Goodbye '07!

For the last time in the year 2007, I am going to exclaim, "I can't believe how fast this year has gone!"

The year 2007 was a year that I...(in random order)
1) saw myself relying more on the Lord's strength
2) broke down because of mounting pressure
3) made new friendships, rekindled old ones and maintained existing ones
4) traveled the most
5) succumbed to the flu bug thrice, each time at the same workplace
6) completed my first 10km run with my bestie (with more and longer races to come)
7) became closer with my family
8) graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics
9) saw myself maturing
10) felt loved

So for the year 2008, I am praying that it will be a happy, healthy and fruitful year for me. Here's wishing everyone who reads my blog, may the Lord's blessings be upon you and your family and of course, a happy, healthy and fruitful 2008! Happy New Year!!!

Graduated

Yippee!!!! I am now a full-fledged dietitian which means, I will be charging people for dietary advice (except for Soph who's entitled to a lifetime of free dietary advice).

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics - I spent 2 1/2 years studying and working hard for it.


The smiles says it all!

Proud parents!

Waiting to collect my parchment!

We did it!

The Down Under trip was good! I know I will be missing it! More pics will be uploaded. Stay tune!

Public announcement

This is a public announcement!

Joanna will be heading Down Under from 14Dec to 26Dec for her graduation and a family trip. In the meantime, well wishes like, "Congratulations! You've graduated!" or "Have a safe flight!" etc are warmly welcomed!

Till the next post, have a blessed Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Unofficially graduated

I don't know how many times I've typed this line, "Time just fly by.." Seriously, this year has gone by with the blink of the eye and time just fly by. I can't believe that I have unofficially passed all my uni topics, having just received an email from my lecturer re my final rotation grade. Ok, its a non-graded pass and I passed!

Hi Joanna,
You IS has been marked and the assessment form is attached for your information. You have done an excellent job!

Are you back for graduation?
I may see you then. If not I would like to send you all the best wishes for a terrific future in dietetics!

Also merry Christmas!
Kind regards
Iris

Yippie!! So now, I'm waiting for my results to be released after the exam board meets on 11Dec. Then, my graduation status will read 'Pass' instead of 'Expect to graduate'. I can't believe that my academic life is about to be over. Oh man..Anyway, I am looking forward to returning Down Under and catching up with friends! Till then, see ya!

Bumming requires effort too

After couple of days of staying at home, I soon realised that bumming requires some effort too. Waking up in the morning, you have a day in front of you, not knowing what to do. You know there things that needs to be accomplished like clearing out the room but yet you can't seem to find the motivation to get things started. At least for me.

Anyway, time spent away from home is good too. Met up with the Singaporean girls for lunch at PS and I had my share of teppanyaki, sweet desserts and lasenza bras! Oh yes, check out the chawamushi in the onion bowl! When the chef was preparing the food, we were like, "interesting!!".



The chawamushi



Our desserts (Strawberry Sherbet with mango ice and yam with red bean-I can't exactly remember the name!)



Savouring our sweets

Liyan and her yam & red bean ice

Phoebe: send me your pics so I can add it to my blog!

There's nothing much to blog except that I have passed my Research in nutrition topic with a distinction! So happy! Currently, waiting for my lecturer to acknowledge that she has received my Independent Studies project deliverables and for my non-graded pass grade. Oohh..I'm on the road to graduation!

That's it?!

*Pinches self* "Ouch! That hurts!"

Okay, just checking if I am dreaming. I can't believe that my final year as a student is over. I ended my academic year with a presentation to my colleagues at HPB regarding my project findings and recommendations instead of exams. It just feels weird. The year ended so quickly that I'm not ready to enter the workforce next year. To make matters worst, I haven't signed on the dotted line. Not that I don't have job offers, in fact, I have a couple but I don't know. Sub-consciously, I'm secretly wishing for that dream job. What? I don't know. I love being involved in public health and I'm not sure if I love clinicals. The experience and skills obtained from a clinical setting will definitely give me an edge in the long run. But how long do I see myself being a clinical dietitian? Being my first job, I do not want to see myself job-hopping too soon.

Aiyah, I'm confused. Anyway, I just found out that being a bummer needs some getting used to. I have all the time in the world to do whatever I wanted to do during my spare time but did not get the chance once placements got underway. Also, my biological clock is so used to my waking up between 6-6.40am (depending on where I was posted), that now, I have problems sleeping in. Dang!

