musings of a mad medic

Bye a&e! :)

2012-02-11T00:10:00.001Z

Last day at Barnet a&e and it really did end beautifully! Just when I've started to know the people here and grow attached to this place, it's time to move on.
I don't quite like goodbyes.

On a chirpier note, the boys have sorted out a holiday in Paris for me! Looking forward to shopping and Pierre Hermes! :) And possibly Disneyland if they let me have things my way ...

Lazy sat morning.

2012-02-04T09:56:00.001Z

It's a lazy Saturday morning, and I had to force myself to roll out of bed cos I had this nagging thought in my head to get all the heart murmurs right. Zzz.

At least, I've got lovely people visiting me from Singapore now. Awesome ones who would clean the house for me and cook awesome stuff and of course, they've brought all the yummies from home I missed during cny.

London is really getting too cold for me liking. Subzero is not acceptable at all.
At least there is the sun, the glorious sun in this city always makes the day sooooo beautiful!

Enfield for GP is depressing much :(

2012-01-31T10:05:00.001Z

Im going to be posted to Enfield for gp which is depressing because it means 1plus hours of travelling on the train and 16pds for transport per day :(

And I've just received news from seniors working back home in Singapore that they are all jaded and willing to quit their jobs.

What a start to the day. At least, I'm glad I'm doing a&e now, any more surgery and I will actually stab myself. Don't get me wrong, I'm not actually excluding surgery from my back up plan list (in fact urology ranks ye highest now) but as a medical student, I just dont quite enjoy it as many other specialties. Too much standing around, and too little explanation on what is going on.

Also, happy birthday to my dearest daddy today! He's the best one in the world :))

A moment's whim.

2012-01-30T20:01:00.003Z

I have this sudden urge to want to drop everything Im doing and jet off somewhere to learn all about coffee.

Like take 6months out of my life, and be a coffee expert's protege- To learn about the different types of coffee, how to tell good coffee from bad ones and how to brew a beautiful cup.

I love coffee- the taste, the aroma and that charm that a barrister executes a heavenly cup of coffee. And i only wish i knew more about it.

Celebrating CNY in my 2nd home :)

2012-01-28T15:21:00.001Z

Alcohol has a negative effect on me and yet time and time again I choose to succumb to it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not addicted to it, neither do I get pissed drunk and in fact I do have an okay-ish tolerance for a girl. But for some strange reason I get 1. Insomnia if I drink too much and 2. Some sort of weird hangover the next day with dull feeling my head and a general lack of concentration for the full day. Yet, I can't quite resist it when my mates keep pouring for me. Peer pressure! Maybe, I know myself to be someone who yields readily.

Steamboat dinner round 3 with the medics was great, despite the twist of events towards the end as everyone got progressively emo when they got drunk. I don't blame them tho since many are still nursing difficult heartbreaks or unrequited love. But once in a while, I think it's good that we could let our guards down :) after all it's the new year, and with that amazing hot pot and countless bottles of beer, whiskey and wine, it's time to start it afresh and with gusto with the family we have here. Indeed, because of these amazing people, London has become a home away from home for me. Although I plan to head back cos I don't quite like working here, I think I'm really going to miss living here- the people most of all, the freedom and London's unique beauty.

Blogging on the go!

2012-01-27T09:49:00.001Z

Finally got myself blogger on the go which would be a great way for me to collect my thoughts about the day as I head to/ back from Barnet.

The Barnet posting has been a disappointment thus far. I think maybe cos I have been (unfairly) comparing it to my time in a&e Singapore. I hate the inefficiency here and the fact that there isn't much structured teaching at all. This is especially worrying considering that finals are not far away.

I know I would have alot to complain when I get back to Singapore, as everyone has been warning me. The upside of this would be that my firm has been the best thus far. All the people I like best from all my previous firms are now here with me!

It's steamboat round 2 for us yellow medics today at mine, and I'm sure it's gonna be a beautiful feast again! Yay :))

Train is reaching Barnet, ta!

Sodagreen!

2012-01-24T23:11:00.002Z

I knew I always had a weakness for anything green (:

Their songs can really calm me down!

Suck it up and Plod on.

2012-01-20T23:28:00.001Z

A book well worth getting.

It sure did put a smile on my face when I couldnt stop sighing.

Happy Chinese New Year?

2012-01-20T23:03:00.003Z

Its Chinese New Year celebration over the weekend and I have decided to give myself time off this weekend to just fully enjoy it. I know I have a whole host of activities lined up- steamboat dinner tomorrow, dinner at Min Jiang on Sunday followed by yet another steamboat dinner next sat. If not for the fact that Im so tired after I come back from barnet everyday and that I feel this nagging pressure to start revision for finals (although i really just collapse when I reach home at night anyway and get no work done), I think I will defo be having alot more dinners than this.

Celebrations involve me trying to do all my laundry (nothing beats nice soft bedsheets and towels), cleaning up all the dishes, preparing for tomorrow's steamboat dinner (marinating meat, steaming rice and making bubble tea + sending the boys to C-town to get stuff/ K to billingsgate for seafood), hoovering & mopping the whole house and restocking all the toiletries and necessities in the house. A clean household would definitely make me so much happier :D

I dont think I miss spending CNY in Singapore, but because it is a time of reunion, it reminds me doubly of the people I miss so much back at home. Unlike most people, I have totally gotten over missing the bak kwa, pineapple tarts and other chinese new year goodies or Singaporean food in general. An awesome plate of pasta can probably make me incredibly happy too. But, its the yearning for the company of certain special people back in that beautiful island country that I find it hard to deal with.

At least, I have a nice group of people whom I really do hold dear to my heart to spend it with me this year (:

So as Anne Frank said, I shall: Think of all the beautiful things around me and be happy!

大家新年快乐！

Gasps.

2012-01-20T01:48:00.001Z

It suddenly dawned upon me (again) that I have sh*tloads to do for MBBS finals and Im totally not ready.

I cant do OSCEs, I dont know my theory well and Im not sure if I can be a half-decent junior doctor, not hated by my peers and despised by my consultants.

And Im so annoyed that I need so much sleep :( I wish i could function on less than 5h a day.

Freezing London

2012-01-17T21:38:00.003Z

I really cant wait for Friday to come.

1. Its finally going to be sunny and less cold (sub-zero weather is not fun at all).

2. Im going to be seeing Lily and Prisc for dinner at (hopefully) Fire and Stone Pizza. Have been wanting to check out that place since forever.

3. Its tuesday and I feel like I need a break from work. I suspect its one of those days, and as a female I suppose Im entitled to one of these days once in a while. Thank god for great friends like M who would wait for my shift to end and bring me for korean just to make me feel slightly better.

4. And its C's birthday! That is afterall something worth celebrating!

Alright, keep calm and suck it up. Plod on!

Procrastination.

2012-01-13T08:54:00.003Z

I need to go to the gym.

I need to finish reading my surgery notes.

I need to do case of the month.

I need to clean up the house and do laundry.

I need to renew my library books and pay fines ... again.

I need to mail gifts off.

I probably just need to watch less tv and sleep less and go out less.

Ah, now and then its good to stop in the pursuit of happiness and just be happy ... and probably regret it later.

But thats youth for you, making mistakes, being sore about it now and laughing about it later.

Cheers Henri!

2012-01-10T18:52:00.001Z

Henri is back, and he is as amazing as ever!

Lets just hope that he will stay for more than 2months (: Come on, Arsenal is where you should be!

Final Sem in London Week 1

2012-01-07T18:35:00.005Z

First week back in London and Im adjusting again ...

Adjusting to the fact that I:

1. Need to do my own laundry, meals and shopping.

2. Need to travel to hospital myself, chugging along slowly on the tube and have no one to send me back at the end of a long tiring day. (Although michael my new best friend has very kindly given a couple of lifts so far.)

3. Dont have someone waiting for me at the end of the day, someone to just listen to me share about my mundane day or just sit with me and watch TV.

4. Dont have good hot hawker food for lunch and supper. And all sorts of yummy asian food easily within reach.

5. Dont have such a great mentor at work who inspires me in all sorts of way- work ethics, clinical acumen and his compassion for patients.

6. NEED TO START STUDYING FOR MBBS.

Despite the whole long list of moans and whines, I am still glad to be back in London. I have a love hate relationship with London- I think she is beautiful but yet, sometimes I hate the way she can be so temperamental and get so gloomy at times. I love the fact that there are so many places to explore in London, so many exciting activities to do and things see and yet hate the fact that 'cept for partying and clubbing (which I dont do much) and possibly a chinatown meal there isnt much to do at night. I like the way no one ever snaps at me for being slow and incompetent and yet I absolutely hate the inefficiency here (compared to Singapore). I really do miss the fast- paced lifestyle in Singapore, and yet I just find it so difficult keep up with the rest back home. I love the freedom I have here but I dislike the additional responsibilities and ... miss the people back home terribly.

I guess, the best thing to do now is to really enjoy the remaining 7 months in London. And then head back home ... finally. Hopefully then, I would be missing London but not complaining about wishing to be back in London instead.

Back in London.

2012-01-03T06:22:00.001Z

Back in London.

Time to start mugging for MBBS.

Surprisingly, I'm relieved to be back here. And, at least the weather is tolerable.

Wish me luck that my mentor at Barnet would be as good as alvin!

Of Xmas and Boxing Day 2011.

2011-12-29T01:28:00.005Z

I had the most beautiful xmas ever this year (:

Im so thankful that this year not only did I get 2 nights at MBS, loads of good food but I also spent it with such a lovely bunch of people.

MBS was amazing, I love the toilet there. Judge me, but I judge how awesome a place is based on their toilets and MBS is definitely up there in terms of that. I like the fact that there is a shower and a bath tub (it was oh so shiok soaking in it), a separate door for the loo (so when someone else poo- poos, the smell can be contained within) and separate sinks for couples to brush their teeth/prim themselves at the same time. Little things that goes a long way to making the stay more pleasant. The room was pretty nice, not like out of this world but defo 5 star standard at least. Afterall it is a new hotel and new things are always nice. The staff were surprisingly helpful and friendly- happy to provide us with a table and ice and knife and all sorts of funny requests we had. Also, they sent up the cleaning team at 8pm for us (cos we were just lazing in the room for the whole morning) when we asked for it, without any hints of irritation.

Of course, what makes good celebration is always the people. Spending it with the Losers (my sec 3/4 clique) just made the whole stay memorable. Loads of heart to heart talks and catching up and even more loser stories and laughter. Plus this time Huien the lumpsy was back from Aussieland to attend one of her mate's hen's party (gosh people are starting to get married). Xmas eve dinner was also joined by may (a very unlikely friend considering we have personalities world's apart) and mindy and monica who cant stop quarreling with each other. Of course with my family and cousins and some of my brother's friends (kids who really make me laugh). So it was really one nice big gathering!

Now, post- Xmas ... BOXING DAY SALES START! Apparently, its been crazy in London this year, with record breaking sales and a fatal stabbing along Oxford Street. Of course, I have to join in the fun (not in the stabbing), even if im not physically in London. I have scoured through the websites of Topshop, Warehouse, F21, Dorothy Perkins, Ms Selfridge, Selfridges etc and managed to nab quite a few pieces for pretty good prices. Looking forward to them greeting me when I head back to London on New Year's Day. Shopping in Singapore is really getting way to expensive nowadays. I just cant afford anything locally! :( If there is one thing im gonna miss from London, it would be online shopping ... and freedom of course.

But really, its time to come back home. Better to be rough it out when you are younger than later yes?

New Year's coming .. its time to make some resolutions.

I think I shall give up on the whole dieting business this year since it hasnt worked .. since I was 15 maybe?

A week wasted.

2011-12-23T04:36:00.002Z

I feel immensely guilty that all I have been doing for the past few days are eat, sleep and ... eat outside. Or watch shows on my computer and whatsapp.

