Today, my patient taught me something interesting.
Did you know? ...
That the word Posh came about from "Port out, starboard home" (P.O.S.H). Apparently it was on the passenger list for for people travelling from UK to India because the sun would be on the Starboard side when outbound and Port side when Inbound. Tickets for those cabins would be more pricey, and hence usually only the richer people would be able to afford.
And hence, the term really :D
Its interesting what we can learn from just talking to people, and being willing to give some the extra time to "blabber on". You never know what surprises lie ahead of you.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
UP and around on a bright Monday Morning
Turned all my clocks, but my handphone/ alarm clock back 1 hour.
So here I am, chirpy and awake and WAITING FOR SCHOOL TO START (?!?) at 7am in the morning. This is beyond sad! But i like the feeling of getting ready for work in a relaxing manner, taking my own sweet time to get dressed and have breakfast.
And Im so glad that Dj is going to be around for xmas to travel around with me! We are currently looking at somewhere sunny.
Stef is coming over for the weekend, and there is going to be Mini Maf for me to meet everyone.
I have a hunch this is going to be a relatively good week, crossing my fingers and hoping that I wont lag for my new Urology rotation as I did for the past few.
Im ashamed to say this, but i am now officially extremely sick of B&J's icecream, after having (too much of) it for the past 1wk (every single day, urghs). Things like this happen when there is 2for1 offers and only 3 flavours are restocked each time -_-"
So here I am, chirpy and awake and WAITING FOR SCHOOL TO START (?!?) at 7am in the morning. This is beyond sad! But i like the feeling of getting ready for work in a relaxing manner, taking my own sweet time to get dressed and have breakfast.
And Im so glad that Dj is going to be around for xmas to travel around with me! We are currently looking at somewhere sunny.
Stef is coming over for the weekend, and there is going to be Mini Maf for me to meet everyone.
I have a hunch this is going to be a relatively good week, crossing my fingers and hoping that I wont lag for my new Urology rotation as I did for the past few.
Im ashamed to say this, but i am now officially extremely sick of B&J's icecream, after having (too much of) it for the past 1wk (every single day, urghs). Things like this happen when there is 2for1 offers and only 3 flavours are restocked each time -_-"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Quick Update :D
I just finished my ENT (Ear Nose Throat) ultra-short posting and I have to say this is definitely smthing tt i really enjoy. I was speaking to one of the specialist reg and he was saying tt you get a good mix of clinics and surgery on ENT which is great. I like being able to use my hands and work on stuff, and yet I like the whole idea of meeting pts and chatting to them as well. Plus the surgeries for ENT are pretty "clean" and sleek, and these surgeons sure do play with loads of toys. Double plus! I like rotations cos it allows me to open my eyes to more fields and things tt I would not have considered otherwise, but at the same time I dont like the fact that I dont quite get to know my consultants and the staff well cos we just keep switching firms.
I havent been all too proactive and working as hard as I should be in school (I dont think i have properly clerked all tt many pts this wk), and I have been having way too much fun with my flatmates. Like i do find it rather ridiculous tt Im having dinner from 7-10pm on a daily basis. Even my mum has started saying things like, why dont you try working, for 2-3days and then play for the rest. -_-" But still, its cool to have smthing to look forward to after a long day at work. The feeling of a pseudo- family away from home.
But the last couple of weeks have been really great for me, from gg down to Billingsgate Market and getting loads of lobsters and crabs and throwing parties and meeting up with friends and all.
Im going to watch a Chelsea match nxt wed, and Kep is just insanely excited about it. Im looking forward to it, hopefully catching a glimpse of ballack or smthing. But not all tt excited about the cold.
And i havent yet decided if I should go home for xmas, cos Stef is not going to be ard to travel w me and I think dj is off in Japan. URGHS.
Either tt, or I will make my brother come over to go Morocco with me :D
I havent been all too proactive and working as hard as I should be in school (I dont think i have properly clerked all tt many pts this wk), and I have been having way too much fun with my flatmates. Like i do find it rather ridiculous tt Im having dinner from 7-10pm on a daily basis. Even my mum has started saying things like, why dont you try working, for 2-3days and then play for the rest. -_-" But still, its cool to have smthing to look forward to after a long day at work. The feeling of a pseudo- family away from home.
But the last couple of weeks have been really great for me, from gg down to Billingsgate Market and getting loads of lobsters and crabs and throwing parties and meeting up with friends and all.
Im going to watch a Chelsea match nxt wed, and Kep is just insanely excited about it. Im looking forward to it, hopefully catching a glimpse of ballack or smthing. But not all tt excited about the cold.
And i havent yet decided if I should go home for xmas, cos Stef is not going to be ard to travel w me and I think dj is off in Japan. URGHS.
Either tt, or I will make my brother come over to go Morocco with me :D
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Skiving off On- Call.
Considering that I havent been doing any reading for the whole week and that I just managed to skive off from my on-call duties which I swopped with Morrison, I should be getting some work done now instead of waiting for House to load. (Yes, the new season is finally out! So is Heroes. I dont even want to check if Chuck's out, even though I dont think I would eventually be able to resist it anyway.)
The whole week has been so hectic, coming in early and all. We aint going back tt late, but still having to be rushing about and taking in all the info just completely drains me. I havent called home much, and my mum called to ask if I had died or smthing. I have now FB-ed my brother to tell him to periodically assure my mum that Im alive and well, not that I think he actually checks it with A's coming up and all. Hopefully, he would actually be working on it to some extent.