Oh well..I better start working on the video clip for the video competition. It better win me the first prize of $1000 cash! Some pics that I snapped on my last day at HPB and as a student.

My different working desks at HPB (Top to bottom: Room 5-1, At level 5, New office)

My expert supervisors!(ML and Letty)

Nutritionists unite! (L-R: Siti, me, Lydia, Letty)

They provided me with advice (Ainul & Uncle James)

and all the troubles that I gave them..(arranging presentation room, getting resources, opening the door, borrowing books) Top to bottom: Evelyn, Haslina and Ro!

Ps: My thoughts are too random. Please pardon the lack of focus in this entry.

What a feat!

The feeling of completing each run is so satisfying that it pulls you to take part in another race. It all started when Sophie cajoled me into taking part the Mizuno 5km Fun run. Ever since that run, it became my turn to cajole Soph to sign up for the Great Eastern Women 10K run and of course, the Standard Chartered Marathon (Women's 10km).

Being world class standard (Standard Chartered Marathon), the feeling of crossing the finishing line today felt GREAT! I mean, as runners, it is not about winning the cash prize but rather it is about completing the race. Of course, all this would not have been possible if Soph wasn't there to run alongside with me, encouraging each other to press on whenever we felt like walking, helping each other to find out focus and to finish the race! Not sure how we did with the timing but Soph watch read 1hr 19mins, when she crossed the finishing line. I reckon mine will be slightly earlier since I sprinted to the finishing line (Yes, I left Soph eating my dust AGAIN!). Will update when the microchip timing is up on the website.

Well done soph and all who completed the race! Note to self: Sign up for more race next year. Maybe attempt 21km?! It may take more than persuading to get Soph to sign up. Maybe consider bribing! Enough said, pictures!!!


Looking fresh and smelling good!

After the race with our finisher's medal

All smiles!

Just be yourself?

This song popped into my head just when I'm at a cross junction - transiting from school to work. Coincidentally, my Independent Studies topic is supposed to ease the transition. But seriously, the different placement rotations are enough to prepare one for the working world. A feeling of uncertainty which I cannot explain.

Anyway, I can't wait for the year to be over. Its been a steep learning curve for me and now, the end seem so near but yet so far. Oh my thoughts are all over the place and only I can sort it out.

Undivided Love by Thirsty Merc

Listen, be yourself
That's the most important thing I can say now girl
Don't, let anyone change you
I know life hurts but you're gonna make it through somehow

Forget, all the others
Who were scared so they criticised your views
Of course you're special
And that's why you're different
And that's why life is gonna notice you

You're a girl
You're a guy
But you're someone if you try
I believe in you
I believe in you

And please, just remember
You've always got my undivided love
Prepare
There's someone coming through
And they've always got my undivided love
My love
Got my love
Got my love
Undivided love

So what?
You're gonna die one day
You may as well live before we get too old girl
You might be screwed in the head like me well who really cares
At least you don't aspire to be boring and cold
You're all over the place
Well who isn't these days
Just keep this in your head
It's about the ride
Just enjoy yourself

And please, just remember
You've always got my undivided love
Prepare
There's someone coming through
And they've always got my undivided love

So please, just remember
You've always got my undivided love
Prepare
There's someone coming through
And they've always got my undivided love

What's up?!

So, what has happened between the last entry and now? Nothing earth-shaking except that I am nursing a phelgmy cough, nasal congestion and a headache. FYI, its the 3rd that I've fallen sick this year and coincidentally, each time when I'm HPB. It must be the environment being in an air-conditioned place because even during stressful periods at TTSH and AH, I survive each placement without a visit to the doctor. I'm getting better and hopefully, will be in form for the Standard Chart 10km run next sun (my legs are jelly!). Note to self: Check out chest physio and prepare 100% SpO2 in case of SOB.

Anyway, my interview on Tuesday went very well despite my sounding like man with my husky voice and nasal congestion. My gratitude goes out to all who prayed and send me well-wishes and to dad who drove me around. So, between now and trying to decide which job offer to take up, I'm kept busy with completing my IS report which I am finding difficulties to concentrate although I'm tucked-away at a little corner with minimal distraction in the new office. Oh which I must admit, the new office looks refreshing and it actually makes me feel happy when I step into it. The colour combination makes it bright and cheery!