I have about 1 wk left in singapore, and Im dreading it so much this time- because there are so many people I would like to have more time with, so many food which I havent had the time to have, and so many things which I would like to do ... and finally, so much work which needs to be done when I get back to London. And this time, with Kiki not around, its going to be pretty lonely (oh so lonely) for me in that empty apartment. Hopefully, I would be distracted by the work and stress of MBBS

And of course, this year, I have chinese new year to look forward to, cos some of the Losers are flying over to spend it with me ... true friends indeed (not tt they did it purely for me). Sadly, CNY has lost its appeal altogether for me- as an older friend told me, Im going to come back to have loads of people asking me "Have you brought your bf home?", "When are you getting married?", "Oh, you must earn alot as a doctor. How much do you earn?" Seriously. And of course, how much I have put on since I left singapore.
Moreover, now I really dont need CNY to see my grandparents and my cousins, they organise so many gatherings that Im more in the loop with their lives now than in the past (when i used to see them once a year).
Of course, with Facebook, everyone knows whats going on in each other's lives (which is a double edged sword since it can be dangerous with malicious relatives too). And having been away for so long, Im starting to appreciate all these little time I have with my family and Im starting to make the effort to go down to visit my grandparents whenever I can. Its scary how much things have changed in 5 years for me- I've mellowed, what I want and what I think is important have all changed as well.

I am looking forward to coming back to Singapore, but I know Im going to complain and cry and whine about missing London and wishing I was back there again. But hopefully, I would be strong enough to suck it up and plod on ... without being jaded and bitter.

Xmas plans!

2011-12-22T01:30:00.003Z

Its 3 days to Xmas, and Im starting to feel the excitement!

Im currently planning an Xmas eve party at MBS (thanks to my parents for giving me a room all to myself) for some of my friends. The dinner menu is starting to look more exciting ...

1. Starters- Old Chang Kee curry puffs, squid head etc (Good ol' Singaporean faves. I would ideally like to get the curry puffs from A1 at Taka, but its too much of a hassle to go all the way down there that morning.)

2. Greens- Salad/ Asparagus (Lovingly tossed/ made by May)

3. Bailey's Chicken Wings (Im really looking forward to this alco twist of one of my fave foods ... again by May)

4. Mains- Pizzas from Timbre (Hopefully the duck pizza is as good as they all make it out to be.)

5. Dessert- Ice cream Log Cake from Swensen's (Probably the most chrismassy item on the menu.)

6. Drinks- Diet coke, green tea ... and maybe I should bring in the vodka (which would go well with both coke and green tea.) and fix some sangria as well! (Since i still dont know how to make mulled wine.)

And probably loads of mineral water to get through a potential AI (alcohol intoxication).

I was just wondering if I should throw in some german sausages (but i would make the menu so protein laden which I dont think us girls would fancy so much).

And fruits would probably be a good idea as well ... maybe I could fix a fruit salad yay!

Of course, there would be snacks for us to nibble on through the night and loads of silly games and of course... CARDS!

I think its time for me fix up an Xmas playlist on my Mac now!

Finding joy in things mundane.

2011-12-09T01:20:00.002Z

Ive decided to spend some time with mom today, after making her upset yesterday (we both refused to back down on our stand on 体罚 for kids). Its good too, cos she is going for the Robinson's Sale at expo and I might possibly just manage to find myself some jewels in the mess there. And subtly try to make up for yesterday, cos Im just too proud to say sorry (and so is she, it runs in the blood im sure).

I had such a wonderful night yesterday with 2 of my besties, Ernie and Lily. Dinner was with Ernie and Greg who brought me to Santouki at Cuppage Plaza for Ramen and gosh, it now stands as my fave ramen in singapore (i like it more than ippudo yes) cos the charsiew there is oh-so-yummy and the egg is like flowy and orgasmically goood! Greg had to leave for a conference call after, but its cool cos I get to spend some girl time with Ernie and Lily who joined us eventually. It was girls activities after-- gossiping over ice-cream (cold stone is gorgeous, gotta love the cake batter man!) and shopping (have to say it still cant compare to London though, and its sooo expensive in singapore nowadays).

I guess you tend to appreciated things so much more when they are scarce- this is only my second night out since Ive started my attachment at SGH!

Lazy day.

2011-12-08T05:16:00.002Z

I have 1 whole day off today and I dont know what to do with myself. Technically, I had 1.5days off, but I KO-ed for 20h after night take last night.

Should I stay in and do some reading for finals, go into ED and learn more stuff (and since my MO is on locum duty anyways, i could technially follow him around), go shopping (i need to get presents and more clothes) & get my brows done (they havent been touched for months i think) or just stay home and do lazy things like nap and waste my life away online.

Its my flatmate's big day today. No, she is not getting married ('cos that would prbly be alot less stressful than this) but is taking her USMLE. Hope it goes well for her!

Okay, it has just started pouring outside so I guess, i'm gonna stay in since mum doesnt have the car to fetch me around today. And, weve just had a little tiff about caning children (she still strongly believes in it), so Im not sure if she would be happy being my chauffeur.

Zzz, what a lazy day (:

Happy Bunny!

2011-12-06T04:13:00.003Z

Im bursting with happiness and joy now even though nothing major or different has happened to me. I have just been going to work (which takes up 80% of my life now really), meeting up with the random few friends, speaking to others on whatsapp or online occasionally and having the occasional dinner with my family. Its really ridiculous that such mundane things are making me so happy Im bouncing off the walls most of the time. Im starting to wonder where all these endorphins came from.

Christmas is coming soon- have you guys made plans? As usual, my family is going to be spending it at MBS. Im soooo looking forward to the bathtub again. Its totally the highlight of my stay hehe. Im so planning to soak in there with some nice bath salts with a book/ ipad for at least an hour before dolling myself up, making myself feel pretty and stuffing my face full of good food. And I have plans to get some of my mates over so that we can drink ourselves silly and party the night awayyyyy!

It would be nice if we could do some gift exchange as well, though I have to say that I have kinda reached the age whereby there isnt much things that I would like to ask for anymore and even so, things that I want, arent quite within the affordable range anymore. (Though I wouldnt complain if you sent a charismatic gentleman my way to bring me out for a nice meal.) Plus, there is no greater gift than that of joy, happiness, love and laughter- and basking in the company of my friends would give me just that.

So ... How are you spending your xmas? :D Make sure its filled with love and joy!

Ban Marathons!

2011-12-04T14:57:00.002Z

I really think that running a marathon screws up any human's physiology somehow. We are just not built to run/ last so long!

It was such an eventful day at A&E today. I was on in the later morning, when people started streaming in for heat stroke and exhaustion from the Stan Chart run. One 22y boy even died from it. SERIOUSLY, is it worth it at all? Is there anything to prove at all with a death like this? Really guys, love yourself more- you are worth more than a 42k run. And think about who you are leaving behind, these people you love (more than your own life possibly) are really the ones who are suffering more.

I wish Stan Chart would just ban this silly marathon of theirs. What are they trying to prove really?

A&E Week 2

2011-12-03T03:07:00.002Z

Shiftwork really does messes up your sense of time and social life (wait, what social life?). I have completely lost track of time- my days are no longer mondays or saturdays but have all come to merge into 1 long week ... or day. Its now either on or off, nights on or day on, in Resus Room, Critical Care area or just P3 (ie. I dont know why they are in A&E actually).
I know I do sound like Im whining, but I have to say, Im really loving this attachment. Mainly because Ive been meeting such inspiring doctors who have shown me how its possible to be remain true to what we've all set out to be when we first entered med school, how we shld continually up our clinical skills and acumen and not be sucked into the system and become just yet another member of the production line (ordering all the routine tests and making everyone go through protocols for the sake of doing so) and picking up many skills of the trade.

I love A&E, but Im not sure if I would like to do it for life (besides the fact that Ive found another specialty i love more). Yes, it is exciting and yes, as a consultant you probably get to plan your shifts such that you get alot of time off to do other things, but I think what really bothers me (yes, i know you will all say I have a massive ego) is that they seem to have to take the flak from everyone in the hospital- especially when they refer a pt to them. Everyone seems to doubt the abilities and clinical judgement of e-medics and try to avoid their calls as much as possible. I can never phantom why, for 9/10x, their management plan is appropriate. Plus, if you try to avoid all admissions and not have any patients, you cant really be a doctor anymore can you? You probably are just a chap with a MBBS cert.
Pardon the angst but Im feeling really sorry for these AE chaps whom i feel deserve a tad more respect from their peers!

Ok time to get ready to set off for shift work again!

A&E Post Week 1

2011-11-28T11:27:00.002Z

I cant believe that I havent managed to meet a single one of my mates since I came back to Sgp! But, I havent been so happy being in school for such a long time. Every single day, I come back smiling and eager to share all the beautiful things which has happened to me!

Week 1 in A&E has been incredibly busy but wonderful for me. I have seen a great doctor (in fact more than one) in action, he is the epitome of exactly what I hope to achieve when I graduate- clinically astute, kind and genuinely caring to his patients. All these amazing people I meet, they just totally blow my mind away! Not only have I rediscovered my love for medicine but have been truly inspired to work hard so that I could be doctor worthy to work alongside them in future :D Afterall, I cant say I want to come back to Singapore to help my people when I have nothing to offer them yes?

I have a long day in A&E Resus today, seeing one critical case come in after another. Will probably speak about them in time to come cos they are just too exciting to be mentioned in a one liner or two and I need to finish reading up on my acid base disorders and interpretation of ABGs before night take.

Meanwhile, everyone please pray for the best for my interview for residency this friday! I really really want the spot (so does everyone there i guess).

Post First week in Singapore

2011-11-26T00:52:00.002Z

Its been a great first week in Singapore this time round- really busy, really fulfilling and really, time just passes too quickly! I have had about 2 days in at SGH A&E and Im starting to notice my (horrifying) lack of knowledge and extreme unpreparedness for finals.

But yet at the same time, I have refound my love for medicine and how it is actually possible to remain true to your heart and goal (how cheesy sounding i know) even when everyone else around you is ridiculously jaded. I think Im just so fortunate to be shadowing a MO who is so brainy, good- tempered, kind to everyone and who genuinely cares for the patients. I would be happy if could achieve half of what he is doing after I graduate.

Medicine aside, cos of my crazy A&E schedules, it means that my social life is taking a toll. No more dinners and no more outings since Im in hospital, Friday night and all weekends!
And there are just tonnes of things which I would like to do and people I would like to meet.

For people who say that Singapore is boring, I dont see how so! Scanning through the sistic and expo website, there is already some stuff which I would like to do:
1. Wicked the musical!- Yes I have watched it once in London but would like to watch it here again (cos its so good its probably worth it) and to hear the aussie cast sing (:
2. Song Dynasty Living Art- Ive an obsession with chinese art. Im not sure if its cos I used to do chinese calligraphy (something I would really want to do again if I have the time) and chinese painting, or cos of all the period dramas I have been watching or maybe just cos Im yellow and yellow art naturally appeals to me.
3. Chronicles of Narnia Exhibition- To embrace the kid in me! (: And I think this would prbably be a pretty short exhibition given the ticket price of $5 and its location in the middle of nowhere in MBS. In fact, heading to the ArtScience museum for the titanic exhibition after would be a good idea too!

And finally the things which I always would like to do as much as possible when Im in Singapore but rarely have the chance to do so:
1. Wakeboard!
2. Cycle at ECP (and stopping by for food en route)
3. Swim
4. Eat good food
5. Movies (Just cos its so ex in London)

Lucky (:

2011-11-25T02:31:00.002Z

What a sweet song! (:

Back in Singapore

2011-11-22T00:21:00.004Z

Just a quick update that I am now back in my lovely sunny Singapore doing my final special study module in A&E at SGH. 4 weeks of that followed by xmas break and then it would be back in London for the final lap before finals!

I have been suffering from really bad jetlag this time. Sleeping at 11am in the morning (or early noon) and then waking up in between for meals, finally up and chirpy at 2am (only to realise that the only people that i can talk to are my mates in London).

I have 2 upcoming interviews for my residency spot in the coming 2 weeks, so wish me loads of luck in pulling it off.

Meanwhile, i shall enjoy all the good food, friends and family!

London

2011-11-01T22:08:00.003Z

Back in London now doing my special study module in O&G, high risk maternal medicine. After which, I will be back in Singapore again (I must be spending more time in Singapore than London this year) after this 4 week module for my final SSC in A&E at SGH. Kinda nervous and yet excited at the same time. Nervous cos I expect to have my ass kicked by the singaporean students and excited cos i think i'm going to be able to see loads (: It's all about pride aint it?

And its going yet another beautiful christmas in singapore with friends and family, really looking forward to it. That being said, I think Im starting to see a home in London, with all my beautiful and fun friends.

