The Last Lecture

Having read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and having seen the movie and knowing that if you only have a few months more to live, what would you do or say?

Live in regret or live life to the fullest? You are the one who decides!

The video clip provided me with plenty of insights:
1) Childhood dreams - anything is possible, we only need to dream
2) Experience is what we get when we don't get what we want
3) Brick walls in our way are there for a reason - they show us how much we want our childhood dreams
4) Learn to have fun all the time!
5) Be humble
6) People versus things
7) Tigger versus Eeyore - Optimistic, love having fun or with a dim and gloomy outlook?
8) Integrity - tell the truth and apologies
9) Be patient - people will show their good side
10) Show gratitude
11) Don't complain, just work harder
12) If you live properly, the dream will come to you!

I found my passion in health promotion, what's yours?

Its not goodbye!

Your absence was clearly felt when each of us entered ward 38 this morning. It feels as though a part of the piece is missing from the master piece. At times, I still yearn for you to appear. I reckon it is going to take a while before we get used to it. All the best for your future endeavours! Pursue the dreams while you still have the energy!


The entire HF team at work! Our daily family conference.
L-R:Serene (Cardiac care nurse), Clement (OT), Quentin (PT), Cao Yan (Cardiac care nurse), Shuhua (dietitian) & me

With Sister Michelle - our Senior NC i/c of the cardiac clinical pathway

Introducing our future TVB star


Looking forward to our reunion on 30th June after your fabulous overseas trips!

Of highs and lows

What a week it has been for me.

I felt an all time low at the beginning of the week when I found myself questioning if this is what I wanted to do. I recalled the struggles that I faced exactly a year ago when I was on clinical placement - yearning to be able to complete the 12weeks in one piece. Tears were shed, disappointing words were heard. What more could one ask for? It did help that I had friends who were going through something similar and I am glad to say, we did it!

Nevertheless, my flame was rekindled after hearing what Ming Ting, a nutritionist by training, armed with a Masters in Public Health, had to share. She shared her Masters thesis - effectiveness of NAPFA and TAF programmes in Singapore in combating childhood obesity. That wednesday afternoon, I finally found my passion - really, its health promotion for children. I have not felt like that in ages. I shared my joy with the Lord and thank Him for sending Ming Ting and of course, close friends.

With an emotional high mid week, it started to taper down once Friday crawled in. It was Quentin's last day at work, having tendered his resignation 3 months ago. He shared with me that he is still feeling mixed and complicated. I have to admit although the entire cardiac team and rehab staff will miss his presence, I sincerely wished him all the best in his future endeavours, knowing that he will make an impact where he go. A farewell dinner cum coffee session the night before to enjoy each other's company.


On our way there

Just monkeying around before our Bibiba arrived

"Listen to me!" says our future TVB star.

Cheers!

Take care Mr Q!

To end off the night with a pic along Singapore River

Having such highs and lows, I thank the Lord that I feel recharged spiritually after hearing Pastor preach about anointing - grain, new wine and oil - having died on the cross for my sins and knowing that I will receive His blessings abundantly. Thank you Lord Daddy!

What a run!

Getting out of bed at 5am and preparing to run the longest distance in my life is no easy feat. However, I am proud to say, I did! I have no idea how I managed to let Sophie convince in signing for the Passion Run 15km. Running 10km is now like the norm with the 5km distance being scorned at.

The weather today was fine, mostly cloudy with minimal sun peeking out. So a rather good day to run. Having completed 10.5km last Saturday as part of the team in completing the Sundown marathon, 15km should be a comfortable distance. Even agreed by my PT friend. Nevertheless, Sophie and I ran the race of our life today, enjoying the sights and smell that East Coast Park have to offer - sweaty bods, overnight barbecue food, sandy beaches.

