Watching the Chingay Parade this year live was a pleasant surprise for me. I have always thought that it will be very packed at the standing audience area so I will do my best to avoid the crowd. My experience this year has proved me wrong.
This is the first year that I took a break from volunteering with Chingay. Sometimes I do not see the point in doing so anymore due to some bad management. I was at the Marina Bay area because I was visiting River AngBao with PF. I had wanted to catch a glimpse of the fireworks from afar. But as I walked nearer to the F1 pit for a better view, I realised that there wasn't much people and I actually made it all the way to the space right beside the last seating gallery. Though I missed the opening act, I watched almost the whole parade at the standing audience area. It was PF's first Chingay if I am not wrong. This was my first Chingay as a standing audience.
Ever since year 2009, I will try to experience the fire crackers because it is an annual thing and it's really hard to see it elsewhere. This year, I actually got the "best" experience; I got hit my the fire crackers. I went for the parade for both days, first day with PF and the second day with LeeYan and Nicholas. On both days, I got hit by the fire crackers. How cool is that?
On the first day, I was hit at the left ear. My first reaction was "OH NO!! is there something burning at my ear?!?!" I literally jumped and keep sweeping my ear just in case there is any burning parts stuck on to my hair or ear. On the second day, I was more calm when I got hit; it was on my left leg. Awesome good luck that I had yea?
I basically just watch and enjoy the parade on the first day and was more focused on photo-taking on the second day because I only brought my DSLR on the second day. I got an AngBao from one of the many CaiShenYe!! Yey!! :D
The main difference between Chingay and NDP is that there is really a lot of engagement between the performers and audiences for Chingay. Waving is a simple gesture but it can make people feel connected and create a high-spirited atmosphere.
With the experience that I had on the first day, I know where to walk actually. Though I didn't really get a good spot for my friends and me, I managed to bring them really near to the fireworks because I know where will the fireworks will be released. Many people left the area after the end of the parade for the standing audience but I moved closer to the seating gallery. It is not the end of Chingay as long as fireworks are not released. I was puzzled about this on the first day after the emcee bid us goodbye but decided to stay a little while more and I was right! Being a volunteer with Chingay for five years is not just "say say only" okay. Haha. It actually made me feel glad that I am actually bringing my friends some joy because I have knowledge in such things; this would include NDP as well.
For Chingay 2015, I will be back to F1 pit as a volunteer. This time, it will be a whole new experience for me. I am going to be a performer for the first time ever for Chingay! It is not an easy task as I have avoided being a performer for NDP for the past two parades due to the commitment that I have to give. Thank you Coach for the chance and understanding of the situation that I am in. My first official rehearsal will be in January and I will definitely put in my best effort to learn up the routine fast and put on the best show for my first Chingay Parade! Jiayous! =)
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Chingay 2014
Monday, December 08, 2014
My First Flea!
I had my first flea today! It's really not easy to set up a stall and sell stuffs. The preparations before the flea, the time and effort to plan, the selection of stall, the weather, the transport... Everything got to be planned well in order to make things happen.
My partner is none other than my Auntie Peng. She has been busy making those handmade pouches while I am busy packing the items into individual packs. As there was no tables provided for us, we got to bring our own mat and all other stuffs required and place it within the given area. It was actually a little cramp.
Auntie Peng and I actually had a few quarrels during the preparations. Difference in views. Ultimately, we managed to get this through.
We were the first to choose a good spot when we reached there. It was however not really a good spot as time goes because that was the only spot that was really burning under the scorching sun. I beared with it as it's a one day event. I woke up with palpitations, chest pain and aching upper back as I slept late last night. I son feel better as time goes but I wouldn't say that I was in a perfect state for the flea. First thing that I did after I reached home was to have my lunch and have a good nap.
My first customer was Auntie Peng's regular customer. She was really helpful and I really thanked her. She bought something from us though she didn't really like the colour so that we can have a good start. I am really really thankful for what she had done. Auntie Peng was actually still placing out the goods when she made the purchase. Awesome!
