"He is no fool that gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Life is like a big blank page and living life the way we live like the strokes that form the characters that describe what we are.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
"The reality is that if you work with a group of people, you will have to embrace their differences...." (quoted from a book by BBC)
Remembered a game - I shall call it "Ali Baba & His Team" - I had the opportunity to play on Pulau Ubin with a group of about 20 youths. Missed those times.. It's too complex but fun. Wish I could have the chance to play that game at one of our outings again. Lotsa things one can experience from there.
Anyway, lately a lot of reality I should not have ignored came to mind. Will really need some time off to deliberate over. I also have this strange feeling that things may not ultimately go the way I had been hoping them to.
I feel that certain things are not a matter of the amount of prayers one puts into them... or the amount of sincerity expressed in certain forms or rituals but rather, it is all about knowing something about the Will of God. No point getting what I want at the expense of getting out of His Will. So, what has been predestined, has already happened.
Remembered a game - I shall call it "Ali Baba & His Team" - I had the opportunity to play on Pulau Ubin with a group of about 20 youths. Missed those times.. It's too complex but fun. Wish I could have the chance to play that game at one of our outings again. Lotsa things one can experience from there.
Anyway, lately a lot of reality I should not have ignored came to mind. Will really need some time off to deliberate over. I also have this strange feeling that things may not ultimately go the way I had been hoping them to.
I feel that certain things are not a matter of the amount of prayers one puts into them... or the amount of sincerity expressed in certain forms or rituals but rather, it is all about knowing something about the Will of God. No point getting what I want at the expense of getting out of His Will. So, what has been predestined, has already happened.
One's perspective will change over time and hence so will one's priorities.
The road ahead is not straight and we do not see beyond every bend or hill.
Just do not lose your humanity along the way. Hold on till the end and let your faith see you through.
No one promises you that you will either walk away unscathed and victorious, or emerge a limbless hero.
Sometimes there's little difference between a little cowardice and the smart old fool who chooses to fight in different battle. He is no fool who knows when will come the time to fight.
The road ahead is not straight and we do not see beyond every bend or hill.
Just do not lose your humanity along the way. Hold on till the end and let your faith see you through.
No one promises you that you will either walk away unscathed and victorious, or emerge a limbless hero.
Sometimes there's little difference between a little cowardice and the smart old fool who chooses to fight in different battle. He is no fool who knows when will come the time to fight.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Just Venting....
Something happened at work yesterday. It was unbelievably cute and my friend and I just laughed it off momentarily and went back to our work. Anyway, sometimes someone just wanted to ventilate somehow. I think girls are more inclined to do so....
At work, I like my workplace and my organisation because I feel that at least, things do get moving, although albeit sometimes a little too slowly. Heard that there are gossip-mongers and scavengers - vulture-like creatures that would swoop down on an injured prey. Sometimes, Christians or not, some colleagues seem to have no mercy....
Anyway, My SG2000 kit finally arrived this afternoon from HK. Looking forward to achieving my state of virtual nirvana soon. Let's see how things go! Ommmmmmm........
Something happened at work yesterday. It was unbelievably cute and my friend and I just laughed it off momentarily and went back to our work. Anyway, sometimes someone just wanted to ventilate somehow. I think girls are more inclined to do so....
At work, I like my workplace and my organisation because I feel that at least, things do get moving, although albeit sometimes a little too slowly. Heard that there are gossip-mongers and scavengers - vulture-like creatures that would swoop down on an injured prey. Sometimes, Christians or not, some colleagues seem to have no mercy....
Anyway, My SG2000 kit finally arrived this afternoon from HK. Looking forward to achieving my state of virtual nirvana soon. Let's see how things go! Ommmmmmm........
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
what hinders us from achieving happiness at work or elsewhere
Common Asians are known to be more risk-averse. Especially asian children grown up in a well sheltered spoonfed environment. Most graduating radiographers are probably feeling disappointed that there may not be enough jobs for them when they graduate. They have grown accustomed to parents directing them which school to go for, which ECA to take part in, and probably what kind of jobs/career will be good. (Probably not applicable to the selection of spouses.) Even young radiographers would still need a push to decide if they should take up specialisation in a given field. I can understand the dilemma but I think it is because many have become so focussed on not losing out on what would have been a better choice. Basically, Kiasism.... Risk-aversion.
(There's another trait: Kiasuism. I have known someone who has this subconscious tendency and who tried to make sure that she would not get any less benefits than those in her same cohort. So we would have to ensure that in the name of equity - all things must be fairly distributed. But sometimes, welfare does not mean that the rain should fall equally on every patch of grass everytime there is a downpour. She will have her turn someday. To dictate that she must have the rain, everytime God lets it rain somewhere else, I think she is bound to be irritating one day.
Some people tend to be more "kiasu" than others. They cannot accept being at a more disadvantaged position than another person, no matter how slight the gradient is.)
Common Asians are known to be more risk-averse. Especially asian children grown up in a well sheltered spoonfed environment. Most graduating radiographers are probably feeling disappointed that there may not be enough jobs for them when they graduate. They have grown accustomed to parents directing them which school to go for, which ECA to take part in, and probably what kind of jobs/career will be good. (Probably not applicable to the selection of spouses.) Even young radiographers would still need a push to decide if they should take up specialisation in a given field. I can understand the dilemma but I think it is because many have become so focussed on not losing out on what would have been a better choice. Basically, Kiasism.... Risk-aversion.
(There's another trait: Kiasuism. I have known someone who has this subconscious tendency and who tried to make sure that she would not get any less benefits than those in her same cohort. So we would have to ensure that in the name of equity - all things must be fairly distributed. But sometimes, welfare does not mean that the rain should fall equally on every patch of grass everytime there is a downpour. She will have her turn someday. To dictate that she must have the rain, everytime God lets it rain somewhere else, I think she is bound to be irritating one day.