And yesterday, I seem to realise that the topic of conversation with various group of people seem to be the same - job hunting / satisfaction. I were just calculating the number of years I need to slog my arse out compared to the number of years I spent getting an education, double the time! It doesn't help that I'm entering the workforce at the tender age (ok, not so tender) of 23! Eeks! I'm getting old...

Anyway, my thoughts are just too random. Looking forward to the weekends where Jo's gonna get a make-over!

Is it real?!

"Am I not pretty enough..." sings my mobile as I scramble to find it under the pile of papers.

Me: "Hello"
Receiver: "Hi Joanna, this is M, HR department from CGH. It is regarding your application for the position of dietitian."
Me: "Yes, I remembered I did apply."
M: "Will you be free to come down for an interview this tuesday, 10.15am?"
Me: "Erm, I'm actually in the midst of completing a project with a company, however, I can request for time-off from my supervisor. When do I have to confirm my attendance?"
M: "Now?! I need to let the HOD know."
Me: "Let me check with my supervisor if I can get time-off and is it alright if I call by the end of today?"
M: "Sure, you can contact me on this number."
Me: "Alright."

Wow! I was elated! I mean, I was still grumbling to mum that there is still no reply from the company(s) that I send in my resumes to. The first thing I did was to call mum and let her know the good news. I mean, being called for an interview is the first step to getting the job right? So, was talking to mum and chatting with Soph, Liyan & Lilian at the same on MSN. (Ok, I'm supposed to be working on my project but, this is more important). After which, this was followed by more phone calls to HR lady, mum and my supervisors.

Okay, I'm all excited that I don't have the mood to work until my time to knock-off. Now, worried for the interview and to complete my CR report.

Huggies

I think I wrote a similiar post earlier this year. Refer here.

A Hug is...Author Unknown

A hug is a wonderful gift to share,

A way to show each other that we care;

There is so much a hug is able to do,

When you feel those arms holding you.

A hug is a place to feel safe and warm,

A comfort for a sad heart that is torn;

An expression of the love in our heart,

For ones who we wish, never to be apart.

A hug is a greeting when we meet to say hello,

Or to say goodbye when we have to go;

It can hold us up when life gets us down,

And makes us smile, instead of frown.

A hug can be given for no reason at all,

And given to those, both big and small;

We're never too old to feel the joy it brings,

As it is one of life's most pleasing things.

And for all of this beauty, a hug is free!

It costs nothing, yet means so much to me;

We should all hug another to show we care,

For to feel a warm hug, nothing can compare.

Hugs can mean so much and many things at the same time. They can signify love, friendship, comfort or anything! Goodness knows we all need hugs once in awhile! According to Mr Webster's definition, a hug can be defined as:
1a: To clasp the arms around and hold close, esp. in affection; embrace closely;
1b: To grasp and squeeze tightly with the arms, as a bear does (a bear hug?)
2: To hold fast; cherish: hugged his miseries like a sulky child
3: to stay close to: the road hugs the river

Some of the best things about hugs:

1) Brings a smile everyone involved

2) Can be given to anyone and shared by everyone

3) No calories!

4) When you give someone a hug, you automatically receive one in return!

So, go and give someone a HUG today! Ooh..my teddy bear hug!

It seems so near but yet so far

My final year is about to be over in a month's time. Lately, I have been asked,
"Where are you planning to work?" / "Are you going to be in clinicals or public health?" / "What are you going to do?" / "Do you need a job?"

Well, come 18 Dec 2007, I will be receiving my cert and then I will be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a dietitian like since I was 15. I know not many people get to enjoy a job that they desire or are passionate about. I feel very blessed to be given this opportunity to pursue a career that I love! Despite the tears, stress and uphill climb, I love studying about nutrition and perhaps alittle bit about dietetics. Most of all, I loved the interaction with my patients, helping them to make informed choices about food, the gratitude that you see at the end of counselling session is priceless. Ok, then there are the not-so-nice types who find you a nag! Oh well, you win some, you lose some!

When I started out typing this post, I do not know where and what it will lead to. However, I pray and ask that this is the Lord's plan for me and that when I reflect back on my life 10, 20 or even 30 years down the road, it will be one of no regrets!

Steep Learning Curve

Looking back this year, I can't help but notice that my learning curve has been a steep gradient. Very soon, I will be biding "adios!" to being addressed as a student and saying "hello!" to working life. Oh man! I spent my last 22 years learning, maturing and achieving paper qualifications. Am I ready to enter the workforce and be sucked into another world, learning to survive in that world? People often tell me, enjoy student life while you can cos when you enter the workforce, you either learn to float or to sink.