My neighbour was someone who sells second hand items. I didn't really liked her team because there was an item that she took out and a big spider jumped out and onto one of the bracelet! Oh my. I didn't like the idea of her "eating" into my allocated space too. Luck. Her team actually got the best sale by the way. I was rather annoyed when one of them actually stood in front of my stall and "ley-longed" their items. I think that is rather rude of them.
After the torture under the hot sun with only a few items sold, we packed up and get ready to head home. A few of the people were quite nice. They came up to me and made comments such as "not hot ar?" or "aiyo, so poor thing, under the hot sun." etc. I see that they actually care, somehow.
As I went off to throw one of the boxes that we used to place our items, someone gave some stuffs to Auntie Peng. It was a surprise and we are really thankful for them. It was some clothings, bags and a Mr Krabi plushie and they gave us to sell it off. Wow. I didn't get to see their face because they went off before I head back to the stall to carry the packed stuffs.
Though I didn't earn a lot from this flea, I have gained new experience and it will definitely make my next flea a little easier. Those items that are not sold are now posted on my online store for sale. It do bring colours to my page and I hope that I can actually sell some of them off.
To those people who has bought from me during the flea, I thank you, from my heart.
HUAT AH! =)
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Back-tracking Posts
As I have been rather busy, there have been a lot of posts that I have missed out. I am hoping to still type them out in chronological order but it feel a little weird as it can go back to year 2011. There are many memories and things that I can share about. Hmm.
I have made a list of the possible posts that I have missed and it seems to be quite long. Haha. There is definitely more than what I have on list now, definitely. Chingay, NDP, Thingyan.. etc.
Well, maybe I should do a little more planning and organising on my list so that they are in order so that it's not that confusing, hopefully.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Simple is Beautiful
I have never believed in thick makeup. I have always believed that being natural is beautiful and if guys do not have to put on makeup, why should it be compulsory for girls?
Having thick makeup for performance sake is perfectly acceptable. It is going to be a show anyway, right? So, in order to look good without makeup, one must have good skin care so as to look presentable. Yes, I am more into skin care than cosmetics.
The skincare products available in the market can cost a bomb at times. Instead of investing those hard-earned money on those artificial products, sometimes, it is a better choice to get it done with natural and easily available household items. Sounds cool eh?
Being influenced by all the beauty workshops that I have attended, by all the articles I have read on facebook and by my friends, I shall start blogging about some simple beauty tips that beautiful people out there who may want to give it a try and maybe some beauty events cum workshop that I think that are worth the share.
Cheers to a beautiful day for a beautiful you! =)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
NDP 2013 Theme Song - One Singapore
The theme song for the year was written personally by the creative director Ms Selena Tan and I thought that the lyrics were meaningful and the music was lively. The idea to select the singers for this song was even more cool as this was done through a few sessions of audition for the public. It was basically for Singaporeans from all walks of life, coming together to sing the song for the nation's birthday; One Singapore.
Lyrics:
Prelude
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Viva La Vida is a Spanish term that basically means "Live the Life". It is commonly known as the song written by Coldplay but the term has it's meaning too. With many cover played by many, I really love the classical pop version played by a famous violinist. It's just amazing. A cover sang by a singer named Darin is not bad too.
Here is the music video of the song by Coldplay and below are the lyrics.
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
Once you're gone there was never
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh,
Woahahahah
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Here is the version sang by Darin. It's just the audio only. I am not able to find any music video on that.
There are many other awesome pieces presented by this musician but I still hope to see more of the amazing music pieces and videos by this amazing musician in future.
David Garrett is officially listed as one of my favourite musicians! ;)
Source of lyrics: http://www.metrolyrics.com/viva-la-vida-lyrics-coldplay.html
Source of videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIjVuRTm-dc, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oief9vjw8T0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ_BoOlAXyk
Sunday, May 25, 2014
春节序曲
This is my favourite Chinese New Year instrumental piece of music. There were more search results of the song played by Symphony Orchestra than Chinese Orchestra. Embedded is what I think is the video of better quality. I prefer Chinese Orchestra to play this piece than the Symphony Orchestra. It's not that Symphony Orchestra didn't play as well. It's just that I prefer to have it the Chinese Orchestra way. It is most probably due to the fact that I was once trained in Chinese Orchestra. I really miss listening live to Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
Here is the piece played by a Symphony Orchestra. It's really not that bad.
