Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry X'mas

Not much of a Christmas Cheer this year, but I am satisfied and content thus far.

With HINDSIGHT... I looked through my hotmail inbox (Filled with 168 messages). I have been sending out resumes and applying for jobs with progressive desperation since June 11 2009. I even sent out to my Major Project Supervisor in 2007, Dr Lipovich - he was relocated, back in his country, teaching at some Medical University. Poor me. All the 4 pages filled up with emails sent out to job agencies, adverts, postings... At least 33 emails per page. Work out your math and I have sent out around 123 Emails specifically looking for jobs that could make me earn my keep.

I got lucky. After the barrage of emails, 10 o' clock, September 11 2009, in a HR office at Jalan Bukit Merah, I signed a 2-year contract with SINGHEALTH, to start work for them commencing September 18.. I am thankful that I got here, where I am now. Smelling Blood and Urine... Microscopy, Operating sophisticated machines, meeting all kinds of people, getting philosophical insights about the nature of life, appreciating people, and learning how to work with people of different personalities.

Look at me now, I am happy and generally content with my work.

But my human heart feels lonely - this biological machine feels as if it's missing something - a companion - oil to lubricate the smooth running of the machine everyday. Someone to look forward to meet after work, to share life's joys and sorrows. To appreciate life together in a mutually inclusive state.

I am longing to find that someone. She's got to exist. but for now it's back to work.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Jonathan

(Updated 15 Oct. Original post dated 23 Jul.)

I've always been impressed by a friend called Jonathan. Jonathan was a choir-mate in secondary school, then he became class-rep for my days in Millenia Institute. Now he's earned a University degree via overseas studies in America. Those days were fleetingly swell. If I were ever to get a respectable English name, it would be Jonathan - for it represents someone who is morally upright, reliable, takes action, and remains loyal to his friends.

* * * HISTORY '09 THUS FAR (POST-NS) * * *

Taiwan trip with CDS Batch 14 platoon-mates (Jun 19 - 25).

Job-hunt anxiety and a few interviews ensued. Life crisis emerges - to pursue which degree - Sports Science or Biomedical Science?

Jonathan was conned by TRUST TUITION AGENCY (TRUST TUITION CENTER) into becoming a Tuition Coordinator (ie. someone that prints his own flyers, gives out to parents waiting outside primary school. Lesson Learnt: (1) Ignore Work-from-Home ads in Classifieds Part-time/ Temporary section. (2) Doing business requires a clear head, and properly done calculations. (3) I do not hold Joshua Koh Fu Beng and Ms Koh in high regard. - ~$220 for 3 months of a poorly maintained Tutor database. They have done me a great disservice.

Chronic pain, tightness in right ankle (post-sprains) made me have 2nd thoughts about sports science.

Jonathan thoroughly enjoyed his 2-day stint as a distributor for the Events Artery, giving out promotional tissues opp. Capitol Mall, Raffles place, to promote the WATSONS CARD. Fond memories, esp of the supervisor, Joselyn who tailed me with the camera... + $60

Jonathan was in CPF Board. From August 17 - Sept 11. Did data entry work with Ching Hau, Ivan, Joyce, Remy, most of the time. Got to know Glenn, m1, m2, m3,.. and Perm-staff Adeline, Yoke Lan, Yoke Chai, Hafiz, Noor Aza, Alan, Patricia... and understood some of the mechanics of office-life. Always joked that I would climb the 37+ storeys of the CPF building to train for Vertical marathon, but didn't have the guts to try. I loved the CPF Building Food on the 34th floor.

One day, I planned a run home after work. I changed to a running singlet and shorts in the toilet, did my stretching on the 30th floor, took the lift down, my attire surprised several office ladies. Stopped after I met an old man who entered the lift, he made some small talk about my running. I replied politely, and remarked I have hardly time to exercise. He exited the lift at a lower level. To my amusement, an office-lady in the lift told me he is a CEO of CPF Board. I said oh, i didn't know... After all, I am just a temp staff there and I couldn't look for a raise or promotion, hahaha.

Received calls from Chinese ppl trying to con me of my money.. Entertained them at first, and was tempted to believe. Fortunately, I got a job offer and decided to ignore them.


* * * 18 Sep 2009 : SGH : Patients at the heart of all we do * * *

Resume: Blood collection, ECG, (more to come?)...

Blood collection IS a richly rewarding challenge. I will never be able to look at a Human arm the same way again.

Serving elderly patients remind me that each day, life is a journey to be cherished. Old men I serve remain humble towards this young inexperienced lad, despite their heyday accomplishments. Today I serve them, and who knows, a young lad (yet unborn still) will serve me and my generation in the future, perhaps using more sophisticated medical equipment then the one i'm using. Maybe I will talk to the young lad, about how I used to do ECG for post-war (The Great War) baby boomers in my 20s. When that day comes, my skin may be shrivelled, rough, and stretchy, with blotchy patches. We all get old.

Reminds me of a moral that a man (anyone born human) was never meant to survive his/her whole life alone, but he/she needs help from his brothers and sisters from time to time. Thus he should be there to help others for the sake of passing on this sacred ritual to ensure our species survival. He feels good inside, that he has done good for a fellow. And who knows, the positive experience noted by the fellow will be related to to his primary contacts, and what goes around, may come around.