This year has been a tough year. Clinical placement, I am glad that it is over! Learning to apply theory into practice is no easy feat. I am sure, with all who went through clinicals, at the end of the journey and reflecting on how far one has come. I noticed that I have matured, learning to integrate different information together and being flexible and adaptable to fluctuating workloads. Ps: No wonder, most dietitians enjoy doing NGT cases.


My shifu whom I have caused numerous sleepless nights / nightmares!

My part-time shifu who has been very encouraging!

My other shifu for the first 5 weeks of clinical and little Phoebe!

Public Health / Community placement, was something that I enjoyed and took time to network. It felt good to be supported and be in a familiar environment. Foodservice placement, I dread it! Being criticised that one is not sharp and observant on the first day is enough to put me off. I am glad that I succesfully completed it and I do not think I will ever want to work under her. Ps: I realised no pics taken during my public health placement. :(


Foodservice placement would not have been the same without either of you!

With Fuzi (left) & Baozhu (right) - F&B assistants

With Boon Tong & Fuzi (again!)

With Chef Ho - He's even more long-winded than I am!

To add on to the stress of placements, I am also expected to keep up-to-date with journal articles, controversial issue(s) revolving in the world of nutrition and dietetics. With that said, I still have a 3000-word report due in couple of weeks time and a project that I need to complete by the end of 5 weeks.

To keep me sane throughout the whole year, my gratitude goes out to my family, Soph (who has supported me and ran with me) and of course, those bitching sessions with the gals - Liyan, Phoebe & Lilian, friends in aussie (Pao Ee, Jun, Liu Fei, Grace, Kar Hian, Brian, Win Nie, Huiyu etc) asking how's life and reminiscing those good ol' days!


This lady kept me sane during clinical and public health placement. Now, I feel so lonely without her!

And Soph, who has been praying for me, keeping me fit and who never fail to make me laugh after a cry!

I can only say, time flies!

Little by little

Going through an obstacle and I need all the strength that I can muster to get through this 2 weeks. It seems like I either make or break it!

I was reminded of this song that I used to sing whilst I was in school during morning singspiration or chapel services, which taught me to tackle each day as it comes. Worrying about what is going to happen an hour later or tomorrow, that is not for us to worry!

The song lyrics goes, *clears throat*

Little by little one step at a time

He's changing our hearts

And renewing our minds

He's teaching us how to be

Patient and kind

Little by little one step at a time

All prayers are warmly welcomed! Please pray that I will be able to cross this hurdle and move on as part of the Lord's plan for me.

Great Eastern Women 10K Run

Ok, prior to Today's run, I have already completed a 5km Mizuno Fun Run, 8km President Healthcare Challenge Run. With 2 runs under my belt, I thought the Great Eastern (GE) Women 10K run would be fun! Afterall, its a run only for women! Girl power!!

I'm only glad to say, I completed the run in 35mins for a 5km route, with only training once a week. I'm glad that I did not collapse at the finishing line and the sense of crossing the finishing line with people cheering the runners on, simply feels great! It spurred to sprint towards the end of the finishing line, leaving Soph to wonder where I had run off or slacked off too. Only when she caught a glimpse of my backview did she realise she had to eat my dust!(:

It was a good workout and I feel healthier after all that amount of running. With one down, I have another run coming on 2nd Dec, Standard Charter Marathon-10km women run. I'm sure it will be a grand event, being world-class standard and attracting a record of 40,000 runners. I'm going to start training after I rest this week. Soph, don't forget our deal to train together!

Before the run

Where you can get freebies

That's my 'twin' sister, me & soph!


I think I look fat!

Soph with the carnation microphone says, "Please describe how u feel after crossing the finishing line?"

Cheap thrills!

Whoever said working in and managing a kitchen is an easy feat? Well, the 3 weeks allocated for Foodservice placement taught many things in life. Besides learning to think critically from a Dietitian's view point, one must also learn to think out of the box when you are dealing with middle-aged folks who are set in their thinking and resists change. Its not easy to garner their support, I bet they must be thinking, each time a Flinders or rather 大学 student is introduced to them, changes may occur, they get scrutinised whether they are doing things that they are supposed to be doing. Anyway, to keep me entertained and going during foodservice placement, I chanced upon mickey mouse one day at work, some time last week.