The lively music really hypes up the Chinese New Year atmosphere. The part where it goes slow is really gentle and nice. Love it.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Traditional Chinese Medicine Saved my Life
It has been around two years since I last got a fever. In year 2011, I had fever and sore throat on a Friday. The only medicine given to me by the doctor was panadol. I was usually given antibiotics when I had fever. So, I burned painfully at home over the weekends till I went back to see another doctor on Monday who finally gave me antibiotics. How foolish was I to not wanting to see doctor on Sunday because I wanted to save money. I am more foolish to believe in that doctor who thinks that antibiotics was not necessary.
After that long burn, I never had any fever since then till 27th December 2013. My fever was really high then, I wasn't given any antibiotics again. Having spent all the money in my employee's account, I went to see the GP opposite my house. Sitting upright and walking properly was a little challenging. I was given antibiotics, a stronger one, as mentioned by the doctor. My fever, however, did not go down on Sunday and I was really burning. Never did I feel this burnt.
I was brought to TTSH by Mum by taking a cab. Alighting, there wasn't anyone who helped. Walking with me together towards the counter slowly, Mum went to the information counter to enquire something but that unfriendly lady said to my Mum loudly and rudely to go to the other counter. Bringing me to the counter, I was quickly registered.
I was called shortly after and attended by a senior staff nurse. I can see that she is experienced. She can see that I am having chills and tried to console me after I told her that I have phobia of needles. I was told that she is going to take my blood for dengue test and I will be put on drip later on.
After setting the plug, I was brought to the other room for ECG by another nurse. I wasn't told about this at all. I kind of know what was happening because I am working in a hospital too.
I was given a wheelchair after that. I was too weak to walk. My mind was in a mess. I feel a little traumatised too. What made me able to stay calm was that I am a healthcare worker too.
Waiting in the room to see the doctor, my name was called shortly. I do not know who the person was till I saw her name tag later on. Everybody were wearing scrubs. There were no introduction at all. How confusing can it be for a normal patient. The doctor asked for my symptoms and then pushed me to the observation ward to be put on drip. I was given two medications as well but I do not know what medication except one that was mentioned by the doctor that it was for my nausea. I do not really feel nausea but I just nodded my head when the doctor say that she will give a little something for my nausea.
The first nurse who attended to me was really nice and experienced. She did managed to explain some things to me. She wanted to give me the medication prescribed by the doctors. She told me that she is not going to prick me. She will give through the specially made "bent" at the tube of the drip that I was connected to. Pushing the medicine too fast, I felt pain in my vein, I retracted my hand. Sending that, she slowed down her pace. She is good except the part where the line was connected to my plug; there were some bubbles that she missed. It was still alright I guess. I messaged my colleague nurse to enquire about that and she said that it's alright. The nurse did check again after I mentioned that there's bubbles.
When I was transferred to the trolley and pushed to the designated "corner", one nurse came to ask me whether I need any food or plain water. I said I want nothing as I do not know whether that would add on to my bomb as I know being there will already burn my pocket. Furthermore, I know that usually people on drip will lose appetite so I don't see the need to have food then. I just accepted her suggestion of plain water because I need water to get the fever to go down. My plug was connected to the drip after that and I was given the medicine shortly.
I asked for a stool for my Mum but they say caregivers are actually not allowed to sit there. What? Oh well, I asked Mum to rest outside because it's not really nice to make her stand beside me though I wanted her to accompany me. Just a while after Mum stepped out, I started to feel some gastric. There weren't any nurse near me that I can ask help from. I smsed Mum and she came in quickly. I told her that I am hungry and needed food. At the same time, instead of feeling cold, I feel hot and started to remove the blanket and the windbreaker that I covered on my body. It just so happened that the nurse was taking BP for the patient beside me, Due to the space constraint, she has to pull out the trolley, thus blocking the way. Mum tried to reach me but couldn't. The nurse that was taking BP for the patient beside me saw what my Mum tried to do and yet she did nothing. Cool.