Some people tend to be more "kiasu" than others. They cannot accept being at a more disadvantaged position than another person, no matter how slight the gradient is.)
Sunday, June 11, 2006
3 Ds of Success
Desire - the hunger and motivation. It drives the person forward.
Dedication - this requires discipline. Think of the diehards and the highly motivated cultists. Unfortunately, dedication to a wrong cause. Where dedication and Desire speaks of energy and intensity, it does not touch on whether the aim was correct. Misdirected focus and energy is as dangerous as a micalibrated laser gun.
Naturally, the distance that one can cover depends on both Desire X Dedication.
Dare - this is the first, but necessary step towards any direction. The amount of desire and dedication determines the amount of Dare but not necessarily the other way round. The amount of Dare does not determine the amount desire nor the dedication. In other words, we can challenge and motivate someone. We can put someone to the test. But once the pressure is off, the intensity and perserverence fades off. A flash in a pan is a good example.
Ingredients necessary for achievements:-
Dare + Desire X Dedication in a given Direction.
But it sounds much easier in theory. Becos most people are in lack of these 3.
Desire - the hunger and motivation. It drives the person forward.
Dedication - this requires discipline. Think of the diehards and the highly motivated cultists. Unfortunately, dedication to a wrong cause. Where dedication and Desire speaks of energy and intensity, it does not touch on whether the aim was correct. Misdirected focus and energy is as dangerous as a micalibrated laser gun.
Naturally, the distance that one can cover depends on both Desire X Dedication.
Dare - this is the first, but necessary step towards any direction. The amount of desire and dedication determines the amount of Dare but not necessarily the other way round. The amount of Dare does not determine the amount desire nor the dedication. In other words, we can challenge and motivate someone. We can put someone to the test. But once the pressure is off, the intensity and perserverence fades off. A flash in a pan is a good example.
Ingredients necessary for achievements:-
Dare + Desire X Dedication in a given Direction.
But it sounds much easier in theory. Becos most people are in lack of these 3.
For Boon Chye - a brother
Boon Chye was one of the big brother-mentors who had taught me a lot during my youth. He used to work for his father running a factory making foams and polystyro...foams (whatever). They are meant for sofas, cushions, mattresses and beds. I knew of his wish to venture into China, and that was way way ahead before talks about WTO. That was during my early Bartleyan YF days - before CG came and swept through BCC and probably Singapore.
He has always been like a big brother to me. I enjoyed talking with him. His tone of voice, his mannerism, big-hearted nature and his unique boyish laughter... I feel Jill must have been a very lucky girl to become Mrs Tay! He is one of those rare breed kind. Both Simon and I have also been very fortunate to have him like a big brother.
When I was first just starting out as a trainee radiographer in SGH, Boon Chye seemed to understand that I was having difficulties adjusting to my new work environment. He offered to bring me jogging with him down from Tampines to Bedok Central. It was a nice jog. We did not talk much because I just wanted to be silent whenever I wasn't happy. We ran from Tampines, round Bedok reservoir and then down to Bedok central. There we had A&W rootbeer float! Awesome! Especially after the sweat-out. Then he shared with me his work issues which prompted me to share mine. Not sure if he had planned it, but somehow his topic hit me and that was how he helped me see through mine.
There was also another time (just before final exams in Yr 3) and while celebrating a friend's birthday, he brought a bunch of the guys to visit me. (Because I wasn't in the mood to go with them. So he brought them to visit me.) I am very sorry if I had hurt him. I was the stubborn type and normally would not like people to change plans for me. But despite the sourly attitude that I had, he managed to coax me into going for a midnight spin with him. He offered to let me drive his family's new car. It was supposed to be a fun ride except that my heart wasn't there. I nearly crashed into another car. Anyway ... The night turned out alright. We went somewhere in Mountbatten (I think) where we had good supper and celebrated someone's birthday. Can't remember whether it was Yong Phong's, Sit Kei's or Simon's...
Looking back, I am really thankful for someone like him. Soon, he got married, and I also got so engrossed in my own work, I neglected to keep in touch with him. I believe the rest still are keeping in touch. For all the good times, I am also thankful for his words of advice and encouragement.
He had said to me that if I could lead a group of people to do the same, I could reach out to more patients than I could with just a pair of hands. That was probably something which helped me accept what I am today. Otherwise, I would still be running around the department with some gamebook in my jacket or dodging the arrows.
Boon Chye was one of the big brother-mentors who had taught me a lot during my youth. He used to work for his father running a factory making foams and polystyro...foams (whatever). They are meant for sofas, cushions, mattresses and beds. I knew of his wish to venture into China, and that was way way ahead before talks about WTO. That was during my early Bartleyan YF days - before CG came and swept through BCC and probably Singapore.
He has always been like a big brother to me. I enjoyed talking with him. His tone of voice, his mannerism, big-hearted nature and his unique boyish laughter... I feel Jill must have been a very lucky girl to become Mrs Tay! He is one of those rare breed kind. Both Simon and I have also been very fortunate to have him like a big brother.
When I was first just starting out as a trainee radiographer in SGH, Boon Chye seemed to understand that I was having difficulties adjusting to my new work environment. He offered to bring me jogging with him down from Tampines to Bedok Central. It was a nice jog. We did not talk much because I just wanted to be silent whenever I wasn't happy. We ran from Tampines, round Bedok reservoir and then down to Bedok central. There we had A&W rootbeer float! Awesome! Especially after the sweat-out. Then he shared with me his work issues which prompted me to share mine. Not sure if he had planned it, but somehow his topic hit me and that was how he helped me see through mine.
