Ever since I was back at work after my MC (I worked only 1 out of 5 days on the 3rd week of January), I feel as though someone's watching me. I'm not a victim of schizophrenia.
I just have this odd feeling and this odd feeling usually occurs when I'm at work.
Many times, I 'see' a figure from the corner of my eye and I thought it was my colleague. Usually, I'm spot on but ever since these series of incident started, I always turn my head to realise that there's no one!
Initially, I felt kind of spooked when it happens (pretty frequently). Subsequently, I kind of got used to the presence. To date, that someone hasn't bothered me and neither did I bother it. We just left each other alone. I'll probably let things remain as it is, so long as the situation remain unchanged.
Hopefully, it will be gone when I resign from work.
I'm not too keen to be friends with it for life!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Inspiration: Shin's Brave Battle with Cancer
From a documentary film on tv, I learnt about Shin's brave battle with cancer.
Since then, I've been reading her blog regular basis. Though her blog does not have bright an attractive backgrounds nor fancy blog skins, I was 'hooked' onto her blog. What kept me returning were the blog entries. Shin's blog entries never failed to impress and inspire me; at times they made me do some self reflections.
However, Shin will never update her blog again. Today, I was told that she has passed away on Tuesday (27th January 2009). She has donated her body and organs for medical researches, a move which many people (Singaporeans especially) would not have taken.
I am saddened by Shin's departure even though I do not know her in person.
I'm sharing this because I hope that many others will benefit/be inspired by her like I do.
If you're keen to read more about Shin's Cancer Blog, click here.
The following is the documentary film that I watched before I came to know of Shin.
Since then, I've been reading her blog regular basis. Though her blog does not have bright an attractive backgrounds nor fancy blog skins, I was 'hooked' onto her blog. What kept me returning were the blog entries. Shin's blog entries never failed to impress and inspire me; at times they made me do some self reflections.
However, Shin will never update her blog again. Today, I was told that she has passed away on Tuesday (27th January 2009). She has donated her body and organs for medical researches, a move which many people (Singaporeans especially) would not have taken.
I am saddened by Shin's departure even though I do not know her in person.
I'm sharing this because I hope that many others will benefit/be inspired by her like I do.
If you're keen to read more about Shin's Cancer Blog, click here.
The following is the documentary film that I watched before I came to know of Shin.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What's Wrong?
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
This statement keeps ringing in my mind. Ironically, it doesn't not seem to apply to me.
Where did the drive and enthusiasm I once had disappeared to?
Why am I so negative these days?
I wonder what's wrong with me.
This statement keeps ringing in my mind. Ironically, it doesn't not seem to apply to me.
Where did the drive and enthusiasm I once had disappeared to?
Why am I so negative these days?
I wonder what's wrong with me.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Gastric Flu
For the whole of yesterday, my stomach's been feeling a little uncomfortable. It became worse after I ate lontong (cooked by the aunty at my work place).
Finally, from 10pm I started to have diarrhoea and it didn't stop until I visited the doctor today. I now hold a record breaking of 15 diarrhoea in a short span of 12 hours. There was once I even vomitted while seated on the toilet bowl. I couldn't have felt worse.
Despite that, I still had to go to work early in the morning, leaving home at 6 plus. My colleagues started to worry for me as my face turned paler with each visit to the toilet; they were worried that I would faint.
I finally made my way to the clinic after my supervisor came to work. I waited for an hour to see the doctor even though I was 5th in queue. Sighs.
In the end, I was given 2 days mc.
Despite all the discomfort, I had to proceed with my graduation concert that night. I had very much wanted to skip it, but I couldn't because there were a couple of duets and group songs.
Sighs. So much for practicing and preparing.
Finally, from 10pm I started to have diarrhoea and it didn't stop until I visited the doctor today. I now hold a record breaking of 15 diarrhoea in a short span of 12 hours. There was once I even vomitted while seated on the toilet bowl. I couldn't have felt worse.