Mum talked to me in a distance because she couldn't reach me. I told her that I am hungry and hot. She went to nurse counter to ask another nurse to get me some food. There were no response so she went to bring the matter up again. The nurse only responded after a while. I guess she was doing some administrative work.
One nurse finally asked me whether I want porridge, I agreed to it though I wanted cereal because she did not offer so I am not sure whether it was still available or not. While asking, the first nurse who asked me whether I wanted food told her that I do not want anything. I keep nodding my head and said that I want porridge. My gastric was so bad that I feel like it's going to break anytime. When the porridge and milo came, I took two mouthful and I felt bloated. What's wrong with my stomach?
I took a sip of the milo and force a little more of the porridge down. I cannot waste it though it's awful tasting. I managed to finish the whole bowl of porridge in the end with sip of milo in between. It's a good thing as my body needed food for energy. Mum was glad that I managed to finish it too. Looking at the drip given to me, it's just plain saline. Maybe it's the glucose drip that will cause loss of appetite. Hmm.
I asked Mum to rest outside a while. She came back shortly after. She told me she dozed off a little and had her snack that she brought along. I am really worried about her getting too tired or hungry.
After some time, I have the urge to go toilet and it kind of keep coming. I guess it must be the flushing out of the saline by my kidney. I saw the lady in the bed on my left going to the toilet with the drip with the help of the nurse so I asked Mum to accompany me to the toilet just in case. I guess Mum didn't know that the drip have to always be kept high, she lowered a little and my blood flow into the tube. My blood flow back to my vein after Mum held it higher. Going back to my trolley, the nice nurse quickly come to attend to me. She took the drip from me and placed it back on the hanger. I was shocked again when I saw air bubbles in the tubing. The nurse stopped the drip and helped me to get rid of the air bubbles before connecting it back to my plug. She told me that the drip can be stopped and I don't have to worry about stopping it as this is not blood transfusion. I learned something new I guess.
A male doctor came to check on me later one. I think he is the senior doctor because I saw the female doctor that attended to me earlier on reporting on her findings about me to him. He came over, asked me a few questions, checked my throat, and pressed on my umbilical area. I know that is a routine but it's a little shocking that I was touched without any prior knowledge.
I finished the second packet of saline and my blood is flowing out into the tube as there was no more pressure of the saline to stop my blood from flowing out. A staff nurse was talking in front of me to a doctor. I get their attention and told them that my blood was flowing as I was not sure whether I can put on the constriction of the tube on my own accord. The nurse came to put on the constriction and told me that it's alright. She said that my blood will flow back after the drip runs again. After saying that, she left me. I was only given the third pack of saline after some time. Don't they know that if my blood will clot if it stays in the tubing for too long? A little bit of my blood was not able to flow back into my veins because it has settled in the tubing. Amazing.
A lady in a white uniform and dark blue pants suddenly came over and asked for my name. Upon verifying that my name is the same as what it was written on her piece of paper, she unlocked my bed and pulled me away. Shocked, I asked Mum where am I going. The lady heard it but ignored me. Upon reaching and pulled into a room which has an x-ray sign at the door, my guess was Chest x-ray. Stopping my trolley and locked the position, I asked her whether it was Chest x-ray. She just said yes and asked me to remove my bra. My drip was ending soon so I kept looking for any blood backflow and was ready to stop put on the constriction.
As a healthcare worker, or rather as a diagnostic radiographer, I guessed that and had taken steps to prevent further trouble. I put my religious chain that I always wore in my pocket. I took off my thick wind breaker before they connect the drip to my plug. It would be really troublesome if all these were not done. All these would not be done if the patient does not know.