Best friend Prisc would be in town this weekend which is getting me all excited! We are going to watch the best cartoon of all times, LION KING IN 3D at the Imax at waterloo. My first time there, and to watch my fave childhood movie, how very nice! :D

Medical Electives in Singapore.

2011-08-30T05:58:00.004+01:00

Just a quick update cos life is just way to exciting for me to document all of it down in words.

I have just been back from a 16day trip to Nepal- Bharaput, Pokhara and Kathmandu. It was truly an exciting trip that has opened my eyes to that part of the world (my little taster to India, though I am very sure that they wont be happy to know that they are compared to the Indians) and one which has allowed me to meet some really great friends. I got witness neurosurgery in a developing country, birth without any pain relief (holy!), patients with worms in their brains amongst many other interesting medical cases. We also managed to try paragliding (oh so beautiful the view of the padi fields from the skies), go on a jungle trek, go river rafting, elephant riding through the forest (i got motion sickness from this) and I managed to get myself a pretty blue sari too! Of course, the down side included battling the bed bugs, temperatures and humidity worse than Singapore and the streets of Kathmandu (just way too stressful with all the honking, spitting, dust and mud and noise).

Now i am on my second week of my medical elective, doing paeds at KKH. Its been such an enjoyable experience despite me feeling really stressed and stupid next to all the local M3 students. I think i truly miss being home. The people, the efficiency, the food and of course the friends and family.

Then Singapore just chose her new president- Dr Tony Tan (: What an exciting elections it was, afterall he won Dr Tan Cheng Bock by no more than 0.5% of the votes.

And ... I am going for the Jackie Cheung concert tonight, and Im sure it would be one amazing concert. Afterall he is the 歌神!

Seriously, I dont understand when people say that there is nothing to do in Singapore. I seem to have too many things I want to do and so little time- Singapore Zoo (check), Halloween Horror at Night Safari, MAF at HwaChong (kinda exclusive i guess), Museums (Chinatown Heritage Museum, Dali exhibition at Art Science Museum), Wakeboarding, Treetop walk, Bukit Timah Hill, the various shows going on- Hossain Leong etc! And if you are really bored, check yourself into MBS or Resorts World Sentosa for some pampering or take a day trip to Batam. Of course, and there seemed to be never enough meals for all the good food here!

Final Year Student Finally.

2011-07-22T10:49:00.005+01:00

Oh yes, IM OFFICIALLY A FINAL YEAR ((((: Now I can hold my head up high and head back home with my head held up high! Im all hyped up about my summer plans and elective in singapore and loads of fooooooddddd. Enjoying the sun, going wakeboarding, chilling with friends and family ... here I come!

Year 4 has truly been one whirlwind year, I cant believe that its already July 2011, I dont even remember it turning 2011?! Time seemed to pass more quickly this year than any other year. But not necessarily bad for they always say that time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself.

I think I might just have an inkling on which speciality I would like to pursue in future (although whether or not I get it, its a different matter altogether). I have grew to love medicine now more than ever, and I have also learnt to learn medicine not just to pass exams but to be a safe doctor. Someone spoke about a great doctor that heads a dept in UCH, saying that "He wasnt a brilliant medical student, but he is an amazing doctor." And that is what I would like to be. It would be a bonus if I was a brilliant medical student but I think its important that I never lose the goal in sight. For spamming MCQs would never make me a good doctor.

I have met new friends, people who have made me smile and chuckle to myself whenever I think of them. Of course, I have rediscovered old friends. I have learnt to better deal with stress- to laugh it off, albeit maniacally. I have learnt work- life balance, so thats geeky peish out of the door! This concept, Im still grappling with, but Im determined that as much as I love medicine, its never going to be the only aspect of my life.

Im looking forward to the coming academic year, especially with a great bunch of people who will be posted to the same place with me.

For now, adieu 'cos the sun is finally shining outsideeeee! xxx

The last lap.

2011-07-15T20:06:00.002+01:00

2 days to exams, the last one of the year. Thats if i manage to get through it successfully.

So people, pray for me, pray that I'll be blessed with the strength to get through the last few days, and that I'll shine during the exams- that all I have studied I will remember and that I wont eat up my words and go uhm & ahh during OSCEs.

I cant wait for home (((:

The price of freedom.

2011-06-01T17:02:00.001+01:00

I really wish I had a secretary to work out my schedules for me, make sure that bills are all sorted, elective applications and random bits and bobs sorted.

And if its not too greedy, it would be really nice to have someone to help me out with cleaning and ironing. I dont mind doing the cooking hehehe.

But i guess, I do have the freedom of doing whatever I want :)

>:(

2011-05-27T12:03:00.003+01:00

I know Im usually happy and cheery and problem- less.

And I know that exams are not near, and there isnt anything thats troubling me right now, Im having a great social life, heading out almost nightly and Im not even supposed to be having PMS now.

But sadly (no pun intended), my baseline mood has gone into deficit, Im just perpetually sleepy/ tired and I feel ... erms, lonely? I dont even know if thats what i really feel, but its really a mish- mash of emotions that i dont normally associate myself. Maybe its the effect of doing a Psychiatry rotation. Im probably getting mild depression. But statistically speaking, I dont have any of those bad prognostic indicators.

Or maybe my puberty came late and Im just going through that moody phase now.

That aside, Im heading to edinburgh this weekend, so hopefully it will clear things up.

Plea for Postcards!

2011-05-26T17:28:00.002+01:00

Now that my time in London is ending, Im starting to treasure it more. And being a sentimental nostalgic little girl, Im trying to compile an album full of my memories my uni life (which actually a large part aint in uni or uk for that matter).

So i would really appreciate if anyone could get me a postcard from the following places:

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

2. Brela, Croatia

3. Oslo, Norway

4. Highlands/ Isle of Skye, Edinburgh

5. Dublin, Ireland

6. Barcelona, Spain

7. Venice, Italy

8. Verona, Italy

9. Naples, Italy

10. Cambridge, UK

11. Oxford, UK

12. Birmingham, UK

13. Prague, Czech Republic

Thats as far as I can think of for now! (:

Would pay you back and love your for ever and ever xoxo

My First Ever Vote for Singapore

2011-05-06T18:38:00.006+01:00

Once again, I have to repeat myself for the 1000th time that I LOVE SPRING!

Even if it can get wayyy to hot in the very crowded non- airconditioned rush hour tube or super crammed & slow royal free lifts.

The days are long and people are just generally nicer and happier! Its less cold and most importantly, THERE IS SUN! I know Im becoming a Londoner when I obsess so much about the weather.

And today's a very important day, cos i voted in the Singapore General Elections. Im really thankful that I'm in London 'cos its not ridiculously difficult for me to get to the polling station (Singapore High Commission near Hyde Park Corner). Everyone tells me that my vote doesnt matter cos they aint going to count the votes of overseas Singaporeans unless there is an ambiguous win. But you never know right? I have to say I'm not really a fan of either of my candidates and with almost every seat ('cept for the unshakeable MM Lee) being contested, people will definitely forget my small constituency. It's a pity, 'cos potentially someone so much more capable could be our voice in parliament. Being an MP is not only about upgrading ... and erms, payouts? Its disappointing how neither of my candidates (Sitoh and Lina Chiam) addressed bigger issues that many other politicians have been discussing. The opposition party (Lina Chiam) appears to me to be merely trying to stir up angst amongst the residents against the government who has pretty much been neglecting our area ('cos its an opposition area) and Sitoh seems to be only dangling upgrading incentives (and he only had 1 rally). And sadly, neither are very engaging, sincere- sounding, charismastic or grammatically- correct speakers. Well maybe there are on the grounds, but it doesn't appear so on the online videos that I have to rely on.

Potong Pasir aside, I'm definitely way more concerned about the bigger guns- Aljunied especially. And I have no qualms that PAP would once again win in Marine Parade, despite Tin Pei Ling's "spectacular" performances and slips of tongue once and once again, but I'm excited to see how the results would be like. Yes, Nicole Seah is good, but can she compare to Goh Chok Tong? Indeed, she is more impressive than TPL but we cannot forget that there are very worthy candidates in PAP as well like Tan Chuan Jin, and can she compare to them? Much less GCT. Nicole Seah is one of the opposition party's stronger candidates and we are comparing her to PAP's weakest link. Is the opposition's weakest link even weaker than TPL? But as GCT said, (sadly) with GRCs you've gotta vote for the team and not only for individuals. TPL ain't ready, but if she doesnt perform (and in fact flop completely), I'm sure PAP would (hopefully) have a change of strategy next coming elections and understand that every single MP represents the voice of the people and fielding someone so unprepared can be a costly mistake.

But this election is exciting, and in less than 24h, we shall see what our new parliament will be like. Let's cross our fingers and hope that we have worthy MPs.

Easter Ends :(

2011-05-02T07:46:00.003+01:00

Today marks the final day of my (well-spent) Easter holidays.

Its been definitely one of the best holidays- having gone to 4 different countries in a span of almost a month. Never have I ever travelled so intensely before, and never have I been to 4 such different places one after another. I guess in a way that is good, because the contrast brings out the beauty in each of these places.

Rome + Naples: The historical sights are just so well preserved in Rome that I feel like I'm almost transported back in time. Naples was alot less clean and organised as a city, but alot less touristy as well. And Pompeii was just breathtaking, its undoubtedly my favourite sight of the whole trip. Of course, what is Italy without the Italians who are always so friendly, helpful (going out of the way to help you with directions even when they dont speak English) and gorgeous (oh yes, check out those dark curly hair).

Croatia: Its beautiful with clear waters and unending scenery. And I can totally see why the Plitvice Lakes with the awesome waterfalls, clear lakes and hillsides make it as an UNESCO world heritage site. Unfortunately, it was too cold to swim at the season which we went. But still, it was a good (driving) trip with loads of laughter, joy and great company.

Paris: Its just so beautiful in Spring when the weather is great, and also when youve a local french- speaking friend to bring you around. The food was great, and now i can understand why people said that Paris is a romantic place to go to (only if you head there the right season)- the view from Eiffel, sitting by river seine, roaming the streets and picking up little things. Yes, Im glad i returned and let Paris have another chance (:

Istanbul, Turkey: A very interesting experience for me, travelling with 2 people Ive never travelled with before. Although I was ill the 1st 2 days, having about 6days in Istanbul meant that I had more than enough time to see/do most things anyway. (For a hurried tourist, 2days would suffice.) It was exciting for me 'cos Istanbul was just such a beautiful mix of Western culture and Asian (Islamic) believes. It was different from all my previous travels 'cos I was visiting mosques and the architecture & artwork are just so different from that of most of Europe's. Turkish food was great but Turkish coffee and tea (incl apple tea) was definitely my highlight! And I was lucky enough that one of my travel buddies had a local friend who invited us to her place for a great local turkish meal, which was awesome 'cos her family was just so inviting, friendly and it really showed me what a typical turkish family (& dinner) was like. Of course, what makes me fall in love with a place is the people. The turks are just so friendly-- like genuinely warm and helpful. Although they can get a little cheeky (maybe cos I was an Asian girl and there were hardly around. So as we all know, scarcity= highly sought after), but it wasnt so bad as to make it repulsive. Moreover, some of their pick up lines can be quite funny really. (Needs improvement though definitely.)

"Excuse me, can I hassle you?" (remains my absolute favourite)

(Conversation) "Oh, so you are a student. Do you have a sponsor, can I sponsor you?"

"You are my dream girl."

"You have a baby face. Can we be facebook friends?" (Is baby face even a compliment?!)

7 yo: "Hello, you are beautiful. Friends? Can I have a photo?"

"Hello you dropped something. You dropped my heart."

"Hello, where are you from?" remains the most common of all.

And so, this concludes my Easter break. Its now back to reality- Neuro, Psych and Ophthalmology. But it aint all bad, cos the weather outside is great (spring is great!), Im gonna be meeting my council mates who are in London for electives, and I still have 3 weekend breaks all lined up. 'tis an exciting term i foresee (:

Istanbul, Turkey Day 1-2

2011-04-26T21:52:00.004+01:00

I spent my first 2 days in Istanbul sleeping in the hostel.

Which works well for me 'cos I really am completely shattered from all the travelling in the past weeks. I basically spent the day munching on cookies and bananas and finishing Michael Crichton's State of Play, which presents a really interesting perspective on the environmentalism and global warming.

