God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. And ME to share all the pain, laughter, tears, sorrow,happiness, sun and rain with you! Let us endure all the 暴风雨 and 彩虹 together!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Personality Tests

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.

They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.

It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment.

They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.



Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.

You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!


What Your Bathroom Habits Say About You

You are a very considerate person, but that doesn't mean you let people walk all over you.

Your idea of fashion is jeans and a t-shirt. Clean, if you're lucky.

You are a little shy and easily embarrassed. You often wonder if you are normal.

In relationships, you tend to be very romantic and demanding. You'll treat your partner like gold, but you expect a lot in return.

(The above is so funny....)

You Are a Chow Puppy

Don't fence me in!
You're an independent spirit that won't be tied down.


Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF)


You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.

You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.

You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.

In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.

At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.

With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.

As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.

On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.


You Are 52% Feminine, 48% Masculine

You are in touch with both your feminine and masculine sides.
You're sensitive at the right times, but you don't let your emotions overwhelm you.
You're not a eunuch, just the best of both genders.


Your EQ is 140

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick!
51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese.
71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely.
91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that.
111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt.
131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin.
150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.


You are a Self-Discoverer

You're not religious, but you've created your own kind of spirituality.
Introspective and thoughtful, you tend to look inward for the divine.
You are distrusting of all forms of organized religion.
You especially dislike religious gurus and leaders, who you feel are charlatans.

Test: What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

Your Birthdate: December 10

You don't just believe in love at first site - you've experienced it.
You develop crushes pretty easily, but keeping your interest is another matter!
You are very prone to love - hate relationships.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 2

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 2

You are most compatible with people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th of the month.

Hmm... true enough... I develop crushes quite easily..... but not alot keeps me interested because of different thinking, values and personality, etc... ;)
Thus, it is sometimes better as friends. Haha...

Hmmm.... ppl who can keep me interested are those who made me think and reflect on myself.... and of couse... someone who is impressive in terms of things that I don't know or never thought of... haha....

Not that difficult right? =)

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Happiness - is it so hard to achieve?

Before I go to bed, something to ponder about... ...

Is happiness so hard to achieve? It started me ponder about it last night when I was taking a break from my assignment which I needed to write about my personal philosophy. I was playing a strategy game, which I choose to play the "happiness" strategy. Oh, in the game, there are other family members with you too(but you don'y know which is you la). There are other strategies to choose from such as money, education and health. I did not choose money because so what if I have all the money in the world but I have no health to spend? Neither did I choose education. So what if I have all the qualifications in the world? I am nothing without health and family. I didn't choose health because so what if I am healthy but I am nothing without happiness and education.

And by playing the stategy "happiness" to win the game, there is a must be some money, education and health. I guess that is the hardest stategy to play. Cause to be happy, there must be money (from work), education and health while playing other stategy, you need to only concentrate on one condtion.

I was wondering if real life is the same too... ... But even if in real life, even though it is difficult, I guess I will still choose happiness over just only education, health or money.

I still choose to be happy to have alittle of everything than all of one thing. Perhaps, that is the reason why I am always jack of all trades but master of none. hmm....

Try out the game and tell me if you succeeded playing any of the strategy while I will still try my happiness at all cost....


Good nite!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Let's us all do the last 100m sprint together!

Although we are suppose to be enjoying our term break, it doesn't seems to be the case. We have 2 assignments dued this coming monday and of course still busy with our FYP... ... And some of us still have presentations... ...

Let's us do the 100-m sprint together.... till we graduate!!! =)(Photo courtesy of istockphoto)


Some meaningful lyrics to all, esp. all the OTties!