I am humbled by the strength in character of some of my colleagues. Namely, their honesty, selflessness, and team-spirit. I am grateful to them for sharing some of their experiences.

my dream job.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Taking stock 120709

Disorder #1

Unnecessary Burdens - "Today's headlines takes precedence over yesterday's." This is the ideal world everyone wants to live in. For many times, I want to tell myself Today is a brand new day, but a lot of horrible stuff from yesterday just spills over today. It's a little annoying that I can't (1) just loosen up and let go of my burdens. (*) I hate the rigidity of my ideas. I have developed a complex relationship with material stuff. Yesterday's news in my closet, a storehouse for ideas I don't want to lose. But it can be a little stifling as it takes up space...


Disorder #2

Negativity - if it's not chemical, it's psychological. Got to get those neurons firing properly. Positive signals ONLY. If I hear a harmful thought - I'm gonna kill it. Denounce it, dethrone it, squash it like a pest.


Disorder #3

Anger - I must be at peace with myself and disallow my emotions to take control. The logical person reigns.


* * *


I have been pondering incessantly about my destiny, but it has not grown obsessive. I've been letting it go - be it the leisurely cycle, the personal 2.4 time trial, the resume-editing, and the thoughts over a job advert.

Well, I've applied for some jobs thus far. And I really gonna get one to prove to myself that I can. (Hmm. Maybe I should just tell myself I can.) Then I should make time for other things I want to do. No wait. There's the income factor. I can't ask for sponsorship for Kayaking course, Martial arts course, etc.. I need to stop by the "Time for $$$ Trap" for some quick bucks.. Cash. I need the cash.

And I really need to make time to read my books, and learn some skills.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Fleet Foxes Mykonos



I fully endorse this band bcos it rocks.

Lyrics for Mykonos (as interpreted by chutzpah, retrieved fr http://songmeanings.net)

The door slammed loud and rose up a cloud of dust on us
Footsteps follow, down through the hollow sound, torn up

And you will go to Mykonos
With a vision of a gentle coast
And a sun to maybe dissipate
Shadows of the mess you made

How did any holes in the snow tipped pines, I find
Hatching from the seed of your thin mind, all night?

And you will go to Mykonos
With a vision of a gentle coast
And a sun to maybe dissipate
Shadows of the mess you made

Brother you don't need to turn me away
I was waiting down at the ancient gate

You go
Wherever you go today
You go today

I remember how they took you down
As the winter turned the meadow brown

You go
Wherever you go today
You go today

When I walking brother don't you forget
It ain't often you'll ever find a friend

You go
Wherever you go today
You go today
[x8]

Monday, June 01, 2009

How has NS changed you?

period of serving NS:

That a person can produce too many thoughts in a day. and there must be a filter to remove toxic thoughts from the consciousness.
- Negativity is detrimental to health
- one must be equipped with the correct attitude/mindset.
- one must set realistic goals and work towards one goal at a time.

That hardware can be extremely valuable but one must reduce himself to zero hardware to cope with times of crisis.

Mr Rahmat of TPY Cash Converters has a tough life as a store manager. Age over 50 plus, yet he has to meet the demands of 1000 over customers each weekend. I met him one Saturday afternoon when I bought a 29" Philips TV for the Guardhouse. In a long-sleeved shirt and tie, he had to carry a TV and several other bulky items that customers ordered, and smile when interacting w/ customers.
- Be humble in life, for everyone has his own share of challenges to face, and
- we should look after each other when possible.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Being Different.

Hm. Maybe I'm destined to be a Hermit. But being alone for the weekend don't seem so bad as I thought. I'm not smiling to myself half-the-time, but my burdens have got lighter, bcos I'm not impulsively running outdoors cos I feel like it. No longer running outside to meet friends. Now I do things differently, I see things differently! I'm eradicating all my false and unrealistic assumptions. If I just allocate a given amount of time alone, and for friends, I may begin to see the light after all. :P

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Avocadoes RULE DA WORLD!

Well-written article:

"The Little Green Avocado Book also states that an acre of avocado trees can yield more food than an acre of any other tree crop. Imagine the ecological implications--a perfectly healthful “meaty” food which requires 1/200th or less of the acreage needed by the cattle industry for a comparable yield in pounds, posing no pollution problems--and no carnage! Worried about mad cow disease?--eat raw avocados, seeds and nuts and stay sane and mentally keen! "

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/avocadoarticle.html


I enjoyed the raw avocado today. ^_^

Purely a Ridding process

Q1. What kind of career would you consider? (refer to Q2)
A1: Journalism, Environmentalist, Physical-Trainer, Veterinary, Lab Technician, Film-making, Hospitality and Tourism.

Follow-up
a) what kind of qualifications are required for the job?
b) Do you think you can handle the job on a long term basis?

Q2. What kind of career don't you wish to pursue?
A2: Butcher, Fisherman, NS, Salesman, IT Technician, Engineer, Teacher, Singer, Clerk, Business, Researcher.

Currently it all boils down to realistic expectations.