My flat has been like totally the most amazing thing that happened to me ever. Going back now is to some extent like going home. With people to chat with and stuff. Its really a nice feeling. I have half made my immediate neighbour (the one who looks like asian harry potter) my slave. Which is cool :D
I met up with Egg, Dada and his twin sister last night for dinner and some drinks. We had Fish and Chips and I have to admit that 3 years down, I still dont get British grub. As much as i love fish, I still cant bring myself to say that I loved dinner last night. It was good for fish and chips, but I really would rather have it done say, the Italian way. Headed down to Potions after that, and it was claustophobic, though i did get pretty used to it after a while. And i am starting to like my cocktails, though for the sake of my liver, I do try to keep it down to the bare (social) minimum.
Colorectal firm's over. Which is quite a pity, cos I really really loved it so much. The consultants and regs are absolutely amazing, all of them excellent surgeons and interesting personalities in their own unique way.
Its going to be Upper GI and Bariatrics next, heard it loads more relaxing, which is cool 'cos I think Im going to need a slowing down to not burn out. I applaud the singaporeans back home who can just go on and on like energizer bunnies. Sometimes I wonder if I would be able to handle all of these when I do eventually go home. Hopefully, I wont be like the crappiest doctor around.
Its a lovely day outside today, and thats a good sign always!
The whole week has been so hectic, coming in early and all. We aint going back tt late, but still having to be rushing about and taking in all the info just completely drains me. I havent called home much, and my mum called to ask if I had died or smthing. I have now FB-ed my brother to tell him to periodically assure my mum that Im alive and well, not that I think he actually checks it with A's coming up and all. Hopefully, he would actually be working on it to some extent.
My flat has been like totally the most amazing thing that happened to me ever. Going back now is to some extent like going home. With people to chat with and stuff. Its really a nice feeling. I have half made my immediate neighbour (the one who looks like asian harry potter) my slave. Which is cool :D
I met up with Egg, Dada and his twin sister last night for dinner and some drinks. We had Fish and Chips and I have to admit that 3 years down, I still dont get British grub. As much as i love fish, I still cant bring myself to say that I loved dinner last night. It was good for fish and chips, but I really would rather have it done say, the Italian way. Headed down to Potions after that, and it was claustophobic, though i did get pretty used to it after a while. And i am starting to like my cocktails, though for the sake of my liver, I do try to keep it down to the bare (social) minimum.
Colorectal firm's over. Which is quite a pity, cos I really really loved it so much. The consultants and regs are absolutely amazing, all of them excellent surgeons and interesting personalities in their own unique way.
Its going to be Upper GI and Bariatrics next, heard it loads more relaxing, which is cool 'cos I think Im going to need a slowing down to not burn out. I applaud the singaporeans back home who can just go on and on like energizer bunnies. Sometimes I wonder if I would be able to handle all of these when I do eventually go home. Hopefully, I wont be like the crappiest doctor around.
Its a lovely day outside today, and thats a good sign always!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
On Call on Sat is afterall a good thing!
I had one of the most productive days ever yesterday.
Managed to successfully take bloods from a terrified kid. Which was really a cool feeling cos he thought I was pro. Hah. Even though i was probably trembling more than him. But I had to keep that confident smile on, and assure him things were going fantastic. And thank God, I got the vein the first time. Nothing beats the feeling of shiokness as you see the flash-back (blood flowing back into the needle for the first time before you insert the tube), when you got the vein.
Really, now i see the wonders of good communication. I mean last time I used to think that PDS was such a waste of time and they are teaching the plain obvious. But now Im starting to appreciate the little tips and all which I picked up from there. For one, it makes pts less angry when you mess smthing up, which is smthing med students are bound to make.
I failed my first cannula but the pt was chilled with it thankfully. The FY1 on duty failed on his first try too :P
But after that, i managed to cannulate this anesthetized chap. And it felt good. And honestly, I think I was real lucky to have met cool nurses and anesthetists and surgeons who were willing to show me things.
Watched a hip replacement op after that, and now i do have second thoughts abt ortho. And i see why my neighbour was telling me to run 5miles a day at the very least and to work with weights. Tough stuff.
I then popped by the next theatre to watch my consultant do a complicated colectomy on this lady with metastasis in her sigmoid colon, following spread from the left ovary. They had to create a permanent end ileostomy after that. I was amazed totally by the concentration levels and dexterity of my reg and consultant. I think as Medstudents, I really do have to sit back and think when I complain about how tough my timetable is, 'cos i think our bosses have it worse. Not only do they not complain one bit about it, they still have to juggle teaching responsibilities on top of it.
Managed to get off 2h from work, which was cool. Went down to oxford street hoping to do some shopping only to realise that I am in London and shops are off at 5pm. So headed down to my snr's MAF party after that. Came back shattered, showered, slumped onto bed and slept without an alarm clock. Shiokness.
Going shopping in a bit!
Managed to successfully take bloods from a terrified kid. Which was really a cool feeling cos he thought I was pro. Hah. Even though i was probably trembling more than him. But I had to keep that confident smile on, and assure him things were going fantastic. And thank God, I got the vein the first time. Nothing beats the feeling of shiokness as you see the flash-back (blood flowing back into the needle for the first time before you insert the tube), when you got the vein.