After the x-ray was done, I was pulled out of the x-ray room to wait right outside the x-ray room. It was a long wait. I feel awkward too, that so many people are walking past, looking at me. Seeing backflow in the tubing, I quickly put on the constriction. I was not happy. I went to the toilet and after a short wait back at the awkward position of the trolley, I was then pulled back by the observation ward nurse to the same place where I was pulled away for x-ray. If I had not put on the constriction, maybe my blood will flow right into the saline bag. The wait is that long.
Back at the observation ward, I was given a new drip, at a very slow rate. I asked the nurse to check the part of the tubing where my blood flow back and she kind of ignored me. The female doctor came over after a while, increased the rate of the drip and gave me two panadol. The increased rate made my hands feel cold and a little uncomfortable than before. I did my best to bear with it. My fever had gone down but I have no idea why I was given panadol. Believing that it will make me recover faster, I took the pills. The doctor say that my fast heart rate will be monitored and I can be discharged once my heart rate go down.
After a few checks of my blood pressure and heart rate, I was discharged at around 6pm to 7pm by another female doctor who took over the case. My 6 hours of torture finally ended. I went off happily because my temperature had gone down and my throat is not that pain anymore. I can speak normally and I felt that my strength has came back to me.
After removing the plug, the nurse pressed on the injection site with an alcohol swap for around 5 seconds and remove it. upon seeing my blood has not stop yet, she then press it again. At that moment, I can confirm that I will have bruising at the area. I am not sure about using alcohol swap to press on the injection site but I am definitely sure that the time that the pressure was given was not enough. Great.
I was given a piece of paper with instructions on the viral fever. I was told to head back to the hospital if fever persists. I was told to continue the drugs given by the GP. MC of that Sunday was given to me. Mum and I were shocked with the date on the MC. A MC for Sunday only? I requested for MC for Monday and my request was granted. I didn't ask for more as I felt a lot better and believed that I will be ready to head back to work on Tuesday.
Mum and I took a train home after I settle the payment. I wonder why only one person is allowed to enter the payment area. My mind wasn't that clear to be alone at that moment.
At the MRT station, I started to feel some hotness and soreness at my throat. I brushed it off, thinking that it's just the left over virus and that it will be gone after I finish the medication. I don't think that it would be a big issue since I have been having sore throat with no fever quite frequently throughout the year.
Upon reaching home, I bathed and cleared away all the soiled clothings. I rested while trying to get my life back to normal. At around 8pm, I don't feel right again. My temperature went up again. I tried to bear with it till the next does of panadol. The next dose will be the 5th dose of the last 24 hours. I decided to take it because the high fever that I had two years ago, the doctor at my hospital said it was alright to overdose to that extent. My fever did not go away after I swallow the pills. Feeling that the pain is getting worse after waiting for the pills to take effect, I asked Mum to bring me back to the hospital. It was one of the instructions stated on the piece of paper given to me anyway.
Heading back, I was registered again. The nurse wanted to draw blood from me for a test. I told her that I had already done it in the afternoon but she said that it's best to do it again. I refused. I made the decision that I shall have the consultation first. I wasn't given a wheelchair and I didn't bother to ask for one. At that moment, I guess my body was powered by anger, angry that this stupid fever is just simply annoying and irritating. At the waiting area, there were not a lot of people and the wait was kind of long.
The female doctor that took over my case and have me discharged earlier attended to me. She asked me "why you come back?" She told me that this is a viral fever and having it attacking me again was expected. I told her that my body is not reacting to the panadol and I have already taken the 5th dose of the day. The doctor seemed shocked that I overdosed. She said that there is nothing that can be done except for waiting for the drugs to take effect. She also said that I should not be taking medication more than the stated dose. At that moment, I feel so helpless. Since there is no drug to make my fever go down, I asked if there are other drugs to cure my throat. Her answer was to continue the antibiotics. Shocked. I then mention that I cannot leave my body burning. She then left for a moment to consult a senior doctor.
While she was away, I gather my thoughts and "counter-arguments". If the fever is expected to come back, why am I not informed about it and was asked to return when I am attacked by it? If the fever is expected to return and may last up to one week, why am I only given one day of MC, and I was only given a second day of MC upon request?