At the Beginning by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis

We were strangers, starting out on a journey
Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through
Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

No one told me, I was going to find you
Unexpected, what you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start

* And life is a road and I wanna keep goin'
Love is a river I wanna keep flowin'
Life is a road now and forever wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end I want to be standing
At the beginning with you

We were strangers, on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand, unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

[Repeat *]

Knew there was somebody somewhere
Like you alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing is going to tear us apart

[Repeat *]

Life is a road and I wanna keep goin'
Love is a river I wanna keep flowin'
Starting out on a journey

[Repeat *]

In the end I want to be standing
At the beginning
With you

**************************************************

If we hold on together by Diana Ross

don't lose your way
with each passing day
you've come so far
don't throw it away
live believing
dreams are for weaving
wonders are waiting to start
live your story
faith, hope & glory
hold to the truth in your heart


if we hold on together
i know our dreams will never die
dreams see us through to forever
where clouds roll by
for you and i


souls in the wind
must learn how to bend
seek out a star
hold on to the end
valley, mountain
there is a fountain
washes our tears all away
words are swaying
someone is praying
please let us come home to stay


if we hold on together
i know our dreams will never die
dreams see us through to forever
where clouds roll by
for you and i


when we are out there in the dark
we'll dream about the sun
in the dark we'll feel the light
warm our hearts, everyone


if we hold on together
i know our dreams will never die
dreams see us through to forever
as high as souls can fly
the clouds roll by
for you and i

**************************************************

Learn to Fly by A1


When you feel the dream is over
Feel the world is on your shoulders
And you lost the strength to carry on
Even though the walls may crumble
And you find you always stumble through
Remember never to surrender to the dark
Cuz if you turn another page
You will see that's not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you're on the wrong track
Give it time, you'll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You'll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you'll learn to fly

In your head, so many questions
The truth is your possession
The answer lies within your heart (within your heart)
You will see the doors are open
If you only dare to hope
And you will find a way to fight
The fears that kept you down
Cuz if you turn another page
You will see that's not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you're on the wrong track
Give it time, you'll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You'll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you'll learn to fly

Looking at your situation
There's so much that you can do
Now's the time to make your stand
This is just an observation
In the end it's up to you
The future's in your hands

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you're on the wrong track
Give it time, you'll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You?ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you'll learn to fly

Give it time
Then you'll learn to fly

**************************************************

A Shoulder to Cry on by Tommy Page

Life is full of lots of up and downs,
And the distance feels further when you're headed for the ground,
And there is nothing more painful than to let you're feelings take you down,
It's so hard to know the way you feel inside,
When there's many thoughts and feelings that you hide,
But you might feel better if you let me walk with you by your side,

And when you need a shoulder to cry on,
When you need a friend to rely on,
When the whole world is gone,
You won't be alone, cause I'll be there,
I'll be your shoulder to cry on,
I'll be there,
I'll be a friend to rely on,
When the whole world is gone,
you won't be alone, cause I'll be there.

All of the times when everything is wrong
And you're feeling like
There's no use going on
You can't give it up
I hope you work it out and carry on


Side by side,
With you till the end
I'll always be the one to firmly hold your hand
no matter what is said or done
our love will always continue on

Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on
everyone needs a friend to rely on
When the whole world is gone
you won't be alone cause I'll be there
I'll be your shoulder to cry on
I'll be there
I'll be the one you rely on
when the whole world's gone
you won't be alone
cause I'll be there!

And when the whole world is gone
You'll always have my shoulder to cry on....

**************************************************
I WILL by David Foster

When Life seems hopeless
And you are all alone
And no one is there to dry
The teardrops from your eyes
When you can’t find a single reason left to try
Baby I will, I will

Tell me the secrets
That you’ve locked away
Confide your deepest Fears
That haunt you every day
All of the little things
Nobody else could understand
Baby I will, I will

Chorus:
It’s all right. I’ll be there
Count one me, anytime, anywhere
I’ll show you love
Till the end of my life
When no one else will stand by your side
I will

When all you’ve counted on
Comes tumbling down
And there’s only emptiness
That nothing seems to fill
And when can’t remember how to be strong
Baby I will, I will

Chorus:

I' ll be standing right by your side
I will

**************************************************

【有福】主题曲- 明天的幸福

也许我没拿到满分
还不算是完美的人
所以我比谁都认真
努力赶上你的标准

爱你就是我的责任
我跟昨天的我竞争
要用笑容取代泪痕
看你难过我会心疼

故事还没有结束
让我再把你搂住
别忘了预约
明天的幸福
走过的每个脚步
都值得欢欣鼓舞
能为你吃苦 不觉得苦

手心有你的温度
冷酷就可以挡住
我为你约好
明天的幸福
在人海起起伏伏
爱是唯一的地图
要陪你看见 每个日出

**************************************************

【有福】插曲- 满天星


在茫茫人海里
也许我在某天遇到你
各自想心事
然后又错过擦肩离去

匆忙是这个城市
最熟悉的旋律
你和我都曾渴望
被谁鼓励
跌倒以后
还有向前的动力

我抬头望着满天星
平凡的心愿闪着
渺小的回应
你是否跟我一样
努力把梦擦亮
学习有天像太阳坚强

我们都好像满天星
再黑暗也不畏惧
只因为相信
就算一滴泪光
就能照亮方向
有不怕痛的胸膛
就有天堂



To end off, a quote for you:


" The road may be difficult but with skills and confidence, I will be able to help the people in the future."

- Spiderman in <<拥抱明天>>

Visit to Mr Goh's House

Went to Mr Goh (AKA Ah Goh) 's house yesterday... ... Haven't been to his house for like 2 years? The last time that I went was in 2005. =)

Well... ... didn't have his address or shall I say I do not know where I have placed them. Thus, I called him after he didn't reply my sms. Got his address and guess what? I only got his "address" without the unit number. haha.... didn't really want to bother him again until I really cannot find.
Sab and me managed to get a lift from Johan. It has been ages since I saw Johan.

When we reached Ah Goh's flat, in the lift,... ... I'm trying to recall which button I press 2 years back! haha... Then I think I recalled something like the highest level. Then before we entered the lift, there was this pizza delievery man and he was also going to the same level. And well, to our surprise, we were going to the same flat! haha....

We got a shock when we reached as we were not the only ones there. His current students were there too and they ordered the pizzas and well, Ah Goh paid for them. haha... it may be the same for us if we were their age too... but at least I think we still pay him back in the end, which he rejects most of the time. Still remembered we went to play pool with Ah Goh 2 years back... or it is 3 years? We also went to watch movie with him... ... Those were the days...

Well, I was standing there observing them... ... it seems like I am looking at myself when I was their age. The way that they talk to Mr Goh... resemble us at least 80%. And as usual, Ah Goh tends to be "bullied" by us. Erm, I think more by the guys in my class than the gals... ... cause only 1/3 of the class are gals and only like 1/2 of us take computing and thus closer to Mr Goh than those not taking computing. And if my maths is correct at 2am, then it makes 1/6 of the class... ... haha...

Anyway, Ah Goh still looks the same. The house is still the same. Just that there are additional things to the house. Things like baby cot, baby walker, toys... ... these are the things that are so rare in his house in the past.... and of course it was because of the addtional member to the Goh's family. But listen up, it is not 1 but 2 members!!!! Congrats!!!

The older one is 1 1/2 y.o. while the younger one I heard is 3 mths old. Didn't get to see the younger one but I managed to take a photo of the older one. How can someone like me who likes children forget to take a photo of her?

Here it goes.... Presenting to you....... JADE GOH!




Isn't she cute? haha.... And when I was taking the last photo, I said "笑笑" (smile) and she imitated and said "笑笑" too.... hehe...

Well, forget to take photo with those present.... namely Ming Guang, Johan, Wei Zhen, Edward, Zheng Rong (who Ah Goh forgotten his name), Sabrina and me!

Of all mentioned, Edward became much fairer... ... perhaps he didn't go under the sun much when he was in Australia..... and well, he took a ride from his mom even though his hse was like 10 mins away from Ah Goh....