Really, now i see the wonders of good communication. I mean last time I used to think that PDS was such a waste of time and they are teaching the plain obvious. But now Im starting to appreciate the little tips and all which I picked up from there. For one, it makes pts less angry when you mess smthing up, which is smthing med students are bound to make.
I failed my first cannula but the pt was chilled with it thankfully. The FY1 on duty failed on his first try too :P
But after that, i managed to cannulate this anesthetized chap. And it felt good. And honestly, I think I was real lucky to have met cool nurses and anesthetists and surgeons who were willing to show me things.
Watched a hip replacement op after that, and now i do have second thoughts abt ortho. And i see why my neighbour was telling me to run 5miles a day at the very least and to work with weights. Tough stuff.
I then popped by the next theatre to watch my consultant do a complicated colectomy on this lady with metastasis in her sigmoid colon, following spread from the left ovary. They had to create a permanent end ileostomy after that. I was amazed totally by the concentration levels and dexterity of my reg and consultant. I think as Medstudents, I really do have to sit back and think when I complain about how tough my timetable is, 'cos i think our bosses have it worse. Not only do they not complain one bit about it, they still have to juggle teaching responsibilities on top of it.
Managed to get off 2h from work, which was cool. Went down to oxford street hoping to do some shopping only to realise that I am in London and shops are off at 5pm. So headed down to my snr's MAF party after that. Came back shattered, showered, slumped onto bed and slept without an alarm clock. Shiokness.
Going shopping in a bit!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Eradicate the Freshers!
Im feeling murderous today. Like Im freaking pissed at the freshers in my block who are partying daily till 4am everyday. I cant bloody sleep at all with all the noise they are creating and its frustrating when you are in bed for 4 damn hours. (You get my point from my choice of vocab.) They kinda forget that there are people who dont want to hear their convo and flirting and have to wake up at 6.30am for work.
Im real thankful that my flatmates are angels.
Well of course, other than my animosity towards the newbies, Im otherwise quite happy. Clinic's awesome and so busy. We are up and running from 7.30am and only off at 5pm, with like 15mins in between classes for lunch (in the midst of walking to the next class). Its kinda crazy, but exciting in its own way. I prefer this to having to wait around for things and being bored.
Managed to clerk someone with 4 pages of past medical hx. But in light of pt confidentiality and what not, I dont think its a good idea to share it here. Really, i never knew that so many prblems could be present in the same person at the same time. But i suppose, I should be qte immune to this already no?
Nitin and I then went to watch a colonoscopy through a stoma after that. It was cool stuff, since most of the time they tend to insert the telescope through the anus. Im quite impressed by the Reg's skill. I mean it does require some sort of coordination and practise to be able to maneuver that stuff well. The pt had some sort of mutated HNPCC, which predisposes him to colon cancer. Results from the colonoscopy wasnt too good, a previously removed polyp is now a fairly large lesion. He prbly has to have a colectomy lined up. It would really be interesting to do some follow up with him since the Reg mentioned that he prbly has to have a surgery lined up qte soon.
On a side note, I think Im pleased with myself thus far. I dont think Im doing fantastically well as far as rankings are concerned. But i think i have largely surpasses my expectations in terms of being able to communicate with people- both pts and peers alike. For the past 2 years, I have had this irrational fear that Im going to pass out everytime i spoke up in a group, but I have to say it is getting better now :D And i think im finally really enjoying hanging out with the angmohs. Which is good news really.
Im thankful that clinics is going well for me, and hopefully it would continue so.
Im real thankful that my flatmates are angels.
Well of course, other than my animosity towards the newbies, Im otherwise quite happy. Clinic's awesome and so busy. We are up and running from 7.30am and only off at 5pm, with like 15mins in between classes for lunch (in the midst of walking to the next class). Its kinda crazy, but exciting in its own way. I prefer this to having to wait around for things and being bored.
Managed to clerk someone with 4 pages of past medical hx. But in light of pt confidentiality and what not, I dont think its a good idea to share it here. Really, i never knew that so many prblems could be present in the same person at the same time. But i suppose, I should be qte immune to this already no?
Nitin and I then went to watch a colonoscopy through a stoma after that. It was cool stuff, since most of the time they tend to insert the telescope through the anus. Im quite impressed by the Reg's skill. I mean it does require some sort of coordination and practise to be able to maneuver that stuff well. The pt had some sort of mutated HNPCC, which predisposes him to colon cancer. Results from the colonoscopy wasnt too good, a previously removed polyp is now a fairly large lesion. He prbly has to have a colectomy lined up. It would really be interesting to do some follow up with him since the Reg mentioned that he prbly has to have a surgery lined up qte soon.
On a side note, I think Im pleased with myself thus far. I dont think Im doing fantastically well as far as rankings are concerned. But i think i have largely surpasses my expectations in terms of being able to communicate with people- both pts and peers alike. For the past 2 years, I have had this irrational fear that Im going to pass out everytime i spoke up in a group, but I have to say it is getting better now :D And i think im finally really enjoying hanging out with the angmohs. Which is good news really.
Im thankful that clinics is going well for me, and hopefully it would continue so.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Hell's Kitchen!
I have refound my love for cooking. I mean, its completely time consuming and can potentially be more expensive than eating out (Well, since you cook for 8 people and when you are out, you pay for only yourself), but once in a while, its definitely worth all the trouble.
I was supposed to be making Tiramisu, but I couldnt find Kahlua so I decided to make some other dishes.
