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!