Despite that, I still had to go to work early in the morning, leaving home at 6 plus. My colleagues started to worry for me as my face turned paler with each visit to the toilet; they were worried that I would faint.
I finally made my way to the clinic after my supervisor came to work. I waited for an hour to see the doctor even though I was 5th in queue. Sighs.
In the end, I was given 2 days mc.
Despite all the discomfort, I had to proceed with my graduation concert that night. I had very much wanted to skip it, but I couldn't because there were a couple of duets and group songs.
Sighs. So much for practicing and preparing.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Best Paying Jobs 2008
I came across this website, Salary.sg by chance while I was searching for some other information on Google. The website tabulated the list of top 100 best paying jobs in Singapore, rated in terms of pay. It sure was interesting to see the entire list.
I'll just list the top 30.
*Please note that the above information was extracted from Salary.sg
I'll just list the top 30.
- Specialised surgeon - $30,755
- Managing director - $24,472
- General surgeon - $17,872
- Commodities futures broker - $17,464
- General manager - $16,667
- Company director - $15,513
- Creative director (Advertising) - $13,000
- Legal service manager - $12,318
- Foreign exchange dealer and broker - $11,095
- Operations manager (Finance) - $9,808
- Legal officer - $9,790
- Risk management manager - $9,600
- Research and development manager - $9,385
- Computer operations and network manager - $9,300
- Training manager - $9,000
- Computer and information systems manager - $8,930
- Ship-master - $8,671
- Technical manager - $8,595
- Financial futures dealer and broker - $8,447
- Personnel / Human resource manager - $8,420
- Business development manager - $8,290
- Corporate planning manager - $8,290
- Fund manager - $8,125
- Treasury manager - $8,079
- Budgeting and financial accounting manager - $8,000
- Marketing manager - $8,000
- Power generation and distribution engineer - $7,848
- Engineering manager - $7,819
- Chemical engineer (Petroleum) - $7,678
- Manufacturing plant and production manager - $7,645
*Please note that the above information was extracted from Salary.sg
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Performance
As part of my music school's efforts to bring us to a higher level without internal examinations, my teacher has arranged for us (students) to perform at this cafe next week. I'm having the jitters as I feel ill-prepared. Moreover I'm really afraid that I'll fall sick; a few kids in my class are sick and it doesn't help that I'm not getting sufficient rest. I really do not want to fall sick in the next two weeks and the last thing I would want is to lose my voice.
My boss was actually kind enough to ask me if I had wanted to take a day's leave in preparation for the performance. I'm still undecided about it. She even asked if I will like the support of her and other fellow colleagues. How nice of her. I told her I appreciate her kindness but the performance is held on a weekday evening, far from the west. Thus I doubt most colleagues could make it for the event. On top of that, it's my very first performance and I'm afraid I'll screw it up right in front of so many people. I'm really feeling nervous about it, so nervous I didn't invite anybody.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will turn out fine.
Anyone keen to watch the performance?
My boss was actually kind enough to ask me if I had wanted to take a day's leave in preparation for the performance. I'm still undecided about it. She even asked if I will like the support of her and other fellow colleagues. How nice of her. I told her I appreciate her kindness but the performance is held on a weekday evening, far from the west. Thus I doubt most colleagues could make it for the event. On top of that, it's my very first performance and I'm afraid I'll screw it up right in front of so many people. I'm really feeling nervous about it, so nervous I didn't invite anybody.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will turn out fine.
Anyone keen to watch the performance?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Blogging with iPod
Just gotten my iPod a week ago as a christmas present. 1st time test blogging it with free wireless access at downtown east. Will review later on how good/bad the experience is.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
16 Random Things about Me
I realise that I hardly blog about myself and I guess my friends know very little about (the real) me apart from those they can observe after spending loads of time with me. Thus I've decided to do the '16 Random Things' that I've been tagged by xia.
These were the initial rules:[RULES] Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.
