Enfield for GP is depressing much :(

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.

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 :)

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!

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!

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

Their songs can really calm me down!

Suck it up and Plod on.

A book well worth getting.

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

Happy Chinese New Year?

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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?