Ming Guang, Johan ans Wei Zhen has become more mature as compared they were in JCs... but well.... still as playful.... but nevertheless, can see that they are much hardworking than before.... haha....

Zheng Rong, still as strong as ever....

Sabrina... ... hmm... more mature too... and more emotionally stronger as compared to the past... ya? = )

As for me, well.... don't know if there was any changes... haha.... but was really glad that we had a chance to meet up again after so long.... perhaps the Class Maid here will organize another outing where most of us can make it... ...

Keep you guys updated ya..... and please update your emails and contact numbers with me!

Signing off,
Xiu Ling
Class Maid
TPJC
02S25

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Future ... ...

Okay.... 2 CNY days past.... time to do alittle write-ups on my future plans.... since it was a common question that people ask for the past 2 days ... ...

Some common questions:

1) When are you graduating?
Me: around 3 more months.

2) So you intend to further your studies?
Me: Yup. Cause it only takes me 1 yr for my degree conversion. (if I do it onshore.)


Well, had a talk with my mom regarding some degree conversion thingy... but she don't seems to understand what I am trying to say... gave up telling her too... she doesn't seems to see why I gave up taking Engineering in NTU and decided to take up Occupational Therapy. And she doesn't seems to see why there's a need for continuing education.... as in going to a degree.
She also doesn't seems to understand why studying something that I like, though it isn't a degree is more important than a degree itself.

Anyway, getting a degree is something that I always wanted, for both myself and the family, as I want to be the 1st or one of the first to be awarded with a degree. So, it will not matter how long it takes for me to get a degree, so long I get one. =p

Well, I think the root of the problem is that all the allied health courses for A level students should not start in a poly right from the start. Sigh.

Well, but whatever may be, I have already decided few options:

If I managed to get a place in overseas university (i.e. Curtin or Uni of South Australia),

1) And if I managed to get a scholarship, then I will go overseas for a year.

2) If no scholarship, I may defer for 1 - 2 years to save up.

3) Wait for the organization that I am going to work in to sponsor me. (low probabilty)


If not, I will do a part-time degree conversion while I work full-time, which is at the moment more highly likely as I need to contribute to the family soon. The longer I wait to do my degree conversion overseas, the lesser probability of me going as my parents are aging... ... unless I have the income to sustain myself and the family for the time that I am not working... ...

Shall see how things go. Anyway, have tried to apply for 2 unis - curtin and Uni SA. And I was shortlisted for the special needs officer by the MOE. I asked a few questions regarding how much autonomy we can have if we have certification / qualification in occupational therapy. And also whether MOE is considering hiring occupational therapists.

Yup. So at least this is my options for now but I do keep my options open. =)

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Horoscope for the day

Sagittarius

The Bottom Line

Today is a good time to start thinking about new places you want to go to in life.

In Detail

Things have calmed down a bit in your life, so today is a very good time to start thinking about new places you want to go and new things you want to do. Look to the people you greatly admire for guidance, and they will inspire you. If you start to feel drawn to humanitarian activities, go with it! To keep yourself happy and engaged with life, you have to keep expanding your horizons. Step out of your predictable world and discover new beginnings.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

CNY

Although CNY is coming, I no longer feel the excitment in me. Perhaps it was due to the tiredness I have or perhaps it was endless assignment that we have to do during CNY. Or perhaps it was just another day..... a day where you see your other relatives....

Till now, I haven't buy my new year clothes.... haha... hopefully gonna get them tml....

Perhaps the "mood" will be here on saturday..... =)

Mad Rush

Had a super duper mad rush last week and the week before... ...

Being one of the 1st few groups to present both the cognitive dysfunction and work rehabilitation presentations is madness. We have no idea what CSM want for our presentations. We just crossed our fingers and hope that things go well.