The doctor returned and offer to give me NSAIDS. She said that it will help some people to break the fever while it may not happen for some. She said that I could try that. I agreed. How can I not agree when I am in so much pain? The doctor offered to put me on drip again since I am there but I refused because the fever will return once the drip is removed. I do not see the point in having the drip and I do not want to tired out my Mum anymore. It's not fair for her. I was prescribed the NSAIDS pills instead of injection. However, I was told to wait for the next panadol dose and have it consumed with the panadol pills. I must have food before consuming that drug because it is a very strong drug.
Prompted by Mum, I asked whether I need to be warded. This is especially the case when the doctor made NSAIDS sounds to be a very scary drug. The doctor said that I will only be admitted if I can't swallow. My condition is that I can swallow, just that it was very painful, so I do no qualify to be warded. I asked for a stronger drug for the flu as well because my nose is so congested that I could hardly breathe.
Mum and I cabbed home. I was shaking throughout the journey but I don't think it's nice to ask the taxi driver to increase the air-conditioner temperature. Seeing how money fly away just like that really hurts.
Reaching home, I changed out. Touching even a little amount of water can cause me pain. I sat at the kitchen just like what I have been doing for the past few nights. I just gulp down as much water as I can and wait for the time to have my medication. I kept wiping my face with a damp cloth. I have tried to sweat it out but steaming my face with hot water is not working. My sweat glands then, seems malfunctioned.
Counting down to 2am was painful. I kept telling myself to tahan, tahan. When I finally took my medication, it was fear that I felt. I have seen history of patients being allergic to NSAIDS but I do not have idea what kind of side effects it is. I was really hoping really hard that I am alright and the fever will just go away.
I went to sleep after keeping my medication. It was not a good sleep. I was half-awake throughout the night. I was scared. I felt my heart pumping really fast and really hard. It was so hard that I felt my whole body vibrating. Subconsciously, I have this thought: "Jiayou gal, relax, it's okay, it's going to be okay, relax, relax.. it's just high heart rate from the fever.. it's okay.."
Waking up the next day, my heart was still pumping fast and hard. It was a relief that my fever has gone away. It worked. As the medication indicates that it should only be taken when necessary, I didn't take it for the next one and a half day. I continued the other medications but I don't feel any improvement.
Dad caught a flu. I was scared, scared that Dad will suffer like me. But it was really a relief that it was not my virus. It can be concluded that what I got was not that contagious. Mum spent more time with me and she was alright. I will recover.
The Wanted has came to Singapore for the New Year Countdown party at Marina Bay Floating Platform. I am not going to that crowded place but I was very excited. I was looking forward to hear them sing though it's just watching the live broadcast on TV. While watching the pre-show and waiting for my favourite boy band to appear, my temperature came back again. As I have already taken panadol at 6pm, I have to wait till the time for the next dose. I couldn't sing along as they sung, it was quite disappointing. But, I guess watching them on TV made the countdown easier for me. As people countdown to New Year, I countdown to take my medicine as well. 3, 2, 1... Panadol! That, is how I started my New Year.
The doctor said that if my fever still persists on Thursday, I have to head back to the hospital. I was burning on Thursday but I went to my workplace instead. It was a stronger antibiotics that I was given. Upon receiving my medicine, I quickly head over to Grandma House for food as Mum would not be at home. A while after consuming the new antibiotics, I felt a sharp pain at my stomach that I have to quickly sit down on the floor. I couldn't even express how the pain was in words. It was like having a hole in my stomach. Drinking warm water is the only thing that I could do to help. With discussion made, I decided to seek for alternative treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine is my only hope left.
I have tried to "gua sa" for the past few days at the neck according to the instructions I got by SMS-ing Chen YiShi but the effects didn't really last. It came to a point when my neck was too painful to be touched anymore.
On Friday morning, Auntie Mui drove me to the clinic. Auntie Peng went there early so that I could be the first in the queue. Being that sick made me not able to afford to wait for too long. I was glad that I could rest in the car while waiting for Chen YiShi to come. I wasn't burning that bad because I have taken another dose of NSAIDS in the morning. I was avoiding that medication because I do not want to feel the uncomfort of heavy heart beat, which did not occur that day.