Although my impression of Istanbul is based merely on a 1h drive from the airport (and the limited stroll around my hostel) but I still find this place really interesting- it seems to be a city of contrast. Western and Islamic culture meets and also, it seems to be conservative (almost communist like with the Turkish flag everywhere) and yet, it embraces democracy and I believe its one of the first cities in the world where women are allowed to vote.

The food too is interesting (although I havent really had it considering I have barely stepped out of the hostel) cos its like pitta (western bread) plus meat (grilled and roasted, which is pretty asian to me).

Im really looking forward to touring the city tmr. Hopefully the weather would be good, food good and people friendly!

Good night world (:

Easter 2011.

2011-04-24T21:31:00.004+01:00

I know Im going to get slapped for whining that I have to go on holidays (ie. travelling). But i have to admit I am truly getting some sorts of travel fatigue. Firstly, I know something must be seriously wrong when I all I wish I could do now is to hole up at home (preferably Singapore home, but London will do fine), read a book and occasionally study (yes, I mean it).

But that aside, I really did enjoy myself in the past 3 weeks in Italy (Rome and Naples), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Brela, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar) and Paris, France. I will be off in to Istanbul, Turkey in less than 12h time, with the same backpack, and barely anything unpacked from the Paris trip.

Italy was great, cos I got to see a side of my mum I never knew. Someone so childlike, so sweet and who likes to laugh so much. To me, she seems to be reliving her youth again, afterall she did devote her prime years to us. And, Im glad that now I have reached a stage of my life whereby my mum becomes one of my best friends and I listen to her because I respect and value her advice, more than because Im terrified of her. Im also glad that when I give her feedback or tell her I dont agree with her actions or ideas, she takes it in and we talk about it instead of me being dismissed as a naughty kid who 顶嘴s. Its really refreshing because its been a long time since I had the luxury to spend this much time with my mum.

This aside, Rome was beautiful. I love the Italians- the men were dropdead gorgeous and really friendly, even when we dont speak their language. They would go out of the way to help you and show you directions or offer tips. The streets of Rome were clean and despite many warnings about thieves and conmen etc, we didnt meet any. The food was good- I loved the pastas (squid ink pasta omg yums), pizzas, italian starters, coffee, biscottis, gelatos and the list continues. I basically had too much food there. The weather was slightly too warm for my liking, but that is of course better than having it chilly. The typical tourist sites- Trevi fountain, Colosseum, Vatican City etc were majestic but too crowded for my liking. And because it was just after exams for me, I was getting slightly saturated after a couple. But that also means that I have another excuse to go back there again (:

Although Naples was a more chaotic city (definitely more unsafe with rowdy teens and drunks in the noon), Pompeii is definitely worth a visit. Im not sure if its cos I was able to identify with it more since I studied it for history last time or that it is actually just really amazing that an entire city can be so well preserved. It also really struck me how good engineers, scientists and artists the Romans are. Many of the technology that we see today appears to have had some of its roots from their times- saunas, ovens etc. Naples is also the birthplace of pizza, and indeed, it did not disappoint. I definitely had the best pizza I have ever tasted at a small family run place near my hotel. The staff was extremely friendly- the cook even came out to have a chat with us, the food was fantastic (portions a little too generous) and prices good. In fact, all the best meals I have in Italy seemed to be in Naples. It was also really interesting for me to contrast Rome, a tourist hotspot, and Naples, what I would imagine to be a less well- to- do italian town.

I will update soon about Croatia, whereby some of my mates joined us and Paris- who is truly beautiful in Spring (and when you have a local to bring you around). Meanwhile, I need to catch some sleep before I head off to Istanbul, Turkey for yet another week long trip.

Ciao!

End of Paeds!

2011-04-05T19:01:00.003+01:00

Exams are finally over! ((((:

It was definitely difficult, but all I can do now is to just wait for the verdict to be out this coming thursday.

And I still find it amazing that I have managed to cram Paeds, Derm AND GP in 2 days. (Yes we literally end school on Friday and have the weekend to cram it). And somehow we manage it.

Heading off to Italy (Rome and Naples) and Croatia. Hence, will be on yet another hiatus.

Plans after that will include Paris, Turkey, Sardinia, Edinburg and Berlin. What a mouthful. WHOOPS.

HELP!

2011-03-30T18:57:00.002+01:00

Im positively suffocating under the sheer amount of work for this end of module exam. I really wished there was no exams so that I could go in every day and roam the clinics and wards and enjoy Paediatrics & Dermatology. (Or they could just cut down the number of weeks i had to spend in GP.)

Im currently swinging from 2 extreme ends of total panic to complete depression & hopelessness.

I really cant wait for this all to end and head off to Italy, Croatia, Paris and Turkey. Actually, I want this to end so that I can have a good night's sleep without nightmares and having to wake up to mug.

So all you kind souls out there, pray for me that I will somehow get through this with some sanity intact :D

Happy St Pats Day!

2011-03-17T18:37:00.001Z

Happy St Patricks Day everyone!
And for those who intend to wear green and get really wasted tonight, why not add go green on your to do list as well!

I think I really have finally reached the age whereby birthdays ain't such a big deal anymore. I can't decide if it's cos I'm so paranoid of flunking my upcoming paeds end of module exam or that I'm feeling the age. I don't think I've really recovered since public policy challenge from the lack of sleep. It appears that I can no longer do nights like I used to in my teens.

And I promise to blog about public policy idea sometime soon :)

Happy St Pats Day!

2011-03-17T18:37:00.000Z

Happy St Patricks Day everyone!
And for those who intend l wear green and get really wasted tonight, why not add go green on your to do list as well!

I think I really have finally reached the age whereby birthdays ain't such a big deal anymore. I can't decide if it's cos I'm so paranoid of flunking my upcoming paeds end of module exam or that I'm feeling the age. I don't think I've really recovered since public policy challenge from the lack of sleep. It appears that I can no longer do nights like I used to in my teens.

And I promise to blog about public policy idea sometime soon :)

A Father's Love.

2011-03-16T00:32:00.003Z

I'm not a Christian but I really do want to share this video with all of you out there about a true story of a father's love for his son.

I have to admit I was bawling by the time I finished the video not only because I was touched by this case but 'cos I have seen so many similar cases in the Paediatric wards that Im roaming in now. The sacrifices and unconditional love that each parent would give to their children is just overwhelming, and I find it so beautiful that every single child is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to them no matter how imperfect/wrong medical opinions would classify them.

So, may you enjoy this (:

And love your parents more every day.

A Son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes". They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons. The father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his fater, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together."

To which, his father said "Yes".

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together!

For more details: Google Team Hoyt

Helping Japan.

2011-03-14T13:31:00.005Z

For those of you guys who are thinking of doing your own little part for Japan, one of my friends have set up a JustGiving page to raise some funds for Shelterbox. Shelterbox provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most.

I tried to do my part by putting in some money and keeping them in my prayers. My friend has set up this page and pledged to give a 100USD Amazon voucher to 1 lucky person. (Although this should not be our motivation in contributing anyway, but if it gets the job done, I suppose its good too.)

I know ideally, we would all like to give abit more than just cold hard cash. But, I guess whilst money isnt everything, it can get us some things as well. So, hopefully with this little bit that we are doing, it can all add up to alot. Spread the word, like this you are giving more than just your X-amount.

For more details, your can visit Rachel's page.

Back from PSC Public Policy Challenge London

2011-03-13T19:58:00.002Z

Am absolutely shattered now having only slept less than 4h last night.

But am a very happy (and well fed) girl and am really really glad for the amazing experience I had over the weekend.

For now, good night! Need to catch up on the sleep, my head is spinning right round right round ...

1st Morning of PSC Public Policy London

2011-03-12T06:46:00.003Z

At St James Sofitel London now with 3 of my best mates in UK as part of the Singapore PSC Public Policy challenge, which is an initiative to get some of us from the younger generation thinking about policy making. Cynics see it as Singapore's ploy to recruit/ tie down more of us to the government whilst optimists see it as their way to attract more talents into the public service to do good for the country.

Was such a pity I had to come late for the event last night cos I was tied down in clinic with my Prof, but they did serve a good dinner (complete with macarons even though Im not a massive fan but I can imagine girls back home all going nuts) and that was definitely a good way to give any Singaporean a good impression.

It was followed by a talk on how to craft a public policy challenge and what really struck me was how much drafting a public policy mimics medical practice (or vice versa). It appears that the principles behind coming up with a good public policy is what should be guiding us young medics to become a good clinician. Shant talk too much about the concepts here. Propaganda or not, but I was impressed by how well Singapore as done thus far (based on the accounts of the speaker). But as most would know, I am ridiculously patriotic.

And on a more bimbotic level, the room is absolutely beautiful here at St James' Sofitel. The rooms are vintage meet modern, and I am truly inspired to model my home in future after this.

7am, bright start to the day, Im ready to get my case scenario. Till then, adieu! xxx

Hwa Chong Night London 2011

2011-03-01T00:44:00.003Z

Last weekend was definitely amazing, and it got me counting my blessings.

(Omg, my Itunes just started playing 心旅 as Im typing this.)

I have to admit I had formal events like this. I hate it that I dont know how to put on make up properly and that every single dress makes me look extremely fat.

Yet I love that it is an excuse for all of us busy people to out aside what we are doing grudgingly and end up enjoying ourselves tremendously anyway. At events like this, I count my blessings that I have such great friends around me who can always make me laugh, whom I could count on and who make breathe a sigh of relief instead of turning bright red when they remind me that I have a wardrobe malfunction.

4 years down, and I love and trust them even more than ever.

Presenting the 32nd in London 2011 (:

And for the first time, I could really relate to the song lyrics. And in our eyes, I see signs of "having seen the world" and "age".

Gosh.

Please let the weekend come now.

2011-02-24T20:32:00.002Z

I am so absolutely knackered that the weekend feels like its never ever coming.

That being said, Im glad that my idea to roll CPR out in schools in singapore as a station for napha tests during PE is slowly taking shape with some motivation and help from my best mate in London.

Its HC night this coming sat, and I have been junking so much these few days to keep myself at work and at home that Im positive I cant fit into any dress without looking like a freaking dumpling. Damn. I hate it that girls have weight woes all the time.

I am truly proud to be a Singaporean.

2011-02-16T20:06:00.004Z

This is my fave version of Home so far!

I think coming to London to study has really made me really appreciate home and love it all Singapore- both her good and bad. Yes indeed, we do have our flaws and Singaporeans aint the most perfect people in the world, but i still do love my country and my people so very much. I know we are kiasu, but we are also efficient. I know we speak Singlish, but sometimes there just isnt another better word to substitute "damn sian". And yes, we dont have any Michelin starred restaurants, but we have the Tiong Bahru Market, Katong Laksa and even Food Repulic serves awesome food. We dont have Eason Chan or Madonna, but I think JJ Lin, Stef Sun and Kit Chan amongst others does a pretty fine job too.

Yes, we dont have much political freedom, cannot hold strikes/ protests unless we apply for a licences and cant even buy chewing gum. But at least, we still have a working government -a damn good one as well-, a reliable MRT & bus service (muahaha, no tube strikes and no lost income cos you cant get to work) and I never have to feel pull a chair to sit on and feel a sticky disgusting piece of thing under it.

I am patriotic, I dont deny it. I know its not very cool, esp so amongst people of my generation.

I know Singapore aint perfect, but I love her all the same. Thats what love is about right? Appreciating whats good about someone and accepting the flaws as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T23:41:00.002Z

Happy Valentine's Day!

May your day be filled with love, romance and kisses!

Starting Afresh!

2011-02-13T16:53:00.003Z

I've decided that I've enough of black and I need more colour in my life. Anyway to us Chinese, black isnt the luckiest of colours as well.

So here's a new background (template and sorts remains the same cos I know nuts about HTML) to welcome Spring! ((((:

Agatha Christie's Mousetrap!

2011-02-13T10:36:00.005Z

Mousetrap's well worth watching!

I have never really liked watching plays in the past, because I used to find it so hard to catch what the actors are saying and 'cos I have a very short concentration span. Unlike musicals, you cant just zone out for a bit and come back again. Once you have fallen into the Whats-Going-On blackhole, you are pretty much stuck there forever. Plus, I always found them alot less entertaining than musicals (less prancing about and repeating the same sentence many times till i finally could sing it too).

