What have I been up to?

Seriously, nothing much. Work has been busy so far and I reckon there will be added responsibility once Angela leaves the department at the end of this month. I wonder when my next long break will come? I'm praying hard that my leave for the YSWA camp/conference will be approved early September. I want to walk closer with Jesus.

Other than work, my social life is pretty monotonous. Lesser amount of lunch/dinner dates, with more time for myself. Reading couple of books now, which I bought some time back - 1) Thanks for the memories by Cecelia Ahern and 2) The curious incident of the dog in the night time by Mark Haddon - I strongly recommend this book!

Next up, I better start training for my runs, with the 1st one due next week. Adidas choose-whatever-distance run on 3rd August, AHM on 24th August, Nike Human race on 31st August, GE 10k run in Oct and Standard Chart marathon - 21km on 7th December. I better be in top form. Oh, I miss my training kaki who returned to HK. Nevertheless, I am glad that I managed to coerce Soph into signing up for the Standard Chart 21km this year. (refer to this and scroll to the last entry).

Have a blessed week!

Getting to know myself better

I attempted yet another personality test which I got the link of my friend's blog. Pretty interesting. Try it out for yourself here.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:

You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Good Ol' Hong Kong

What I needed was really a break away from work. My trip to Hong Kong was FANTABULOUS! Despite this being second trip to Hong Kong, I still found new places to sight-see and new shopping lanes/outlets to spend money. (: The experience was one-of-a-kind and nothing can ever replace it. Visiting a country where you have friends makes your trip even more worthwhile. Thanks for having me around, Brian and Quentin! It was a pleasure visiting your homes and having dinners and all the catching-up. I never fail to be amazed.

Nevertheless, here's a list of things that I bought from Hong Kong:
1) 1 off-white handbag from H&M
2) 1 brown blouse from H&M
3) 2 q-locks from Giordano Ladies
4) 1 blue top from Esprit
5) 1 2GB thumb drive
6) 1 bath towel from Esprit
7) 2 tops from G2000
8) 1 pair of brown pumps
9) 1 bottle of facial foam
10) 1 green 4-leaf clover umbrella

My retail therapy should last me until end of August, which I think I would be in need of another break then. Pictures to be uploaded soon once my xiaomei gets her arse down to doing it. I am just plain lazy.

Public announcement

This is a public announcement!

Joanna will be away from 9th July to 13th July for a well-deserved break and a time of catch-up in Hong Kong. In the meantime, well-wishes such as praying for good weather, journey mercy etc are welcomed. Don't miss her!

10 promises between my dog and I

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership (Author Unknown)

I

My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will be painful for me.
Remember that before you acquire me.

II

Give me time to understand what you want from me.

III

Place your trust in me.
Remember that before you acquire me.

IV

Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment.
I ONLY HAVE YOU!

V

Talk to me sometimes.
Even if I don't understand your words.
I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

VI

Remember before you hit me that I have teeth than can easily crush the bones in your hand,
but I choose NOT TO BITE YOU.

VII

Before you scold me for being uncooperative,
obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I don't understand what you ask of me or perhaps I am not feeling well,
not getting the right food,
been out in the sun too long,
or my heart is getting old and weak.

VIII

Take care of me when I get old,
you too will grow old.

IX

Go with me on difficult journeys.
Never say "I can't bear to watch" or "let it happen in my absence".
EVERYTHING IS EASIER IF YOU ARE THERE.

X

REMEMBER I LOVE YOU!

10 promises

This is definitely one movie that brought tears to my eyes not once, not twice but I reckon three times.

"10 promises to my dog" tells the story about Akari (a 14 year old teenage) and her new found female golden retriever puppy with white paws, which she found wandering in her yard. Akari together and her mother named the puppy Socks. Akari's mother consents to her keeping the dog only after Akari consents to keeping 10 Promises to Socks. Akari enthusiatically consents and the two begin their journey growing up together. Akari finds herself having to overcome many changes and challenges in her life - tradegy of her mother's death, father's sudden resignation, coming-of-age, first love, career ambitions and independence. However, at every step in her life, Socks is always there to provide unquestioning love and support.

Some noteworthy thoughts are the social issues highlighted in the movie: family versus careers (Saito having to carry out his duty as a surgeon while spending time with Akari for their get-together) as well as personal ambition against parents' expectations (Hoshi being forced to pursue a career as a classical guitarist according to his father's wish) These issues are interwoven perfectly into the storyline as they affect both Akari's and Socks friendship directly and indirectly. Indeed, I am thankful for the great companionship that my little Jack RussellRascal gives. She never fails to bring a smile to my face no matter how tired I am after work or how disheartened I feel.


She loves to sleep between our legs!


Thanks Jessie for the great company! Cheers to the next 10years of friendship!

Disheartened

A statement from her caused me to feel disheartened. I have only been with the company for close to 6months now (officially 6 months after 9 July), however, I have already taken 3 days of sick leave. It looks as though I was not genuinely sick enough to warrant a day of rest. I mean, isn't it human to fall sick? With the stress of trying to meet census, coming into contact with countless of patients, lack of sleep, erratic weather etc. With just a day or two of rest, can we not have it? She seems rather anal especially when it comes to leave taking. If a staff is not fully rested, how then can we perform to the best of our ability - trying to see as many patients as possible with limited manpower?

I really don't know. Thankfully, listening to what Pastor Prince preached about the sermon, "The only battle that you have to fight today is the battle of rest" on my way to work, I feel rested spiritually and ready to take on the world. Bring it on!

Praise the Lord for Psalm 23 too.

Psalm 23 reads:
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters;
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me,
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows
Surely goodnes and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Such a lovely verse to remind me of my Lord's great love.