Yesterday, I went go-karting with Jia Jie and his friends at the Plentong Go-Kart Circuit. We took the SBS public transport into Malaysia and then took a cab to the circuit. A 10-minute session on the circuit cost S$15! It was such a good price compared to S$45 per session in Singapore. =]
After go-karting, we had Bah Kut Teh for lunch. Jia Jie and I then departed for track training in NUS. I felt really good during the track intervals compared to how I felt weeks ago prior to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. I have indeed ran the wall down. =]
I look forward to greater sporting success in the new year. 2009, here I come!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas and the weekend..
Christmas has finally arrived this year, and it marks yet again another year passed..On boxing day, my cousin Huiqi got married. It was the third wedding in my family this year! Counting down chronologically, the next in line should be me! Boy, doesn't time pass so quickly..
The wedding yet again allowed the extended family to interact and catch up with one another. It was good to see Zhen Yi back from the UK during his school break. We had a good time that night, fooling around like we always do =]
The next day, on Saturday, I had my NUS aquathlon time-trial at Sentosa. To be perfectly honest, I was not ready AT ALL for this time-trial. I just returned from Cambodia and since pre-CA2, I have not been training that regularly for weeks, even months! Furthermore, I was down with flu and sore-throat after my trip. Adding salt to the wound, that Saturday morning, I had diarrhoea. I did not want to go through the time-trial, but upon seeing everyone in the team gearing up for it, I changed my mind. I decided to try and complete it. Just complete it.
This was yet another instance where my body decided to act in contrary with my mind. I managed to complete my time-trial in 1hr 15mins 24secs. It was not exactly a very good timing, and there is still a lot to improve from here. =] I am just glad that I managed to complete it.
Later that day, I attended my NUS cell group's year end party where we invited friends over to have a time of fun, fellowship and food. It was a huge success! There were a total of 56 friends brought and I believed that they all had their share of fun, felllowship and food. =] I hope that we ride on this success and continue to reach out.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:37-38
The wedding yet again allowed the extended family to interact and catch up with one another. It was good to see Zhen Yi back from the UK during his school break. We had a good time that night, fooling around like we always do =]
The next day, on Saturday, I had my NUS aquathlon time-trial at Sentosa. To be perfectly honest, I was not ready AT ALL for this time-trial. I just returned from Cambodia and since pre-CA2, I have not been training that regularly for weeks, even months! Furthermore, I was down with flu and sore-throat after my trip. Adding salt to the wound, that Saturday morning, I had diarrhoea. I did not want to go through the time-trial, but upon seeing everyone in the team gearing up for it, I changed my mind. I decided to try and complete it. Just complete it.
This was yet another instance where my body decided to act in contrary with my mind. I managed to complete my time-trial in 1hr 15mins 24secs. It was not exactly a very good timing, and there is still a lot to improve from here. =] I am just glad that I managed to complete it.
Later that day, I attended my NUS cell group's year end party where we invited friends over to have a time of fun, fellowship and food. It was a huge success! There were a total of 56 friends brought and I believed that they all had their share of fun, felllowship and food. =] I hope that we ride on this success and continue to reach out.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:37-38
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
PSLE English Paper 2, Section 4: Editing for Spelling and Grammar – 10 marks
I saw this pasted on the lift at my block, try to spot the error.. =]
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Project Lokun
I'm back from my Medical mission trip to Cambodia! There were so many things waiting to be done the moment I touched down. Sometimes I wonder whether I could really cut myself loose from the things of this world and just live the life. This reflection helped me wrap up the experiences I had from this trip.
I realised that I was gettting closer to my desired outlook on life the moment my plane cruised along the runway in Changi International Airport. For once in my life, I did not feel the onslaught of emotions that I usually get. I felt neutral. I was not THAT happy to be back home, but neither was I unhappy. Neutral. That was the most apt description.
Anna was a spanish architect whom I had great pleasure of making friends with on this trip. She, I believe, was someone placed in my life to guide me in my journey through life. Recounting a book I read long ago by Mitch Albom entitled "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", it beautifully elucidates that all lives are connected to each other, directly or indirectly, and whether we realize it or not. I could not agree more on this concept! Anyways, Anna had been in Cambodia for 5 months already, aiding the people there by building houses. Her next stop will be Australia. Watching her face glow whenever she describes her experiences in different parts of the world, something within me resonated with her, begging to be able to identify similar encounters.
I feel that most people (myself included) are too afraid to step out of their comfort zone to step into something that is uncertain. We tend to make sure that everything is planned before taking that first step. Where is the faith?