Be warned! View discretion is Advised!

Mickey mouse says, "Hi!"

Trying to escape

Uniform?!! (I think I look fat in this pic!)

Phoebe and I wore a similiar colours today too (Black top and grey pants!) Its a pity we did not grab a picture of it.

Time management

1 written report + 2 projects + 3 presentations = ?

a) Sleep less, burn midnight oil (If Jo doesn't get at least 8 hours of sleep, Jo gets grumpy in the morning)

b) Try to ask for extensions (Not likely to be successful)

c) Stressed, I can't think

My answer: C.

I need to have better time management, which I thought I had pretty good time management skills since I was able to keep abreast my school work in year 3 semester 2. Besides, Joanna do not really work well under pressure because, more speed = more mistakes, which I do not want to screw up for Foodservice placement as well as my uni topic, Research in Human Nutrition.

Next week is sure going to be a crazy one for me and I can already foresee that this weekend will keep me at home, rushing to complete my Critical Review presentation and 500word summary, rehearse my Journal club presentation, work on Meal inaccuracy project + CHO poster project, prepare presentation slides for meal inaccuracy project (which will be presented to CEO, NOs, HODs etc). *Faints*

Here's a prelude for next week's schedule:

Sun (all day): Complete presentation, 500word summary + rehearse Journal Club presentation

Mon (9am-11.30am): Journal Club presentation

(After 11.30am): Implement Cycle 2 menu

Tue (all day): Aim to complete Foodservice projects + rehearse CR presentation for next day

Wed (9am-11.30am): Critical Review presentation

(4.30pm - 5.30pm): Independent Studies meeting with expert + academic supervisor

Thu (all day): complete Foodservice project + touch-up CHO poster + prepare presentation slides + rehearse

Fri (all day): Meal inaccuracy presentation + submit CHO poster + report

Now, I am relying on the Lord to give me strength.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4: 13."

P/s: Why am I still blogging?

Foodservice placement

First week of foodservice placement just passed and I'm already dreading it. The long journey to and from work takes me ~2 1/2hours and precious time is wasted commuting. On top of that, I am constantly kept on my toes, probing into things that do not seem logically, thinking of possible questions that my infamous PE may ask. Try as I might, my PE always ask questions that make me answer, "I will go and find out." Thank goodness for Baozhu, she made the transition into Foodservice so much easier!!

Spoke to a dietitian who was trained in Otago and there is so much discrepancy among training in terms of foodservice. She spend about a year being trained in foodservice as compared to my training at Flinders where foodservice is taught within 3 weeks. I mean, how do you expect one to learn so much within 3 weeks? Its no wonder foodservice sounds like greek to me. I'm thankful for my Student Internship Programme at CGH during my poly days. At least, I'm able to use some of it to my advantage.

Nothing exciting has happened in my life recently. Most days, I follow a rather similar routine: wake up, rush to work, spent 8hours in the kitchen, commute home, check emails and research and if lucky, get some critical review done, sleep and the whole cycle repeats itself again. Quite a vicious cycle and I can hardly squeeze time in to run. (Soph: my apologies if I'm not up to standard on the day of our GE run!).

Alrighty, time to get back to my critical review presentation! I hope I pass Foodservice!!!

Brainteasers

Test(s) brought to you by Tickle..Here's how I fared in one of them.

The Brainteaser Test
Joanna, you answered 24 out of 30 questions correctly!

Congratulations! Your score is in the 91st percentile. This means that if one hundred people took the test with you, your score would rank higher than 90 of them on average.

When we analyzed your test, we also discovered that when it comes to logical ability, you measure in the 100th percentile. This score indicates you have unusually strong abilities when it comes to to solving problems with logic. There are situations that require having a very precise thinking process to cut through the array of stimuli, and you can do this well. You can easily detect the underlying logic while others cannot. While others may get confused by things that are complex or out of order, your logical ability allows you to persevere and solve multi-layered problems.

The Brainteaser Test

Auspicious stuff

My uni friends and I used to talk about auspicious and inauspicious stuff that happen during placement. I recall Lilian saying that during the last week of her contract at her working place, she shared a lift with a cadaver, a medical term used to describe dead bodies. Anyway, it happened again during Liyan's final week during clinicals where she shared a lift with a cadaver and she passed her clinical placement.