And so our dinner consisted of:
1. HK Style/Dimsum Carrot Cake (courtesy of Carmen)
2. Pineapple Rice (Miche)
3. Thai Green Chicken Curry
4. Stir fry Veg
5. Jap Curry Chicken
6. Ma Po Tofu
7. Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs
8. Victoria Sponge Cake with Ice Cream
9. Passion Fruit and Manga Yoghurt Dessert (Miche)
And that's why my Sat night was awesome. How can it not be great when there's good food and good company yeah? :D
(Well hopefully, they did think the food was good la hehe.)
Kep's already in town, and I heard Dada's coming next Sat.
Reunion on Maf night, sweet :D
I was supposed to be making Tiramisu, but I couldnt find Kahlua so I decided to make some other dishes.
And so our dinner consisted of:
1. HK Style/Dimsum Carrot Cake (courtesy of Carmen)
2. Pineapple Rice (Miche)
3. Thai Green Chicken Curry
4. Stir fry Veg
5. Jap Curry Chicken
6. Ma Po Tofu
7. Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs
8. Victoria Sponge Cake with Ice Cream
9. Passion Fruit and Manga Yoghurt Dessert (Miche)
And that's why my Sat night was awesome. How can it not be great when there's good food and good company yeah? :D
(Well hopefully, they did think the food was good la hehe.)
Kep's already in town, and I heard Dada's coming next Sat.
Reunion on Maf night, sweet :D
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Pathology Week
Im going to give myself a break today (what's new). But Pathology week has been a tad too much for me, I mean Im totally not built for lectures from 9am-5pm, plus I dont see how we are supposed to be absorbing so much in 1 week, and having to immediately apply all these knowledge at the start of next week. On top of getting ahead with revising stuff, I think I need to get more intelligent.
I dont see how I would be able to juggle stuffing knowledge into my already full brain, waking up for ward rounds at ungodly hours (7.30am properly dressed and looking fresh?!) and having fun at the same time. Oh, and of course, staying healthy. Its easy to degenerate into eating crap instant food (I have had sandwiches for all 3 meals for 1 week now) and not exercising (Im proud to say I have finally signed up with the gym!). But i think if I could graduate from MedSch and say that Ive had a blast of student life, then I think Im capable of doing anything. Though I do suspect that Im going to be saying "I could get through foundation/ reg/ consultant years and say that Ive had a blast" for the rest of my life. But of course, providing that I do graduate in the first place.
All these busy-ness while trying to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Phew. But Im thankful that 3rd year has been kind to me, Ive been loving it and being the new kid on the block aint that bad 'cos the people around have been real nice, accommodating and friendly. 4 weeks into term and Ive only had 1 bad day. I hope such good fortune will continue :D
People are starting to move into Schafer this week, considering school for all the others are starting next week. No one has moved into my flat yet, but I suppose its a matter of time. But people that I have met around have been really nice and friendly. Plus I met another Singaporean HC dude (and incidentally CheeGake's friend) who is staying in my block on the floor abv me. I do hope that I would be able to meet more Singaporeans around. Afterall, Im starting to feel this irrational fear that one day I wont be able to converse with anyone who's life doesnt revolve around medicine.
Kep's flying in tmr, exciting stuff. And Rae on Sat. Finally, London's coming alive!
I dont see how I would be able to juggle stuffing knowledge into my already full brain, waking up for ward rounds at ungodly hours (7.30am properly dressed and looking fresh?!) and having fun at the same time. Oh, and of course, staying healthy. Its easy to degenerate into eating crap instant food (I have had sandwiches for all 3 meals for 1 week now) and not exercising (Im proud to say I have finally signed up with the gym!). But i think if I could graduate from MedSch and say that Ive had a blast of student life, then I think Im capable of doing anything. Though I do suspect that Im going to be saying "I could get through foundation/ reg/ consultant years and say that Ive had a blast" for the rest of my life. But of course, providing that I do graduate in the first place.
All these busy-ness while trying to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Phew. But Im thankful that 3rd year has been kind to me, Ive been loving it and being the new kid on the block aint that bad 'cos the people around have been real nice, accommodating and friendly. 4 weeks into term and Ive only had 1 bad day. I hope such good fortune will continue :D
People are starting to move into Schafer this week, considering school for all the others are starting next week. No one has moved into my flat yet, but I suppose its a matter of time. But people that I have met around have been really nice and friendly. Plus I met another Singaporean HC dude (and incidentally CheeGake's friend) who is staying in my block on the floor abv me. I do hope that I would be able to meet more Singaporeans around. Afterall, Im starting to feel this irrational fear that one day I wont be able to converse with anyone who's life doesnt revolve around medicine.
Kep's flying in tmr, exciting stuff. And Rae on Sat. Finally, London's coming alive!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Breaktime!
Decided that it was time to take a slack since ICCM and OSCEs ended, and this weekend has been quite a blast.
Went out to shop at Covent Garden and then had dinner at Las Tasca on Friday. There was 50% off on food, so it was a real good deal. Kiki, Carz and I had a sharing meal for 2 and we were totally stuffed by the end of the night. I had 2 glasses of sangria and I think I was a little tipsy by the end of dinner. Which prbly explained why i actually agreed to go Huntley with them after that. People were absolutely shocked to see me there. I mean its beyond rare that Peish turns up at a social event and almost unthinkable that im at the school bar.