There was also another time (just before final exams in Yr 3) and while celebrating a friend's birthday, he brought a bunch of the guys to visit me. (Because I wasn't in the mood to go with them. So he brought them to visit me.) I am very sorry if I had hurt him. I was the stubborn type and normally would not like people to change plans for me. But despite the sourly attitude that I had, he managed to coax me into going for a midnight spin with him. He offered to let me drive his family's new car. It was supposed to be a fun ride except that my heart wasn't there. I nearly crashed into another car. Anyway ... The night turned out alright. We went somewhere in Mountbatten (I think) where we had good supper and celebrated someone's birthday. Can't remember whether it was Yong Phong's, Sit Kei's or Simon's...
Looking back, I am really thankful for someone like him. Soon, he got married, and I also got so engrossed in my own work, I neglected to keep in touch with him. I believe the rest still are keeping in touch. For all the good times, I am also thankful for his words of advice and encouragement.
He had said to me that if I could lead a group of people to do the same, I could reach out to more patients than I could with just a pair of hands. That was probably something which helped me accept what I am today. Otherwise, I would still be running around the department with some gamebook in my jacket or dodging the arrows.
Just remembered why I am here.
Just imagine. While trying to rush through an examination on an elderly, she gripped your hand so tightly and smiled. You smile back to her and as you look into those eyes, you realise that there are tears coming down the side of her eye? I know of a pain that is silent. It is probably the result of mixing both aches and fear and hole it all up inside, stir it and prolong it for the next few years. It is the pains that the elderly become so familiar with. At the hospital, sometimes there's nothing left to say. The tables are hard and cold. There is no time for blankets and companionship. The radiographers appear to be more engrossed with their patient's hands or legs, or hips appearing perfectly on the workstations while she lays stiff and cold on one side in the X-ray room, wondering what is happening to her next, what is happening to her children ... and her grandchildren.. Hear these:
"let me go...."
"I have nothing to eat or drink since morning when my children sent me to this hospital."
"The doctor is busy, maybe I can come another day."
"You are so clever. So young become doctor ah? Pls no need to do anything for me becos I dont need my children waste money on me."
"No, you are busy too, but pls call my son to bring me home. It is too expensive for him to put me here."
"How much? But I am old woman. I have no money." (She was crying.)
Everyday I have to come across people waiting anxiously for a family or friend outside the theatre. Some were in groups. But my heart goes to the lonely figure sitting on the floor - alone. I also know the loneliness of the one lying still and cold on the trolley inside the theatre, feeling helpless and or hopeless. Not that the operations will be hopeless, but rather, whatever adjustments that will need to be done after the operations. Life & Death does not end there, in the OT. Even if the surgeons can fix the leg or hip, or remove the tumour, we realise that there is still a need for God - God of the living. God of our Quality Adjusted Life Years. And we wish we could go back in time and start all over.
Life goes on. Interesting people makes life interesting and fun. But happiness can be so fragile and it becomes so easy to frown. I see a fresh hope in Yen who is now so happy and free, and moving around on her little bike. In a place where quality can still be within easy reach.
Just imagine. While trying to rush through an examination on an elderly, she gripped your hand so tightly and smiled. You smile back to her and as you look into those eyes, you realise that there are tears coming down the side of her eye? I know of a pain that is silent. It is probably the result of mixing both aches and fear and hole it all up inside, stir it and prolong it for the next few years. It is the pains that the elderly become so familiar with. At the hospital, sometimes there's nothing left to say. The tables are hard and cold. There is no time for blankets and companionship. The radiographers appear to be more engrossed with their patient's hands or legs, or hips appearing perfectly on the workstations while she lays stiff and cold on one side in the X-ray room, wondering what is happening to her next, what is happening to her children ... and her grandchildren.. Hear these:
"let me go...."
"I have nothing to eat or drink since morning when my children sent me to this hospital."
"The doctor is busy, maybe I can come another day."
"You are so clever. So young become doctor ah? Pls no need to do anything for me becos I dont need my children waste money on me."
"No, you are busy too, but pls call my son to bring me home. It is too expensive for him to put me here."
"How much? But I am old woman. I have no money." (She was crying.)
Everyday I have to come across people waiting anxiously for a family or friend outside the theatre. Some were in groups. But my heart goes to the lonely figure sitting on the floor - alone. I also know the loneliness of the one lying still and cold on the trolley inside the theatre, feeling helpless and or hopeless. Not that the operations will be hopeless, but rather, whatever adjustments that will need to be done after the operations. Life & Death does not end there, in the OT. Even if the surgeons can fix the leg or hip, or remove the tumour, we realise that there is still a need for God - God of the living. God of our Quality Adjusted Life Years. And we wish we could go back in time and start all over.
Life goes on. Interesting people makes life interesting and fun. But happiness can be so fragile and it becomes so easy to frown. I see a fresh hope in Yen who is now so happy and free, and moving around on her little bike. In a place where quality can still be within easy reach.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Blog on Saturday
Don't know what happened last night. Feeling kinda bored and frustrated.
Also knocked into a bike's handlebar while trying to park. And that bike was STATIONARY.
My mirror broke. Becos the wire was still attached inside and it was pretty late, I could not remove the mirror assembly.
Today I went to get the spare parts from Ah Boy. Heard he sells reasonably cheap. Now I feel I still gota give that statement some discount for a fact. And a little poor salesmanship and service too. People just tolerated. Standing beside me was a big man who kept gritting his teeth. Could think of a couple of ways how that shop could do much better but heck... definitely none of my business. I just needed my mirror assembly. BTW, $165 per piece!