Talking about coincidence, I bumped into a person whom I happened to share a cordial relationship with during my final week of Public Health placement. When I text my uni friends, one of the reply was, "Wow! Damn heng la!" Yes, I relate my bumping into that of their bumping into a cadaver. And guess, what?! I actually passed my Public Health placement.

Having passed Public Health and moving on to Foodservice, I can't help but feel this nagging feeling of dread. Is it because of the infamous Ms Wong? I've heard enough stories about her being strict with physical appearance especially dress codes. I guess, for Foodservice, I will be dressed like a nun and yes, meeting up during this time is not a good idea because of the possibility of how hideous I'd look - like a schoolgirl adhering to the strict dress code as outlined in the school handbook. *slaps forehead*. Anyway, wish me luck! I'm sure its not as scary as what I've heard so far.

Today's horoscope

I'm not usually a big believer in horoscopes as its best to take this "predictions" with a pinch of salt. Anyway, my horoscope today reads,

"It is never too late to make a good impression on someone whose opinion you value. Do not give up if the last few times you encountered this person you were not exactly having a shining moment. No one is perfect all of the time -- not even you! Today, when you get some face time with them, don't put a lot of pressure on yourself to blow their socks off. Just be yourself. Engage them in some friendly conversation, listen attentively, and they'll be impressed."

Coincidentally, today's prediction is quite accurate. This week's my final week for Public Health placement and since my presentation on Tuesday, I have not been able to have a word with my placement educator (PE) until I called my PE this morning and confirmed if I'd be able to discuss my assessment forms, report and evaluation form before I leave. With 20minutes before I meet my PE, let's hope I will be able to leave a good impression! (But, I'll be back in a month time to do my project.)

Moon sign

Moon sign??!! Yes, such things does exist apparently and interestingly, one may also see how it interacts with your horoscope and moon sign, which I will not go into details.

Those interested in finding out their moon sign, click here

Anyway, my moon sign reads:

Moon in Virgo
The Moon in Virgo individual knows intuitively that the world is complicated and multi-faceted, and many things need to be done to keep afloat in it. If he or she is an energetic person, they can easily become workaholics as they will fuss endlessly about every detail, unable to relax and calm down until a whole pile of different chores have been sorted out. The inability of these people to relax can often lead to nervousness and disturbances of the digestive system. They can become over-critical and sometimes this makes them highly-strung and rather unbearable to those around them.

On the other hand, sometimes if the Moon in Virgo belongs to a passive person, he or she might end up doing nothing at all. They know very well how many things ought to be done, but because they know they will be unable to do everything, they just stay idle.

Since they have a good memory and are resourceful, Virgo Moon people often succeed in areas where it’s necessary to keep a lot of details in mind, and they can prioritise, systematise and put things in order. They are curious to know how the human body works and how to make it more efficient, and as a result they may find themselves studying medicine, nutrition or some kind of healing. In fact, knowledge of what to eat and when to eat can be really important for Virgo Moons because in their physiology, the state of their health is very closely related to their digestion. Perhaps this is the very reason why Moon in Virgo people are so selective with food. Never will they eat just anything! Ever!

To stop being stressed out, these people find it helpful to do housework: cleaning, washing up, tidying. Domestic chores can serve as a kind of shelter from the problems of life. Another much less desirable way to deal with their nervousness is to pass it on to others! They do this unintentionally, because it can be so difficult, given their attention to details, not to find something wrong with someone and then latch on to it and nag.

Parents with the Moon in Virgo want to teach their children how to work, how to do everything themselves, and how to keep things in order. Perhaps this is because their own mother taught them how to do all these things, in the same way.

Interesting...

Rusty and me

Be warned! Read at own risk as entry talks about snippets from my pet dog's life. Proceed and read at own risk!

Oh my goodness! Tears welled to my eyes as I read through the last few chapters of Marley and me written by John Grogan. Marley and me talks about a heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wonderously neurotic dog who taught them (the author's family) what really mattered in life.

As I read through the initial chapters, the antics displayed by Marley (a laborador retriever) never failed to tickle me as I recalled how Rusty used to do that too. Rusty, a wired-hair terrier, brought back by my dad from SPCA when she was 1 years (1988). Always being in the middle of way, enjoying tummy rides, loves rubbing her snout into my tummy, rolling on her back as she attempts to soothe an itch. As the author, John Grogan, approached towards the final few chapters of the book and talking about the inevitable time of life where all good things must come to an end, the feelings that he described seem to describe how I felt when Rusty began to become slower in her actions, selectively hearing and responsiveness, having cataracts in both eyes and knocking into things. I vividly remember when mum would be lying on the floor watching telly and Rusty would attempt to jump over the wall of tummy which often end up in mum screaming due to Rusty's misjudgement - scrambled over mum's tummy.