I have to admit its real sad considering its only my 2nd time there, and Im in my 3rd year of medschool. But it was good fun, and I got a taste of my new current new fave- Smirnoff Ice. I like my drinks sweet and this was pretty light. Though I think by the end of the night, I was a little whoozy since i KO-ed pretty soon I got the chance to hit my sack.
Sat was a rather domesticated day for me. Finally got the chance to properly clean up my room, pack my table, vacuum the floor, clear the kitchen. Its nice to be starting a new term with a newly cleaned room.
Spontaneously decided to watch Sister Act, the Musical after that. And it was great. The vibe was amazing and the stage set was impressive. I personally preferred Hairspray though, but Sister Act does have good songs! Managed to get real good tickets at an awesome price. Single seats, but i suppose we dont quite have to sit together with friends for shows yeah?
Got back and continued watching old Sister Act clips on youtube.
Ive spent this morning doing my laundry and getting random stuff for Kiki who is going to be making ondeh ondeh and baking! Cant wait to try it, crossing my fingers and hoping that it turns out well.
And im just going to spend my Sunday lazing around, watching youtube and catching up on all the rest Ive been missing. Surg's starting soon.
This dude totally moved me to tears.
Ive been tearing a whole lot recently, like I was bawling my head away in Sister Act. The couple nxt to me prbly thought i was nuts or emo or smthing of sorts.
Went out to shop at Covent Garden and then had dinner at Las Tasca on Friday. There was 50% off on food, so it was a real good deal. Kiki, Carz and I had a sharing meal for 2 and we were totally stuffed by the end of the night. I had 2 glasses of sangria and I think I was a little tipsy by the end of dinner. Which prbly explained why i actually agreed to go Huntley with them after that. People were absolutely shocked to see me there. I mean its beyond rare that Peish turns up at a social event and almost unthinkable that im at the school bar.
I have to admit its real sad considering its only my 2nd time there, and Im in my 3rd year of medschool. But it was good fun, and I got a taste of my new current new fave- Smirnoff Ice. I like my drinks sweet and this was pretty light. Though I think by the end of the night, I was a little whoozy since i KO-ed pretty soon I got the chance to hit my sack.
Sat was a rather domesticated day for me. Finally got the chance to properly clean up my room, pack my table, vacuum the floor, clear the kitchen. Its nice to be starting a new term with a newly cleaned room.
Spontaneously decided to watch Sister Act, the Musical after that. And it was great. The vibe was amazing and the stage set was impressive. I personally preferred Hairspray though, but Sister Act does have good songs! Managed to get real good tickets at an awesome price. Single seats, but i suppose we dont quite have to sit together with friends for shows yeah?
Got back and continued watching old Sister Act clips on youtube.
Ive spent this morning doing my laundry and getting random stuff for Kiki who is going to be making ondeh ondeh and baking! Cant wait to try it, crossing my fingers and hoping that it turns out well.
And im just going to spend my Sunday lazing around, watching youtube and catching up on all the rest Ive been missing. Surg's starting soon.
This dude totally moved me to tears.
Ive been tearing a whole lot recently, like I was bawling my head away in Sister Act. The couple nxt to me prbly thought i was nuts or emo or smthing of sorts.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The end of OSCEs!
OSCE went disastrously today. I mean I was so nervous I couldnt even spell accessory. I think i had like 4 S-es in it. I can totally imagine the examiner's face when he marks my paper. Even Ken was laughing at me for not completing the cranial nerve question, which was a total giveaway. Plus I was shaking so hard when I was trying to palpate for the brachial artery.
Im just glad that its not included in the final yr's grades, which actually counts for MBBS. Urghs.
Went to celebrate the end of OSCE with Carz and Ken. We had a last minute change of plan, and headed down to Belgo's in Chalk Farm for some mussels instead of French. The sausages (esp so!) and chicken there was good too. And we managed to beat the clock at 5 (so we only paid 5quid for our main dishes). The desserts werent fantastic though. Speaking of which Im kinda craving for some Pistachio ice cream at Selfridge's/ Le Chocolatier.
And i really should make good use of the 2for1s at Cafe Rouge and GBK. Oh, and 50% off at La Tasca! Sangria anyone? :D
Its not good that I have been feeling too full too much recently. And its worse when I havent even signed up for the gym yet.
Im just glad that its not included in the final yr's grades, which actually counts for MBBS. Urghs.
Went to celebrate the end of OSCE with Carz and Ken. We had a last minute change of plan, and headed down to Belgo's in Chalk Farm for some mussels instead of French. The sausages (esp so!) and chicken there was good too. And we managed to beat the clock at 5 (so we only paid 5quid for our main dishes). The desserts werent fantastic though. Speaking of which Im kinda craving for some Pistachio ice cream at Selfridge's/ Le Chocolatier.
And i really should make good use of the 2for1s at Cafe Rouge and GBK. Oh, and 50% off at La Tasca! Sangria anyone? :D
Its not good that I have been feeling too full too much recently. And its worse when I havent even signed up for the gym yet.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
One of those shit days.
Today is a shitty day.
I had a crap day at school.
Wanting to make myself happier, I had a strawberry cheesecake. Only to realise it was rotten after I finished it.
Im bloody sick of having crap food for meals daily.
The weather sucks.
And i have a freaking OSCE Im damn unprepared for in 2 days time.
Most of all, I wish I was home.
