I signed up for AIA's Glow of Life. After paying premiums for 2 years, I am entitled to a free medical check-up. This check-up can be done at the selected clinics located island wide. It covers PAP smear, breast and pelvic exam, blood test etc.
I have received the voucher for this check-up in early Feb. I was quite unwilling to go for such a check-up. Who likes to visit a doctor? The voucher will expires in early June. I bite the bullet and arranged it to be done today.
The clinic I have chosen is located in International Plaza and the nearest MRT station is Tanjong Pagar.
10 hours fasting is required and since my medical appointment was 9.30am, if I stop eating after dinner, this would mean I have fast for more than 10 hours.
I took a train to International Plaza. The train was packed liked sardines. The passengers were literally shoulder to shoulder, butt to butt!
At Tanjong Pagar station, a vision-handicapped lady approached me, seeking my help to bring her to SpringLeaf Tower. I have no idea where is building is but she told me that my destination was quite near to SpringLeaf Tower. She asked if she could hold onto my arm. I have no problem though I prefer to hold onto her.
The station was very crowded. Office workers were rushing to get out of this station asap. We took the escalator and then walked quite a distance before we arrived at a traffic junction. We crossed the road and I have to leave her to another kind soul as she was actually heading somewhere along Shenton Way and I was getting further away from my destination.
Her positive attitude and determination have impressed me. Even if she is partially blind, she steps out of her comfort zone, seek help from kind souls to reach her destination.
Why am I complaining this and that? Life is never a bed of roses but we still have to make the best out of it despite hurdles and set-backs.
Anyway, I reached the clinic on time. I was asked to take a urine sample and followed by a blood test. I have phobia on needles but the nurse was gentle enough that I felt only a slight bite like from an ant when the needle went into my vein to draw the blood.
The nurse then took my weight, height and checked my eye-sight. I think my eye-sight worsened again. I could not read the little letters or numbers at all. The most astonishing part was my weight! A hefty 55.6kg! I actually got the cheek to ask the nurse to measure again because I thought the reading was wrong.
Well, I have to do something to my weight before it gets out of control.
I waited patiently for my examination by a female doctor, Dr Chee. She looked senior and fierce. OMG, how would I react during a PAP smear?
Surprisingly when I stepped into her room, she smiled and started a friendly conversation with me. I felt comfortable and relax in her room while she did her job.
Without realising much, she said, "Ok, it is all done."
The results of the various medical tests will be mailed to me in about a week's time.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chimps grieve like humans
LONDON - RARE video footage taken at a wildlife park has showed that chimpanzees react to the death of a group member just like humans do when a close relative dies, researchers said on Monday.
Videos of a group of four chimpanzees at Scotland's Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park showed three of the animals caressing and grooming the fourth, a dying female, more than usual, said Mr James Anderson, a lecturer in psychology at Scotland's University of Stirling.
The videos also showed that the three chimpanzees tested the elderly female, Pansy, for signs of life at the moment of death, Mr Anderson said. Pansy's daughter lay near her mother's body throughout the night, and all the chimpanzees were subdued in the next few days.
'It's the first time to our knowledge that people have been able to capture on video the precise moment at which an adult chimpanzee dies in the midst of his or her group,' said Mr Anderson, who co-authored a study to be published on Tuesday in the journal Current Biology.
The animals stopped grooming Pansy and left her after her death, although her daughter later came back to build a nest and lie by her all night long.
The researchers said the study suggested that chimpanzees - known to have a developed sense of self and empathy toward others - were more like humans than previously thought. -- AP
(source: www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_519579.html )
My comments:
An amazing observation on the chimpanzees!
Videos of a group of four chimpanzees at Scotland's Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park showed three of the animals caressing and grooming the fourth, a dying female, more than usual, said Mr James Anderson, a lecturer in psychology at Scotland's University of Stirling.
The videos also showed that the three chimpanzees tested the elderly female, Pansy, for signs of life at the moment of death, Mr Anderson said. Pansy's daughter lay near her mother's body throughout the night, and all the chimpanzees were subdued in the next few days.
'It's the first time to our knowledge that people have been able to capture on video the precise moment at which an adult chimpanzee dies in the midst of his or her group,' said Mr Anderson, who co-authored a study to be published on Tuesday in the journal Current Biology.
