Boring but FUN achieving Week~

Sorry guys i have been MIA for almost like nearly 5mths time, seeing my last posted Blog~ Goodness me, either i have been too "BUSY" with my work or just simply Lazi-ness part of me refused 2 write any updates.. (In fact, actually i had another "Official secured" website under Blogger/commonly known as BlogSpot. But due 2 some unforeseen technical errors which some of my frens had encountered. Thus, this shall b my temporary SHELTERED mode of ventilation for me~) No worries my fellow frens, once my other website is UP & running all of u'll b informed of it asap. Enough of side-tracking, back to our main topic. As for this week there's no on-going studies at all, except for follow-ups end of the week. So we're supposed to help in "Achieving" those old blue folders done few years back, which were kept in various cupboard.. P.S -->For those newbies wondering what the term "Achieving" meant? It simply meant checking those documents inside blue folders for any mistakes Eg: Esp those studies 1st in Humans (FIH) got telemetry studies, meant tons of never-ending Ecgs paper strips.. If lucky enough during studies period, the overall nurse in-charge may help 2 check thru any discrepancies ranging from uncaptured data or even missing values of ECG range. Source docs like health review form, those in-house subject's activity schedules(correct version). As in between stays, some volunteers self-withdrew due 2 personal reasons. While some were withdrew by our own study docs mainly for subjects' own health & safety too. So mainly the whole "process" is to ensure all datas were being checked through & hopefully 2 ensure that no mistakes were 2 b found after 2nd checker has done his/her job. After all, all these job were eventually send to another so-called *audits company for checks again... Since some of us "New staff" haven took up their own Studies/Protocols yet, at 1st they were spared from doing these checks. However, as there were simply too many protocols 2 archive ranging from simple studies to complicated like those FIH (1st in human). It's totally unfair 2 just rely on those few staffs a few Full-time staff(FTE) & those who have worked for couple of years to do it.. So after several talks among FTE & Lead nurse --> the churned CheckList for archiving is out~~. After going through the difficult studies like FIH to those easier ones, most of us were checking on our own. We took opportunity during this week to eat out more often, as by next month onwards it would seems difficult 2 eat out already as we would be busy with numerous studies. We went to venture places nearby our work place such as Shaw center basement thai rest, national library's Han cafe, opposite Bugis (so called famous fish noodles..) and even to try Vietnamese food which's ok not that excellent.. Overall, even tot achieving seems boring but at least got some work to do, better than none. We even get to taste nice and cheap food around workplace.

R.I.P 4ever my beloved...

Today early morning about 10.40 while having breakfast with my Dar at nearby his hse coffeeshop, i happened to just have a peek on my phone.. Then the most unbelievable cum disasterous stuck, the whole phone including LCD blank: with only a bright lite & several multi-coloured with black spots staring at me~!? From tat moment on, i knew tat my beloved N70 phone-24 hrs companion cum daily alarm clock (which wakes me up for work..) for almost 2 years has left me 4ever~~ Why of all time it MUST happened when i will be working 2morrow.. T.T Out of despair, i called my bro for help asking whether at home got any spare phone? He told me got 1 a quite old model but still usuable (6510).. I still remembered it did happened once to my dar too tink last year too, actually he wanted 2 trade in his old phone 2 a new 1. But few days later during morning time he woke up the similar thing happened to his phone. So no choice we went to a 2nd-handphone shop in hope tat the phone could be revived.. But when we heard wat the salesman told us once its the LCD screen got such signs: it meant quite unlikely beyond repair, however he'll try to repair but with minimal hope. So in return he got another 2nd-handphone with some cash discount~ After abt 1 year of phone usage , the 2nd-handphone also "died" a natural death.. So to people reading my current post, do bear in mind if looking for long-term n durable phones, find a reputable shop rather then the above i mentioned~ B4 i went to walk around, i called (using those coin-phone booth~)home n my Dar who's working to inform them of my whereabouts.. Just in case my fanatic mum went calling the whole family or even worst reportin to Police of her missing daughter since yesterday evening?! While sitting in bus or even train, seeing everyone around me having a phone with them just makes me feel uncomfortable. It also made me realised the importance of today's modern technology which sometimes or most of the time WE, Humans take advantage of or even relied heavily on.. After walking around for about 3 hours at a nearby my house shopping mall, i decided to went home instead to look for tat so-called usable phone. To both my happiness-cum-shocked expression, i finally found the spare phone.. No doubt it's still in usable condition but the model-wise appear abit too old-fashioned. Even though it's phone colour-faded but the battery has slightly dusty covering too.. So i decided to ask favour's from frens 2 see if they got any spare phone to tide me over till weekend. Finally i managed to get 1 of my ex-sec school fren for help. Hopefully she could also help me transfer my data-cum-pics from my memory card too, as she got a sim-card reader. It also seems tat her spare phone is the same as my bro's 1 too, pray tat it would in better condition.. She's working OT today so cant meet her, only hope tml is to hide my phone or used it when noone's around. May the weekend arrived quickly so i could get myself a new phone~ I longed wanted to change a new phone since last Dec as my phone's contract was due. I kept delaying it months after months as i kept reminding myself tat it's still in working condition. From the trade-in price of 200 bucks, now to a misery of big ZERO.I should have listened to my dar's advice instead, now i can't change the situation around anymore.. Now its seems tat even Heaven's "mourning" for the loss of my phone, as it's still drizzling~

