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    June 28

    Sickly me

     
    Oh man, I'm sick again! Not sure what is going on with me. I took a day off today. I woke up early as usual, around 6am. My whole body aches, heavy head and runny nose. I dragged myself out from bed, brushed my teeth and threw myself on the sofa. Errmm .. I wanted to get ready for work, but body simply refuse to move. After awhile, I guess I should listen to the body and get back to sleep. I did and woke up around 8am. Not long after, typing some emails for colleagues to settle some urgent work in office.
     
    I checked myself in to the clinic. A govt clinic just across my block. A lot of sickly old people there in the clinic. I waited 15mins for registeration, 1hr 30mins for seeing a doc, another 15mins to get my medicine. In all, I've spent 2 hrs in the clinic! You may asked, why I don't just go for private clinic? The govt clinic is just a few steps away from where I stay. I'm just plain lazy to go to town for doctor.
     
    I read some of health magazines on the rack to kill time. I found something interesting. There is a legislation in Singapore, which I never heard of called Advance Medical Directive (AMD). Here is the info ..
     
    Advance Medical Directive (AMD)
    An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that you sign in advance to inform the doctor treating you (in the event you become terminally ill and unconscious) that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life.

    Making an AMD is a voluntary decision. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to make one. In fact, it is a criminal offence for any person to force you to make one against your will.

    New advances in medical knowledge and technology create new choices for both patients and health care providers. Some of these choices raise new ethical and legal issues.

    One issue is that modern medical technology can technically prolong life in the final stages of a terminal illness. However, it cannot stop the dying process. In such situations, further medical intervention would be medically ineffective, and a decision has to be made whether to withdraw such futile medical intervention. Some terminally ill persons who are unable to express their wishes at that time, may want to be spared further suffering and be allowed to die naturally, in peace and with dignity.

    The law in Singapore allows Singaporeans who wish to make an advance medical directive to do so. The AMD Act was passed in Parliament in May 1996. (Source : Singapore Ministry of Health)
     
    This is interesting. I'm not sure if other country has such ruling. I absolutely have no objection of signing the AMD. I prefer to have quality than quantity of life. If I terminally ill with no chance of recovery, I rather to die than to live.
     
    I also told the doc tht I'm having problem with my monthly thing. He wrote me a referral to a gynae. Oh .. the appointment is on next Mon. I'm nervous. I guess I need to make a call to confirm that I'll be seeing a female gynae. Shessh .. this is very private matter. Don't think I'm comfortable to let a man to check my "part". Hrmmm
     
     
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    June 27

    Britain's Got Talent - Paul Potts

     
    A fren show to me this - Britain's Got Talent. Another talent show like the American's Idol thingie in UK.
     
    So, there I went to see the clip on YouTube. Paul Potts is the name. A mobile phone salesman participated and performed in this talent show. Paul Potts is an average joe with funny teeth and a very shy man. I thought it was a joke my fren wants to share with me. haha .. hey Pint, you caught me there.  
     
    Well, in American Idols, there are some clips of funny contestants performing funny things. I expected that too from this show. Trust me, you will be amazed by his singing talent. I'm pleasantly surprise. He wows Simon Cowell too!! He is really good. If you don't believe me, pls visit this link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
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    June 17

    Active Lifestyle

     
    Another endorphine charged weekend. Very active lifestyle indeed. Woke up early and attended the group class at the gym. Love it. I hope it is not just another 3 mins heat kind of thing. When the effects run thin, I hope the lazy bug won't struck me for not exercising.  
     
    The gym club is nice, well equiped and overall experience is great. I swear to make my $$ worth by going there at least 3 times a week. Let me tell you, I was so obsessed with the calorie counting. What kept me going, working feverishly on the machine was clocking as many calories I can burn off! Crazy eh. I cycled like hell for 20mins, only 40 cal burnt!!! Oh my, I just managed to burn a chinese bun I had in the morning! Imagine, 1 big Mc Mac set with french fries, 600 cal, you got to run your a%%$#s off! So, think twice to gnaw that hamburger down.
     