Quite interestingly, managed to find some interesting stuffs also for my next project. Next aluminium bars! After that, my very own customised travel bag! Yeah!
Chew Kim came at around 5pm to help fix the brake lights. Very nice! Will have to paste some more reflective tape to alert other road users who tend to follow too close. Then we went to Phin's. According to him, the steak was good. hmm, will try that 1 day.
Just now Yen prayed for us so earnestly. I am really thankful for the way God arranges everything for us. But I really miss her so much. Anyway, baxa, He who has already begun to do a good work in you, will carry it on till the end. This is our God, who is, who was and who is to come. Amen.
Back to my tub.....
Don't know what happened last night. Feeling kinda bored and frustrated.
Also knocked into a bike's handlebar while trying to park. And that bike was STATIONARY.
My mirror broke. Becos the wire was still attached inside and it was pretty late, I could not remove the mirror assembly.
Today I went to get the spare parts from Ah Boy. Heard he sells reasonably cheap. Now I feel I still gota give that statement some discount for a fact. And a little poor salesmanship and service too. People just tolerated. Standing beside me was a big man who kept gritting his teeth. Could think of a couple of ways how that shop could do much better but heck... definitely none of my business. I just needed my mirror assembly. BTW, $165 per piece!
Quite interestingly, managed to find some interesting stuffs also for my next project. Next aluminium bars! After that, my very own customised travel bag! Yeah!
Chew Kim came at around 5pm to help fix the brake lights. Very nice! Will have to paste some more reflective tape to alert other road users who tend to follow too close. Then we went to Phin's. According to him, the steak was good. hmm, will try that 1 day.
Just now Yen prayed for us so earnestly. I am really thankful for the way God arranges everything for us. But I really miss her so much. Anyway, baxa, He who has already begun to do a good work in you, will carry it on till the end. This is our God, who is, who was and who is to come. Amen.
Back to my tub.....
Urban Zen
"When you see the Sun, do not look down on the moon
For there is one thing which the Sun cannot do but the Moon can
- Shine in the dark."
"The moon does not seek its high position among the celestial bodies.
Neither does it complain about the Sun.
Nobody ever says the moon is too hot
Nobody feels the moon is too far."
The competitive delights to win and gain
Someone will advertently share the blame
Meekness is often mistaken for weakness
Fake humility is often deceitfulness.
Beware of the friend who comes close but who cannot bridle his tongue
Because in the end the tongue will betray them both
Do not quarrel with an angry man
There is no answer for a man who does not ask
But lose every argument if it will bring you a friend
"When you see the Sun, do not look down on the moon
For there is one thing which the Sun cannot do but the Moon can
- Shine in the dark."
"The moon does not seek its high position among the celestial bodies.
Neither does it complain about the Sun.
Nobody ever says the moon is too hot
Nobody feels the moon is too far."
The competitive delights to win and gain
Someone will advertently share the blame
Meekness is often mistaken for weakness
Fake humility is often deceitfulness.
Beware of the friend who comes close but who cannot bridle his tongue
Because in the end the tongue will betray them both
Do not quarrel with an angry man
There is no answer for a man who does not ask
But lose every argument if it will bring you a friend
Friday, May 26, 2006
The Story (Part 2)
Soon, minutes seemed like hours. She had never done anything so sneaky like this before in her entire life. In fact, she had already regretted her decision to stay back that evening as all hundred and one things she could have otherwise done flashed across her mind. Yet, her curiosity had apparently glued her to the spot beneathe her desk, which was actually at a distant corner in the room. Nobody would figure there was a young lass hiding below her own desk after office hours. However, if she were ever caught, it would be unthinkable what kind of things would befall her and her future. She really felt stupid but I think she was pretty brave! (My kind of girl!!)
Anyway, of course, the Director came back to work as usual. A tall and tanned gentleman, and rather solemn-looking one. (Maybe that's the thing with after-office hours shifts: there was nobody to greet him, make him smile or get him angry.) The gal crept out from below her desk and tried to look at her mysterious boss. He would not be able to see her with his back at an angle to her. Besides, she was very clever to have chosen the perfect spot to observe him from. Under the silhouete, she was very well camouflaged. Unless, she ...... sneezed!
Soon, minutes seemed like hours. She had never done anything so sneaky like this before in her entire life. In fact, she had already regretted her decision to stay back that evening as all hundred and one things she could have otherwise done flashed across her mind. Yet, her curiosity had apparently glued her to the spot beneathe her desk, which was actually at a distant corner in the room. Nobody would figure there was a young lass hiding below her own desk after office hours. However, if she were ever caught, it would be unthinkable what kind of things would befall her and her future. She really felt stupid but I think she was pretty brave! (My kind of girl!!)
Anyway, of course, the Director came back to work as usual. A tall and tanned gentleman, and rather solemn-looking one. (Maybe that's the thing with after-office hours shifts: there was nobody to greet him, make him smile or get him angry.) The gal crept out from below her desk and tried to look at her mysterious boss. He would not be able to see her with his back at an angle to her. Besides, she was very clever to have chosen the perfect spot to observe him from. Under the silhouete, she was very well camouflaged. Unless, she ...... sneezed!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Another Story
There was once a young lady who got a job through a local newspaper advertisement.
At the interview, she was told that by the HR Agency's rep that she would be employed based on her application, and also because her prospective employer had already done sufficient background checks on various aspects of her life before the interview. She was agreeable to the sum, although she was still puzzled and impressed by the amount of effort this company invested on new candidates.
During the first few weeks on the job, she thoroughly enjoyed working at the new setup among her colleaques and her seniors. However, soon it dawned on her that she had never really met the company's Director before after having worked so long. It puzzled her even more as the days grew and the Director's office was always vacant, except for the occasional visits by the secretary who would leave stacks of documents for him to review and sign.