I actually miss my brother, mum & dad and friends.
Damn a lot too.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
2 weeks into Clinics!
I was meant to be practising OSCE with Carz this evening, but everything totally went awry the moment I started having a craving for ice cream. Starting with a trip to Sain's for ice cream and cheese cake, and then it morphed into a long 5hour chat. But its nice having a chat about my friends back home, and all the stuff I used to do. It made me really nostalgic (as usual) about life back in singapore, of rgs and hc. Those were good times really.
2 weeks of Clinics has passed. Actually not clinics proper, more like learning how to examine body parts and roaming the wards/ accosting the patients. I really think the school should get us unhealthy patients to practise on. I just get so accustomed with declaring my actor healthy during the practise sessions that I dont know what abnormal is on the wards.
I totally did myself in when I declared a patient who had heart murmur as healthy during one of my clerking sessions. But i suppose, as medical students, we are meant to make mistakes and not know anything.
I love the way things are now, I mean its no more long hours of lectures. Yes teaching does start ridiculously early (7.30am for ward rounds, horror!), but everyday's so different and fresh and exciting. At least at this point, things are. And thankfully, Im blessed enough to be meeting people who would stop and teach me.
Thorpe Park last weekend was good stuff :D I really should make plans to check out Alton Towers, heard that the rides there are def more awesome.
Having plans now to check out Cafe Rouge again this thurs after OSCEs with Carz. Im totally having a craving for duck now.
2 weeks of Clinics has passed. Actually not clinics proper, more like learning how to examine body parts and roaming the wards/ accosting the patients. I really think the school should get us unhealthy patients to practise on. I just get so accustomed with declaring my actor healthy during the practise sessions that I dont know what abnormal is on the wards.
I totally did myself in when I declared a patient who had heart murmur as healthy during one of my clerking sessions. But i suppose, as medical students, we are meant to make mistakes and not know anything.
I love the way things are now, I mean its no more long hours of lectures. Yes teaching does start ridiculously early (7.30am for ward rounds, horror!), but everyday's so different and fresh and exciting. At least at this point, things are. And thankfully, Im blessed enough to be meeting people who would stop and teach me.
Thorpe Park last weekend was good stuff :D I really should make plans to check out Alton Towers, heard that the rides there are def more awesome.
Having plans now to check out Cafe Rouge again this thurs after OSCEs with Carz. Im totally having a craving for duck now.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Throw your Sigg away. Its poisonous!
Stef is trying to kill me!
Throw away your Sigg Bottles people, they contain the stuff that caused our paranoid Mamas to throw all those disposable plastic stuff away!
Weekend's here, finally.
Just had an awesome korean dinner with some of the medics to kick it off. Awesome stuff :D
Throw away your Sigg Bottles people, they contain the stuff that caused our paranoid Mamas to throw all those disposable plastic stuff away!
Weekend's here, finally.
Just had an awesome korean dinner with some of the medics to kick it off. Awesome stuff :D
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Starting Clinics!
Have been real busy moving house (I shall not bitch/boast anymore about lugging stuff myself), settling in, having fun before term starts (Went for the Nottinghill Carn, which is like Europe's version of Chingay. Pictures will be up soon when my internet's fixed.) and sleeping alot (Ive been like konking out before 10pm daily). But life's good, weather sucks and ... Clinic's started!
2nd day into Clinics and I have this uneasy feeling that everything's going to be a lot worse. Esp when my tutor said smthing along the lines of "You get to come in late on Tuesday at 8am. And dont be late, you dont want to end your career by pissing Dr XXX off."
Im thankful that today is a wed, so we get to have the (late) noon off for "sports", smthing that i really dont see myself doing much in the coming year. I had great plans before starting clinics to do evening language classes, but totally having second thoughts about it now. I give Kiki and Jean and whoever else all the credit in the world for being able to do gym like everyday or so.
But im still happy that pre-clinical med is over, and we get to actually do stuff now. Even though we are like below the bottom of the food chain, and whatever we do actually doesnt help anyone but ourselves one bit. Afterall, all those consultants saving tons of lives out there started as amoebas like us right?
-
Randomly ...
And I do hope this Sat's Thorpe Park outing works out.
People in London, drop me a msg if you are interested in coming along! Bring on the roller coasters baby!
2nd day into Clinics and I have this uneasy feeling that everything's going to be a lot worse. Esp when my tutor said smthing along the lines of "You get to come in late on Tuesday at 8am. And dont be late, you dont want to end your career by pissing Dr XXX off."
Im thankful that today is a wed, so we get to have the (late) noon off for "sports", smthing that i really dont see myself doing much in the coming year. I had great plans before starting clinics to do evening language classes, but totally having second thoughts about it now. I give Kiki and Jean and whoever else all the credit in the world for being able to do gym like everyday or so.
But im still happy that pre-clinical med is over, and we get to actually do stuff now. Even though we are like below the bottom of the food chain, and whatever we do actually doesnt help anyone but ourselves one bit. Afterall, all those consultants saving tons of lives out there started as amoebas like us right?
-
Randomly ...
And I do hope this Sat's Thorpe Park outing works out.
People in London, drop me a msg if you are interested in coming along! Bring on the roller coasters baby!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
First Night in London
At Ken's now, crashing for the night, cos its obviously impossible for me to go to student residences to get keys now. I cant wait to move into my own place. Its not that his place aint nice (in fact its one of the most beautiful homes around here in London), but I just want to unpack and get things done.