P.S: I guess the short lifespan of my current phone could be due to my mis-handling it too. Incidences like dropping on floor several times (only 1st time when it dropped tat did i treat with care..) or most of the times putting too hard (aka throwing) onto table in anger!! May this incident teach me a lesson to curb my temper so as not to end myself in misery again~ R.I.P my N70..

Celebration of "commeralised" V-Day!!

It's tat time of the year again~ Almost everywhere i go be it left or right, either mostly gals would be holding a bouquet of real flowers or guys holding onto them while waiting for their gal-frens to turn up. Guess upon this time of the year, from the innocent to the even "willing" customers would flock to the namely few places either for their last-min buying or even "planned" event: florist, chocolates, wines/champagne, booked restaurants or hotels (sometimes even paying a hugh sum just 2 create the romantic ambiance~) Well as for me, even though i dun feel like celebrating on this particular day. Actually i was being offered by my ex-colleague together with her fren for a Karaoke session. But my Dar insisted that he wanted to spend it just with me only. Thus suggestion not taken up by him. As he's working quite late till about nearly 21:30 hrs. We didn't chose any crowded place like TOWN area (for sure it would be packed with tons of lovely-dovey COUPLES~) So instead we went to nearby my area @Bliss cafe. Location was somewhere inside Punggol park itself. Discovered this place few years ago, by chance too-a nice place 2 chill out with frens.. Surrounding it in the center, there's a pond whereby ppl could go there for fishing, or can have scrolling/jogging inside the park too. It's also at this place where i 1st experienced my "malu" AKA embarrassed moment after less then half a glass of Margarita. I shall not dwell on it. Anyway, their signature dish is the mouth-watering humongous 2 scoops of mashed potatoes, followed by their desserts. Next time, when i visit there again, hopefully i would able 2 take a few nice pics & post it in here ok~ As he finished work late & most probably by the time he reached the Cafe would have closed le.. So i went there earlier hopefully to get a table. True enough, luckily i went there earlier, if not we would most probably went 2 nearby kopi-tiam AKA coffeeshop le. Wanted 2 choose air-con area indoors, but was quite crowded. So no choice, sat outside divided into smoker/non-smoker areas as usual. While i was lookin thru the menu, a familiar wearing black-top guy appeared.. As it was a "special" day, of cos the cafe offered set dinner. So we got ourselves 1 set each, on top of 2 glasses of red wine 2 complement it. Overall, the taste still all right as compared 2 those normal dishes. While i cant drink too much as i need report 2 work on next day. So Dar helped me drink my unfinished 2/3 glass of wine. The truth is i dun quite like drink wine/beer as compared to Vodka/Jack Daniel mixed with either green tea or coke. Now i'm slowly training on my drinking skills once in awhile. Hehe.. End of the dinner, after paying abt 80 plus for it. we decided 2 head back home. As it's still early, we took bus instead of cab.. Luckily, i didn't really drank that much so i could still walk/behave normally. However, my face or sometimes whole upper body, hands would appear reddish; as though i just went sun-tanning.. So having such symptoms, normally i would either avoid going home if i gets abit "High" or went 2 drink some mineral water/carbonated drinks. No presents, flower, candlelight dinner for this so-called SPECIAL day.. However, i felt even though there's no such stuffs as long as i could spend it tog with my Dar is more then enough le. Muacks~~

Finally end of Study/Protocol~~

End of Jan dicates ending of my 1st study or Protocol taking tog with 1 of my Senior (as in my workplace related..) 4 long weeks of in-hse subjects, which mostly they stayed abt 3 days & 2nights only per week. In between we do encounter problems, such as in earlier part of 2nd week subject being withdrawn due to low Haemaglobin level in layman term having slight Anaemia--> low red blood cell count.

Got another subject also got withdrawn during the last week of admission due to urine Cotinine positive. Traces of nicotine or he unknowingly smoked after his 3rd period of discharged. Luckily after tat no1 got withdrawn or dropped out. If not we might have to run "strangglers cohort" as we don't have insufficent data/subjects 2 submit (which meant re-Screen for new subjects again..)

