Ahhh..The wonders of the scent emitting from The Body Shop (TBS) pink grapefruit body butter. I resisted buying this product since last friday and the urge came to a point that I found myself walking into TBS and purchasing a tub of pink grapefruit body butter. I am glad I bought it cos it makes Jo a happy girl now. (:
Anyway, Praise the Lord for the break tomorrow, thereby making the work week seem shorter. Its good and I am not complaining. At least, I won't be needing to use much of my brain cells and thinking on my feet. Seriously, studying and practising to be a dietitian is no easy feat. It is easy to think theorectically but when you have a patient in front of you, you have to tailor your education around the patient and pray that the patient does not make life difficult for you. Please do not get me wrong. I understand that the hospital is the last place anyone wants to be in there, together with plaguing illness, tests, sickly bedside neighbours who cough their lungs out and lastly, hospital meals (which due to transport time from kitchen to ward may taste / look horrible).
So far, week 3 in the hospital has been good and I'm starting to explain the diet-disease relationship. I did a couple so far, 1 in English and 1 in Mandarin (which the patient did not understand but brother-in-law did, so phew!). Anyway, I definitely need more practise with doing it in different languages. Just when you think that doing it in English was bad enough, try doing it in another language, explaining in layman's term.
Oh well, I'm not sure what I wanna do upon graduation. Enjoy the public holiday peeps while I continue enjoying my pink grapefruit fragrance! Sniff! Ahhh...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Clinical placement-another week down
This morning, I woke up feeling pleased and quickly muttered a quick thanks to my Creator. I am so glad that it is the weekend and I don't have to report to work. Clinical placement is indeed stressful and I feel as if I am sitting for an exam everyday. This week seem to have whizz by pretty fast and I am thankful for the 1 1/2days that I don't have to report for work.
I recall telling Liyan that I feel as if I don't have much of a social life. My daily routine: wake up, go to work, work your brain out, return home, work on NCPs (Nutrition Care Process) / research on drugs / medical conditions that I do not know, sleep. This cycle repeats itself the next day for the rest of the working days.
I remembered on friday that one of the Placement Educator (PE) mentioned that we should take time out to relax and we looked at each other and said, we are meeting the other girls for dinner. Talking about that, dinner was a simple fare at Sakae Sushi and a little bit of retail therapy where Phoebe, Liyan & I "acted" as bodyguards for Lilian (tai-tai) since she said that there's late night shopping and it was the start of GSS (which I missed last year). We walked down to Taka in hope of getting some ice-cream and Mr Bean as Liyan and I are hooked onto their soyabean milk and ice-cream. After Lilian got some durian ice-cream, we popped into The Body Shop and they were having body butter and shower gel sales. I wanted to get a pink passionfruit body butter but did not get it in the end since I have yet to finish using my passionfruit one. Anyway, we walked on to Mphosis only to be dismayed that it was closed at 9.30pm with heaps of people queueing to pay for their merchandise. Disappointment! :( We walked on to Wisma atria and I bought a white top at $18 at Yin & Yang, suitable for work and causal. We adjourned to Charles & Keith only to find the shop packed with people and I recall eavesdropping a caucasian saying that she hasn't seen people shopping like crazy before! Oh well, this is SINGAPORE! Frankly speaking, I am too afraid of the crowd ever since I went to Adelaide - peoplephobia. Last stop, Forever 21 and we each headed to the MRT to head home for a good shower and sleep.
Anyway, going to unwind before I complete my written critique assignment and prep myself for week 2 (technically week 3) of clinical placement. I am very grateful that thursday's a public holiday! (:
I recall telling Liyan that I feel as if I don't have much of a social life. My daily routine: wake up, go to work, work your brain out, return home, work on NCPs (Nutrition Care Process) / research on drugs / medical conditions that I do not know, sleep. This cycle repeats itself the next day for the rest of the working days.
I remembered on friday that one of the Placement Educator (PE) mentioned that we should take time out to relax and we looked at each other and said, we are meeting the other girls for dinner. Talking about that, dinner was a simple fare at Sakae Sushi and a little bit of retail therapy where Phoebe, Liyan & I "acted" as bodyguards for Lilian (tai-tai) since she said that there's late night shopping and it was the start of GSS (which I missed last year). We walked down to Taka in hope of getting some ice-cream and Mr Bean as Liyan and I are hooked onto their soyabean milk and ice-cream. After Lilian got some durian ice-cream, we popped into The Body Shop and they were having body butter and shower gel sales. I wanted to get a pink passionfruit body butter but did not get it in the end since I have yet to finish using my passionfruit one. Anyway, we walked on to Mphosis only to be dismayed that it was closed at 9.30pm with heaps of people queueing to pay for their merchandise. Disappointment! :( We walked on to Wisma atria and I bought a white top at $18 at Yin & Yang, suitable for work and causal. We adjourned to Charles & Keith only to find the shop packed with people and I recall eavesdropping a caucasian saying that she hasn't seen people shopping like crazy before! Oh well, this is SINGAPORE! Frankly speaking, I am too afraid of the crowd ever since I went to Adelaide - peoplephobia. Last stop, Forever 21 and we each headed to the MRT to head home for a good shower and sleep.