As her curiosity grew, she became adamant to know who the boss was and how he was like. He seemed to be shy and prefer working when everyone else had gone off for the day. He would leave behind new work instructions on the the desks of those whom he wanted to do anything for him the next day. So, she hatched a plan to try to catch that glimpse of the Director one evening by pretending to go to the ladies and hide there until everyone had gone back. Then she would emerge from hiding and sneak back into the office.
"Just a peek would do. No need for contact!" She reminded herself, as excitement welled up within her and she could feel her heart thumping so hard she became suddenly became afraid that it could be heard. Instinctively, she quickly pressed her hand over her chest.
There was once a young lady who got a job through a local newspaper advertisement.
At the interview, she was told that by the HR Agency's rep that she would be employed based on her application, and also because her prospective employer had already done sufficient background checks on various aspects of her life before the interview. She was agreeable to the sum, although she was still puzzled and impressed by the amount of effort this company invested on new candidates.
During the first few weeks on the job, she thoroughly enjoyed working at the new setup among her colleaques and her seniors. However, soon it dawned on her that she had never really met the company's Director before after having worked so long. It puzzled her even more as the days grew and the Director's office was always vacant, except for the occasional visits by the secretary who would leave stacks of documents for him to review and sign.
As her curiosity grew, she became adamant to know who the boss was and how he was like. He seemed to be shy and prefer working when everyone else had gone off for the day. He would leave behind new work instructions on the the desks of those whom he wanted to do anything for him the next day. So, she hatched a plan to try to catch that glimpse of the Director one evening by pretending to go to the ladies and hide there until everyone had gone back. Then she would emerge from hiding and sneak back into the office.
"Just a peek would do. No need for contact!" She reminded herself, as excitement welled up within her and she could feel her heart thumping so hard she became suddenly became afraid that it could be heard. Instinctively, she quickly pressed her hand over her chest.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
What A World It Would Be (Joseph, Story of a Dreamer)
Everytime I see a smiling face,
I wish it'd rub off and set a pace
To chase the world around
That hate could not be found
And left no trace ...
Everything in harmony, what a world it would be.
I wish the entire human race
Each day would feel a tender warm embrace
Have shoes up on their feet
And have enough to eat
Live happily
If only man and woman were free
What a world it would be.
(bridge)
If everybody had a mutual goal
One language and one destiny
If every man had peace within his soul
The way it was meant to be
There's a hope that dwells within my mind
That each and everyone of us could find
A place without despair
If only we would dare
Sometimes, somewhere
If all of us could find the key
What a world it would be
(bridge)
I know that in my heart
I feel as if a part of me can see
A world in perfect harmony
What a world it would be
A better place for you and me
What a world it will be
What a world it will be
Everytime I see a smiling face,
I wish it'd rub off and set a pace
To chase the world around
That hate could not be found
And left no trace ...
Everything in harmony, what a world it would be.
I wish the entire human race
Each day would feel a tender warm embrace
Have shoes up on their feet
And have enough to eat
Live happily
If only man and woman were free
What a world it would be.
(bridge)
If everybody had a mutual goal
One language and one destiny
If every man had peace within his soul
The way it was meant to be
There's a hope that dwells within my mind
That each and everyone of us could find
A place without despair
If only we would dare
Sometimes, somewhere
If all of us could find the key
What a world it would be
(bridge)
I know that in my heart
I feel as if a part of me can see
A world in perfect harmony
What a world it would be
A better place for you and me
What a world it will be
What a world it will be
Monday, May 15, 2006
Seasons of a man
I am the Springtime, when everyday seems so fine.
Whether rain or sunshine, you will find me playing.
Days full of pretending and a dime is a lot to be spending.
It' is when life is just beginning.
I am the Springtime.
I am the Summer, when the days are warmer.
(I forgot the lyrics....)
Girls are of full mystery when you are barely passing history.
(forgot the lyrics....)
I am the Summer.
I am the Autumn days. The days are getting longer.
Looking back, I stand amazed. O' time has passed so quickly.
Love, is more than feeling. It's fixing bikes and painting ceiling.
It's when you feel a cold wind coming... I am the autumn days.
I am the Winter. The days are cold and bitter.
And the days I remember number more than the days to come.
You ride, instead of walking and you barely hear them talking.
And goodbyes are said so often. I am the winter.
.....
But when I shall see them again in Heaven
It will last forever.
I am the Springtime, when everyday seems so fine.
Whether rain or sunshine, you will find me playing.
Days full of pretending and a dime is a lot to be spending.
It' is when life is just beginning.
I am the Springtime.
I am the Summer, when the days are warmer.
(I forgot the lyrics....)
Girls are of full mystery when you are barely passing history.
(forgot the lyrics....)
I am the Summer.
I am the Autumn days. The days are getting longer.
Looking back, I stand amazed. O' time has passed so quickly.
Love, is more than feeling. It's fixing bikes and painting ceiling.
It's when you feel a cold wind coming... I am the autumn days.
I am the Winter. The days are cold and bitter.
And the days I remember number more than the days to come.
You ride, instead of walking and you barely hear them talking.
And goodbyes are said so often. I am the winter.
.....
But when I shall see them again in Heaven
It will last forever.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Opayasom is basically about choices one makes: be it choosing your teams or just choosing a particular colour of your tie that you think will make you a professional. As life gets longer, the thinking processes tend to get more complicated. Too many alternatives? Sometimes, I feel it could have just been a matter of getting better acquainted with ourselves, and knowing our own likes, dislikes; our true inclinations and future decisions that we will make, subsequent to the next one; and also knowing how likely we will be committed to these after the decisions have been made.