However, I doubt I'll tag 16 people because I strongly believe that less than 16 people around me knew that I blogged for myself and I'll like to maintain it this way. Reason being, I don't want to lose too much privacy; you never know who's reading your blog and who's attempting to stalk you or intrude your personal life. Thus if I'm the one who informed you of my blog address, it shows that I have great trust in you.
Anyway, you are tagged if you
1. Know me in person
2. Own a blog
3. Reading my current post
4. Haven't been tagged 16 Random Things before
16 Random Things about Me
[1.] Furries
The first thing I do in the morning is to hug my dogs, smell their fur and kiss their ears. Sometimes when the alarm goes off and I snooze if for another 5 minutes, I'll hug/lie on them like how I'll do so to my pillow or bolster. Once in a while, I'll drool on them. *blushes*
[2. ] Men & Pants
I get very very irritated when men start unbuckling their belts and/or unbutton their pants while walking to the gents. I get even more irritated when they start unzipping before even reaching the gents. I get very offended when they turn to look in the direction of women who are standing near or walking towards the ladies, and this is especially so when they look at me with that pervertic look. It's worse when some attempt to pop their heads into the ladies, hoping to catch a glimpse. Most times, I react with a hard glare or I'll choose to act as if I saw nothing and continue walking as per normal. If only erectile dysfunction is a result of men acting and/or behaving like a pervert.
[3.] Men & Doors
I get super pissed off when men (regardless of age) pees without closing the doors. Come on, not everyone enjoys looking at your ass. If you think such things don't happen in a 'civilised' society like Singapore, then you are so wrong. In the past few months, I came across such incidents thrice. Once in the toilet of a diving centre and twice in the toilets of coffeeshop. Shame on you!
[4.] Examinations Fear
I'm really scared of having to sit for examinations. I've been like that since I entered secondary school. I'll be so stressed out that I'll suffer from migraines and stomaches which will worsen into having diarrhoea and vomitting. Thankfully I've managed to overcome part of the problem thus I no longer puke or run to the toilet when I sit for paper. However, I'll still breakout in cold sweat (literally) for my first few papers, and I'll still have bad headaches and gastric upset once in a while.
[5.] Examinations, here I Come
Ironically I still sign myself up for examinations for the various courses I'm taking. Examinations are a benchmark to where I stand and they act as a motivation to me. Without examinations, I won't have the urge to push myself harder to greater heights; it's akin to learning without an aim or goal. Moreover in Singapore, most people will look at your credentials more than your experience or years of learning, thus social pressure is part of the reasons why I force myself to take certain examinations. I've just taken my Grade 4 Guzheng practical last year from NUS and I will be taking my Grade 4 Pop Music from LCM this year.
[6.] Watches
I have this love for watches, especially designs which are exquisite or unique and I'm glad my mum shares the same interest; each time she comes across watches which catch her eyes, she'll purchase it (as long as it's not ridiculously expensive). The best thing is, she doesn't like wearing watches, thus I stand to benefit most of the times.
[7.] Bookshop
Under the influence of my mother, I really enjoy trips to the bookshops. I remember visiting bookshops on a regular basis since young (approximately 3 or 4 year of age). Times and EPB bookshops (which has since closed down) are my favourite bookshops then. Currently, my favourite bookshop is Page One @ Vivo City, as it's got a wide variety of books imported from all parts of the world and most often than not, it has got books that bookshops like Borders or Kinokunya do not carry. However, this comes at an expensive price tag.
[8.] Books
As a result of Point 7, I have minimal resistance for buying books; I hardly ever leave bookshops like Kinokuniya, Borders and PageOne without purchasing a book. I detest reading fiction books ever since I grow out of Fairy Tales. Ladybird books like Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs and Princess and the Pea are probably the last few fiction books that I enjoyed reading. I enjoy reading biographies, autobiographies, encyclopedias and books related to health, natural healing and animals (especially dogs).