But I had decided to go for Mousetrap partly because of all the good reviews it has gotten (but I have to admit I was still slightly skeptical then) and mainly 'cos I wanted to meet up with a mate of mine from Oxford who had come down to London for the show.

But Mousetrap was real good, I never got bored at any point of time and possibly because Im a terrible detective, it got me guessing till the end. Having watching 2 really good plays in London thus far (Woman in Black and Mousetrap), I am now ready to embrace the theatre more!

On a side note, doing my GP rotation now (despite not seeing very many white patients because the location Im in tend to see more immigrants), made me realise that the uptightness, properness and politeness we see of the Brits in films/plays are so very true (esp so in the older population)!

Ciao, off to wingchun practise now! Unfortunately it doesnt look anything sunny enough to take a walk in Hampstead Heath.

CNY 2011- London & Faro

2011-02-11T23:09:00.004Z

I know I havent been updating for quite some time but thats because I have been so ridiculously busy with so many things--- a weekend trip to Faro, Portugal, a couple of CNY dinners, my dearest flatmate's bday (I baked a Victorian butter cake- My 1st ever baking experience other than the other time I made bread pudding which really doesnt count as baking.) and so many other small random stuff that seems to make my days pass in a daze. Its definitely been one of the best chinese new year away from home.

Faro '2011:

Pictures of Faro would be up once I order my all-in-one memory card reader and get the photos into my Mac.

It was a lovely trip- perfect for a weekend getaway cos there was nothing to do there except for beach activities. Moreover since it was off- season (winter), it wasnt crowded. Although we couldnt swim (wayyy too cold), there was still some winter sun and I was thankful enough that we were able to stroll about in our shorts and sleeveless tops. We were definitely inviting stares at our inappropriate attire (most people were in sweaters and long pants which to me was pretty absurd cos the temperature was possibly about 18degrees or so.).

On our first morning there, we took a long 2h stroll from our hotel (Hotel Monaco- Highly recommended. Clean, friendly staff, Awesome room at Hostel Prices!) to Faro's only beach. Because Im a traveller who values the experience more than visiting 1000 churches or tourist attraction, the walk there was one of the highlights of my weekend trip. The weather was beautiful (sunny and warm but not too hot), and there was hardly any traffic so we could easily walk along the expressways and sometimes in the middle of smaller roads. We walked past the airport (our hotel was about 5mins drive away from the airport), across the Faro's massive nature reserve at low tide (Which was alot of marshland, but it was still a pretty sight in its special way.), stopped by a fruit stall set up along the roads, chatted to the very friendly fruitseller & had the best and biggest oranges I have ever tasted (8 for 1euro!), took many many photos along the way and finally made it to the beach. The waters were too cold to swim in, but since it wasnt peak season, there were only a couple of locals sitting about and enjoying family time, we had a really nice walk down, picking up seashells and enjoying the waves.

Of course, a trip is never perfect without good food (and desserts). We found a lovely bakery near our hotel which served awesome sponge cakes and coffee, plus at a cheap price (we paid about 8euros for 8 plates of cakes and 3 cups of coffee). The custard portuguese tarts were kinda disappointing though- Im not sure if its cos we overdosed on custard (they somehow had to add custard to everything, and a generous serving of it) or that Im expecting something like Magdeleine's egg tarts in Singapore or Macau's take on portuguese egg tarts.

Another thing which I thought the Faro-ians (or maybe its a Portuguese thing, Im not too sure) did beautifully was homemade potato crisps. The chefs at the local restaurants would hand sliced potatoes and then fry it before serving it immediately (literally piping hot!). I love those which are crispy at the sides and yet soft in the middle- Its like getting the best of both kinds of Mac's fries. If you like your fries/ chips/ crisps crispy, the smaller slices were also fantastic.

Finally, the highlight of my trip was the discovery of WHITE SANGRIA (served by a very cute Portuguese bespectacled bartender). I had a bit too much that night (at least a pitcher), so much so I was asking for more (very unlike my usual behaviour I must clarify), asking D & K ridiculous questions (I dont remember what exactly though) and doing alot of pointing & big actions according to K. Whoops. But definitely worth it. I cant rem what exactly is the name of the bar but its one of the 2 bars that people like to go for pre-drinks. Will definitely share if any of my travel buddies can recall.

All in all, the people there were also really lovely, all very friendly and helpful. Friendly locals definitely rank as one of the most important factors when Im judging a place and Faro would get loads of stars for that. The food there was good and cheap and so were the drinks. So thats adds more stars to it. Plus, we paid 20euros per night for a very lovely hotel!

But that being said, 1 weekend is definitely all that is needed for Faro (:

新年终于来了！

2011-02-03T00:29:00.003Z

Since I am now too stuffed to shower and sleep, I thought I might just do a quick entry here to wish everyone 新年快乐，学业进步，兔年行大运!

Hoping that everyone out there has had a wonderful reunion dinner with your family, friends and loved ones!

I have had a extremely lovely steamboat dinner complete with LOADS of food (chicken, squid, abalone, yong tau foo, fish, 烧肉, chin chow, 年糕, home made banana cake ... BURP), loads of laughter (always the case when you have a hyperactive mark around) and loads of good company! I count my blessings here everyday that I have such lovely friends like them around when Im here in London.

I think when Im back in Singapore, Im definitely going to look back at these times and wish that I could be back here for something like this again.

All in all, Im thankful for the very beautiful CNY reunion dinner which I just had, even if it was cold outside and we didnt have as much pineapple tarts and bak kwa as we would like.

张敬轩－我的新欢。

2011-02-01T21:44:00.008Z

Recently I discovered a singer who has pretty good songs.

Even though he has been around for quite some time, I have never heard of him. But i have definitely heard some of his songs on Yes 933 in the past. I youtubed his name and it came up with quite a few old songs which I used to liked, but I suppose never enough to want to google his name.

张敬轩- 吻得太逼真 (click here if video doesnt load)

This was the song which Yes 933 played that caught my ... ears.

I have since been listening to it on loop.

And 新年快乐 to everyone, its 除夕 tomorrow!

To me, its possibly the most important day of chinese new year and Im glad Im spending it with my pseudo- family here in London.

I do hope that all of you friends would be spending it with friends and family and loved ones wherever in the world you are at now (:

Happy birthday to my favourite credit card bill payer!

2011-01-31T20:42:00.003Z

Happy Birthday to Lee Pa Pa!

Wished I could be home for this and for CNY :(

At least Im trying to make it slightly more festive for myself by having a massive clean up of the house to rid of dust, dirt, bad luck and expired food, creating a mini CNY corner full of goodies and reading my favourite chinese work of all times- 绝代双骄.

Plus, my consultant (? italian) said he would give me an angpow cos his wife is singaporean. Muahahahahah.

And the CNY celebrations starts for Peish (:

2011-01-29T18:14:00.003Z

I only wished I had brought my camera with me cos it was really lovely today at the Singaporean CNY street market. It was properly crowded even though it was held in UCL's south cloisters (which is basically not bigger than half a bball court). There was happy chinese music & CNY songs blasting through the air. There was also a good selection of good ol' Singaporean/ Chinese food like kaya, chwee kueh, orh nee, cheng tng etc. Most importantly, there was loads of Singaporeans! It always makes me happy to meet fellow schoolmates and countrymen (how very communist i sound). Even if occasionally, I have to make (awkward) small talk with hi- bye friends or admit (very embarrassingly) that i cant even remember their face, much less names.

But all in all, its a good feeling and Peish is a very (tired and cold but ...) happy girl today!

PS. Need advice for the following:

(Am as usual being my very indecisive self)

1. Singapore VS Spain?

Should i go home (singapore) for easter for 13days (Ie. Sun and Comfy bed and wakeboarding and friends & family) OR 7 Day Spain/ Canary Island trip for beach times +/- weekend trips with my medic friends from singapore who would be in the uk for weekend trip?

2. Singapore VS India?

Should i go back home or India for a 6 week medical elective?

新年快来了！

2011-01-26T14:34:00.003Z

Had a day off today, which really is a great luxury. Despite that, I didnt quite manage to sleep in, was up and about by 8am. Unlike most uni students my age, I have trouble sleeping in even when I want to. I just have this extreme paranoia to jump out of bed asap cos I have 1001 things to do.

I have been feeling very festive recently. I mean since Im in a land whereby 99.99% of the population doesnt know that the biggest event of the Chinese calendar is next week, its really up to the individual to create the 气氛.

It actually feels really good to start chucking all the bits and pieces which I have been collecting in the past year but have never used (I still have the garang guni/ rag & bone man mentality. You know when you are young, you would keep everything from wrappers to broken toys 'cos you just dont wanna throw anything away. I still have this bad habit.) and ridding the house of all the dust and dirt. Started with my loo yesterday and Im going to work my way to my study area, room and then the living room.

On top of that, Im really looking forward the CNY eve reunion with my favourite people in London (32nd councillors) which Im sure will be filled with laughter, joy and loads of food! And then 人日 celebrations with the medics, of course over even more food!

Its been 4-5 years since I last celebrated CNY at home with family and friends and solid good quality singaporean yummies. I really cant wait for the day that I can throw my square cap in the air, get the scroll I have been working for for the past 5 years and take SIA back to Singapore for the last time. Its gonna be bittersweet, but I think its time for me to go home. I have had my good share of fun.

I really want to go home for CNY.

2011-01-23T19:23:00.004Z

Everyone has a soft spot for something/ someone. For me, its my little brother even though I have never mentioned it to him before.

So today when he txted me to ask me when I would be back to go wakeboarding with him, it just got me terribly homesick. And really it doesnt help that CNY is in about 1.5 weeks time. We could still have steamboat dinners, pineapple tarts, lo hei and Stephen Chow films, but it just aint the same when its not in Singapore.

But I did make the choice of coming here 4 years ago and promised that Im gonna complete it and do it well. Afterall, I cant let my daddy down. Just like how I want everything to turn out perfectly for my brother (Eg. I was ridiculously happy when I heard he got into good unis), I know my dad has a soft spot for me and its going to make him insanely happy when I graduate ... well.

Ahhh, venting helps. Now, Im ready to continue with the term (:

All your wide- feet ladies.

2011-01-11T16:44:00.003Z

Yes, after years of searching, I have finally found the right boot. I know this is such a Carrie Bradshaw moment, but i really just cant contain my excitement.

For someone like with a funny arch and really wide feet, finding the right shoes/ boots has always been the biggest challenge. For women, you would know how important it is to find a bra that fit, like it just cant be uncomfortable in any way.

To me, Shoes are that and more ... 'cos it has to be aesthetically pleasing as well. And whilst most people have the luxury of having a wide range of choices, having a pair of slim cinderella feet, I have always been plagued with the problem of having to put on a pair of shoes/ boots that either hurt (slightly in front cos its too tight or at the back 'cos I had to get a bigger size to fit the front and the back of the shoe would be too loose & cause abrasian) or settle for something like crocs (eeps.).

Aesthetics and comfort never seemed to agree at the same time for me, until I found this baby a couple of days ago at Birkenstock's in Covent Garden.

It doesnt look like Jimmy Choo's but it doesnt resemble Crocs as well. But best of all, wearing it feels better than not wearing shoes at all!

For those who have ever owned a pair of Birks sandals, you would probably know that the sole is awesome for peeps with wide feet. And the contoured sole is just amazing, I almost feel like I could stand on them forever! For me, the arch support it provides really does help to redistribute the weight on my feet, which makes it even more comfortable than not wearing shoes at all.

Its probably a splurge, but hopefully, it would be able to last as long as my sandals (4years and still going strong)!

For more designs, check out the Birkenstocks website!

Life's only as exciting as we make it to be.

2011-01-10T22:45:00.004Z

Paediatrics is exciting, even when Im posted out of London to Queen's Hospital in Romford and even though I havent actually really started (today was my 1st day and all we did was to roam around getting access cards settled & such). Its got me excited that there is now yet another specialty whereby one can still be a generalist.