Endless nights in school to discuss presentations are no joke. But well, it is gonna be the last since we are all graduating, so we should enjoy the process. I guess the most fulfilling one would be the work rehabilitation for the ID clients. =)

I guess for my work group members, we do feel a great sense of satisfaction after the presentation, especially after all the comments from the class and CSM. We truly felt that all the late nights we all that worth it. Who knows? Perhaps we can propose to the Government our 3Es idea.... =)

Of Course, cognitive presentation was also "memorable" for we were so lost in what and how we are going to present. But hey! We Ride the Tide Together!!!!

Finally, I have ended all my presentations. Yah.... that only means I have slightly more time for my other assignments but now, I am just gonna to relax myself from all the stresses and lack of sleep... ...

I think I gonna miss the time when we sleep over at each others house for projects.....

And the time when we see how one and other put in our best effort for every projects that we undergo when we can actually do the "easiest-cum-fastest" way.....

But we still decided to "trash" hear each other out.....

I guess all these really make us who we are.....

4 more mths to go ... ...

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Something to ponder about

Sometimes I wonder if our expectations of life has changed with better education. I see more and more people becoming career-minded and focus more in work than in relationship. Come to think of that, we spent hours and hours in our work and sometimes even at home after office hours and that when we come home, we are back facing the 4 walls (of course we have our familiies). Do we work to live or live to work? Are we working so hard that we lose the focus in life? What do we really want in life?


I was wondering if education makes a person changes their expectations in life, including what kind of life partners they are going to be with. I came to know that one of my friends has gotten a wife from overseas. (not sure if it was from countries such as vietnam and china). And I also have few friends whose preferred partners are of the same gender as them. Not too sure if the society has become more open-minded or that our expectations have become higher to find the one. Or that we are no longer looking for the typical type of relationship that the society used to have?

It is just something to ponder about ... ... something that just cross my mind among my hectic school work.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Long Week

Last week was a looonnnng tiring week....
Meetings after meetings... all my breaks and free periods are packed with project discussions one after another. The worse one was on wednesday I think (See, I'm even disorientated to time now.) I had discussions back to back, one after another, from cognitive dysfunction to work rehabilitation to FYP. Haha... looks like the lunar 7th month singers "rushing for performance at Getai"

Nevertheless, the coming week is gonna be super packed as well.... and I haven't buy my new year clothes yet!!! Was with some of my classmates at bugis.... but I'm like a walking zombie.... my brain was already in standby mode and ready for shut down any time....

Oh.... last thursday, finally I have time for exercise!!! haha... that was during reduced energy lesson. We had captain ball in the swimming pool! =) After so long.... and we just heard from HB that the gym that we thought it was, was actually for the sportsmans..... and the actual gym was in the sports hall..... and we didn't know it and we are now 3 months away from our graduation.

5 Factors Model of Personality Traits

Hey there..... try this test! Not sure if it is accurate for you..... perhaps you tell me whether it is accurate for me! =)


My Personality



Neuroticism
58
Extraversion
83
Openness To Experience
96
Agreeableness
50
Conscientiousness
40

You are sociable, outgoing, energetic, and lively. You prefer to be around people much of the time. Stressful and frustrating situations can often be upsetting to you, but you are sometimes able to get over these feelings and cope with these situations. Novelty, variety, and change spice up your life and make you a curious, imaginative, and creative person. You have some concern with others' needs, and are generally pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative. You are reasonably reliable, organized, and self-controlled.

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report

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Sunday, February 04, 2007

3 Cheers for the Singapore Lions!

For those who knows me, I was never a die-hard fan of any soccer team. But tonight, I actually watched the whole ASEAN Football Championship of Singapore vs Thailand.

Perhaps it is my patriotic nature.... I always enjoyed participating/watching events that makes me Singaporean. So, even sitting on the stool watching the match telecast live on channel 5 at home, it makes me feel proud being a Singaporean.