[9.] Library
Even though a walk in wardrobe is (almost) every girl's dream including mine, I'll choose to have a mini library instead of the wardrobe if I have to choose between the two. I'll like to have shelves equipped with a built-in ladder, like those in Borders bookshop. Then I'll record all the books with serial numbers and build a mini database to keep track on my collection of books. Everything will be perfect if I have a cosy corner with the right kind of lighting, making reading a pleasant experience.
[9.] Windows
I never realise how important windows are to me until I worked in an office facing the four walls. I dislike the feeling of not being to witness the gradual change in brightness throughout the day; I hate the feeling of not knowing whether it's morning, noon, afternoon or early evening without looking at the clock. I feel as though I'm trapped and confined within four walls. My only relief then (while working at that office without windows) was to take short breaks at the pantry, becuse that was the only place with glass panels and I really enjoyed looking out of the window even though the view wasn't all that fantastic.
[10.] Living Things
I think life is meaningless for me when there's no life around me. In other words, I need to be surrounded by living things. I was glad to have 'the companion' of several pots of plants in my previous office. My mood always feel a tad better each time I turn to look at the plants growing in tip top condition (there was a gardener appointed to care for these indoor plants). I guess that's the same reason why I've got so many animals in my house. Oh ya, did I mention that I have mini pots of non soil based plants in my room?
[11.] Creepy Crawly
Ever since I saw how hard a cockroach struggled to stay alive (it was later 'saved' by me), I've never killed any insects for the sake of killing them. I only kill insects that
Conclusion: A life is precious irregardless of species.
[12.] Lizards
Lizards are the only non-pets in my house that have the 'rights' to live in our grounds. When we spot lizards around, we won't freak out in fear nor attempt to catch/kill it. Once in a while, when small baby lizards are spotted, we'll start informing each other about it. Baby lizard are pretty cute actually, especially when they stare at you with their black shiny eyes that look way too big on their head.
No, my family members aren't great fans of geckos but we co-exist with each other. We believe in maintaining a healthy 'eco-system' in the household. I guess things will remain this way as long as the lizard population does not increase to the extent of them behaving like the landlords and us, like tenants.
Till date, my only bad experience was to have a silly lizard dropping from the ceiling onto my shoulder while I was preparing for a bath. I did not have any clothes on (duh, who bathes with clothes?) while the lizard made its way down my body. I felt very molested by that 'hum sup' lizard. I'm almost certain that the lizard was a male.
There was another incident similar to the above. The only difference was, I had my clothes on while brushing teeth.
[13.]Flexible Joints
I was told by a few doctors and therapists, with the aid of X-rays and CT scans that I have flexible joints. So flexible that I'm prone to sprains and dislocations if I'm careless, especially if I do not warm up before sports. Flexible joints (or rather loose joints) was part of the reason why I had to suffer a few dislocations in my left kneecap before I was being operated on.
[14.]Potatoes
I simply LOVE potatoes; baked, steamed, pan fried, deep fried, grilled, roasted. From french fries to rostii to wedges to baked potatoes to grilled potatoes to potatoe salad to potatoes in curry to bla bla bla. I love them as long as they're cooked. Any kind, every kind.
[15.]Soup
Soup is my life. I got to have them at least once a day. I'll feel miserable if I don't have it for my meals, especially dinner. If I'm having gastritis, suffering from gastric pains, feeling bloated queasiness, having a bowl of nice warm tasty soup is the answer. I dislike soups that are bland (due to the lack of effort and time while cooking), soups laded with monosodium glutamate and instant soups.
The two soups that I like, but will avoid as much as possible are Tom Yum Goong (especially those sold in Singapore restaurants that have lots of lemongrass added) and Hot & Spicy Soup. Reason being, I almost always diarrhoea or vomit after consuming them.
[16.] I took seven days, several logins and many amendments to this post before I managed to come out with this list. Having to write 16 random things about yourself isn't that easy afterall. I struggled with it for quite some time.
These were the initial rules:[RULES] Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.