The animals stopped grooming Pansy and left her after her death, although her daughter later came back to build a nest and lie by her all night long.
The researchers said the study suggested that chimpanzees - known to have a developed sense of self and empathy toward others - were more like humans than previously thought. -- AP
(source: www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_519579.html )
My comments:
An amazing observation on the chimpanzees!
Monday, April 26, 2010
My Dinner Delivery (tingkat service)
I reached home slightly after 4pm and saw a plastic bag was already hung at my door-step. Yes, my dinner has arrived very early.
Isa was quite thrilled to see her favourite sweet and sour sausages. There were 3 dishes and 1 soup. Besides the sausages, there were vegetables and chicken. The soup was pork rib soup.
You can imagine that after I have finished cooking my rice, the food has turned cold.
The portions of the food were quite generous. They are enough for 2 adults and 1 child. They will be considered excessive for 1 adult and 1 child.
The food tasted average. Perhaps little salt or MSG has been added and I did not feel very thirsty after my dinner. This is definitely another plus point for this dinner delivery service.
Isa was quite thrilled to see her favourite sweet and sour sausages. There were 3 dishes and 1 soup. Besides the sausages, there were vegetables and chicken. The soup was pork rib soup.
You can imagine that after I have finished cooking my rice, the food has turned cold.
The portions of the food were quite generous. They are enough for 2 adults and 1 child. They will be considered excessive for 1 adult and 1 child.
The food tasted average. Perhaps little salt or MSG has been added and I did not feel very thirsty after my dinner. This is definitely another plus point for this dinner delivery service.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Joke: The Bathtub Test
During a visit to the mental asylum, I asked the director how do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalised.
"Well," said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.."
"Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No.." said the director, "A normal person would pull the plug.
"Well," said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.."
"Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No.." said the director, "A normal person would pull the plug.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Dementia and Cancer
I always like to read and during the last weekend, I went to the library to borrow a few books.
(1) Voices from the Heart (Living with Dementia) - a resource book for dementia patients and their caregivers.
Our population is ageing rapidly and more senior citizens is expected to suffer from dementia. I quote some from this book: Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
(2) Soft Sift in an hourglass (Stories of jope and resilience at the end of life) - a book written on the experiences in the early days of hospice by Dr Rosalie SHAW.
Dr Shaw shared on her experiences with some of her cancer patients during their final journey of their life. Many stories were very sad, despair and filled with disappointment, anger and pain. We all know that from the moment of birth, death is confirmed. How are we going to face death? Can death be a painless moment? How can we face it bravely or even happily simiarly as we welcome birth?
(1) Voices from the Heart (Living with Dementia) - a resource book for dementia patients and their caregivers.
Our population is ageing rapidly and more senior citizens is expected to suffer from dementia. I quote some from this book: Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
(2) Soft Sift in an hourglass (Stories of jope and resilience at the end of life) - a book written on the experiences in the early days of hospice by Dr Rosalie SHAW.
Dr Shaw shared on her experiences with some of her cancer patients during their final journey of their life. Many stories were very sad, despair and filled with disappointment, anger and pain. We all know that from the moment of birth, death is confirmed. How are we going to face death? Can death be a painless moment? How can we face it bravely or even happily simiarly as we welcome birth?
Tingkat
Finally I ordered Tingkat from K* after much consideration.
The preparation for dinner during the weekdays is taking up too much of my time and effort. Since J's trip to France was delayed due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, I took the advantage to take up this trial offer.
The cost for 2 persons is $40 for 5 days which works out to be $4 per person per meal. This is considered on the slight expensive end. For regular order, the cost for 2 person will be $181+ (inclusive of GST) for 20 days.
The meal consists of 3 meals and 1 soup.
I have specially requested lesser salt and MSG for my order. Let us see how this works out before I start thinking of Plan B.
The preparation for dinner during the weekdays is taking up too much of my time and effort. Since J's trip to France was delayed due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, I took the advantage to take up this trial offer.
The cost for 2 persons is $40 for 5 days which works out to be $4 per person per meal. This is considered on the slight expensive end. For regular order, the cost for 2 person will be $181+ (inclusive of GST) for 20 days.
The meal consists of 3 meals and 1 soup.