As for our Protocol, esp 1st day breakfast need 2 have a standerised items inside such as DE-caffeinated coffee/tea, orange juice, cream milk, certain grams of sugar/butter/jam, need cheese with white breads too. It meant tat subjects need to FINISHED ALL the items distributed.. So b4 start of our 1st week study, my colleague had a hard time hunting for the dietician as she's on leave. However she managed 2 speak 2 the supervisor & thus our 1st week went smoothly.

But on 2nd week, chaos started during breakfast day as firstly the kitchen came late as usual then some subjects refused 2 drink coffee or milk alone.. Kitchen side also unable 2 come up with other alternatives thus no choice we need to get subjects' cooperation to subsitute with jus plain milk. As there were also different study going on, so the other group were at 1st quite unhappy as they jus had only either western food/asian diet but explanation were given so they accepted it. As my Senior were dosing them-she then got feedback from some of them was not completed such as traces of sugar, butter or even drinks. But the nurse serving them didn't even checked their plates.. Just then from the subsequent weeks, nurses serving meal were reminded to check tat ALL needs 2 b completed. A few incidents happened from the kitchen, which quite shocked me as it shouldn't happened due to its *reputation PTE hosp!.. They supplied dessert's base of it having some "dark particles" which subject almost finished it up-after investigation from kitchen side its the manufacter's "pruree" which caused it, it's safe 4 comsumption as according to them. Fruit juices such as apple, orange commonly given during meal-times to subjects, normally upon receiving them we'll placed them in chiller tog with desserts (if we're free.) If not, then we'll placed them in monitering room. However to the subject's dismay, on 1 occasion while just opening up the juice--> sediments could be seen at bottom base & on top got a "foul-smelling" scent too. So so of our nurses went to look at the exiry date, it's 1 day more b4 its not fit 4 comsumption. So again matter was reported 2 our Lead nurse, after speaking to the in-charge guess wat was the reply from them? The juices turned bad as a result of we didn't placed it in chiller or the temp inside chiller was different from theirs.. Duh, upon hearing tat most of us were stunned at their replies. The last incident happened during last week ago, when 1 of my study subject were hungrily munching into the sandwiches.. When 1 of them saw a black thing stuck onto the end of the bread, then he spit out whatever inside his mouth. Some of them even said it's STALE bread!! After inspection by both the kitchen staff & nurse, they decided 2 replace a new sandwich.. Again we suspected it could be leftover by some of their pats so they kept it aside then gave to our side. No prizes 4 guessing wat's tat black stuff.. Yucks if it's for me, i would have vmitted out the whole bread & go w/o food instead but for them no choice. [ P.S: Sometimes, i kinda of pity our in-hse subjects day-in & out some gets sick of the same kind of food almost everyday. While some get treated with *something EXTRA inside their food.. ] Even on their discharged days, nurses need 2 b extra-careful too. As some stuff might just go missing from the room--> the most common Quilt 2 keep them warm often from the cold air-con inside their rooms.. We had a few incidences when cleaning the room by auntie in-charge, nurses were often the ones reprimanded 4 missing quilt ?! Even thought we had reminded repeated to them upon packing their stuff, to take out only the green covers then leave the quilt on the top of the pillow. But some either 1st-timers dun understand simple English/instruction will simply take the WHOLE quilt & dumped in into the laundry bag.. Where even if u wan find it, also u need 2 wear gloves & dig into mountains of dirty linens. So now 2 prevent such incident from occuring again, either protocol nurses/ discharge nurse need 2 do a spot-check b4 subjects all allowed 2 leave. Even though got a few complains here & there we still managed to carry on & closed the Study with about 4 Filenotes so far..(which among all the studies carried out, its the least among as i read from a email yesterday~) I have learnt quite alot too from screening, discharges, handling subjects' complaints & most importantly building rapport with the nursing team, other depts such as Recruitment, Admin (in the midst of) too.. Also talking quite comfortable with some of the subjects in the study, hopefully will get 2 know them more in future studies~