On the 5th day of my project, we conducted health education and clinics at Kampong Luon floating village. Our team split into 2 groups, one conducting health education at the floating church's school and the other group running the clinic at the community's health centre. After 4 days of doing health education, screening and clinics in schools around CROAP, this was a new experience. Helping at the floating village set me thinking about a lot of things. It made me question things that I thought I always had the answers for. This was good, it provides me with an opportunity to be grounded in foundation once again. Also, I feel that this allows me to grow; when you stop asking questions, that is when you stop growing.
I also had the priviledge to experience 'house moving' in the floating village. The floating church and school I was on was towed out into deeper waters when the tide dropped too low. According to the locals, this 'house moving' is done whenever the waters get too shallow. Other than allowing houses to float on them, the water in the Tonle Sap lake is also used for bathing, cooking, washing, waste disposal, playing and for catching the fishes that live in them. It came as no surprise to me that the bowls I used during lunch was washed by the same water which I had pee-ed into minutes ago.
Lastly, I did not allow myself to bring any luxury items (facial wipes, mp3 player, etc) on this trip. All I had was my handphone which was used in the case of emergency when we need to contact one another and a tube of SAF insect repellent. I did not feel at all lacking without those things. In fact, I felt free, so carefree. It was an amazing feeling.
Through this trip, I made 2 more Cambodian friends, Chhong Mao and Sinath. They were very friendly and hospitable. They are people that I will hold dear to and keep in contact with. I might return to Cambodia prior to my Ironman in Switzerland next year for the same project to work alongside them again.
I believe that this project benefitted me more than it did for the Cambodians. There was only so much we can do to help them as students compared to help rendered by a doctor. However, I hope and pray that this experience will catapult me further into the unknown where real faith is needed. God use me.
I realised that I was gettting closer to my desired outlook on life the moment my plane cruised along the runway in Changi International Airport. For once in my life, I did not feel the onslaught of emotions that I usually get. I felt neutral. I was not THAT happy to be back home, but neither was I unhappy. Neutral. That was the most apt description.
Anna was a spanish architect whom I had great pleasure of making friends with on this trip. She, I believe, was someone placed in my life to guide me in my journey through life. Recounting a book I read long ago by Mitch Albom entitled "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", it beautifully elucidates that all lives are connected to each other, directly or indirectly, and whether we realize it or not. I could not agree more on this concept! Anyways, Anna had been in Cambodia for 5 months already, aiding the people there by building houses. Her next stop will be Australia. Watching her face glow whenever she describes her experiences in different parts of the world, something within me resonated with her, begging to be able to identify similar encounters.
I feel that most people (myself included) are too afraid to step out of their comfort zone to step into something that is uncertain. We tend to make sure that everything is planned before taking that first step. Where is the faith?
On the 5th day of my project, we conducted health education and clinics at Kampong Luon floating village. Our team split into 2 groups, one conducting health education at the floating church's school and the other group running the clinic at the community's health centre. After 4 days of doing health education, screening and clinics in schools around CROAP, this was a new experience. Helping at the floating village set me thinking about a lot of things. It made me question things that I thought I always had the answers for. This was good, it provides me with an opportunity to be grounded in foundation once again. Also, I feel that this allows me to grow; when you stop asking questions, that is when you stop growing.
I also had the priviledge to experience 'house moving' in the floating village. The floating church and school I was on was towed out into deeper waters when the tide dropped too low. According to the locals, this 'house moving' is done whenever the waters get too shallow. Other than allowing houses to float on them, the water in the Tonle Sap lake is also used for bathing, cooking, washing, waste disposal, playing and for catching the fishes that live in them. It came as no surprise to me that the bowls I used during lunch was washed by the same water which I had pee-ed into minutes ago.
Lastly, I did not allow myself to bring any luxury items (facial wipes, mp3 player, etc) on this trip. All I had was my handphone which was used in the case of emergency when we need to contact one another and a tube of SAF insect repellent. I did not feel at all lacking without those things. In fact, I felt free, so carefree. It was an amazing feeling.
Through this trip, I made 2 more Cambodian friends, Chhong Mao and Sinath. They were very friendly and hospitable. They are people that I will hold dear to and keep in contact with. I might return to Cambodia prior to my Ironman in Switzerland next year for the same project to work alongside them again.
I believe that this project benefitted me more than it did for the Cambodians. There was only so much we can do to help them as students compared to help rendered by a doctor. However, I hope and pray that this experience will catapult me further into the unknown where real faith is needed. God use me.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The end of one of my many semesters..