I have specially requested lesser salt and MSG for my order. Let us see how this works out before I start thinking of Plan B.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Travelling Journey
Forget about rain or shine as once I am in the train station, I will remain dry all the way from home to my office and vice versa.
I used to envy ladies wearing smart clothes, carrying a nice handbag and a laptop to work. I am now one of them, except, I don't have any smart clothes and nice handbags.
The train journey from the west to the east can drive me crazy. The trains are always so crowded and I need some good luck to get a seat. I want to make good use of the travelling time by reading a magazine or a story book. But I am always too tired to do so and in the end, falling asleep almost throughout the journey. This is especially do during my return trip when I have spent most of my energy in the office.
Reality has sets in; I am growing old and my energy is limited.
I pray hard that if this is the intended part of my working life, then give me the health and ability to handle this travelling journey.
I used to envy ladies wearing smart clothes, carrying a nice handbag and a laptop to work. I am now one of them, except, I don't have any smart clothes and nice handbags.
The train journey from the west to the east can drive me crazy. The trains are always so crowded and I need some good luck to get a seat. I want to make good use of the travelling time by reading a magazine or a story book. But I am always too tired to do so and in the end, falling asleep almost throughout the journey. This is especially do during my return trip when I have spent most of my energy in the office.
Reality has sets in; I am growing old and my energy is limited.
I pray hard that if this is the intended part of my working life, then give me the health and ability to handle this travelling journey.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
First Day in New Workplace
15 Apr finally arrived.
Instead of familisation and doubling up duties, my colleagues and I attended a 3 days training course on a new instrument/equipment my office has recently bought.
The 1.5 hour of train journey was quite a lot for me to bear but I think I have to get used to it asap. I noticed most of the commuters sleep, read newspapers or fiddling with their mobile phones. If I can get a seat in the train, I plan to either read a book or take a short nap.
My new boss P has briefly touched on my duties. She was not very happy that I wanted to apply some days of leave after my training course. In the end, I managed to get a couple of days off after the training course.
My duties in this office will be quite different from the previous. I will be taking up a role of providing consultancy services to customers. Depending on users' requirement, I have to plan and design a package of materials or info to cater to the specific users.
It will be a new challenge for me.
Maybe today marks the start of another part of my working journey.
Instead of familisation and doubling up duties, my colleagues and I attended a 3 days training course on a new instrument/equipment my office has recently bought.
The 1.5 hour of train journey was quite a lot for me to bear but I think I have to get used to it asap. I noticed most of the commuters sleep, read newspapers or fiddling with their mobile phones. If I can get a seat in the train, I plan to either read a book or take a short nap.
My new boss P has briefly touched on my duties. She was not very happy that I wanted to apply some days of leave after my training course. In the end, I managed to get a couple of days off after the training course.
My duties in this office will be quite different from the previous. I will be taking up a role of providing consultancy services to customers. Depending on users' requirement, I have to plan and design a package of materials or info to cater to the specific users.
It will be a new challenge for me.
Maybe today marks the start of another part of my working journey.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Last Week in the Office
L is finally back from his annual trip to HK. His absence of about 2 weeks has been one of the toughest periods of my working life.
First, quite a lot of major events happened during that 2 weeks which required support from my office. K & I have to work extra hours to provide the necessary support.
Second, KKC left and HWC came as a replacement. To get a replacement in this office requires a lot of admin work which is beyond our authority and control. Nevertheless, permit for HWC to enter this workplace is renewed on daily basis. It will take quite some time of processing before he gets a nod to enter this workplace permanently.
Third, when L is not around, there was quite a lot of additional work from both internal and external customers. Why this happened when we are running tight on man-power? This certainly puts on more stress on me and K.
Lastly, I realised I have accumulated quite a lot of rubbish during my 7 to 8 years in this office. So it was quite a big hassle to clear my cabinets and drawers before I hand over them to K.
First, quite a lot of major events happened during that 2 weeks which required support from my office. K & I have to work extra hours to provide the necessary support.
Second, KKC left and HWC came as a replacement. To get a replacement in this office requires a lot of admin work which is beyond our authority and control. Nevertheless, permit for HWC to enter this workplace is renewed on daily basis. It will take quite some time of processing before he gets a nod to enter this workplace permanently.
Third, when L is not around, there was quite a lot of additional work from both internal and external customers. Why this happened when we are running tight on man-power? This certainly puts on more stress on me and K.
