Pingsters @ HV like Eons ago!

We had a gathering of the Ping not too long ago...I remember it was one of brennan's first appearance after enlistment. He looked really garang haha...and 'chao ta' (burnt). It was a nice lazy afternoon where we cld just meet up and chat and laff over food and drinks. The place: Essential Brew @HV.

Since starting at the hospital, I've been mega tired so I'll just let your fingers do the walking as I let the pictures do the talking.

These jasmine rice balls are an acquired taste...soup was ok though...

Click Click Click!

Is a rare thing (well...it is my FIRST) that I got someone willing to put an advert on my blog.

SO....u know wat to do...CLICK CLICK CLICK!

JDI~ as the famous Nike saying goes...Just Do It!

Yes...see that NIKE ad on the right? Please direct your mouse there and click. And thatz all u need to do. Very little energy needed. Just a little movement of your fingers and wrist muscles.

Thank you!!! =)

Here's To The Heroes

I love anthems...here's a particular one from my fave grp of tenors.
The Ten Tenors, hailing from Australia are a grp of young talented tenors who tickle your ears as well as your funny bones. They are not afraid to experiment and bring classical music to the masses through their clever arrangements and lyrics. This particular song, 'Here's to the Heroes' (i think originally sung by Mario Frangoulis) is my personal fave as their voices blend very well in harmony here, together with the stirring music and simple words that is simply inspiring. A fitting tribute to heroes.

Here's to the heroes
Those few who dare
Heading for glory
Living a prayer

Here's to the heroes
Who change our lives
Thanks to the heroes
Freedom survives

Here's to the heroes
Who never rest
They are the chosen
We are the blessed

Here's to the heroes
Who aim so high
Here's to the heroes
Who do or die

Mia monacha prosefchi (A single prayer)
Pera os pera alithini (Truthful throughout)
Gia panta mesa stin kardia mou (Forever in my heart)

Here's to the heroes
Who aim so high
Here's to the heroes
Who do or die

Eclectic Attic

I was meeting Van to watch "The Nanny Diaries" ( ) at PS so I looked for a dinner place while waiting for her. As it was a Friday, I searched for a place that served vegetarian as Van eats only veggies on Fridays.

I noticed this shop selling antique/collectibles/oddities and I remembered reading abt it and its cafe.
This place was supposedly recommended by CNA
Hidden away in the 5th level of PS, it was called Eclectic Attic and the decor was really that. I liked it as it was unique and quiet (then at 6pm). Plus they have vegetarian options!

Sitting with antiques and collectibles, the ambience was interesting, however no photography was allowed :(

We ordered soup, and two vegetarian pastas.
The pasta was wonderful...cooked al dente and despite my pasta sounding bland, it was bursting with flavours with little help from the olive oil and herbs only.

It was a good experience and service was friendly.

HOWEVER, avoid the cream of mushroom soup...wat we had wasn't the least bit creamy...it tasted like no-fat milk with specks of mushroom in it. and oh, it looked like cookies and cream in milk. NOT appetising

What I liked: the friendliness of staff, the ambience, the pasta dishes!
What I disliked: though friendly, they lack initiative...they din ask to provide pepper, cheese nor chilli flakes. NO PHOTOGRAPHY. YUCKY TASTING SOUP.

Overall Rating:

Details:
Eclectic Attic
L5 Plaza Singapura

I am a...

find your car personality here

My Intralase LASIK Experience

I'm here to say that within a few minutes after the operation, I sat up from the operating chair, I could see everyone and everything in the room. I cried, for me it was a miracle. I tested 6/15 the next day, and I could drive within 24 hours - without GLASSES!!!! My vision fluctuated for about 2 days. I just didn't read or read the computer screen for those 48 hours. I had NO complications, no halos, no on-going blurred vision, no pain, no infections. Every single day of the past week I am thankful and awestruck that I can 'see', I still can't get over it. Yes, I guess I'm a 'poster-child' for all that can go right.

Before Op outside Lasik Surgery Clinic

After Op

The next day

Some information about my INTRALASE LASIK:

LASIK eye flaps are traditionally created using a mechanical microkeratome. This has genereally been a safe technique. However, the microkeratome produces a meniscus-shaped flap of variable overall thickness and always thinner in the center than at the edges. Occasionally a corneal abrasion or an irregular, incomplete, or button-hole flap results.

The IntraLase™ femtosecond laser virtually eliminates the risk traditionally involved in creating a LASIK eye flap. The LASIK surgeon programs the desired thickness, diameter, and hinge placement. Then, without using a blade, the IntraLase™ laser creates a predictable uniform-thickness flap. IntraLASIK is an all-laser LASIK vision treatment that minimizes the possibility of flap complications while maximizing comfort and safety.

Benefits of IntraLASIK with the IntraLase™ femtosecond laser include:

• A premium approach to eye safety
• Virtually eliminates risk with eye flap creation
• Produces consistently perfect eye flaps
• Preserves corneal sensation better
• Markedly less dry eye complaints
• Virtually no eye flap induced distortion
• Lower LASIK eye enhancement rate

Following your LASIK laser eye surgery, you will be required to attend three (3) post-operative examinations:

• 24 hrs after the laser eye surgery
  
• 1 to 2 weeks
• 1 to 3 months (as advised by your optometrist)

How to take care of your eyes post-op:
The day of laser eye surgery should be a day of rest. Your eyes are very sensitive and it is very important to take extra care about activities in which the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched. Keep your eyes well lubricated.