Today marks the end of my 1st semester in NUS Medical school.. Looking back at the past few months, it seemed that time was fast-forwarded, everything went by so quickly and I was, as usual, busy with so many things to do.. After looking back at this semester, I would say that it was nothing like I expected it to be!
I thought I had everything all planned out. I will walk closely with God, be super-alert in lectures so that I waste little time during revisions; I would then use that extra time to train for my various events, give tuition, lead the kids well in church, enjoy sunday football, etc.. In essence, I have planned to have a very well-balanced life in University, seeing myself grow in all areas of my life and developing into a better person.
Well..Things turned out ok in some areas and not so ok in others. To cut the long story short, my plans failed. I could scarcely summon the discipline that saw me through VJC when I trained 6 times a week for soccer. I did not make full use of the time given to me to do things of greater value. I simply wasted time, a gift always under-estimated.
Today, during my 3hr long CA2, I was taken aback by the paper. It did not seem as friendly as CA1, it was out to kill. I felt drained (something I never felt before during exams), reading the questions 6 times to focus my mind on it. I simply did not feel like doing the damn paper. I even comprehended walking out of the examination hall, but I did not. I took the time while doing the paper to reflect on where I've gone wrong this semester. What have I done and not done leading to me feeling this way now? Perhaps it was complacency, thinking that I did well in CA1, therefore CA2 will also be another walk in the park. Indeed, I have slacken off towards the 2nd half of this semester.. I thought of all the time wasted watching movies on my laptop during revision and mugging in the build up to my paper (a grand total of 19.5 movies - 0.5 as I haven't finished watching it).
There were so many things I've identified during this short 3hrs that could be improved in the next semester. I want to improve, I want to do justice to my plan, I must succeed! Well, amidst all the negative points, there are also positive ones. One that comes right off the top of my head is training with the NUS Aquathlon team.
I used to think that people in NUS Aquathlon was proud, unfriendly and all the bad stuff (I don't know why I felt this way, but yea..). After my 1st training with them, I realised that this was a group where like-minded people come together to do things that they enjoy. They were friendly, ever so ready to help with their 2 cents worth. The team bonding is really tight and it feels like family.
Therefore, the 1st thing I thought off after my very discouraging paper was to go for training later in the day at 7pm. I wanted to whack the sets and vent my frustrations in the pool, and most importantly, to meet my family in NUS. Training today was tough, with us completing 3.9km worth of sets. The breathing drill made me feel that I was earning my right to breathe; with each breath, I covered more ground with my strokes.
I felt strong in the water today. I remembered what Nicolas always tell me, "Feel like you're a knife slicing through butter." I felt like that knife today. It is a pity that I will miss training for a week as I will be leaving for Cambodia 7hrs from now for a medical mission. Will be doing my share of running and stretch cords with Shaun though. =]
I left training feeling better about life in general. Encouragement from Aldrich was really touching and it reinforces my theory that Aquathlon is more than a CCA, it is my way of life in NUS. I look forward to the new year and the new semester for it brings hope for improvements. I thank God that He revealed so much in my life that needs to be worked on. I will do my best, with God doing the rest.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1
I thought I had everything all planned out. I will walk closely with God, be super-alert in lectures so that I waste little time during revisions; I would then use that extra time to train for my various events, give tuition, lead the kids well in church, enjoy sunday football, etc.. In essence, I have planned to have a very well-balanced life in University, seeing myself grow in all areas of my life and developing into a better person.
Well..Things turned out ok in some areas and not so ok in others. To cut the long story short, my plans failed. I could scarcely summon the discipline that saw me through VJC when I trained 6 times a week for soccer. I did not make full use of the time given to me to do things of greater value. I simply wasted time, a gift always under-estimated.
Today, during my 3hr long CA2, I was taken aback by the paper. It did not seem as friendly as CA1, it was out to kill. I felt drained (something I never felt before during exams), reading the questions 6 times to focus my mind on it. I simply did not feel like doing the damn paper. I even comprehended walking out of the examination hall, but I did not. I took the time while doing the paper to reflect on where I've gone wrong this semester. What have I done and not done leading to me feeling this way now? Perhaps it was complacency, thinking that I did well in CA1, therefore CA2 will also be another walk in the park. Indeed, I have slacken off towards the 2nd half of this semester.. I thought of all the time wasted watching movies on my laptop during revision and mugging in the build up to my paper (a grand total of 19.5 movies - 0.5 as I haven't finished watching it).