Lastly, I realised I have accumulated quite a lot of rubbish during my 7 to 8 years in this office. So it was quite a big hassle to clear my cabinets and drawers before I hand over them to K.
Monday, April 12, 2010
4 room flat for 655k
Kiat's son full-month celebration was held during the weekend. We were invited to share their joy.
Little Ethan looked big and weighted 3.3kh when born.
Besides talking about the usual children's stuff, Kiat shared that she has sold her little 19th 4 room flat in Holland Cresent for a whopping sum of 655k! I have to say that the view from her flat is great as one can see very far away unblocked. But the design of this flat is lousy; the rooms are small, the living room is small, the kitchen is even smaller etc. But maybe due to its prime location and unblocked view, it fetched more than half a mil. The buyers were locals.
What is so great about flats in this so-called prime area? The nearest MRT station is at Buona Vista and is not really within walking distance.
The property market is getting crazy!
Little Ethan looked big and weighted 3.3kh when born.
Besides talking about the usual children's stuff, Kiat shared that she has sold her little 19th 4 room flat in Holland Cresent for a whopping sum of 655k! I have to say that the view from her flat is great as one can see very far away unblocked. But the design of this flat is lousy; the rooms are small, the living room is small, the kitchen is even smaller etc. But maybe due to its prime location and unblocked view, it fetched more than half a mil. The buyers were locals.
What is so great about flats in this so-called prime area? The nearest MRT station is at Buona Vista and is not really within walking distance.
The property market is getting crazy!
Friday, April 09, 2010
Reading
It is a trend that many subscriptions of magazines has become compulsory in Isa's school.
For Chinese, Isa has to subscribe Da Mu Zhi and Xin Lie Che.
For English, she has to subscribe What's Up, Reader's Digest and Young Scientist.
Most of these subscriptions come with great discount and can be paid using her Edusave. Of all these subscriptions, I like to read Reader's Digest and Young Scientist. I think we have made good use of these magazines as there are at least 2 readers reading them.
Reading allows me to be in the story and away from the reality. I can forget about my stress from work and family. I can neglect the monotonous household chores.
During the weekend, a trip to the library is almost confirmed since it allows me to borrow books or financial magazines.
For Chinese, Isa has to subscribe Da Mu Zhi and Xin Lie Che.
For English, she has to subscribe What's Up, Reader's Digest and Young Scientist.
Most of these subscriptions come with great discount and can be paid using her Edusave. Of all these subscriptions, I like to read Reader's Digest and Young Scientist. I think we have made good use of these magazines as there are at least 2 readers reading them.
Reading allows me to be in the story and away from the reality. I can forget about my stress from work and family. I can neglect the monotonous household chores.
During the weekend, a trip to the library is almost confirmed since it allows me to borrow books or financial magazines.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Wonder Girls - Nobody
I am crazy over the song below. I came to know this music because the brass band of the secondary school opposite my home has been practising it almost every weekday.
The tune is quite catchy and addictive.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Learn to say "NO"
A meeting at M in the morning has been fixed quite some time ago. I looked forward to this meeting because I have been trying to arrange it for months and now it finally arrives.
As a result of this meeting, I have to change duty from morning to afternoon.
LE called to ask me to attend another meeting at her office PL a day before this meeting at M. I look forward to go to her office as I have not been there. I like to meet other colleagues working at PL too. But this would mean that I have to change my duty from morning to afternoon again.
On a second thought, I turned down LE's offer. I gathered some courage to say NO.
I have my personal life and family to look after besides this job. I need energy and time at home.
As a result of this meeting, I have to change duty from morning to afternoon.
LE called to ask me to attend another meeting at her office PL a day before this meeting at M. I look forward to go to her office as I have not been there. I like to meet other colleagues working at PL too. But this would mean that I have to change my duty from morning to afternoon again.
On a second thought, I turned down LE's offer. I gathered some courage to say NO.
I have my personal life and family to look after besides this job. I need energy and time at home.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Marriott Hotel
In view of the long weekend (2 Apr being Good Friday), J's birthday falls during this period and one of the banks gave us a hotel voucher after we qualified for some kind of promotions, we booked a deluxe room in Marriott Hotel.
http://www.singaporemarriott.com/
We made our reservation well in advance to avoid any disappointment. I was all prepared to shop till drop since this hotel was located on Orchard Road where many departmental stores are located. J has planned for a good Japanese meal since there were quite a few famous restaurants along Orchard Road. Isa gathered that she could have a good swim in the pool and thereafter, enjoyed the cartoon network offered by the hotel.