At the clinic, I seemed to get some attention from the other patients. Guess I looked really pale then. My acupuncture treatment that day was a little different; there were no electric current pulsing given. According to Chen YiShi, she let my body heat to be released through my legs. Chen YiShi said I should be able to feel the heat going away but I couldn't. My whole body was so numb with the pain. Every needle that was given to me were not that painful. Maybe my whole body was too painful to feel anything then. Chen YiShi helped me to release blood from the fingers. I was told to breathe in deeply as it hurts. I didn't breathe in, because I don't feel the pain. Having a needle hitting the blood vessel is usually something painful but I didn't feel that intensity as high as before. Weird.
Finishing the acupuncture session, I was given some Chinese medication to poop as I was not able to sweat it out. I was also asked to drink warm "mai dong" water to get rid of the heat in my body. All Western medicine were to be stopped with immediate effect. I decided to stay over Grandma House for proper care as Auntie Peng has some good understanding with TCM. It took me the whole day and three dose of medication till I finally pooped. There were not a lot of stool. Chen YiShi said that it was most probably that I haven't been eating. That was so true, as it has been watery wheat drink for me and really very little solid food for the pass one week. I did try to force some food down my throat because I need the energy to recover. I was in a better mood at that moment too.
I went for a second session of acupuncture on Saturday morning. I was in pain but I can feel the improvement. Auntie Peng brought me to the clinic by taxi. I was grumbling about the price but she kept telling me that it was okay. Family support is really important in this kind of situation. Needles that day was more painful. It must have been me recovering, leading to the regaining of my sense of feel. It was a good sign I guess. I felt so much better after the treatment that I chose to take the bus home. I couldn't stop coughing on the bus as my body was so sensitive to the air-con though I have worn a really thick layer of jacket. Auntie Peng gave me hot water to consume once in a while and that really helps. I am so glad that I do not have to take the train as I believe drinking in the train will only cause more trouble for me. After reaching home, it was more Chinese medicine for me.
I went back to work on Monday, I feel good though I was still weak. I was really glad that my posting was CT scan; so I get to rest a little while scanning. Everything was alright till Wednesday. My fever came back and even when I was sitting down, I couldn't sit up straight. My lower back was so painful. I was lucky that Auntie Mui had already made arrangements and drove me from my workplace to the clinic.
Chen YiShi helped me to release blood again. It was on my fingers, my upper back, and my head. This time was more painful than the previous round. Upon pricking my fingers, I can feel the immediate effects of my temperature going down. Cool. This is definitely way better than the non-effective paracetamol.
I took urgent leave the next day to have a rest as TCM is still not recognised in Singapore; MC issued by TCM is not an acceptable document to be absent from work. Great.
I went for acupuncture session for the next few Wednesdays to cure my cough. The fever has totally gone off. I can really feel myself getting stronger day by day. The feeling of getting back to my noisy and hyper self is really great.
Singapore should seriously have TCM recognised. I actually went back to work with a weak body that have not totally recover. Chen YiShi said I should rest but I couldn't because MC is limited and there are just people with big smelly mouths out there.
Falling sick this time was the worst torture of my life. I actually dropped 5kg within that two weeks of torture. Experience at TTSH was traumatic and I really need to have a second thought about Western Medicine again. Isn't it amazing that so many dose of Western Medicine didn't cure me and TCM is able to let me feel improvement in just one session of acupuncture? TCM is also very flexible to cure from different approach if any of the ways doesn't work for any patient. Treating according to the patient's condition is way better than just swallowing large doses of medicine that are supposed to work for certain illnesses.
Western Medicine is not totally non-functional but it would really be great if more flexibility is exercised and it would be even greater if it is practiced together with TCM. Working in a setting that deals with Western Medicine, I can't deny the benefits that it has that TCM doesn't. However, in this particular experience of mine, TCM has shown how much more superior it is than the routine Western Medicine practice.