After year 3's rotation rotation through medicine and surgery, I was beginning to think that other than Geriatrics (not exactly my cup of tea), EMed (very exciting, but also very exhausting. Potentially unsustainable as a career in the long term.) and Critical Care/ ICU (Ditto as EMed), we have to be tied down to a subspecialty. But the Piscean in me really wanted more freedom to do something different everyday. Then, year 4 came by and let me discover O&G and Paeds. O&G was an amazing experience, cos for the first time I really wanted to be a doctor- like a practising one. I have loved medicine the day I started, but I was ambivalent about being a doctor- I am happy to give up being a doctor to maybe pursue an academic path in the medical field (like to be a student for life) or maybe for my family if necessary. But now, i really do want to practice. It might also be due to the fact that these specialties generally have patients who are so motivated, which does add on to the feel- good factor of being a doctor.

I shall sit tight and see what Paeds and Queen's have to offer, Im hopeful and excited (:

Aside from starting on a very exciting posting, I have got real exciting plans lined up-

1. Billy Elliot musical finally!

2. Weekend trip to Faro, Portugal over CNY weekend with 2 really good mates of mine.

3. 10 day trip to Rome, Naples, Croatia & Macedonia

And Im planning ...

4. Trip to Morocco with some of the medics

5. Crossing my fingers and hoping that I can get a table at THE FAT DUCK in march (Pray for me!)

Finally, I really really want to catch this real bad:

The King's Speech

Looks like a very powerful movie!

Afterall, how can Colin Firth produce bad movies eh?

Medicine. Play. Eat. That's my life for you.

2011-01-09T08:06:00.003Z

13 Things I want to accomplish before I graduate:

1. Pass my exams, hopefully better than just barely scraping past.

Visit:
2. Rome & Naples & Pompeii
3. Croatia
4. Morocco
5. Greece
6. Berlin
7. Malta
8. Iceland
9. Portugal
10. USA ... Maybe just Harry Potter Land, or Miami or California ... or the Grand Canyon

Eat at:
11. The Fat Duck
12. Gordon Ramsay's

13. Not be embarrassingly bad at wing chun

There are just so many places in the world where I would also like to visit, like South Africa, Egypt, Dubai, South America, Vietnam and Cambodia, Bhutan ... The list goes on.
But I guess its a good thing that I probably will not be able to do so in the next few years or so because I (hopefully) have another good 50years to see this world and I wouldnt want to be real bored by the age of 35, would I? (:

Im off to Italy and Croatia ... in April!

2011-01-08T08:48:00.004Z

Pathology week is over and Im off to Romford for my DGH posting next week. Excited or not I cannot decide. Excited because I do hope that I will like paeds very much, and not very excited because it is winter and battling (1) London transport in (2) the cold is very unpleasant.

I have pretty much spent the past week or so scouring the internet for details to plan my 10-day trip in April to Italy and Croatia. After much deliberation and advice from friends who have been to these places, Ive decided to just stay in Rome and Naples/ Pompeii for about 5days, and the other 5 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. From Dubrovnik, I might take a day trip to Macedonia (or maybe stay there for 1 night) and to Split or other neighbouring cities.

As it seems like an almost impossible task from Italy to Croatia by land/ sea (either wayyy too many train changes or too pricey OR the ferry from south Italy for Croatia leaves on funny days), I might just splurge a little and take a flight with croatian airlines to save me some time and hassle.
(It takes at least 13h on train from Rome to Zagreb, Croatia with a couple of changes in between and from Zagreb, I would still need to take an overnight train to Dubrovnik that would make it another 10h. 1 whole day of travelling ... not appealing.
Ferries from Bari, Italy to Dubrovnik/ Split doesnt leave very frequently, about 2x per week. This would either shorten the Italy leg of my trip significantly or the Croatia part, neither of which I am keen to give up.
Flights are short, about 1-2h excluding all the airport transfer, check-in time etc but quite pricey- Best 1 way tickets with Croatian Air is about 140euros.)

I am really looking forward to the beautiful beaches (and sun!) in Croatia and chilling out. I only wished that there was a younger person (Im heading down there with my Mum and Aunt, and I dont know many people who are very keen on travelling with me if they know that there are 长辈s around) who could go Croatia with me just so I could do all the extreme sports there. Neverthelss, I do think I would be a very nice chillaxing trip even if I didnt have the chance to do so anyway.

I have also applied for my elective in India and Im going to plan my SSC back home in Singapore as well.
And its probably, just about right time to do something about my Easter trip to Morocco!

Life's only just as exciting as you make it out to be yeah? (:

Tough Choices.

2011-01-04T21:34:00.002Z

As I thought about the places in Europe that I would like to visit and the number of holidays I have left, it just struck me today suddenly that Ive barely much time left in UK/ Europe.

And its probably time for me to stop moping about being homesick and maybe start making good use of my time here- to see more of Europe (Where to find time for Berlin, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal, Morocco), to watch more football matches (yes Im positively excited about the Arsenal- Man City match at Emirates Stadium tmr) and musicals/ plays, to frequent more michelin starred restaurants and enjoy the pizzas & kebabs, and most importantly, to enjoy the freedom that I have taken so for granted.

An old friend of my mine who had studied here in the UK but have since returned back home to Singapore, told me that she has since started missing her life here quite a bit. This surprised me slightly, for she was one of my kind- someone who would get so terribly homesick and be hit by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during winter and is always happy to be back home in the land of good food, good weather and good beaches. But as she said, the grass is always greener on the other side- she has started missing all the freedom she used to have. I could see why- when Im back home for holidays, everyone seemed to let me have things my way, cos Im hardly back. I get to choose where to eat, what to do and our holiday destination. But I would think that the novelty of having me back when I do return for good will wane, if Im lucky, after a honeymoon settling- in period of 1 month. And then, it might be back to schooling- days, with a curfew and all. How ready am I for that? But then again, how ready am I to stay here potentially for another good 10 years?

Life's full of tough choices- I have thought long and hard about how badly I would like to go home to do my housemanship and my registrar training which would mean:
1. Im home.
2. Im going to be working with people whom I can really get along well with. (As much as I hate to say this, I still do find it hard to really connect with the angmohs. We really do have different humour.)
But ...
1. Less freedom, less pay (least of my worries to be honest).
2. Harder to get specialty of choice cos its so much more competitive in singapore (number places in each specialty is probably 30x less and Im not even trying to exaggerate the statistics), and we medics who have graduated outside Singapore are generally considered to be less able than the locals. Plus, we are apparently disadvantaged with regards to application for the residency programme because "we do not know the consultants"- ie. poor networking.

So here I am still sitting on the fence, deciding whether its time to pack up and go home, or to rough it out for a good career. Either way, I have this nagging fear that I will one day no longer be able to fit in anywhere anymore.

How to be a 20- something, Singaporean Style.

2011-01-02T09:52:00.008Z

A friend showed me this article, How to be a 20- something, which brought a grin to my face. It was cheeky and yet relatable article that truly captured the thoughts of our age, although it probably applies more to American teens than us. So why not come up with one more relevant to Singaporeans? Out of sheer boredom, I thought why not tweak the original article slightly so we could identify with it more? I have to, however, clarify that I unfortunately spent most of my twenties outside of Singapore, and have actually not even completely 1/3 of the twenty- something journey. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope you would like my version anyway.

Here goes ...

Be really attractive. Your acne is gone, your face has matured without having wrinkles and everything on your body is lifted naturally. Eat Old Chang Kee and drink Koi Bubble Tea 7 days a week and still look like a babe/ hunk. Have 2 servings of roti prata with extra curry and sugar for supper. When you turn thirty, it’ll become a different story but that’s, like, not for a really long time.

Move into school hall, and burn all your time on RAG, hall play or going on random walks with your mates in the middle of the night. Take as many zi- pais (self- potraits)/ neoprints as possible. Sit in Macs or Starbucks for hours and talk about nothing important in general.

Stalk your crush on FB, join clubs and societies to widen your social circle and if you are lucky, he/ she might just be sitting opposite you whilst you are mugging in the library.

Work part time as a tutor or at (M)phosis because your allowance is not enough for a weekly Mambo night or to fund that 1 month trip to Europe you have been planning since forever. Be part of as many initiatives as possible, and stay hopeful that what you are doing makes a great deal of difference to the less fortunate. Remember that you’re young and that the world is your oyster. Everything is possible, you still have so much to see and hear. You went to a good school and did good things. Figure if you’re not going to be successful, who the hell is?

Date the people you never had the courage to even talk to in the past because your friends will go “Ah Beng and Ah Lian sitting on the tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G”. See someone for 3 months just because all your friends are too busy to watch movies with you.

Eventually all these nobodies will make you crave a somebody. Have a real relationship with someone. Go on vacations together, exchange house keys, cry in their arms after a demoralizing day at work. Think about marrying them and maybe even get engaged. Regardless of the outcome, feel proud of yourself for being able to love someone in a healthy way.

Start your twenties with a lot of friends and leave with a few good ones. What happened? People faded away into their careers and relationships.

Think of yourself at twenty and hanging out with people who didn’t mean a thing to you. Think about writing papers, about being promiscuous, about trying new things. Think of yourself now and your face looking different and your body feeling different and how everything is just different.

Form the habits that will stick with you forever. Drink your Kopi- Siew Dai every morning over Today/ Straits Times. Enjoy spending money on fine dining, go swimming every Saturday and have dim sum on Sunday morning.

Help your parents on Chinese New Year eve, prepare the steamboat and wear red. Remember Mother's Day and Father's Day and give a handmade card. This will all mean so much.

Think about having children when you stop acting like a child. This may not ever happen.

Maybe this is assuming too much. Maybe this is generalizing. Maybe society uses age as an unrealistic marker for growth. Maybe. Still feel the anxiety on your 30th birthday and think to yourself, “Oh shit, I’m no longer a 20-something.”

Christmas eve at Home.

2010-12-24T00:06:00.004Z

Its christmas eve, and yet there is no festive mood in my household. Not that there ever has been, for xmas has never really had a special significance to us since we are neither angmoh nor christian. Now even more so, as I watch my younger brother growing up. Well, at least he once used to spend days like this at home but now, asking him out even for a family meal requires us to book in advance. It is now a given that he is not available unless otherwise stated. Hopefully, somehow he will miraculously get through this Im- the- king- of- the- world stage. I blame army- although i hear from people that the compulsory conscription in Singapore makes our dudes more mature, I suppose it can backfire in some cases yeah?

Since, its afterall a festive period, I should stop sounding so bitter cos my line- up for the day is really not so bad and it actually doesnt quite reflect my cheery mood (plus Im actually in Singapore, which makes Christmas, or any other day for that matter, 1000x better). Wakeboarding class in the late morning with my brother (and possible his mate), dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown (How ironic, considering its Christmas. But i will rather have this than turkey anytime.) with one of my best mates and still trying to find sometime to do in between.

Maybe I could break the tradition for myself and do some Christmas present shopping?

Home sweet Home.

2010-12-22T01:00:00.003Z

As a I sit at my bar table having breakfast in shorts and T- shirt in lovely Singapore, reading this makes me count my blessings. By some stroke of luck, Gatwick opened for operations on the sunday i was flying home and it stopped snowing that very morning ... just for 1 day.

Although I have only been away for 13weeks, somehow it felt like almost half a year (if not more) has passed. Its not that I havent enjoyed my term, but it has been an exhausting one albeit exciting one. I found wingchun, much to the dismay of my mum, who promptly dragged me to the chinese sinseh after seeing all the bruises on my chest and hands. (We had to be punch bags for our respective partners to practise on. And my partner, S, is really one strong woman. The massive blue- black on my sternum speaks for itself.) Im more than glad that she was assured by him that not only is minor bruises and cuts part and parcel of martial arts, but that the basic stance of wingchun is a fantastic way for women to keep prolapse and osteoarthritis at bay.

So I begin my holidays, by getting my mum her new iphone4 (calculated that with viber and such, we would save more on long distance calls in the long run), wakeboarding classes with my brother (so rusty that Im aching all over now), visiting my Gran who is recovering very well from her knee surgery, a family Harry Potter outing and loads of kopi, kaya toasts, hokkien prawn mee, carrot cake, wanton mee and pork floss buns.

Keep fingers crossed for me that flights back to London will all be cancelled. I could really do with more than 10days in Singapore.

Back from Bas, finally!