As it was just an overnight's stay, we packed merely the essential items ie money and plastic cards!
Before we left home, we saw dark clouds approaching. Nothing unusual as it usually rains in the afternoon. Who knows, maybe it was sunny and hot at Orchard Road.
The check-in procedure at Marriott Hotel was smooth and we were given a big, posh and high-floor room.
The spacious room was such a great contrast to the ones we stayed in Japan. This room was at least twice or even thrice the size of the Japanese hotel room we stayed. The bathroom was big which a standing shower and a long bath. The tv was a big flat-screen type with at least 24 channels including NHK, CNBC, Bloomberg, HKO, AXN etc.
Rain started but nevermind, it usually stops in the late afternoon or latest early evening, Isa could enjoy her swim while I could get out of the hotel to shop.
But the rain continued and even in the evening when our stomach were grumbling, the rain appeared no sign of easing. No shopping and no swimming for the day. Despite the rain, we need to have our dinner. We could not go far to look for a Japanese restaurant with appetizing meals. In the end, we settled our dinner at Sushi Tei, which was almost a road across the hotel. Isa had her Cha Soba, mine Oyako Don and J with his favourite Niku Udon. The food was average and nothing compared to the meal at Akashi Restaurant in Vivo City.
In ION Orchard, the shoppers carried their dripping umbrellas and bags of goodies.The wet weather affected our mood. I have wanted to go to Robinson at Centrepoint but with this kind of weather, it was better to stay indoor.
Isa could not go to the pool and decided to make do with the long bath in the hotel's room.
We ended up enjoying ourselves in the long bath and watching the tv programmes in the hotel's room. What a way to relax!
The next morning, the road was wet and it was still drizzling.
We concluded that we have chosen a wrong date to stay in this hotel and intend to return to complete our "missions" planned earlier.
http://www.singaporemarriott.com/
We made our reservation well in advance to avoid any disappointment. I was all prepared to shop till drop since this hotel was located on Orchard Road where many departmental stores are located. J has planned for a good Japanese meal since there were quite a few famous restaurants along Orchard Road. Isa gathered that she could have a good swim in the pool and thereafter, enjoyed the cartoon network offered by the hotel.
As it was just an overnight's stay, we packed merely the essential items ie money and plastic cards!
Before we left home, we saw dark clouds approaching. Nothing unusual as it usually rains in the afternoon. Who knows, maybe it was sunny and hot at Orchard Road.
The check-in procedure at Marriott Hotel was smooth and we were given a big, posh and high-floor room.
The spacious room was such a great contrast to the ones we stayed in Japan. This room was at least twice or even thrice the size of the Japanese hotel room we stayed. The bathroom was big which a standing shower and a long bath. The tv was a big flat-screen type with at least 24 channels including NHK, CNBC, Bloomberg, HKO, AXN etc.
Rain started but nevermind, it usually stops in the late afternoon or latest early evening, Isa could enjoy her swim while I could get out of the hotel to shop.
But the rain continued and even in the evening when our stomach were grumbling, the rain appeared no sign of easing. No shopping and no swimming for the day. Despite the rain, we need to have our dinner. We could not go far to look for a Japanese restaurant with appetizing meals. In the end, we settled our dinner at Sushi Tei, which was almost a road across the hotel. Isa had her Cha Soba, mine Oyako Don and J with his favourite Niku Udon. The food was average and nothing compared to the meal at Akashi Restaurant in Vivo City.
In ION Orchard, the shoppers carried their dripping umbrellas and bags of goodies.The wet weather affected our mood. I have wanted to go to Robinson at Centrepoint but with this kind of weather, it was better to stay indoor.
Isa could not go to the pool and decided to make do with the long bath in the hotel's room.
We ended up enjoying ourselves in the long bath and watching the tv programmes in the hotel's room. What a way to relax!
The next morning, the road was wet and it was still drizzling.
We concluded that we have chosen a wrong date to stay in this hotel and intend to return to complete our "missions" planned earlier.
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