And i think the first thing Im going to do after I move in is to buy a fan. I know Im nuts for saying this, but honestly, I dont like being in a stuffy room, esp when you have to close the windows cos otherwise your things get wet (cos it just doesnt ever stop raining here) or its just too damn cold.
Dreading the moving tmr, hopefully there would actually be someone to help me out :( Seems like only a few Ah Mao Ah Gou are back. Makes me miss my family, esp my parents and the car. Essentials back at home becomes luxury here.
Okay Im starting to sound too whiny and cranky. Think the exhaustion from all the travelling is setting in.
Good Nights people!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Buhbye Singapore :(
I hate packing.
I hate worrying about going overweight (literally too). The thought of having to lug those heavy luggages and backpacks and barangs just totally ruins my mood. And on top of that, I dont have someone waiting for me when Im in London (unlike lovely singapore) plus cab fares can actually kill, so I have to lug them onto the tube and through the crowds.
I find it interesting (actually, appalling) how London is like one of the major cities in the world, yet most of its tube stations dont have escalators and lifts. Cant they spare a thought for not only the millions of visitors and tourists who have to lug their bloody heavy bags up and down those 1000 steps but also, for the disabled who practically cant take tubes cos of this?
And I hate packing cos it always means leaving :(
Finally, packing means that there is going to be a point of time when you have to ...
UNPACK. damnit.
I hate worrying about going overweight (literally too). The thought of having to lug those heavy luggages and backpacks and barangs just totally ruins my mood. And on top of that, I dont have someone waiting for me when Im in London (unlike lovely singapore) plus cab fares can actually kill, so I have to lug them onto the tube and through the crowds.
I find it interesting (actually, appalling) how London is like one of the major cities in the world, yet most of its tube stations dont have escalators and lifts. Cant they spare a thought for not only the millions of visitors and tourists who have to lug their bloody heavy bags up and down those 1000 steps but also, for the disabled who practically cant take tubes cos of this?
And I hate packing cos it always means leaving :(
Finally, packing means that there is going to be a point of time when you have to ...
UNPACK. damnit.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Stef :D
Stef in pink, blowing out the candles as Whisper (the horror) looks on.
Me crowning the Pink Princess of the Day.
Happy Birthday Stef!Im not sure if Stef enjoyed her Pink Themed Surprise Bday Party as much as the rest of us 'cos:
1. Being Stef, she obviously hates surprises. And being the centre of attention.
2. The theme was pink, so everyone came in pink. (Even her! Though she didnt mean to dress for the occasion.) Except for Ang and her Dad.
3. It was a 32nd gathering in disguise.
But it was good fun and Im glad everyone enjoyed the food. At least, my efforts didnt go to waste! :D
Happy Birthday to my 2 best friends in council- Mon and Stef!
You guys are now old like me. Hehehe.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Its almost time to return :(
Today marks the end of my wakeboarding lessons, and the start of preparing myself for school. Its mixed feelings really. 2 years on, and I still get damn teary everytime Im at the airport. Im gonna miss my brother, my family, my friends (esp the sad ones, you guys know who you are) and being a brat (Sorry, Im superficial- Having a big room is great.). And of course, the sun. I know Im such an angmoh for saying this, but I love the heat in Singapore. I dont mind the sweat, and the potential headaches that it brings Cos i think it beats depressing winter (which is cold and dark. Short days suck.).
This summer has been great, way too awesome actually. And for once, I have led a life which involves waking up with nothing to do, no plans and no worries. Its a great change really, something I wish could go on for abit more. But I suppose we only really appreciate boredom when we know that we are going to be busy soon. Its probably painful if we know it would be indefinite.
Whilst I know people like Stef give me The Look when I dont know how to answer them when I say I dont know what I have been up to the whole summer, Im still glad I spent it the way I did. I like being at home when my brother's around, even though we dont talk that much (blame prelims). Im glad I got to see Hing and Jr loads when the drunkard from down there was back. Im glad I met the Losers at least once every week. Im glad I got to see the councillors, catch up with people like Mon, attend a class outing, see Ah Gake and Cher, visit HC, chill with the Tripod peeps and the list continues.
I havent climbed a mountain, volunteer at Zimbabwe, done a meaningful attachment somewhere here or somewhere exotic, or even travel anywhere (yes, I didnt even go Msia). But still, I think Im giving myself a pat on the back for enjoying boredom like this so thoroughly.
My only gripe being the freaking 3kg I gained. URGH.
This summer has been great, way too awesome actually. And for once, I have led a life which involves waking up with nothing to do, no plans and no worries. Its a great change really, something I wish could go on for abit more. But I suppose we only really appreciate boredom when we know that we are going to be busy soon. Its probably painful if we know it would be indefinite.
Whilst I know people like Stef give me The Look when I dont know how to answer them when I say I dont know what I have been up to the whole summer, Im still glad I spent it the way I did. I like being at home when my brother's around, even though we dont talk that much (blame prelims). Im glad I got to see Hing and Jr loads when the drunkard from down there was back. Im glad I met the Losers at least once every week. Im glad I got to see the councillors, catch up with people like Mon, attend a class outing, see Ah Gake and Cher, visit HC, chill with the Tripod peeps and the list continues.