2010-11-05T08:25:00.004Z

I am finally back from my DGH (District General Hospital) posting at Basildon, and I cant say how happy I am about it. I guess being brought up in Singapore means that Im never really able to settle for a "peaceful" lifestyle. Moreover, I really didnt quite enjoy having to live in a hostel room again. It can be lonely, especially when I hardly know my neighbours (actually I barely do see them really) and when my idea of entertainment and fun doesnt quite match my firm mates'. This compared to a very lively London, with ready access to friends, internet (yes, I refused to pay for internet when I was at Bas) and great food and entertainment made having to go back to Bas the lowest point of my week. The travelling to and fro (at least 2 hours door to door, and at least 15pds return each time) was also a pain.

That being said, I wouldnt say that my time there was all downs and no pluses. Bas is a nice hospital, and I can see it being a great place to learn for medical students, by DGH standards. The people there are friendly, and the hospital is relatively big (at least bigger than I had expected it to be), with a snazzy new Cardiothoracic Centre (with its exterior seemingly modelled after UCH) and a very lively flow of patients. There was accommodation for students and staff on campus, which is great when you have to be in at 8 cos it means that you are able to roll out of bed at 7.30am and make it there in time or saunter back during lunch break for a nap. Its also great if you want a break from Labour Ward whilst waiting for your lady to pop the baby out, cos the very friendly midwives are more than happy to call you back for the deliveries (if they remember).

Of course, in terms of entertainment, med students seem to love Bas Vegas. Its a local club, which according to friends are nothing like the normal ones you see in London or anywhere else. Entrance was not too expensive (4-5pds, depending on whether you had your NHS card) and drinks are really cheap (1pd for a smirnoff ice, 1.5pd for a beer). The dance floor was close to being empty, and people would stare as you danced.

It was my virgin club experience here in UK, and I wont say its something that I see myself doing very often. Firstly, I feel just too self- conscious dancing (and should I say moving my body parts in awkward ways), and secondly, there is nothing else to do other than to dance and drink (neither of which i particularly like very much). But i suppose, as QZ said, I can see why people (other than those who genuinely like to dance) would like it, since its one of the few socially acceptable place to meet new people and talk to strangers.

Back in London now and feeling very pleased about it.

Started the celebrations by meeting my favourite mates at Vapiano for some pizza, pasta and laughs. There food here is really not too bad and for a really reasonable price. They do a Marche Concept kinda dining, whereby you order smthing and then whip it up for you on the spot. The Calzone I had was really pretty awesome and the staff that greeted me were awesomely friendly, which I feel very important in making a dining experience. Moreover, you can sit there for ages and they wont do anything about it. (I even saw a group of people playing board games there.)

Next up, would be Guy Fawkes celebrations for the weekend. Fireworks, here I come (:

Japan Fair at Brick Lane.

2010-10-03T21:06:00.003+01:00

Handsome Boy, Qing Zhao. Please feel free to add him on FB.

Pretty Kiki. Best wife you can ever get. But sorry, unavailable.

Peish, that's the very awesome ... ME!

Peish, QZ, Kiki

All I can say is that Im glad we waited that long to have ourselves drawn (:

Only wished I had the skills to reproduce it again!

There is always hope.

2010-09-28T21:01:00.003+01:00

Whoever said Year 4 would be a breeze should be shot. I'm in before 8 and rarely back before 6. And then there is still bookwork after that.

Well but I guess all I can do is to hang on tight and have faith. We will get there someday (:

Summer Hols

2010-09-04T08:32:00.003+01:00

Not blogging for such a long time is a good thing. Partially because summer has been great to me and also cos the internet connection back at home in singapore is slow(er) and wireless isnt working, so the whole family has to queue for internet.

Now that Im back in London, waiting for school to start in 2 days time, I look back and Im glad to say Im happy with the way I have spent my summer hols. 2 spontaneous hols (I literally booked tickets and flew/ sailed 2 days later) and a relatively good attachment at CGH that gave me a better perspective of what it would be like to practise medicine back home in singapore.

Most importantly, I got to spend time with family and friends. Thats what makes home home aint it? But not enough, as always. It was a pity that I didnt manage to spend any time with SnR (although half of them are here in London anyway) but I did squeeze in a very lovely dinner and late night chat at Merlion Park with yearmates and loads of Losers time. Plus the HK trip to see my ex-flatmates, albeit over a very awkward dinner with archie's parents.

Summer, this year was good to me. It started with a lovely hol and ended with one too, and it makes me feel good to know that it wasnt all play and no work. Now, its time to start school again, which surprisingly, Im actually not dreading that much.

好兴奋！

2010-08-19T15:43:00.003+01:00

最近不少歌手开始试着演戏，王力宏也终于被感染了。周董都能打入好莱坞，希望王力宏能超越它，演出佳绩。At least, he wont be speaking Chinglish in Hollywood films.

History for Dummies

2010-08-18T08:20:00.003+01:00

WW2 Made Simple for Teens of Today- Facebook style

Love it when people can make history so interesting and accessible.

Singapore = Good Times

2010-08-07T15:07:00.003+01:00

Been in Singapore for 3days and totally loving it.
Though Ive pretty much spent my days at home hoovering the house and washing dishes (maid went back to get married, just my luck), going down to Singtel multiple times to get my simcard fixed (couldnt receive any incoming calls and texts previously, so am sorry if i didnt reply you. Its not me being a diva, I am actually very friendly.) and meeting up with people. Which translates to wasting my life away. Which also means Im enjoying life really.

Good times. Only wishing that it could be a tad bit longer (:

I love the smell of Asia Air.

2010-08-04T02:56:00.003+01:00

Here I am sitting in KL's airport, feeling so excited i might actually pee in my pants if not for the fact that Im way too dehydrated (blame expensive airport water) and that it might ruin my glamourous image.

Sitting here waiting for my gate to open, I cant help but let my mind drift and it has just occurred to me (albeit for the 1000th time) that another year has passed like this. I mean, I FINISHED ONE YEAR OF CLINICS?!

Two more years (hopefully) of this, and Im going to be a doctor. Like Dr Lee.

Like no more, Hi My Name Is Peishan Lee, I'm a third year medical student. Is it ok if I blah blah blah.

And no more, Im sorry Im not sure/ I dont know, Im a third year medical student.

Im looking way too far ahead, but this year just zoomed past. Its been fresh and exciting and yet challenging and at times draining. Afterall, life is not without its ups and downs. I have met people who made me laugh, made me cry, made me change my outlook and attitude in life. Im less tensed up, but that also means Im less disciplined. Im more open to changes and spontaneity but that equates to being disorganised as well. But I am trying, still, to strike a balance.

I shall breathe in the wet, humid Asia air and look forward to being home. Im glad Im going to be home in time to celebrate my nation's bday! Im starting to sound eerily patriotic. But oh well, A year is really a long time, especially so for "Homecoming Queen".

新加坡我来也。。。

Hi, I am a 3rd Year Medical Student ...

2010-07-22T11:08:00.004+01:00

Peishan= Basal Skull Fracture + Diabetic Ketoacidosis + Hepatic Encephalopathy + Hashimoto's Disease

= Battle's Sign + Kaussmaul's Breathing + Korsakoff's Psychosis + Extreme Lassitude

And in non- medical speak= Big eye bags + hyperventilation + inability to make new memories + perpetual tiredness

Diagnosis: Medical Student

And there's always some truth in parodies ...

2010-07-18T23:45:00.001+01:00

Orthopods and Anaesthetists (:

1 more reason why its better being a Woman.

2010-07-17T16:30:00.002+01:00

Things I should not be remembering from my revision but tend to stick anyway:

"Research has shown that women who have complete transection of the spinal cord can experience orgasms through the vagus nerve, which can go from the uterus, cervix and probably the vagina to the brain."

I wanna be angmoh for a while.

2010-07-15T21:23:00.004+01:00

I need a break real bad now, am physically and mentally drained.

Havent been so for a long long time. My ssc just has this effect on me, compounded with the nagging feeling that i have way too much to cover for exams.

And yet, there is so not enough time for me to take one proper.

Plus my mum (who is living with me now), seems to think tt it is only expected for us as students to work like this "because every medical student in the world has to work hard and they are all tired like you too. Plus, we are all also tired too."

But Im not one of those every other medical student in the world. And is it expected for everyone to be go so far as to be tired to be not considered lazy?

Once in a while, I wish Im not asian.

Peish the Physician.

2010-07-13T22:11:00.002+01:00

I think the best thing I got out of doing my SSC on Breast surgery and oncology is that I have strengthened my resolve that I dont want to be a surgeon.

And that i hate writing essays alot.

Damn, it would have been interesting reading up on the history if breast cancer treatments if not for the fact that Im absolutely shattered from standing the whole day in theatre, that i havent slept much last night, and that the surgeon who is going to read it might possibly hate my essay and make me redo one.

I want to take a gap year. And my mum doesnt seem amused by it one bit.

Of Breast and Bad Luck.

2010-07-13T11:30:00.002+01:00

At free-printing royal free now waiting for a wide local excision for (local) metastatic right breast lump to start in about 1-2hours, and really not looking forward to it.
Firstly because Im not a fan of surgery in general, and secondly because I dont like the idea of women losing boobs.

Spent the whole morning waiting for a ward round that didnt materialise to start, and then more waiting around with the pt to get a sentinel lymph node biopsy. But at least the radiologist was really nice and keen on teaching, which makes the moring pseudo- worthwhile. And my pt was really really nice and positive despite her diagnosis and that she is going to have part of her breast removed.

Breast Cancer is really an awful thing to have, both for men and women alike. Men because of the mockery they might get for having what the public see as a women's disease and women because it might mean losing a great part of their identity.
And its not only the physical changes that these pts have to deal with, but also chemo and radiotherapy after that. Its going to make (some) people lose hair, feel perpetually tired and ill, deal with side effects such as lymphoedema and having to live with the fear that the cancer might always recur. It means a whole lot not only to the pt but also her(/his) family. Daily routines disrupted and possibly life values reevaluated and plans rethought.
All these changes usu in a matter of weeks, if not days, especially with the one stop clinic that sees people getting their diagnosis within the week, surgery within the month and chemo, radio or hormonal therapy after that.

That aside, Im still feeling grouchy for having to come in so damn early to realise things didnt happen, the nurse at the lymphoedema clinic emailing the med sch to tell them i didnt attend the clinic and that squirrelmail is not working so i can email them to explain my innocence.
Why do bad luck come in big bundles?

Too much summer.

2010-07-11T16:37:00.003+01:00

Summer is so beautiful, especially in a place whereby its normally cold and wet and gloomy. The beauty of the blooming flowers and the warmth of the sun, and the general joy expressed by the people in the streets just lifts my spirits.

But yesterday was one of those days, I wished the weather wasnt as summery. I was positively sweating like a pig and hyperventilating like a dog and missing my aircon back home in singapore the whole day.

But this weather does make me just not want to work (despite the fact that exams are coming up and no where near half way done) cos its either too beautiful to stay indoors or too hot to stay awake.

I guess thats just one of my 100001 excuses not to work.

And yes, today its the showdown between Spain and Netherlands. ((((: Am looking forward to it!

But Im def looking forward to going back home in 3 weeks time. Have plans to check out universal studios and marina sands with the Losers and possibly visit HK for a couple of days (((:

Inception.

2010-07-08T18:28:00.003+01:00

Christopher Nolan makes me incredibly proud to say Im from UCL (yes, he graduated from my awesome school!).

And in about 10 days time, his newest work, starring none other than Leonardo DiCarprio (who might not be as good-looking as he was back when he was in Titanic, but more charming to watch with all the years of experience that has made him a truly awesome actor) and Ellen Page (who has really blossomed since June), comes INCEPTION:

And they are here to mess with your mind!

(Not that exams arent already doing so to mine.)

拳神

2010-07-04T01:18:00.004+01:00

I think summer just has this effect on people.

It makes you want to just enjoy life and live the high life, which was exactly what i did- make a salmon pie for dinner, watch football (way to go Spain!) and then HK's (extremely embarrassing) version of The Matrix:

Or: 拳神

I have to admit I got into it 'cos of LeeHom.

Its bad, but hilariously so. A nice break if you need some laughs. And, they do have a nice cast (What i mean is ... yummy to the eyes).

But if you are looking for a show with any decent plot or acting or kungfu or meaning, dont say i didnt warn you first.