I can't imagine myself screaming softly when Singapore scored a goal!!! I'm really proud of how everyone put in their very best performance during the match and never fail to keep their cool. Though Singapore was playing defence most of the time, (correct me if I'm wrong, I alrdy say I'm not a die hard fan), Khairul Amri managed to score a goal in the 80th minute after a solo run. Goalkeeper Lionel Lewis also saved afew balls from scoring. During the last 10-15mins or so, he had some muscle pull at the thigh I think..... and the referee gave him a yellow card when he took slightly longer to kick the ball....

I can't imagine myself having a heart attack when the Lions missed the many few chances of scoring a goal. But the thais are playing very well too.... their attacks were good.... their teamwork and passing were good as well.....

But nevertheless, I was very happy that we won the cup again!!!

(apologies if any soccer terms are used wrongly. I already say I'm not a die-hard fan.)

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Valentine's Day Flowers

Since V-day is coming..... anybody wants to buy hand-make roses? hehe..... can email me to order..... lol.... price and colours of flowers is neogiatable. =)

Helping someone with visual impairment

It has been more than 1 year since HB taught us the mobility module. You all must be wondering why I bring this up after so long. Well, as the title of this entry suggest "Helping someone with visual impairment."

I was in the train with SH and Zub and we saw this person at the city hall who are visually impaired. He was waiting for a train, towards the east direction. We didn't pay much attention to him after afew glances at him. We didn't want to have this "staring" thing on him as we know it will be uncomfortable for him, even though he is visually impaired. It was when we alighted at the Tampines MRT station where he, too alighted. We walked past him and he was sort of approaching for help. He was asking if anyone can help him down and out of the MRT station. Well, not sure if it was our instinct or our humanistic nature, we just lend our helping hands. Since I was the nearest to him, I bring out my hands and held onto him.

That was so damn wrong to do that!!!! OT year 3s........ can you all remember that? I was really ashamed of myself during that time when he replied, "Don't hold my hand. Let me hold onto your elbow." Does that strike a bell?

Yes! To assist a person with visual impairment, we are not suppose to hold onto their hands. Instead, let them hold on to our elbows. Okay..... so the journey went on....

As it was abit long waiting for the lift, the man said it was okay to use the escalator too. As it was 7+ in the evening, the station was alittle packed and so was the platform. On the way to the escalator, I had forgotten that there was a person behind me and I tried to move through 2 persons. (opps....)
Then we went down the escalator. Had a little chat along the way to the interchange to take a bus.....

hmm.... this man was on his way to a church in my neighbourhood. He had just finished his work at orchard. Wanted to but didn't ask him what he worked as. Can't remember what we were talking but it leaded us to him telling me how he gotten his visual impairment - he had a brain tumour and he had it remove and it affect his optic nerve.

Then he started asking where I'm studying and what I study. Interestingly, he does not know what is occupational therapy. Perhaps he didn't go through any occupational therapy - he seems cognitively sound and physically abled. Not sure if any help was given to him in terms of modification to the environment at home.

Soon, we reached the bus lane. He had this talking watch that we saw before when the guest speaker came to talk to us about people with visual disability. He opened and it talks. =)
He said that it was okay to leave him there at the lane and that I can go back to meet my friends. BTW I was with SH remember? She helped me to top up my ezlink while I assist him. Hmmm.... I was thinking it won't harm me waiting with him for a few more minutes since I think the bus may come any moment soon.

True enough, the bus came and he boarded the bus. Before he left, he thanked me for the help.

But rather, I think I should thank him for the opportunity for me to have this experience of assisting a person with visual impairment as whatever we did during lesson is just mimic of the experience. Assisting him also helps me to refresh my memory of how to assist a person with visual impairments.

Though today was a long tiring day after 2 project meetings...... it ended with a meaningful activity. =)

Remember,

  • Never hold onto the hands of people with visual impairment when assisting them in mobility
  • Instead, give them your elbows or shoulders
  • Avoid crowded area because people will most probably not give way
  • Walk slowly if your walking pace is fast
  • Always talk to the person and tell him/she where you are heading

Maid, an Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks.