I could have made most of my decisions in a split second each time and yet not know them. For instance, have you tried standing in front of the fridge one day and ask yourself, 'Am I hungry?' Sometimes we may also linger a bit longer just to go around in circles. If I am not wrong, the commoner reason for the fridge opening is probably out of sport, and not hunger.
Many do choose instinctively too, but while they hope to make good choices, they do not count the costs. These are like buying on impulse, and hopefully not when building a relationship or a career. Just like my opening the fridge door when I wasn't really hungry, it became evident when you see them changing their minds - depending on whatever else would reveal themselves when the door is opened. True intentions, or new intentions, there is really nothing wrong in having to finetune our decisions once more options start to present themselves. Life is like this; a journey that lets you discover new opportunities. But I am disappointed by those who lie about their true intentions.
It is evident that those fair-weather friends tend to be more fickle than someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. But we can't blame them, really, if you had allowed yourself to be used. There've been circumstances so far. Unfortunately, it has taken me donkey years to learn to tell if I get sported. Normally, by the time I feel so, I will just thank God we are not yet business partners.
I do have a phobia which is about being retired old and lonely, or, becoming old and hungry.
Some friends may stay and come visit me. Once I hit the autumn of my life, I wish I will know whose hands will be holding mine. If that question has quickly passed through your head just now, you should already know if those hands are going to be yours. Hey, I will still be thankful.
I could have made most of my decisions in a split second each time and yet not know them. For instance, have you tried standing in front of the fridge one day and ask yourself, 'Am I hungry?' Sometimes we may also linger a bit longer just to go around in circles. If I am not wrong, the commoner reason for the fridge opening is probably out of sport, and not hunger.
Many do choose instinctively too, but while they hope to make good choices, they do not count the costs. These are like buying on impulse, and hopefully not when building a relationship or a career. Just like my opening the fridge door when I wasn't really hungry, it became evident when you see them changing their minds - depending on whatever else would reveal themselves when the door is opened. True intentions, or new intentions, there is really nothing wrong in having to finetune our decisions once more options start to present themselves. Life is like this; a journey that lets you discover new opportunities. But I am disappointed by those who lie about their true intentions.
It is evident that those fair-weather friends tend to be more fickle than someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. But we can't blame them, really, if you had allowed yourself to be used. There've been circumstances so far. Unfortunately, it has taken me donkey years to learn to tell if I get sported. Normally, by the time I feel so, I will just thank God we are not yet business partners.
I do have a phobia which is about being retired old and lonely, or, becoming old and hungry.
Some friends may stay and come visit me. Once I hit the autumn of my life, I wish I will know whose hands will be holding mine. If that question has quickly passed through your head just now, you should already know if those hands are going to be yours. Hey, I will still be thankful.
There was this little documentary I saw on Animal Planet (I think). The life of the piranhas. The seaons come and go along the Amazon river and its tributaries. You see, the birds eat the little piranhas. And the bigger pirahnas eat the birds if they fall into their realm. Ouch! The water would quickly turn into a little whirlpool of red while fishes were snapping on various parts of the bird - alive- in their feeding frenzy. Such hunger, or anger or revenge, I don't know. I was wondering what would kill these fishes then.... Soon the sky gets drier and the dust fill the air... Smallest tributaries quickly turn into small puddles with fishes gasping for air. That's the fate of it all. Fishes that do not know the seasons as they come. So it is, my friend, I gather that life in this urban society we live and work in is about the same. Jobs created now may probably not last the next few years. The internet bubble came and got busted. Many who studied IT looking to eat that pie are probably left with maintenance work, crawling under CEOs' and office workers' desks tying up cables. Likewise for student radiographers who came in with the hope of getting that hospital job even before getting that graduation papers. Times have changed. The workplace where I have been heading for a while now is also slowly drying up. It will still be there, of course. The advanced training is going to come from somewhere else where the specialists are. These experts will probably come and do a much better job at providing that service - providing high-end CT scans for emergency patients. An author has said this before, that Technology has overtaken the Expert. Put in another way, if the government decide to swap all the F14s to Stealth one day, only those who have been trained to fly stealth will get the jobs. So what if you have been trained to fly the F14s? Training and upgrading of skills is definitely such an important issue now in my industry. If you do not train up, be prepared to be trained by your student. I can safely bet that in these days, even managers, supervisors, and lecturers will have become out of touch with the technologies they have to buy for their department. They have to become increasingy dependent on the true experts - those who work the machines on the ground day and night - to provide the services. Meaning, who is less dispensable now? There is a season for everything under the sun. All is but vanity, and a chasing after the wind. Move on, and find your river that will never dry up.
I met up with 2 old pals finally. Interestingly, we all share the same surname!
I do not know if they have noticed it but definitely, the life and work experiences we've had are different. One used to be a deputy COO at a local VWO. Cool (and handsome) guy! The other is in some manufacturing line - producing masks for the impending birdflu! For one thing, we are still related because of the healthcare industry. I somehow feel that their future looks brighter than mine. Afterall, mine is just walking up and down a small corridor trying to justify my existence. Wonder when my head will finally roll off! Anyway....
I am very happy to have met up with them this evening because there was so much to learn. Full of interesting bits here and there and one learns what's happening in the real (and sometimes, cruel) world. Both were telling me about their bosses and ex-bosses and bosses' bosses, etc... Plus all the good old days when SGH was still considered civil service. But those times when, if compared to what we are having in a modern civilisation, were not so "civilised". Like what they said, "when the police were still in their shorts" and 1 bowl of prawn noodles would only cost 10 cents." But I realise, modernisation brings complications!