    I have some bits of shopping done. I purchased some gym clothing. Trying to look like a pro. haha .. naw, no tight-exposing-body-hugging blouse or pants. Very modest looking and understated. hehehe Clothing is supposed to be comfortable and not screaming for attention! But really, some ladies I saw in the club who weigh more than 100kgs wear really sophisticated gym gear.  Salute them for the courage! Errrmmm ...
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    June 11

    Gym Gym, here I come

     
    I spent my last Saturday rather actively and healthily. I went to gym for first time. Quite an impressive place and trendy too. I signed up as member since last April and haven't got chance to go due to busy schedule. Now, I'm free from studies and I do not have any excuse for not going. I went with sis. They oriented me around.
     
    Everyone seems conscious at that place. On the top floor, I saw many men busying pumping and huffing over all the muscle building machines. They working real hard for the xtra inch of muscle on their arms and body.  The rest of place filled with machines. The personnel in Red are the Fitness Instructors. I got a feeling they trying in vain to gain some eye contacts from just anyone. If you do signal for them, they will try their might to psycho you to sign up a session with them. The package is not cheap, mind you. Anyway, look at my size, don't think they'll try on me. hahaa .. unless I put on another 10 kg or so.  
     
    I joined some class. Body Combat, they said. Wow, you jumped, kicked, boxed. Pheww .. you practically moving non-stop for 1 hour with 30 secs rest for every 20mins! My lungs grasping for air! As a first timer who never exactly exercise regularly, I struggle through out the class. My neighbour was a 100kg lady jumping around so enthusiastically!!!!! Shame on me!  Anyway, I enjoyed the class tremendously. A very good motivated way for workout and de-stress. After the class, I tried the treadmill, the bicycle etc etc. I also had a nice steam bath before I get out from the place. Hrmmm .. niceeee!  Oh yea, as a result, I've acute muscle ache the next day. Spent whole Sunday, practically doing nothing but sleeping!
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    June 09

    Puff The Magic Dragon

     
    I loved this song. Used to hear it during childhood time and it brings back fond memories. I don't take notice on the lyrics until I hear it again. This song tell a bittersweet story of the ageless dragon Puff and his playmate Jackie Paper, a little boy who grows up and losses interest in the imaginary adventures of childhood and leaves Puff alone and depressed. The story of the song takes place "by the sea" in the fantasy land of Honah Lee (also the name o f real beach in Hawaii) (Source: Wikipedia).
     
    It was a big hit in the 60s written by by Lenny Lipton (words) and Peter Yarrow (music) and sung by Peter, Paul and Mary. However, some thought that the song is associated with drug culture. Very interestingly, Singapore government actually banned this song in 1963!! Pls refer to this article for details : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1370650.stm
     
    Nevertheless, to me it is simply refers to Lost Childhood. Whatever your opinion, pls enjoy the song. Enclosed the lyrics for some Karoke session.
     
     
    PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
    Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal PUFF,
    and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.

    OH PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
    PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,

    Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
    Jackie kept a lookout perched on PUFF's gigantic tail,
    Noble kings and princes would bow whenever they came,
    Pirate ships would lower their flag when PUFF roared out his name

    OH, PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
    PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,

    A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
    Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
    One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
    And PUFF that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

    His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
    PUFF no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
    Without his life-long friend, PUFF could not be brave,
    So PUFF that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.

    Oh! PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
    PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
    And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

    10:06 AM | Add a comment | Permalink | Blog it

    Ironic Life Moments

     
    Read down the list. See if any of this apply to you. ;) Enjoy!
     
    1. Whenever I find the key to success, someone changes the lock.
    2. To Err is human, to forgive is not a COMPANY policy.
    3. The road to success.... is always under construction.
    4. Alcohol doesn't solve any problems, but if you think again, neither does Milk..
    5. In order to get a Loan, you first need to prove that you don't need it.
    6. All the desirable things in life are either illegal, expensive or fattening.
    7. Since Light travels faster than Sound, people appear brighter before you hear them speak.
    8. Everyone has a scheme of getting rich... which never works.
    9. If at first you don't succeed.. Destroy all evidence that you ever tried.
    10. You can never determine which side of the bread to butter. If it falls down, it will always land on the buttered side.
    11. Anything dropped on the floor will roll over to the most inaccessible corner.
    12. ***** 42.7% of all statistics is made on the spot. *****
    13. As soon as you mention something.. if it is good, it is taken.. If it is bad, it happens.
    14. He who has the gold, makes the rules ---- Murphy's golden rule.
    15. If you come early, the bus is late. If you come late.. the bus is still late.
    16. Once you have bought something, you will find the same item being sold somewhere else at a cheaper rate.
    17. If you have paper, you don't have a pen... If you have a pen, you don't have paper.. if you have both, no one calls.
    18. Especially for Engrg. Students---- If you have bunked the class, the professor has taken attendance.
    19. You will pick up maximum wrong numbers when on roaming.
    20. All PMT buses are crowded. Corollary----- PMT buses in opposite direction always go empty.
    21. The door bell or your mobile will always ring when you are in the bathroom.
    22. After a long wait for bus no.20, two 20 number buses will always pull in together and the bus which you get in will be crowded than the other.
    23. If your exam is tomorrow, there will be a power cut tonight.
    24. The last person to be fired or quit is responsible for all the errors until another person is fired or quits.
    25. Irrespective of the direction of the wind, the smoke from the cigarette will always tend to go to the non-smoker .....
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    June 05