I havent climbed a mountain, volunteer at Zimbabwe, done a meaningful attachment somewhere here or somewhere exotic, or even travel anywhere (yes, I didnt even go Msia). But still, I think Im giving myself a pat on the back for enjoying boredom like this so thoroughly.
My only gripe being the freaking 3kg I gained. URGH.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Congrats to Morrison and Choon Hong!
Recently, I lost the motivation to blog because I just re-found this really old game that I was once (and now am again) addicted to called Theme Hospital. Its a little like Roller Coaster Tycoon, just that you assume the role of Cuddy (without having to deal with rascals like House, though personally I would love to ... just 'cos he is hot) and see patients with bloaty heads and invisibility and too much hair. And considering I played this game when I was about 10 years old, Im amazed that 1 decade later I still find it entertaining.
Yesterday I attended the 2nd wedding of my life. And i believe this marks the start of a string, and a not very subtle hint that I am growing very old. I suppose one of the good things about spending CNY in London is that I dont have to endure relatives probing into my love life.
Morrison and Choon Hong's wedding yesterday was absolutely beautiful. Their love story's seemingly common but yet cute and sweet- their first meeting was at a KTV through M's best friend/ best man.
Tears of joy and gratitude were shed as both the couple and their best man/ maid of honour shared their feelings about the union and each other. The wedding was simple, no funny or embarrassing games, no lavish decor and nothing out of the ordinary- but I liked it that way. There was no pretentiousness, just very down- to- earth and personal- just like how I know M. M's one of those dudes whom I know who can charm waitresses around the world to give him an extra serving of rice on the house, make people whom he has known for but 5mins feel absolutely comfortable, and someone you would call about 1 day before exams because you know that he seems to have this superpower to make anyone feel better. And so if Choon Hong is fortunate to have Morrison, he's even luckier to get her. She's beautiful, graceful and very very smart. She's like one of those people with an air of elegance whom you would notice in a crowd even if she's not talking. And yesterday, she was more beautiful than ever. She looked absolutely stunning in all 3 gowns, though my personal fave was definitely the cheongsum, that was complete with a train. She makes me want to have a cheongsum for my wedding too ... that's of course when I find my significant other first.
So, here's to Morrison and Choon Hong!
May they be blessed with loads of beautiful offsprings, we all would love to have kids to play with in London!
Yesterday I attended the 2nd wedding of my life. And i believe this marks the start of a string, and a not very subtle hint that I am growing very old. I suppose one of the good things about spending CNY in London is that I dont have to endure relatives probing into my love life.
Morrison and Choon Hong's wedding yesterday was absolutely beautiful. Their love story's seemingly common but yet cute and sweet- their first meeting was at a KTV through M's best friend/ best man.
Tears of joy and gratitude were shed as both the couple and their best man/ maid of honour shared their feelings about the union and each other. The wedding was simple, no funny or embarrassing games, no lavish decor and nothing out of the ordinary- but I liked it that way. There was no pretentiousness, just very down- to- earth and personal- just like how I know M. M's one of those dudes whom I know who can charm waitresses around the world to give him an extra serving of rice on the house, make people whom he has known for but 5mins feel absolutely comfortable, and someone you would call about 1 day before exams because you know that he seems to have this superpower to make anyone feel better. And so if Choon Hong is fortunate to have Morrison, he's even luckier to get her. She's beautiful, graceful and very very smart. She's like one of those people with an air of elegance whom you would notice in a crowd even if she's not talking. And yesterday, she was more beautiful than ever. She looked absolutely stunning in all 3 gowns, though my personal fave was definitely the cheongsum, that was complete with a train. She makes me want to have a cheongsum for my wedding too ... that's of course when I find my significant other first.
So, here's to Morrison and Choon Hong!
May they be blessed with loads of beautiful offsprings, we all would love to have kids to play with in London!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Meeting 6L.
Primary school gathering yesterday was an awkward affair. At least for me it was. For one, me and Lily were straddling loser outing together with meeting our old friends whom we havent seen for like forever and ever. It was real odd cos we were drifting in and out of the group, and actually barely talking to any of the 6L people. Most people havent changed, but i have to admit i forgot most of them (names and faces... oops). But as my teacher (who turned up too) said, I was one of those that blended it cos I was a good kid, so I actually didnt mingle much with most people. Now no one can imagine me being a good kid eh? But i was def one of those who melted into the chair and I have this suspicion that if we didnt have fixed seatings or register numbers, no one would notice that I was gone from the class.
But still it was nice meeting my old teachers and seeing them :)
Parkway definitely brings back loads of wonderful memories for me. It still remains one of my fave shopping centres till today. They have an awesome food court, and prices of the things here are not yet jacked up to obscene figures. Shopping here is relatively decent and its never too empty, and yet never to insanely crowded. And for me, because I practically grew up here (from bday celebrations to tuition classes, I was in Parkway if I wasnt at school), I like the way it has a refreshing new look but hasnt changed so much such that I cant recognise it anymore.
But still it was nice meeting my old teachers and seeing them :)
Parkway definitely brings back loads of wonderful memories for me. It still remains one of my fave shopping centres till today. They have an awesome food court, and prices of the things here are not yet jacked up to obscene figures. Shopping here is relatively decent and its never too empty, and yet never to insanely crowded. And for me, because I practically grew up here (from bday celebrations to tuition classes, I was in Parkway if I wasnt at school), I like the way it has a refreshing new look but hasnt changed so much such that I cant recognise it anymore.
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