Jipinhe Scones is a small outlet at my nearby mall. I was initially intrigued to try their Hot and Sour Rice Noodles. It is said to taste like the noodles in Chongqing. However, it is said to be spicy, and I am not sure if I can tolerate the heat. Thus, I went with the other set option that has the Tomato Noodle Soup and the scone. I opted for the New Orleans Chicken Thigh scone and a jelly dessert.
Truth be told, I really loved everything I ordered. The tangy tomato flavour was strong and flavourful. The scone’s filling was generous too. I was really full after the meal I shared with my daughter. I was watching over my calories.
I am glad that my daughter agreed to try something new. I am inspired to do this from time to time after watching this movie called The Room. There was a part after the mother and her child managed to escape from their kidnappers and live life. They tried everything together so that they would get to know the things they would like, exploring everything from different foods to new activities, which helped strengthen their bond and filled their lives with joy and discovery. This exploration reminded me that, indeed, that is what we should do as well. While being in a comfort zone makes you feel safe, exploring something different can lead to unexpected experiences that enrich our lives, foster creativity, and broaden our perspectives. Embracing the unknown not only brings about personal growth but also teaches us valuable lessons about adaptability.
My daughter is embarking on a new life experience soon. She will be learning a new skill. InsyaAllah.
An experienced photographer would probably have a lot to say about this photo. I always appreciate expert opinion. They are experts because they know more. I took this photo on a bright, sunny evening. It looks dark because it is the reflection of the trees on the river surface. Looking at it closely, you could see the ripples of the water. The image is flipped. I had to wait for a few joggers to pass me by before I whipped out my phone and captured this scenery.
It is normal to perceive something as it is. It takes slightly more effort to understand what is happening underneath. Dealing with human behaviour and emotion is notably tough. We can never be sure of what another person means, despite how literal they wish to portray themselves. There is always another layer within them that they are not comfortable showing the world. Yet, we still make an effort to connect because that is what being human is all about. We learn how to navigate the different personas and difficult conversations. With time, we get better at our soft skills. This set of skills is not limited to communication. It entails emotional intelligence, creativity in decision-making, and body language. I believe there is more to learn as we create a better version of ourselves.
In healthcare services today, we need more advocates who care for healthcare professionals. HCPs are human beings who CHOSE to do medicine with one purpose in common: altruism. It is very unfair to say to HCPs
YOU CHOSE TO DO THIS. YOU SHOULD BEAR WITH IT. IF NOT, LEAVE!!!
Yes, we chose to do this. But it doesn’t mean you should treat us like SHIT.
It’s like saying just because we choose to marry someone, it is OK for the spouse to disrespect us, hit us, or abuse us simply because it was you who chose that person to become your partner.
A couple may still have differing opinions on what is deemed successful or fulfilling despite living under the same roof for so many years. I am aware that my idea of self-actualisation may not be on the same page as my husband’s. It’s fine. He is entitled to his opinion. I just hope that we still get to be in the same book. Better still, in the same chapter with our unique storyline.
COVID-19 taught me about the fragility of life as a human being and the majestic power of our Creator. Just when you thought you’ve got your life put together, an unexpected force decides to come by and shatter everything down. I bet no one even imagined that pilots could lose their jobs and that delivery riders suddenly become important people in your life. People begin to discover the vast capabilities of technology. Lessons could still be taught outside the four walls of the classroom. Healthcare could be delivered over a phone call. Income could be generated using ideas and an internet connection. It was also a turning point when people began to look out for themselves, more than others, under the guise of protecting personal boundaries and mental health.
The face of altruism is changing.
After COVID-19, I began to have thoughts of having an early retirement. This idea became more serious for the last 2 years. There wasn’t a specific moment that accounted to this decision. More like an accumulation of small events that led to me thinking, “is life worth living like this?”. Things like signing the SSPA, increasing work burden, missing relatives wake, missing the kids special awards moments, not joining family holidays etc. Attending to work diligently does not score me extra points or privileges. It is just work but taking annual leaves come with a quota. And we cannot freely leave our consultation room for family related affairs unless someone is terribly sick or dying. It is something I have learned to accept as someone working in the public healthcare services. We live to help others more than ourselves. Or so, I had thought before. Gradually, the thought of putting strangers before myself were slowly dissipating. I still care for my colleagues but not so much for my patients. Patients nowadays never listen to expert advice but remain a coward in owning up to the bad decisions they make in relation to their health. They just want to blame other people for that. SISPAA has become a favourite vocabulary. Yet, we remain quiet. We are not allowed to fight and defend ourselves. We serve the rakyat. Hence, our personal time and sometimes dignity does not fully belong to us.
Lately, I just don’t find medicine fascinating anymore. Whenever a colleague comes across an intriguing case, I’d feign interest. Although to be honest, I don’t really care what the ECG looks like, or if the patient is admitted. I don’t get excited about going to medical courses. I used to be the one searching for weekend conferences to ‘learn more’ about other things. Nowadays, I just try to avoid everything at all cost. Yet I still encourage others to attend. Sometimes I do reflect on this sudden change. Am I actually depressed or am I burnt out? I still turn up for work on time and complete relevant tasks. I still counsel patients and care for them. But I find that I am not as passionate as I was before. Prior to this, I’d get really upset when I see a patient with uncontrolled diabetes. Nowadays, if my advice is dismissed, I don’t really care anymore. Although I couldn’t really say it to their face, my inner self is mumbling ,”then, maybe you should just default the next appointment and just die”. Of course, I get alarmed at myself for having such devilish thoughts. Which is why, before I get less empathetic and lackadaisical in my work performance – aiding death in the process, I should plan my exit.
In short, I wanted OUT.
I am working towards that. My early retirement plan. Initially, it was for 2028. Maybe or maybe, I could bring it forward to 2027.
I was expecting more from the organisers. It wasn’t entirely disappointing, but it did feel like it could have been better.
I joined this run because I was attracted to its T-shirt design and the medal. My daughter joined in because I know she would love the pink T-shirt and could tolerate the 4KM distance. I read a few Threads that commented on the quality of the T-shirt. Indeed, the sizing was just off. There was hardly any difference between an XL and a 2XL. It was also see-through.
During the day itself, the event emcee failed to bring the crowd together. Obviously, people just want the event to start and finish promptly. Not too much banter, too. I understand that he wants to hype the audience, but sometimes you have to just read the room. The moment people don’t recognise you as a radio DJ, then change the persona and just become an emcee. MEOW run was not a Malay-majority event. It was an event of people coming from various ethnic backgrounds. So, handle it like one.
While I can overlook the fact that the distance was slightly more than 4KM, the so-called βgoodiesβ at the finish line were a complete letdown. A medal and a bottle of water? Really? Most of us were expecting at least a roll of bread or a packet of Hup Seng crackers! Itβs shocking that even seasoned runners noted the absence of bibs in their race kits. Seriously, I once participated in a fun run at Bukit Serindit with my daughter, and we got a bib along with a bag brimming with treats. Itβs no surprise that countless participants complained, since AEON certainly projects an image grand enough to have delivered much more!