However, I doubt I'll tag 16 people because I strongly believe that less than 16 people around me knew that I blogged for myself and I'll like to maintain it this way. Reason being, I don't want to lose too much privacy; you never know who's reading your blog and who's attempting to stalk you or intrude your personal life. Thus if I'm the one who informed you of my blog address, it shows that I have great trust in you.
Anyway, you are tagged if you
1. Know me in person
2. Own a blog
3. Reading my current post
4. Haven't been tagged 16 Random Things before
16 Random Things about Me
[1.] Furries
The first thing I do in the morning is to hug my dogs, smell their fur and kiss their ears. Sometimes when the alarm goes off and I snooze if for another 5 minutes, I'll hug/lie on them like how I'll do so to my pillow or bolster. Once in a while, I'll drool on them. *blushes*
[2. ] Men & Pants
I get very very irritated when men start unbuckling their belts and/or unbutton their pants while walking to the gents. I get even more irritated when they start unzipping before even reaching the gents. I get very offended when they turn to look in the direction of women who are standing near or walking towards the ladies, and this is especially so when they look at me with that pervertic look. It's worse when some attempt to pop their heads into the ladies, hoping to catch a glimpse. Most times, I react with a hard glare or I'll choose to act as if I saw nothing and continue walking as per normal. If only erectile dysfunction is a result of men acting and/or behaving like a pervert.
[3.] Men & Doors
I get super pissed off when men (regardless of age) pees without closing the doors. Come on, not everyone enjoys looking at your ass. If you think such things don't happen in a 'civilised' society like Singapore, then you are so wrong. In the past few months, I came across such incidents thrice. Once in the toilet of a diving centre and twice in the toilets of coffeeshop. Shame on you!
[4.] Examinations Fear
I'm really scared of having to sit for examinations. I've been like that since I entered secondary school. I'll be so stressed out that I'll suffer from migraines and stomaches which will worsen into having diarrhoea and vomitting. Thankfully I've managed to overcome part of the problem thus I no longer puke or run to the toilet when I sit for paper. However, I'll still breakout in cold sweat (literally) for my first few papers, and I'll still have bad headaches and gastric upset once in a while.
[5.] Examinations, here I Come
Ironically I still sign myself up for examinations for the various courses I'm taking. Examinations are a benchmark to where I stand and they act as a motivation to me. Without examinations, I won't have the urge to push myself harder to greater heights; it's akin to learning without an aim or goal. Moreover in Singapore, most people will look at your credentials more than your experience or years of learning, thus social pressure is part of the reasons why I force myself to take certain examinations. I've just taken my Grade 4 Guzheng practical last year from NUS and I will be taking my Grade 4 Pop Music from LCM this year.
[6.] Watches
I have this love for watches, especially designs which are exquisite or unique and I'm glad my mum shares the same interest; each time she comes across watches which catch her eyes, she'll purchase it (as long as it's not ridiculously expensive). The best thing is, she doesn't like wearing watches, thus I stand to benefit most of the times.
[7.] Bookshop
Under the influence of my mother, I really enjoy trips to the bookshops. I remember visiting bookshops on a regular basis since young (approximately 3 or 4 year of age). Times and EPB bookshops (which has since closed down) are my favourite bookshops then. Currently, my favourite bookshop is Page One @ Vivo City, as it's got a wide variety of books imported from all parts of the world and most often than not, it has got books that bookshops like Borders or Kinokunya do not carry. However, this comes at an expensive price tag.
[8.] Books
As a result of Point 7, I have minimal resistance for buying books; I hardly ever leave bookshops like Kinokuniya, Borders and PageOne without purchasing a book. I detest reading fiction books ever since I grow out of Fairy Tales. Ladybird books like Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs and Princess and the Pea are probably the last few fiction books that I enjoyed reading. I enjoy reading biographies, autobiographies, encyclopedias and books related to health, natural healing and animals (especially dogs).