John describes the pain that he had to go through with the decision of having to put Marley to sleep. Indeed, my family went through the same decision when Rusty went to dog heaven (as my brother puts it) on 17th June 2003. Rusty has always been well, only having occassional poor appetites, which always went away after a walk. She suffered from epilepsy and I had witnessed the entire incident without being able to help her. After that bout of epilepsy, her world crashed and she was no longer able to hear, see and walk properly. It was like her senses were all wrong. She wondered round the house in a drunken stupor, entering rooms when she was previously barred. She needed 24-hour guardian as advised by the vet. That night, my sis and I keep vigil over her side and I sang songs to calm her down. The next day, she suffered from another episode of epilepsy and we rushed her down to the vet. Moreover, my sis received a phonecall from the vet informing her that Rusty is suffering from acute renal failure.

When Rusty's 7years (dog years) and I'm 10..

What could be worst? Its like witnessing someone close to you, losing their life away. At the vet, he offered us 2 options of which, one was to put her to sleep to end her suffering, which was the most humane thing to do. My dad made the decision for Rusty to be put down. I recall hugging and carrying her in the taxi, comforting her that she'll be fine. That day, we left the house with Rusty and returned home with her collar. Sleep came to me fitfully for the next couple of nights as I fought to remember as much detail as I can. Seeing her pictures were difficult as tears would start falling. Her presence lingered in the house for such a time when no traces of her fur could be found.

Adapting to life without Rusty was difficult - no more barking, no brown shadow following me around, bad breath in my face because of an impending storm (Rusty's scared of thunder - similiar to Marley), no more tummy rubs, no more fur stuck to clothes / school books. With only memories left of her, she has taught me life's little lessons during my childhood and adolescence days. Rusty, I missed you!


When Rusty's 15. See how much she has aged? With white outline and cataracts in her eyes.

See how she loves to lie in the middle of the road

And keeping a watchful eye on the door

Random updates

Nothing exciting has happened in my life since the last entry. This week has been a crazy one with time spent at the nutrition clinic and rushing to complete my Guidelines report and summarising the articles reviewed into a prose form by next tuesday morning. It should be easy, however, try as I might, my pace is just too slow. Or do I do things at such an inefficient pace?

Its amazing to see how fast the year has past and now, we are already in the month of September. Another 3 more months and its goodbye 2007 and hello 2008! I can't wait for this year to end. The many obstacles that I faced along the way taught me to become stronger be it spiritually, physically or emotionally and its life's little lessons that showed me the depth of friendships that I have formed.

Anyway, chanced upon my friend's website who is aspiring to be a budding entrepreneur. If you enjoy the cheap thrill of buying clothes online and love one-of-a-kind design, please visit ClothesDarling or if you like hand-made earrings, please visit Pretty Earrings.

Time to get into the mood for completing my report and summarising my articles. I hope it meets my boss's satisfaction! Till the next one, take care!

In action - frisbee

Frisbee, a tool that people usually use to get dogs to fetch?!

I learnt about the sport - Ulitmate Frisbee while I was studying in uni. No, I did not pick up the sport neither am I good at it. In fact, I still think that I have butter fingers and can hardly catch anything round or flat. *Sighs*

Anyway, a bunch of colleagues and I had the opportunity of playing Frisbee last Friday when Liyan suggested it as a sport that we can play as part of Active Friday. With minimal training and practice, we started off by throwing frisbee to one another and liyan providing advice when necessary. Soon it became throwing to whoever and wherever. Not forgetting that I get to practise my "chicken wing throw" which sent the frisbee flying in a rather wobbly way. With heaps of laughter, perspiration and lots of running later, the sun decided to adjourn to bed and us, to the hawker centre for some food and fluids to replenish whatever energy that has been utilised.

As the saying goes, picture speaks a thousand words..


Jess throwing off to kick start the session!

Attempting my "chicken wing" throw

Yay! I caught it!

After the game

This time with the camera woman, Ainul

Liyan and I saying NO! to Mackers! (Frisbee has Ronald MacDonald's face)