Turning 26th & falling sick on Bday ><

23rd of Jan which was on a Wed, mid-day of the week. It also happens to b my 26th Birthday too.. As i had been working for 12hrs shift the prev day on Mon even tot i got off over the weekend. So i chosen to take a half-day off for rest & hopefully later can go out wif my Dar. It seems like ever since i started the job even in early 2nd mth where i had been rostered 2 work 12hrs shift frequently, my body & mind still cant adjust to it yet. When most of the time the following day, i need to report by either 8am or often 7am!! Even though, out of the 12 hr shift which may seems quite long working timing but we do get abt 3-4 hrs of time off in between.. Thinking abt the end cash amount gained is a form of encoragement for me to go on. So in meantime, guess i just need to get used to it mentality.. After work i went shopped ard near my workplace then i went home to rest. As my Dar also took off so we met at P.S (plazaSing) at near evening time. We decided 2 watch "Cloverfield" as there's not much show 2 catch, except for up-coming CNY movies like CJ7 by stephen Chow & KungFu SlamDunk by jay Zhou. I was almost bored 2 tears during 1st part of the movie & on top of the continuous video-recording thru'out the whole show.. I got a splitting headache 2wards the end of the show. Anyway, all the suspense with tight security during the preview of the movie itself :reported from local media tat security guards were employed for the screening in the theatre 2 prevent public from secretly filming down then upload to the net!! Anyway, the whole show is abt 1 huge monster duno emerging from where. It went ard destroying building & even infecting humans with its deadly virus, which subsequently humans will became some sort of vampire or Killing Machine if not killed on-the-spot when being bitten.. If i have known of such a low production movie earlier-i would rather go 4 some drinks or k-box fun~ Upon seeing tat i'm not feeling well, at 1st he decided to bring me go see doc then sending me back~ But i'm abit hungry so we jus went inside P.S to have our dinner. It was in lvl 2 or 3 cant rem, a seafood rest similar to Fish & Co(aka *REAL stuff..). As there were not much queue & quite a number of partons inside too-we decided 2 give it a try. When we looked at the menu itself & prices compared-it's somewat same as the former rest mentioned. So we each ordered 2 set meals each-1 sambal wholefish & a fish n chips 4 me.. Only the soup tasted okie while the rest of the meal including the main course cant be compared to the *REAL stuff! After the meal, i'm still feeling slight giddy & headache. He decided to send me home to rest, as i'm still working the next day.. So no more drinks/desserts for me 2 end my 1st day of 26th Bday.. Sobz so sad. On following day still not feeling better, getting worst with terrible cough & flu. Went 2 visit doc & having ample rest at home instead... P.S : Such a miserable day of my 1st ever Bday celebration, 2 fall sick & not able 2enjoy myself FULLY!?

The World's Top 8 Beaches

The following article, I happened to browse through online (Voted by Glam media_a website that features top stars/model in their Glamorous look..) then copy, cut & paste. For those interested, can visit the following website -->http://www.glam.com/ We know. It’s virtually impossible to pick only 8 of the world's best beaches, but it sure was fun to try. This selection of our favorite places to disappear with a big towel, a good book, and lots of sunscreen should be inspiration for your upcoming vacation.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to fantasy islands.

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board

Beau Vallon, Northern Mahe, Seychelles (MY 3rd Dream Vacation..)

The Seychelles are clusters of small islands in the Indian Ocean with the densest concentration of beaches in the world. The Beau Vallon is the most popular of the collection,famed for its powdery fine white-granite sand and crystal-clear water.

Photo Credit: Ellen Rooney Getty Images

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas (MY 2^nd Dream Vacation Beach.. hopefully i could visit at least ONCE in my LIFEtime~)

Pink Sands Beach is named for its three miles of blushing sand, which gets its pale color from the shells of microscopic sea animals. Bordered by exotic resorts, the beach boasts luxurious island hospitality that lures stars such as Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon, and Keith Richards.

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand

Phi Phi Island, Thailand Surrounded by rugged freestanding rock cliffs jutting skyward from the ocean, this tiny island, with its secluded, lush beach backdrop, is so astoundingly beautiful, it was the setting for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos, British West Indies

Located just south of the Bahamas, Grace Bay. It has been the destination for A-listers for years, welcoming the likes of Bruce Willis, Donna Karan, and Britney Spears with powdered-sugar-like beaches, turquoise water, and discerning luxury hotels.

Photo Credit: (none)

Mauna Kea, Big Island, Hawaii This crescent-shaped bay and beach, also known as Kauna’oa, has sidestepped crowds despite its location fronting the temporarily closed Fairmont Mauna Kea resort. A rock reef protects the shore from rough surf, allowing gentle waves to caress the shoreline.

Photo Credit: Robert Francis Getty Images

Whitehaven Island, the Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

A popular destination for day trips and longer sojourns, Whitehaven Island is blessed with a pristine five-plus-mile strip of fine white sand fronted by crystalline waters and framed by tropical rain forests.

Photo Credit: Lee Frost Getty Images

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Located off the eastern coast of Africa, this white-sand wonderland dotted with banana palms and coconut trees is a prime pick for romantic private getaways, especially if you book a room in one of the oceanfront luxury lodges.

Photo Credit: Purestock Getty Images

Anguilla, Lesser Antilles

A quick helicopter ride from St. Barts, the low-key luxury locale in the Caribbean attracts celebrities including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Drew Barrymore, and has beaches that consistently rank among the best for their white sands, clear water, and long stretches. Well, people after looking at so many beautiful beaches from all across the world.. Which one would be yr most "wanted & Dream" beach-cum-relaxing vacation u ever tinking of visiting?? As for me, the Most Dream beach i dying to go would be either at Maldives or any beach at Australia would be wonderful too~~!