• Avoid rubbing eyes. If your eyes are irritated, use lubricant drops.
• Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes.
• Take a bath instead of a shower. Avoid soap and water in the eyes.

24 hours post surgery

• Shower but continue to avoid any soap or water in the eyes.
• Limit yourself to light activities. Going to the office should probably be avoided. Work at home is acceptable.
• Driving short distances after the eye examination is acceptable if adequate vision is confirmed at the post-operative evaluation.
• Reading, watching TV, working on the computer and office work is acceptable, but it is very important to keep eyes well-lubricated.
• Flying in airplanes is acceptable but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes) – airplanes have very dry air.

Day 3 to a week after

• Light exercise (e.g. treadmill, Stairmaster, stationary bike).
• Playing with children (be careful).
• Moderate alcohol consumption may be resumed.
• Sauna or steam room

One week later

• Outdoor activities: jogging, rollerblading, relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking), playing golf.

Activities that can begin after 1 week WITH eye protection.

• Sun-tanning and salon tanning with eye protection for LASIK surgery patients.
• Racquet sports: tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton.
• Swimming, waterslides, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing.
• Basketball, soccer, baseball.
• Motorcycling (wear eye protection).

A month later

Activities that can begin at 1 month WITH eye protection.

• Water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, surfing.
• Sun-tanning and salon tanning with eye protection for PRK patients.
• Dirt biking, mountain biking.

Activities that can begin at 1 month without eye protection. Proceed with caution:

• Riding a roller coasters.
• Dying your hair and eyebrows
• Swimming, waterslides, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing.
• Basketball, soccer, baseball.

LASIK eye surgery can provide patients quickest improvement in their vision.

But according to the Eye Surgery Education Council, although many patients see improved vision immediately or the day after surgery, the full improvement may not be seen for up to a few months.

Side effects - including dry eyes, blurry vision and reduced night vision - are not uncommon and are usually temporary after LASIK surgery. Most of these symptoms clear up on their own. If they don't, the eye council recommends talking to your doctor.

So if you are considering Lasik:

- Make sure you have somewhere to stay right after the surgery. Somewhere peaceful and dark where you can sleep.
- Be able to make many phone calls. Conversation is your only source of entertainment for the first 24 hours since you can't read, watch TV, or use a computer. And you won't feel like partying.
- Have those eye drops on you at all times.
- Have lots of panadol or some painkiller ready, or better, handy.
- Do NOT have plans for the next day or you may be disappointed. Sometimes it may take a few days before life is back to normal.

Sources: Wikipedia, www.LSC.com.sg

O Rejoice in the Lord

"God never moves without purpose and plan"

As a Christian, my belief is that God is sovereign. He is in control of everything and everything happens for a reason.
Below are the lyrics to one of my fave songs "O Rejoice in the Lord". When I sing this song, I am encouraged to know that God watches out for me and I am never alone.

It reminds us that God is directing our paths and that He makes no mistake. It's all part of a bigger plan, a master plan to mold us and refine us.

'O Rejoice in the Lord'

God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead,
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

I Know They Are The Parents But...

Does it mean they have the right to go through your stuff?!
ESPECIALLY when u are already of working age and earning?!

One of the unhappy things in Singapore is the serious lack of privacy and independence. It's not that living in Australia's any better but at least I get privacy; my own personal space and freedom. My own place, my own freedom (my own car!)

Back in Singapore, everytime I come home, I open my door to my room and I feel like something's amiss but u can't quite put my finger on it; It's like I was violated when I was asleep. Why?! Does it mean that they are the parents and I am living under their roof that I have NO space nor privacy of my own. I cannot have my own voice and have my say in things?!

Technorati Tags: parents, own rights, privacy

My Journey into a New World

It has been almost 20 years since I could see clearly without the assistance of optical aids.

And this time tomorrow, I would be able to see again with near perfect vision like when I was in primary school.

It is exciting to say the least. Life changing in fact.

For those who do not wear glasses or contacts, you would not be able to know the full extend of the difficulties of being visually impaired. Esp in sports or when I was serving my national service in the army. And oh, thank God for digital cameras, if not, I'll still be having difficulties with the viewfinder (adjusting the diopter) when I take pictures. (but binoculars will still be a problem)

Well, come this time tomorrow, no more! I would be able to play contact sports, go swimming (diving even), night hikes, with less inconveniences and a huge improvement in the quality of life as well as quality of vision!

LASIK can mean new freedom -

• freedom to change the way the world sees you
• freedom from the time-consuming, day-to-day hassle of glasses or contact lenses
• freedom to play sports without the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses
• freedom to go on holiday and to work without worrying about your eyesight
• freedom to wake up during the night and see clearly

Contact lens intolerance, tired of wearing glasses, and lifestyle activities that are inhibited due to glasses or lens wear such as outdoor sports like golf, football, water sports or hiking...these worries will be a thing of the past!

Spectacles are cosmetically unappealing for some. There is a degree of distortion when looking through the periphery of the glasses, the field of vision is reduced and on leaving a cold room/bus, moisture can fog the glasses and blur vision for a few minutes. Hence glasses are unacceptable for certain careers. Contact lenses require motivation with great attention to hygiene during insertion and removal, failing which sight - threatening infections may result.

LASIK overcomes all these disadvantages.

Here's to freedom!