Anyway, going to unwind before I complete my written critique assignment and prep myself for week 2 (technically week 3) of clinical placement. I am very grateful that thursday's a public holiday! (:
Friday, May 18, 2007
Summary of week
I thank the Lord for watching over me this week. Clinical placement has started and the stress of it all is starting to mount. I realised that there's so much knowledge to acquire within the short 11 weeks. I truly wonder what will happen if I started working independently as a new dietitian. I should just worry the things at hand.
This week has been a little draining as well as pumping with adrenalin. I was excited to start clinical placement so that I can put into practice what I learnt in theory. This was not the case. On day 1, I was kinda frightened by my supervisor. I reckon its due to her personality as well as her raging hormones since she is in her last trimester of pregnancy. The way she asks questions frightens me off and I don't even dare say, "I don't know" or guess any answer. However, I thank the Lord that as the week moved on and I got to know her alittle better, she's not as scary as she seem.
I will always bear in mind a precious piece of advice that was given to me during my polytechnic's internship, "Do not go with expectations and you will be rewarded with things that comes your way." How very true! Expectations hurt when they are not met and I will always remember this.
Anyway, to end of this post, a funny incident last night. I met up with my ex-colleagues from HPB for a time of dinner and catching up. When it was time for each of us to head home, Ainul and I (we both stay in Ang Mo Kio), decided to catch a cab since I felt lazy and tired. So, we walked to Raffles city in hope of getting a cab but the taxi queue was so long. Ainul had the brains and suggested that we walked to one of the hotels to catch a cab in hope of shorter queue time. We walked to Raffles the Plaza and yep, it had a shorter taxi queue. However, since it was past 10pm and taxis were not readily available, we decided to call for a cab. Ainul tried calling for comfort taxis while I called SMRT taxis. With luck, I managed to get a cab.
Upon receiving the taxi plate number, we waited for the cab to arrive. As we were expecting for a "normal" taxi to drive up, we did not notice that our cab had arrived. Shock was on our face when we realised that a MPV had arrived. We giggled our way into the taxi and the taxi driver asked the reason for our giggling. We explained that we were expecting a "normal" taxi to arrive and not a MPV and considering that there were only 2 passengers. The taxi driver was nice and said we could treat it as if we were being chauffered in a private car. Indeed, I felt like I was being chauffered and was even entertained during our trip home with MTVs on a mini screen. I thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed on me! Till the next entry, take care!
PS: apologies for the long entry!
This week has been a little draining as well as pumping with adrenalin. I was excited to start clinical placement so that I can put into practice what I learnt in theory. This was not the case. On day 1, I was kinda frightened by my supervisor. I reckon its due to her personality as well as her raging hormones since she is in her last trimester of pregnancy. The way she asks questions frightens me off and I don't even dare say, "I don't know" or guess any answer. However, I thank the Lord that as the week moved on and I got to know her alittle better, she's not as scary as she seem.
I will always bear in mind a precious piece of advice that was given to me during my polytechnic's internship, "Do not go with expectations and you will be rewarded with things that comes your way." How very true! Expectations hurt when they are not met and I will always remember this.
Anyway, to end of this post, a funny incident last night. I met up with my ex-colleagues from HPB for a time of dinner and catching up. When it was time for each of us to head home, Ainul and I (we both stay in Ang Mo Kio), decided to catch a cab since I felt lazy and tired. So, we walked to Raffles city in hope of getting a cab but the taxi queue was so long. Ainul had the brains and suggested that we walked to one of the hotels to catch a cab in hope of shorter queue time. We walked to Raffles the Plaza and yep, it had a shorter taxi queue. However, since it was past 10pm and taxis were not readily available, we decided to call for a cab. Ainul tried calling for comfort taxis while I called SMRT taxis. With luck, I managed to get a cab.
Upon receiving the taxi plate number, we waited for the cab to arrive. As we were expecting for a "normal" taxi to drive up, we did not notice that our cab had arrived. Shock was on our face when we realised that a MPV had arrived. We giggled our way into the taxi and the taxi driver asked the reason for our giggling. We explained that we were expecting a "normal" taxi to arrive and not a MPV and considering that there were only 2 passengers. The taxi driver was nice and said we could treat it as if we were being chauffered in a private car. Indeed, I felt like I was being chauffered and was even entertained during our trip home with MTVs on a mini screen. I thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed on me! Till the next entry, take care!