There were so many things I've identified during this short 3hrs that could be improved in the next semester. I want to improve, I want to do justice to my plan, I must succeed! Well, amidst all the negative points, there are also positive ones. One that comes right off the top of my head is training with the NUS Aquathlon team.
I used to think that people in NUS Aquathlon was proud, unfriendly and all the bad stuff (I don't know why I felt this way, but yea..). After my 1st training with them, I realised that this was a group where like-minded people come together to do things that they enjoy. They were friendly, ever so ready to help with their 2 cents worth. The team bonding is really tight and it feels like family.
Therefore, the 1st thing I thought off after my very discouraging paper was to go for training later in the day at 7pm. I wanted to whack the sets and vent my frustrations in the pool, and most importantly, to meet my family in NUS. Training today was tough, with us completing 3.9km worth of sets. The breathing drill made me feel that I was earning my right to breathe; with each breath, I covered more ground with my strokes.
I felt strong in the water today. I remembered what Nicolas always tell me, "Feel like you're a knife slicing through butter." I felt like that knife today. It is a pity that I will miss training for a week as I will be leaving for Cambodia 7hrs from now for a medical mission. Will be doing my share of running and stretch cords with Shaun though. =]
I left training feeling better about life in general. Encouragement from Aldrich was really touching and it reinforces my theory that Aquathlon is more than a CCA, it is my way of life in NUS. I look forward to the new year and the new semester for it brings hope for improvements. I thank God that He revealed so much in my life that needs to be worked on. I will do my best, with God doing the rest.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1
Saturday, December 13, 2008
This is so damn sick!
"...I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone..." - line from the Hippocratic Oath
Would a doctor:
1. Ask if you wanted to re-attach your middle finger or your ring finger after telling you how much it will cost to re-attach each finger?
2. Ask if you have money or insurance premiums before treating you of your disesase or relieving you of your pain?
3. Refuse to treat you or your loved ones if you of they are not covered with insurance?
4. Refuse to treat you or your loved ones if you or they have no money?
5. Dump you at some NGO (non-government organisation) hospital if you had no money to pay for your treatment?
6. Charge you US$120 for a medicine that costs US$0.05 elsewhere?
Well, apparently the answer to all the questions posted above is an astonishing "YES" in the United States of America. The man in 1. could only afford to have his ring finger attached, and it was because he wanted to still have his wedding band on. 2 ladies in 2. have to watch their loved ones (1 husband and 1 child) die because doctors refuse to treat them as they have no insurance premiums. Many people in 5. were thrown into a cab and driven to NGO hospitals, some still having their IV catheter in their hands or were in semi-healed state.
This really blew my mind after watching Michael Moore's Sicko. I seriously cannot comprehend why these doctors do what they do. Even a normal civilian would stop to help someone in need, what more a doctor? Someone who is called to serve, someone with a higher calling, someone whom others see as a hope. I am utterly thankful and blessed to call Singapore my home...
“No Singaporean will be denied needed healthcare because of lack of funds” - PM Goh
Would a doctor:
1. Ask if you wanted to re-attach your middle finger or your ring finger after telling you how much it will cost to re-attach each finger?
2. Ask if you have money or insurance premiums before treating you of your disesase or relieving you of your pain?
3. Refuse to treat you or your loved ones if you of they are not covered with insurance?
4. Refuse to treat you or your loved ones if you or they have no money?
5. Dump you at some NGO (non-government organisation) hospital if you had no money to pay for your treatment?
6. Charge you US$120 for a medicine that costs US$0.05 elsewhere?
Well, apparently the answer to all the questions posted above is an astonishing "YES" in the United States of America. The man in 1. could only afford to have his ring finger attached, and it was because he wanted to still have his wedding band on. 2 ladies in 2. have to watch their loved ones (1 husband and 1 child) die because doctors refuse to treat them as they have no insurance premiums. Many people in 5. were thrown into a cab and driven to NGO hospitals, some still having their IV catheter in their hands or were in semi-healed state.
This really blew my mind after watching Michael Moore's Sicko. I seriously cannot comprehend why these doctors do what they do. Even a normal civilian would stop to help someone in need, what more a doctor? Someone who is called to serve, someone with a higher calling, someone whom others see as a hope. I am utterly thankful and blessed to call Singapore my home...
“No Singaporean will be denied needed healthcare because of lack of funds” - PM Goh
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Brilliant!
This was a clip I saw on HBO when I was watching TV a few weeks back! Super hilarious and brilliantly done! Enjoy!! =]
Flight of the Conchords - Inner City Pressure
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