[9.] Library
Even though a walk in wardrobe is (almost) every girl's dream including mine, I'll choose to have a mini library instead of the wardrobe if I have to choose between the two. I'll like to have shelves equipped with a built-in ladder, like those in Borders bookshop. Then I'll record all the books with serial numbers and build a mini database to keep track on my collection of books. Everything will be perfect if I have a cosy corner with the right kind of lighting, making reading a pleasant experience.
[9.] Windows
I never realise how important windows are to me until I worked in an office facing the four walls. I dislike the feeling of not being to witness the gradual change in brightness throughout the day; I hate the feeling of not knowing whether it's morning, noon, afternoon or early evening without looking at the clock. I feel as though I'm trapped and confined within four walls. My only relief then (while working at that office without windows) was to take short breaks at the pantry, becuse that was the only place with glass panels and I really enjoyed looking out of the window even though the view wasn't all that fantastic.
[10.] Living Things
I think life is meaningless for me when there's no life around me. In other words, I need to be surrounded by living things. I was glad to have 'the companion' of several pots of plants in my previous office. My mood always feel a tad better each time I turn to look at the plants growing in tip top condition (there was a gardener appointed to care for these indoor plants). I guess that's the same reason why I've got so many animals in my house. Oh ya, did I mention that I have mini pots of non soil based plants in my room?
[11.] Creepy Crawly
Ever since I saw how hard a cockroach struggled to stay alive (it was later 'saved' by me), I've never killed any insects for the sake of killing them. I only kill insects that
- Steal my food/drinks
- Invade my sleeping area
- Harass my furries
- Explore my furries' cages
- Hunt in my furries' food bowls
- Rest in my furries' sleeping area
Conclusion: A life is precious irregardless of species.
[12.] Lizards
Lizards are the only non-pets in my house that have the 'rights' to live in our grounds. When we spot lizards around, we won't freak out in fear nor attempt to catch/kill it. Once in a while, when small baby lizards are spotted, we'll start informing each other about it. Baby lizard are pretty cute actually, especially when they stare at you with their black shiny eyes that look way too big on their head.
No, my family members aren't great fans of geckos but we co-exist with each other. We believe in maintaining a healthy 'eco-system' in the household. I guess things will remain this way as long as the lizard population does not increase to the extent of them behaving like the landlords and us, like tenants.
Till date, my only bad experience was to have a silly lizard dropping from the ceiling onto my shoulder while I was preparing for a bath. I did not have any clothes on (duh, who bathes with clothes?) while the lizard made its way down my body. I felt very molested by that 'hum sup' lizard. I'm almost certain that the lizard was a male.
There was another incident similar to the above. The only difference was, I had my clothes on while brushing teeth.
[13.]Flexible Joints
I was told by a few doctors and therapists, with the aid of X-rays and CT scans that I have flexible joints. So flexible that I'm prone to sprains and dislocations if I'm careless, especially if I do not warm up before sports. Flexible joints (or rather loose joints) was part of the reason why I had to suffer a few dislocations in my left kneecap before I was being operated on.
[14.]Potatoes
I simply LOVE potatoes; baked, steamed, pan fried, deep fried, grilled, roasted. From french fries to rostii to wedges to baked potatoes to grilled potatoes to potatoe salad to potatoes in curry to bla bla bla. I love them as long as they're cooked. Any kind, every kind.
[15.]Soup
Soup is my life. I got to have them at least once a day. I'll feel miserable if I don't have it for my meals, especially dinner. If I'm having gastritis, suffering from gastric pains, feeling bloated queasiness, having a bowl of nice warm tasty soup is the answer. I dislike soups that are bland (due to the lack of effort and time while cooking), soups laded with monosodium glutamate and instant soups.
The two soups that I like, but will avoid as much as possible are Tom Yum Goong (especially those sold in Singapore restaurants that have lots of lemongrass added) and Hot & Spicy Soup. Reason being, I almost always diarrhoea or vomit after consuming them.
[16.] I took seven days, several logins and many amendments to this post before I managed to come out with this list. Having to write 16 random things about yourself isn't that easy afterall. I struggled with it for quite some time.
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