Hmm.. maybe I should be penning more about childhood days. By the way, I am a rather sentimental and nostalgic person. I always tend to recall - les I forget. Because I am so afraid I may forget. But when I remember, there's so much to recall. Used to kill cockcroaches, rabbits, fishes, ants, lizards, houseflies and mosquitoes ... and cats. I'm probably No.1 on their wanted list. Although I think they couldn't hurt me and my science teacher would have been happy about my zeal during biology class, I now live with regret. Sometimes I wish I could be a vegan, but unfortunately, I have already been too deeply cursed with a love for steak, sambal prawns and chilli crabs! Sedap!
Back to these Tans! The ex-COO is now GM at a company dealing with healthcare workers' skills training and certification courses. We chatted at McCafe and there, it dawned on me that again, I am stuck doing what I have been doing for the past donkey years. While my friend may be wondering how he and gal would patch back, I think the future in my occupation may actually affect how things will affect my family. For their sake, I will toil on and work the best I can. But deep inside, I don't think I am happy now. I love clinical work but managing well will also allow more people and patients to benefit at one time. For selfish reasons, I would rather just work and go home and mind my own business. Why should I be made to answer for someone else's problem???? They call it "ownership". Yea, and when that fails, they ask "you are AM for what?" I wish life were simpler. Back to the good old days when one could just eat fresh fruits from fruit trees!
Oh Adam!! Why you listened to EVE!!!!
I do not know if they have noticed it but definitely, the life and work experiences we've had are different. One used to be a deputy COO at a local VWO. Cool (and handsome) guy! The other is in some manufacturing line - producing masks for the impending birdflu! For one thing, we are still related because of the healthcare industry. I somehow feel that their future looks brighter than mine. Afterall, mine is just walking up and down a small corridor trying to justify my existence. Wonder when my head will finally roll off! Anyway....
I am very happy to have met up with them this evening because there was so much to learn. Full of interesting bits here and there and one learns what's happening in the real (and sometimes, cruel) world. Both were telling me about their bosses and ex-bosses and bosses' bosses, etc... Plus all the good old days when SGH was still considered civil service. But those times when, if compared to what we are having in a modern civilisation, were not so "civilised". Like what they said, "when the police were still in their shorts" and 1 bowl of prawn noodles would only cost 10 cents." But I realise, modernisation brings complications!
Hmm.. maybe I should be penning more about childhood days. By the way, I am a rather sentimental and nostalgic person. I always tend to recall - les I forget. Because I am so afraid I may forget. But when I remember, there's so much to recall. Used to kill cockcroaches, rabbits, fishes, ants, lizards, houseflies and mosquitoes ... and cats. I'm probably No.1 on their wanted list. Although I think they couldn't hurt me and my science teacher would have been happy about my zeal during biology class, I now live with regret. Sometimes I wish I could be a vegan, but unfortunately, I have already been too deeply cursed with a love for steak, sambal prawns and chilli crabs! Sedap!
Back to these Tans! The ex-COO is now GM at a company dealing with healthcare workers' skills training and certification courses. We chatted at McCafe and there, it dawned on me that again, I am stuck doing what I have been doing for the past donkey years. While my friend may be wondering how he and gal would patch back, I think the future in my occupation may actually affect how things will affect my family. For their sake, I will toil on and work the best I can. But deep inside, I don't think I am happy now. I love clinical work but managing well will also allow more people and patients to benefit at one time. For selfish reasons, I would rather just work and go home and mind my own business. Why should I be made to answer for someone else's problem???? They call it "ownership". Yea, and when that fails, they ask "you are AM for what?" I wish life were simpler. Back to the good old days when one could just eat fresh fruits from fruit trees!
Oh Adam!! Why you listened to EVE!!!!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
My sister said August may be a bad month for vacation in Thailand because it will be in the midst of a very WET SEASON!
Have been looking forward to this holiday which allows 6 and for 7 days! But if she is right, I think I will probably have to be prepared to celebrate Loy Krathong there!
I wonder why God made me human and not like anyone of His angels? I would love to trade my wheels for that pair of feathers! I won't be bothered even if I have to flitter around naked! I wish I know what eternity means. That's why life here isn't encouraging. What goes up must ultimately come down someday. Except for medical bills and tax - or so they say.
Of late, my presence along "A Corridor" has been drawing queries. But I don't know whether my presence is welcomed. But I really enjoy doing Xrays... I had been a good radiographer before. And I had such fun also being one. I remember those days when I would be running around the department with a book in my pocket - JETFIGHTER. And minding my own business. Miss those days!! The bosses I used to be working for have almost stepped down by now. Too many changes ... everyone is so busy catching up with the present.
Wish I still can go back to those good old days.
Have been looking forward to this holiday which allows 6 and for 7 days! But if she is right, I think I will probably have to be prepared to celebrate Loy Krathong there!
I wonder why God made me human and not like anyone of His angels? I would love to trade my wheels for that pair of feathers! I won't be bothered even if I have to flitter around naked! I wish I know what eternity means. That's why life here isn't encouraging. What goes up must ultimately come down someday. Except for medical bills and tax - or so they say.
Of late, my presence along "A Corridor" has been drawing queries. But I don't know whether my presence is welcomed. But I really enjoy doing Xrays... I had been a good radiographer before. And I had such fun also being one. I remember those days when I would be running around the department with a book in my pocket - JETFIGHTER. And minding my own business. Miss those days!! The bosses I used to be working for have almost stepped down by now. Too many changes ... everyone is so busy catching up with the present.