    Are you afraid of the dark?

     
    I just finished 1 novel titled as above by my all time favorite author Mr Sidney Sheldon. It is about 400 pages in paperback which I took about 20 hours to finish it. I sacrifice much of my sleeping time though. *yawn* tired
     
    He was a master storyteller. His story always taut with suspense,intrigue and with an unnervingly realistic premise. Able to keep you glue to the book for hours. My sis and I had read all his works and it is 2 thumbs up.
     
    His story get more sophisticated. This title talks about about a brilliant scientist who built a command center of a satellite system that can control the weather in any area of the world! He can cause storms anywhere, create famines, manufacture hurricanes and cyclones. Wow! The story seems real.
     
    I wonder if there any think-tank company in this world is actually doing that. Using the scientific knowledge to build a super computer that can control weather! hrmmm ...
     
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    June 03

    Why Waterlotusmud?

     
    Someone asked me, why Waterlotusmud? What a nickname I got there.  Well, I don't consider myself religious type, but I make a point to live life in accordance to the teaching of the Buddha. Thus, thinking of some names that I aspire to be and associated with.
     
    The Lotus is a very significant symbol in Buddhism. It symbolise purity, spiritual growth and enlightenment. It refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds. 
     
    Starting life as a seed, it grows in the muddy darkness at the bottom of a pond. The darkness is like our ignorance (deluded by our senses). The seed grows toward the warmth and light of the sun (just as human naturally grow toward the warmth of love and compassion, and toward the light of truth). The mature flower grow above and water and the leaves floats on the surface, basking in the full sunlight, well "anchored" by strong root and moving freely according to the movement of water (adapting to the fast changing environment).
     
    The water and mud feed the lotus. Therefore, WLM!   I aspire to grow out from my wordly ignorance, to gain wisdom, to cultivate unconditional love and compassion to all living beings. Well, it easier to say than done. Not at all impossible, but it may take a lifetime to do this.  Anyway, I hope you know what I mean.  
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    June 02

    Blood Diamonds

     
    Sis rented a DVD for couch potatoe-ing over the weekend. There, I spent an hour or so watching the movie called Blood Diamond. I don't have a clue what it means until I watched the movie. It was a heart wretching movie! Having stay in the south continent for sometime, I aware on the civil wars happening up north and I certainly not aware of something called Blood Diamonds!
     
    Blood diamond is known as Conflict diamond. Conflict diamonds are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war. Profits from the trade in conflict diamonds, worth billions of dollars, were used by warlords and rebels to buy arms during the devastating wars in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sierra Leone. Wars that have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives. They helped fund devastating civil wars in Africa, destroying the lives of millions (Source : Amnesty International USA).
     
    Pls visit this link for some details : http://www.amnestyusa.org/amnestynow/diamonds.html
     
    I felt really sorry for the affected African people especially the children who suffers because of this tiny bits of carbon that have no intrinsic values in themselves. The locals don't wear diamonds! The most worrying aspect is the international community's belated response. UN intervene only in year 2000 several years after the civil war broke out.  For this instance, only after I watched the movie. Hrmm ...
     
    If you have got time, pls watch it. Here is the spoiler : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Diamond_(film)
     
    The post effect of this show? Diamonds? No thanks. %^&*$!!   those unscrupulous diamonds trader for these stones who directly or indirectly causes so much of misery of the people in Africa.
     
    I don't mean to be so 1-sided in my comments as I do actually understand the complexity of the issues. The wars and violence are only the manifestation of the root problems. *sigh* what a world we have here.
    5:19 PM | Add a comment | Read comments (2) | Permalink | Blog it