I sincerely hope for a better future for TCM in Singapore. I see the important role that it can play to save a lot of lives. I see the need for it to be recognised.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
LOL Talkshow Season One - All Time Low, Hossan Leong, Chua Enlai, My Beauty Diary
That was my first time attending a live recording of a talkshow as an audience. I was really excited then. From Twitter, I heard that a boy band called All Time Low is heading to town and they will be interviewed at 987FM studio, just below the recording venue. I planned to take a peek before heading for the recording but I failed to do so as it was packed with their fans. Oh well. I proceeded to the recording area after meeting YX for the refreshment. That was my first time wearing a dress out for casual purpose. Love that new dress that I got.
As the recording has not started, we decided to make a trip to the toilet. At this very moment, the situation seems to be a little not quite right. We heard fans screaming and coming up to our level. Standing near the registration table of the talkshow, the boy band is heading towards our direction. As there is a lift there, we were expecting that to be the band's "escape route". YX and I were wowed by how lucky we were to be able to get a glimpse of band without having to squeeze with the fans. We are not really into them so just being "kaypo". Well, what happened next was really infuriating. Never did I expect a very rude staff from the LOL talkshow to push me aside and shouted "GET OUT OF THE WAY" at me. YX witnessed what happened. I was shocked and angry at the same time. The boy band then entered a small room behind the registration table. We later then found out that the room was the preparation room for the talkshow's guests. How infuriating that is! That was my first talkshow. I have no idea who the guests were. I have no idea how this whole thing runs. How on Earth would I know that I blocked the boy band's path? I believe that saying "excuse me" or "please move aside" would be nice. I was pushed and shouted at. So much for being the audience guest of the talkshow as mentioned by YX before I agreed to sign up? Great.
We stood there for a very long time till we were allowed to enter the studio. First thing that they did was to give a brief introduction of what the event is about. I felt so high tide after they recorded the audience clapping and cheering due to the drink that I drank. I quickly make a trip to the toilet before the recording began. At the exit, I was told that I was not allowed to enter when the recording starts. This is not what I expected but I understand. At this moment, the same woman came and said in a rude tone that if I need to go to the toilet I should just go. I was trying to clarify whether I get to enter during appropriate breaks in between then. Honestly, this is still acceptable for me, I was just furious that she pushed and shouted at me.
Making a quite run to the toilet and running back, I made it in time. The boy band was going to perform and they were setting up their instruments then. How I wish that The Wanted is there instead. I want to see my favourite boy band perform live.
After the performance, it's the interview session with the boy band by host Judee Tan. She was a member of The Noose, that awesomely funny comedy.The boy band mentioned that they have been thinking for the past half an hour on the strategy to get out of this building but they could not come out with one as there were just too many fans crowded outside of the recording studio.
After the interview session with the boys, it's time for Hossan Leong and Chua Enlai to appear! I was expecting some weird antics and costumes for their appearance but there were none. It was an interview session and playing of some simple game with them. They are working on an upcoming project titled "The Importance of being Earnest". Initially I didn't quite catch what they said and hear it as "The Importance of being a Nurse". Furthermore, they mentioned that they characters of the story were actually females but their cast were all males. They are not changing the script so they will be referring each other as a "she" because this is not supposed to be restricted to any gender. I agreed with that as there are male nurses out there too; this discrimination that all nurses are female is still lingering around in this culture and society. It took me a long time to get what they were actually saying. I then realise that being earnest should not be restricted to any gender too.
There is a beauty segment after the interview with the two funny men. It's about the facial mask from My Beauty Diary. The masks looked cool as there is this double moisturising thing I have never seen before. I didn't know about it till YX went to ask the lady who was one of the in-charge in bringing the items for the recording.
After YX enquiries, I went to have a photo taken with Marcus, the host for the show. Judee Tan and the two funny guys have left so I didn't get a chance to take photo with them.
Heading out, we received our goodies bag and both of us were quite satisfied with our experience except of what that idiot did to me. YX helped me to sign up for more shows after she realised that there were more shows that we can sign up for.