PS: apologies for the long entry!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Blessings in disguise
This morning I woke up feeling loved and blessed. I'm not sure why but I looked and muttered a quick thanks to the Jesus.
Ever since I returned from Adelaide on Tuesday, I felt different. I know it sounds ironic but when I was supposed to leave Adelaide, I felt nostalgic, knowing that I would not like to leave a place where new friendships were (and are) forged and where land space is abundant. I will definitely missed life Down Under where I saw myself becoming more independent, learning to cook and stepping out of my comfort zone.
However, even as I return to Singapore, I feel loved and blessed knowing that this is where my family and friends are and I know I can always call this place home!
All the best for Singaporean girls starting clinical next week. You will be fine!
Ever since I returned from Adelaide on Tuesday, I felt different. I know it sounds ironic but when I was supposed to leave Adelaide, I felt nostalgic, knowing that I would not like to leave a place where new friendships were (and are) forged and where land space is abundant. I will definitely missed life Down Under where I saw myself becoming more independent, learning to cook and stepping out of my comfort zone.
However, even as I return to Singapore, I feel loved and blessed knowing that this is where my family and friends are and I know I can always call this place home!
All the best for Singaporean girls starting clinical next week. You will be fine!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Jo's summary of week in Adelaide
I have not been updating my blog lately since I have been busy with my social life. Ever since I completed the month of intensive coursework, I started to notice that I am beginning to slack. Now, I just pray that I will get by this year smoothly and that I will be able to graduate and return to Adelaide for convocation.
Clinical placement are due to start next week and I have this feeling of excitement but yet I feel a tinge of fear. Like my lecturer said, "When you feel scared, just reassure yourself and say that you are excited!". Ok, Jo, You're excited!
Just last week, I had my first and last meal of Jap food in Adelaide. Liyan was nice and she treated the Singaporean girls to a nice meal at Sato resturant located on Melbourne Street in North Adelaide. We ate until we were so full and each time the waitress brought food to our table, we were like, "MORE food?!"
Anyway, here are the pics.
Brian and me
Brian and his gay partner (Bernard)
Lilian and her dear dear (Zhihan)
Singapore girls (Pheebs, Liyan & Lilian)
The special sitting
Appetisers
Pot stickers and teriyaki chicken
Chawamuchi - its so GOOD!
Sushi platter
Sashimi
Japanese pancake
Dessert-Green tea ice cream
Ok, gotta revise my notes for Clinical placement.
Clinical placement are due to start next week and I have this feeling of excitement but yet I feel a tinge of fear. Like my lecturer said, "When you feel scared, just reassure yourself and say that you are excited!". Ok, Jo, You're excited!
Just last week, I had my first and last meal of Jap food in Adelaide. Liyan was nice and she treated the Singaporean girls to a nice meal at Sato resturant located on Melbourne Street in North Adelaide. We ate until we were so full and each time the waitress brought food to our table, we were like, "MORE food?!"
Anyway, here are the pics.
Brian and me
Brian and his gay partner (Bernard)
Lilian and her dear dear (Zhihan)
Singapore girls (Pheebs, Liyan & Lilian)
The special sitting
Appetisers
Pot stickers and teriyaki chicken
Chawamuchi - its so GOOD!
Sushi platter
Sashimi
Japanese pancake
Dessert-Green tea ice cream
Ok, gotta revise my notes for Clinical placement.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Officially end of classes at uni
Trying to enjoy the sights and sounds of Adelaide for one of the last few time before I fly back to Singapore for good. Its kinda hard to describe how my week has been. There's a feeling of nostalgia but yet, I don't know. I find it difficult to describe it. Anyway, the Singaporean gals have been having an orientation week for our clinical placements due to start in couple of weeks' time and our lecturers are helping us to get ready for it and guess what?! Classes at uni have officially ended today at 1500hrs.
I don't know how to describe my feelings. I mean, I've spent only a tenth of my life overseas but yet, I find it difficult to pack up and return to a place where I still call home. Its kinda funny to notice the amount of effort I took to leave Singapore the first time I flew to Adelaide in 2005. However, with each year, I find it easier to leave. Now, that I have to Adelaide, I find it difficult to leave and return to a place which is going to be crazier, more hectic, kiasu and all other ugly names that you can think of.
I reckon, its not going to be "good-bye, Aussie!" but rather, "see you later" or "till we meet again"!
I don't know how to describe my feelings. I mean, I've spent only a tenth of my life overseas but yet, I find it difficult to pack up and return to a place where I still call home. Its kinda funny to notice the amount of effort I took to leave Singapore the first time I flew to Adelaide in 2005. However, with each year, I find it easier to leave. Now, that I have to Adelaide, I find it difficult to leave and return to a place which is going to be crazier, more hectic, kiasu and all other ugly names that you can think of.
I reckon, its not going to be "good-bye, Aussie!" but rather, "see you later" or "till we meet again"!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)