(definations extracted from Wikipedia)

As mentioned by H.B, it is commonly seen in Singapore, or Asian countries, how much a person with disability/ies rely on a maid for basic ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) like dressing, bathing, etc and sometimes these people can actually do by themselves.

And more often than not, as I have seen during my clinicals, most of the time is the family members who asked the maids to do all the things for the child/ person with disability. Then, in this case, how can the person be independent? And getting the maid to do the tasks for them, isn't that makes a maid an assistive technology? That was also mentioned by H.B.

Perhaps, we should change the mindsets of the public. And before getting the public change the mindset, I think the media should STOP showing how pity the disabled people are. I think it has been a little mind bogging after we seen videos on how the disable riots for their rights and how people in the asia resign to their fate and fall into self-pity and stuff.....

S.J mentioned that has this course changed us to give empathy selectively now... ... Has our mindset changed from an "empathy for all the less fortunate people" to "Yes, you are disabled, but you can still think and you are still abled in many ways. Why are you crying and think that that is the end of the life?"

Well, I would not dare to say our mindset has changed but rather our OT education has exposed us to see what is beyond the bodily function. A person does not make up just the physical body alone. It has other areas like spiritually, thinking and feelings.....

Perhaps, now the media should focus on how ABLE people with disabilities can be. And they should start not to use all the sad stories as a means to raise funds for the organizations, making use of the public's sympathy. I'm not trying to say that the public should not donate the money but rather, that is not the way to create the awareness of the disabilities. This will be a viscous cycle. This will make the public pity them ---> disabled to self-pity -----> more pity from the public..... and this goes on and on.... there must be a stop somewhere.....

Maybe with the better educated generation things will get better. Or perhaps when we start to work as a full fledged therapists, we can make an impact our clients and as well as the public.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Aging Mother and Aging me!

I realized that my mom is aging!!! Her sense of hearing is declining.

More often than not, sometimes I have to increase my volume to talk to her. And just few days ago, my brother was on the line on her hp..... and she passed the phone over to me..... my godness... I have to put the phone at least 5 cm away from my ears!
Haiz... no wonder sometimes she says she never hear her hp rings when she's at work....

Anyway, she's wearing those long sightedness glasses for the elderly too.....

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Today is the 2nd time of the week that the photocopy aunty called me "Jie Jie" with respect to the other students in NYP......

I was at the photocopy lady yesterday and there was this guy.... I think should be nursing student yr 1..... he had some problems with printing A4 into A3..... So I tried to help and I was successful. =) Then he thanked the aunty and me. Then the aunty was saying, "Don't thank me. Thank the Jie Jie behind."

I was like "..................." Laughs. I guess the "boy" must be wondering "why must I call her Jie Jie." I guess not alot of people know that we (allied health students) are slightly older than them... not alot actually.... just like 5 years difference if they are year 1 health science student ONLY mah..... haha....

Today again...... she did it again.... haha.... The photocopy machine was taking so long that there was a short queue behind me..... then she said "You all have to wait ah... this jie jie is taking a long time to print her things....." Then she started talking why I never go to business side.... there got more "handsome guys" and then again she said they are all younger than us....

Then came this "PC serviceman" and GUESS WHAT???
She like trying to be matchmaker like that..... she was talking to the "PC serviceman": "Hey, this girl is asking why her things is printing so slowly. You tell her why leh."

I was like .......... I am innocent!!! haha.... I wasn't offended or anything lah.... I mean at least something to pass time chatting with aunty.... I think I was there for like 30 mins!!! But luckily the pc serviceman came only at the last 5 mins.... haa.... But was suprise that aunty actually knows that I am from OT!!!! haha....

And well, she reminded me that I am not getting any younger.... age is catching up..... and my health too.... guess got to do something about them soon.