As I pulled away from Sophie, I was constantly paced by this veteran Caucasian lady until the 9-10km mark. At that point, I was tempted to just turn at 10km to finish off this sweaty journey. My conscience got the better of me and I willed myself to complete the last 5km, which felt like miles. The only thing that kept me going was the constant song that was played in my head - Salvation is Here by Hillsongs united. No idea why but its fast rhythm kept me going.

Looking sleepy post race

Despite the long and sweaty journey, I sprinted to the finishing point when the white tentage was spotted. To remind myself of this 'grueling' race, I am now nursing a nagging left knee pain and slight muscle aches. Perhaps I will attempt the 21km at the end of this year at the Standard Chartered marathon, Yes Soph?

The truth hurts

The truth hurts doesn't it? Who likes to be told that someone else is better than you? or that you ain't very good looking etc.

When I say I don't really care, I actually do care. I appreciate the time spent together, giving us opportunities to get to know one another better. (:

My little mind can only take so much confusion. Sigh.

Running on an emotional tank

I don't know how much more of varying emotions my little heart and soul can take in a day. This morning started off with me completing my competency checklist as part of my confirmation. Ok, I have been with the hospital for close to 5 months (Yes! Only such a short time) but it feels like ages. As usual, I would get nervous as I am not used to having someone assess me during my counselling skills. I do bring the TP students around but I don't get assessed, so its different. So far, so good. The only component left unassessed is my presentation skills - it will happen on 24June when I give my first public talk! SCARY!!!

As the day progressed, I had a nagging feeling that I needed to make my feelings to him known. I have been thinking about our friendship for sometime now. I do not want to regret it when he leaves the hospital to return to his home country for good. I told him that I needed to talk to him in private. He said I sounded serious. Ok, I am talking about serious stuff here. We tucked ourselves into a conference room located at the end of the ward where we accidentally startled a cleaning aide. I reckon the cleaning aide sensed it and got himself out of the room the quickest time possible.

Me: I have been thinking about our friendship lately and whatever that I have to say to you is going to make me vulnerable.
He: Ok..
Me: I really treasure the friendship that we share and I hope I do not ruin it by what I am about to say. I am glad that we crossed paths. I know I may regret it if I do not let you know how I feel.
Pause. I was looking at him to see how he was taking it so far. He just smiled, encouraging me to go on.
Me: Anyway, I want you to know that I actually have a special feeling towards you. You know, like something more than friends? I know that you have a girlfriend waiting for you back home. However, I just think I should let you know how I feel. Do you know how I felt towards to prior to this conversation?
He(smiles and stares at me with his big eyes): Ok..Not really, until you told me how you felt.
At that instant, I felt like my heart sank but nevertheless..
Me: Ok, I have never done this before like letting my feelings be known/heard. You know, like first time?
He: There will always be first times.
Me: Anyway, I just ask that we continue to be friends? I hope you don't see/treat me differently.
He attempts to say something, hesitates for awhile, then stop.
Me(jumps down from the table): I'm glad you took time to listen.
As we walk out from the room and down the ward aisle, he asked me if any of my colleagues knew about it. I said, No. However, I was asked if we were both together to which I replied no. Then,
He: Some of my colleagues asked me too. I tell you tomorrow.
I smiled at him and told him I will see him tomorrow arvo in the wards since I have am clinic.

I must have left him feeling confused. Affairs of the heart is really so hard to comprehend. Sigh.

Sundown Marathon

The inaugural Sundown marathon kicked in when the sun decided to retire for the day. What was originally meant to be a team of Allied Health professionals, attempting to participate in the corporate challenge, with each member completing 10.5km, was replaced by banking and finance and business management students (Soph and Sebas). Haha. Nevertheless, each of us completed the distance, with planes' engines roaring as they take off, the calm sea waters crashing into the shore and the smell of barbecued food.

The experience that the Sundown marathon provided was a unique one. I had the privilege of running alongside with my bestie and someone special, not to mention the unique night scene that the eastern part of Singapore has to offer. (:


Free ice cream after the run!


Victory taste sweet afterall!

Note to self: I can complete the 15km Passion run!