I guess we still have a long way before our movies would get anywhere near Hollywood's standards. (This movie came out 2 years after The Matrix.)

End of my World Cup Madness. Hopefully.

2010-06-28T16:46:00.002+01:00

England's dismal performance against Germany has definitely motivated me away from watching every single match of world cup. Which is good, since its now officially less than 1mth from exams.

I guess it comes with living here in London, 'cos I have never been so passionate about any football team. Well, I did use to watch world cup and claim that I support Netherlands but never had I got so agitated with an unfair call or bad pass, and never had I known a team so well as this year's England's team. Football had never run my life (now my social appointments are organised around matches) and had never affected my 喜怒哀乐, but its a whole new ball game now (pun intended).

I suppose I never saw the need to be a fan of any team in the past, cos I was so preoccupied with my own school's sports teams. I remember going for almost all of RG's bball, swimming and track matches, and even more for HwaChong's matches and competitions especially since being in Council was an excuse to skip classes to go for them.

This year's world cup has been an interesting (albeit extremely disappointing for me) one.

With the news that Netherlands just won, i suppose it will still be exciting with Argentina, Netherlands and Germany still in the run.

Good friends, good food, good weather, good times.

2010-06-26T15:07:00.003+01:00

Had a wonderful start to my lovely weekend with a dinner with Dada and Jamie at Villandry's yesterday. The food there was fab and the ambience real posh. The price was good as well, at 50% off on toptable.

And of course, catching up with old friends is always great. Jamie hasnt changed one bit- looks glam but still behaves in the most hilariously embarrassing way ever. Im totally looking forward to going home in Aug (:

Since my flatmate's off to Paris with her bf this wkend, I get the whole flat to myself. Which means that I get to do embarrassing (and guilty) things which I would normally not do with her about. Like waking up at an embarrassingly late hour, playing torchlight, finishing the whole tub of Haagen Daz, and watching silly commercials for hours on youtube.

Im surprised to find out Messi's not very much older than I am.

And that Kaka is an evangelical devout Christian who married his childhood sweetheart!

Summer makes everything beautiful (:

2010-06-25T11:42:00.002+01:00

Once in a while, it really makes my day to know that I have made the right decision in choosing the right course at the right place.

It can really be such a joy to be reading about management of diseases, with my favourite oldies playing in the background, coke in hand and sun in my face in my lovely lovely new room.

Why why why the joy? I dont know either, but Im not complaining (:

Of World Cup and WWII.

2010-06-24T17:43:00.003+01:00

Why the World Cup is like World War II?

The French Surrendered early.
US entered late.
The Brits are left to fight the Germans.

Bad luck comes in bundles.

2010-06-19T20:14:00.004+01:00

Today is so not my day.

1. On take on a Sat. Only managed to get signed off 1h early.

2. Realised how little I know about medicine. Am def going to be screwed for exams.

3. Broke my toothbrush mug. Cut my finger whilst cleaning up the mess.

4. Spilt my hot choc all over my swanky new study chair.

And i dont want to know what comes next.

1 more day left to the end of my wkend. URGHS.

新家舒服得让我好松散。。。

2010-06-15T11:19:00.003+01:00

好累哦。。。

老是睡睡睡，真不知是不是患了thyroid dysfunction了哦。

咳。

And a new life begins.

2010-06-12T18:43:00.003+01:00

Didnt realise how tired I was until I have had time for a proper sleep.

Just woke up from my 3rd nap of the day, and 2nd cup of coffee and I feel like I can only possibly last for another 2 hours before Im going to KO.

And yesterday, I said goodbye to 2 of my dearest friends. It was emotional, but at least Im thankful that this year I have met people that I have met people whom I am able to say weepy goodbyes to. I must have said bye to S for about one thousand and one times which started from Schafer to the tube station to the airport itself to the departure gantry to the multiple calls as she waited for the plane to take off.

And now, I look at the Torchlight icon at my dock, and I dont feel that great an urge to play it anymore. Not just cos I dont own a mouse, but because, there isnt someone to share the joy with me when I find smthing new.

Its odd saying this, esp when its 1mth to exams and nowhere near the start or the calendar year or academic year, but now its time to put things behind and start afresh. I must be blessed to have the most awesome new apartment and new flatmate I could possibly ask for.

And now, lets all cross our fingers and hope that I am going to be able start catching up and make it up in time for a whole year of not working.

再见。。。

2010-06-08T12:08:00.002+01:00

One more day to go.

那就这样吧，是 sayonara 的时候了。。。

I hate Packing.

2010-06-03T22:02:00.004+01:00

Packing is a bitch.

Have been spending the past god knows how long and Im only 1/3 my way through my room.

I suppose I have myself to blame mostly for having SO much junk. I possibly (literally) have 5x the amt of stuff my geek gamer neighbour has. Its getting to an embarrassing state really. I do have a feeling that Kiki isnt going to be too happy when she sees the amount of rubbish i have.

Doesnt help that my mum and gran left a whole load of their stuff here, clothes which i wont wear and stuff which I dont use.

And my mum aint keen on my giving them all away. Which means they would continue to lie there rotting.

And packing means leaving.

Im def going to miss it here. Though, at least I do really look forward to living in my new place and with a new flatmate (:

PMS.

2010-05-30T02:00:00.003+01:00

I wonder if Im suffering from PMS now.

Didnt have any mood to do anything at all today. Gave up very quickly after a half hearted attempt to work, Im playing torchlight and yet not really enjoying it much. Have been like this for the past 8hrs or so? But before wagging the finger and telling me that I aint no more teenager and I should not get all emo and such, I think i have definitely done a great job in looking happy :D

And despite my laughs and the wide grin on my face, I feel lonely.

I know people dont mean it when they niao me, but today is the day when I take it literally and act like I dont mind the insults (or should I say cold harsh truth) but I do.

And i know, Im supposed to still laugh it off and not spoil things. Afterall, this is what everyone would expect of the Peishan they know.

I know Im supposed to be cheery and non- chalant and take everything in my stride,

But today aint the day.

And today, I miss home. Terribly much.

考试期间，暑假心情。

2010-05-27T01:48:00.002+01:00

咳，真的好没心情读书哦！

真希望暑假能马上来。不是不喜欢上学，只是不喜欢为了考试而念书。

And i hereby give up typing in Chinese. Cant get a half decent msg across at all.

Performance and Mastery Motivation

2010-05-23T13:05:00.003+01:00

Today my neighbour taught me, or should i say reminded me, something about what drives people. The drive to excel which I think I have seem to lost as the years went by.

The idea of mastery motivation is one 境界 which I would like myself to eventually reach- to learn because I want to , because I want to better myself, because I want to be a better doctor, because I want to know about about the world around me, to understand why it is the way it is and to know how I can make a difference. I know Im on the path and I want to, as Steve Jobs once told Stanford, to always stay hungry and stay foolish.

Torchlight

2010-05-20T19:49:00.003+01:00

Im now positively, irreversibly, hopelessly addicted to this stupid new RPG game Torchlight which my geeky flatmate Archie introduced to me. Im becoming Morgan Grimes.

It has gotten to such a terrible stage whereby I look out of the window and its bright and the next time I look out again it is bright too. I have stooped to the level of asking a bimbo qn like "Does the sun ever set in Summer?"

That aside, Im otherwise loving life. Gen Med spec is awesome, the consultants fab and the workload just about right. Life back in the flat is almost like being home. And the weather is getting warmer.

Things are def quite cheery ...

My only want is for medical knowledge to just diffuse into my head.

Omg, its Mid- May!

2010-05-07T22:02:00.003+01:00

Today is one of those days where my Piscean personality sets in- I get (embarrasingly) emotional. Not the head- banging/ dont- talk- to- me mood swings (I would in fact still look perfectly fine if you had walked into my room right now), but more like Im suddenly irrationally overwhelmed with a sense of homesickness. All this emotions for not much of a reason- not PMS, not 'cos Im getting bullied, not 'cos school work is screwing me over (though I have to admit Im not in the best state right now) and not 'cos Im not getting along with the people around me.

Maybe its the flu.

Time is passing way too quickly, its now Mid- May and its almost the end of year 3, the end of living in halls with a bunch of very interesting characters and the coming of the final exams proper. Im going to miss them. And I really do wonder what it would be like in future, if I would still actually keep in touch with them or do our lives just move on, with this 1 year staying as a memory which I would look back at and smile.

Now I am to move on and stop being all wishy- washy; I have indulged myself enough.

You know that when I update, Im supposed to be studying.

2010-04-23T21:24:00.004+01:00

Time passes way too quickly. I was just reminded recently by Prisc that she'll be over here in London in 1 wk's time, and I cant believe how in 1 wk's time i would have gone through 3/4 of my third year.

What scares me most is that before i know it, i would be graduating soon and that I would be let lose on the wards with all these gaps in my knowledge, and my inability to actually do a proper examination and interpret/ elicit signs. And I would soon have to make decisions on which specialties I like, and where I would like to work, and what to do with my life in general. These are definitely scary decisions to make. As much as I hate to admit it, I definitely have one foot into adulthood now, if not both. The thought of having to deal with rents and office politics and I dont know what else is freaky.

This year has been an interesting year for me in many ways. Its not smooth sailing (you know it when Im putting on weight since Im sucha comfort eater) but Im still glad I had the chance to experience it. At least, I could say that I have never been bored.

Easter Break ... finally!

2010-03-31T19:23:00.002+01:00

Firstly (and most importantly) Thanks Boobie and Babe for the Bday card! It totally made my day, cant say how it totally made the start of my easter break perfect (((:

Just back from an awesome lunch at Launceston Place to kickstart what i hope would be a great Easter break (although its only 1 pathetic break). The Gloucester Old Spot Pork was seriously one of the best pork dishes I have had in my life. The thin layer of fat under the crispy skin literally melts in your mouth. Absolutely heavenly! :D The lunch menu was really value, 20pounds for a 3 course meal (though they do add in a pre- starter and pre- dessert and free flow of bread on the house).

Gordon Ramsay is def next on my list of to try list.

Heading up to York for a couple of days, looking forward to trying out all the good food that dj has been talking about. And also shopping at the outlet! :D

musings of a mad medic

Bye a&e! :)

Lazy sat morning.

Enfield for GP is depressing much :(

A moment's whim.

Celebrating CNY in my 2nd home :)

Blogging on the go!

Sodagreen!

Suck it up and Plod on.

Happy Chinese New Year?

Gasps.

Freezing London

Procrastination.

Cheers Henri!

Final Sem in London Week 1

Back in London.

Of Xmas and Boxing Day 2011.

A week wasted.

Xmas plans!

Finding joy in things mundane.

Lazy day.

Happy Bunny!

Ban Marathons!

A&E Week 2

A&E Post Week 1

Post First week in Singapore

Lucky (:

Back in Singapore

London

Medical Electives in Singapore.

Final Year Student Finally.

The last lap.

The price of freedom.

>:(

Plea for Postcards!

My First Ever Vote for Singapore

Easter Ends :(

Istanbul, Turkey Day 1-2

Easter 2011.

End of Paeds!

HELP!

Happy St Pats Day!

Happy St Pats Day!

A Father's Love.

Helping Japan.

Back from PSC Public Policy Challenge London

1st Morning of PSC Public Policy London

Hwa Chong Night London 2011

Please let the weekend come now.

I am truly proud to be a Singaporean.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Starting Afresh!

Agatha Christie's Mousetrap!

CNY 2011- London & Faro

新年终于来了！

张敬轩－ 我的新欢。

Happy birthday to my favourite credit card bill payer!

And the CNY celebrations starts for Peish (:

新年快来了！

I really want to go home for CNY.

All your wide- feet ladies.

Life's only as exciting as we make it to be.

Medicine. Play. Eat. That's my life for you.

Im off to Italy and Croatia ... in April!

Tough Choices.

How to be a 20- something, Singaporean Style.

Christmas eve at Home.

Home sweet Home.

Back from Bas, finally!

Japan Fair at Brick Lane.

There is always hope.

Summer Hols

好兴奋！

History for Dummies

Singapore = Good Times

I love the smell of Asia Air.

Hi, I am a 3rd Year Medical Student ...

And there's always some truth in parodies ...

1 more reason why its better being a Woman.

I wanna be angmoh for a while.

张敬轩－我的新欢。