Wish I still can go back to those good old days.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
During the colonial days back then and when the British Army once ran the healthcare services in Singapore (late 50s up to early 70s), the early hospitals were also built by the British. e.g. the British Military Hospitals (BMH) at Alexandra Road, Changi, Seletar and Sembawang. The radiologists were British. The radiographers were also Brits. Female Nursing staff who served with the British were known as WRAC (Women Royal Army Corp).
Mr Yeap joined the British Army Boys' Trade School for 3 yrs from the early age of 14 and a half. (I will consider our 21st century equivalent as the "macdonalds' generation".) At a chanced meeting with a British lab-tech (one of his seniors who was already working there) one day, Mr Yeap got this friendly advice to sign up for his kind of course in school and won a chance to study overseas.So in early 1964, Mr Yeap was sent to London for basic radiographic training at the Army X-ray School. The course was 8 months' long before they could be certified as "Army Class 3 Radiographers". After the course, Mr Yeap was posted to a Military Hospital in southern England. They could be working as part of the armed force's own radiographic pool and as a rule, these new graduates were posted to a department where there was a clinical instructor. (Prerequisite: must be school instructors before.)Every month, the Army X-ray school would send the former students the Part 1 test papers for them to practice. Upon passing their Part 1 papers, they would be considered as "Class 2" and thereafter be deployed anywhere in the British Colony to serve in the army as radiographers.
Mr Yeap was posted back to Singapore in Dec 1965 to serve at BMH in Alexandra Road (the present AH). At that time, school still sent Part 2 papers for them to continue practice. Mr Yeap sat for his Part II of the Diploma of Society of Radiographers UK together with the students at School of Radiography (at SGH). (School of Radiography was started in 1965 by 2 Radiographers from UK, Ian England and K C Danley. You can find one of their fotos at DDR, SGH.) After passing Part 2, he worked at BMH until 1969.He successfully applied for a job at the prestigious KL University Hospital. (During those days, the pay there was higher and the currency exchange rate was 1:1!) Unfortunately, that was also amidst one of the severest racial riots in Malaya then. Time moved on and before he joined SGH in 1976 (where he stayed and worked at Angio for nearly 4 yrs), Mr Yeap had already worked at KL University Hospital for another 7 yrs. In 1980, Mr Yeap moved on to take charge of the Diagnostic Imaging Department in Mt Elizabeth Hospital as Snr Radiographer. (There was no chief radiographer yet at that time and when the Americans took over the hospital, the chief was then known as "Director of Radiology".) In 1986, that was when the nation-wide computerization began to sweep over Singapore. Mr Yeap had painstakingly begun on the route least-travelled and was probably the first chief who boldly swapped the manual hardcover registration method for a computerised RIS.
In 1993, Mr Yeap went over to manage the Radiology Department at Gleneagles Hospital. He is there still. If you would drop by one day to Gleneagles Hospital, you would probably still get to experience the same hospitality, warmth and natural smiles from Mr Yeap. Personally, I have always this respect for Mr Yeap for he is not only someone who has already "been there, seen this, and done that", but also for someone who still treats workers and friends alike, and with the same frankness and calm ....
Mr Yeap joined the British Army Boys' Trade School for 3 yrs from the early age of 14 and a half. (I will consider our 21st century equivalent as the "macdonalds' generation".) At a chanced meeting with a British lab-tech (one of his seniors who was already working there) one day, Mr Yeap got this friendly advice to sign up for his kind of course in school and won a chance to study overseas.So in early 1964, Mr Yeap was sent to London for basic radiographic training at the Army X-ray School. The course was 8 months' long before they could be certified as "Army Class 3 Radiographers". After the course, Mr Yeap was posted to a Military Hospital in southern England. They could be working as part of the armed force's own radiographic pool and as a rule, these new graduates were posted to a department where there was a clinical instructor. (Prerequisite: must be school instructors before.)Every month, the Army X-ray school would send the former students the Part 1 test papers for them to practice. Upon passing their Part 1 papers, they would be considered as "Class 2" and thereafter be deployed anywhere in the British Colony to serve in the army as radiographers.
Mr Yeap was posted back to Singapore in Dec 1965 to serve at BMH in Alexandra Road (the present AH). At that time, school still sent Part 2 papers for them to continue practice. Mr Yeap sat for his Part II of the Diploma of Society of Radiographers UK together with the students at School of Radiography (at SGH). (School of Radiography was started in 1965 by 2 Radiographers from UK, Ian England and K C Danley. You can find one of their fotos at DDR, SGH.) After passing Part 2, he worked at BMH until 1969.He successfully applied for a job at the prestigious KL University Hospital. (During those days, the pay there was higher and the currency exchange rate was 1:1!) Unfortunately, that was also amidst one of the severest racial riots in Malaya then. Time moved on and before he joined SGH in 1976 (where he stayed and worked at Angio for nearly 4 yrs), Mr Yeap had already worked at KL University Hospital for another 7 yrs. In 1980, Mr Yeap moved on to take charge of the Diagnostic Imaging Department in Mt Elizabeth Hospital as Snr Radiographer. (There was no chief radiographer yet at that time and when the Americans took over the hospital, the chief was then known as "Director of Radiology".) In 1986, that was when the nation-wide computerization began to sweep over Singapore. Mr Yeap had painstakingly begun on the route least-travelled and was probably the first chief who boldly swapped the manual hardcover registration method for a computerised RIS.
In 1993, Mr Yeap went over to manage the Radiology Department at Gleneagles Hospital. He is there still. If you would drop by one day to Gleneagles Hospital, you would probably still get to experience the same hospitality, warmth and natural smiles from Mr Yeap. Personally, I have always this respect for Mr Yeap for he is not only someone who has already "been there, seen this, and done that", but also for someone who still treats workers and friends alike, and with the same frankness and calm ....
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