heavenly... This is all the pics I manage to take tat day cos too busy eating le. Finish le then realised forgot to take pics. *keke*

Pricing as follows:
BUFFET Lunch (Monday to Thursday) Adult Child
12.00noon to 2.30pm
Adult $33.95+++
Child (5 -12 yrs old) $20.95+++

BUFFET LunchFriday & Saturday Adult Child
12.00noon to 2.30pm
Adult $35.95+++
Child (5 - 12 yrs old)$20.95+++

Buffet inclusive of freshly brewed tea/coffee

Food Republic @ Wisma

2005-12-12T09:15:00.000+08:00

Food Republic @ Wisma really is a 60's style food court with restaurants serving there. Fortunate a.k.a Xin Fu Yin Cha serving dim sum on trolleys, Daddy's O, Toast Box etc. The food there is not too bad. For example the Hokkien noodles and Char Kway Teow (But muz queue really long.. At least also 20 min)the stall serving boiled soups also not bad, but depending on what type of soup u choose, the price can be quite steep. Roast duck and soy chicken stall should try. Heard that the Indian cusine is good.

Ice cream and drinks come around in push carts, so u can juz sit and wait for the auntie/ uncle to come. The variety of desserts are almost the same, but the soya beancurd has many different toppings for u to play around with (and eat la!). According to those employed to clean the table (insider info!) they expressed exasperation due to the hectic work and they could see the same person more than 6 times a day!

However, the reality is: Seats come before food. Seats at Food Republic are rare. It's really hard to find and u'll almost always find urself sharing tables with others. Some people who bought food without finding seats are really in a terrible situation and have to stand and eat. I wouldn't call that "enjoying your food". This is due to stalls "reserving" seats for their patrons eg. Toast Box, Korean Food etc....

So, friends heading to Food Repubic beware! Arm urself to fight the crowds and do lots of lower body exercise so u can get trained to wait and queue.

P.S: My weekend @ Food Republic and Wisma really brought me much joy. I managed to see my witches gang (Lindy, Emma, Huimin Cher and Pam) and long-time-no-see-with-algae-growing-on-her-face Winnifred (Haha!). My lao gong also very kindly brought me shopping and bought a pair of pants and got a new hp for me! Thanks dear!

Barracat Restaurant @ Plaza by the Park

2005-12-08T10:28:00.000+08:00

Just round the corner of the Singapore Art Museum, the Barracat Restaurant serves international buffet, consisting of chciken rice, crabs, traditional chinese herbal soup eg. double boil chicken soup and new ceations eg. papaya almond soup, sushi, teppanyaki (must try ah!) and their fork dininig (means the serving size is just right for your fork... no lah, means bite size) oysters, mussels etc. and plus they have a mini chocolate fountain. Variety is nice and the service is good, just that the reception staff seem not too friendly though.

They are newly opened early this year, and right now they seem to have a promotion, so it's a good bargain. The ambience is also good and their chefs are quite famous.

I was brought there by my tutee's family and the owner of the restaurant is his father's (a chef at Singapore Zoological Gardens) friend. This restaurant appeared in a radioshow (dunno is 97.2 95.8 or 93.3) but they seem to have no website of their own and no telephone number. So I'm sorry guys, other than knowing it's at Plaza by the Park, there's not much info on how to call them etc, but I hope to go down this weekend and have a look again, hopefully there are more details I can provide you with..

---Under Construction---

2005-11-17T19:05:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
I've decided that since
1) I'm plain lazy to update my blog every now and then,
2) I'm simply not good at pening my days and my thoughts,

so...

I've decided to give my blog a major revamp and turn it into a food blog! Food blog in the sense..
1)Will write down which are the eating places I've been to, the food I've eaten, price and blah blah blah...
2)... haha.. then I won't need to blog now and then..

..in simple sense, be a online food critic! *keke* hope you all will like it! This is an idea on my mind for quite some time, now I've got down to it I'll do it properly since food is really something I'm good at!

This idea id copyright-ed.. With or without permission, no one should set up another blog like mine.. MUAHAHAHA... I SHALL DOMINATE THE WORLD OF GLORIOUS FOOD!