on the fence...

I got a text message from a friend this morning to read one of the local news paper, page four. I was scanning the page when i saw a tiny portion that was suppose to attract my attention. I seldom read the local newspaper, for so many obvious reasons, but when one asks me to read, i do, or when the paper is available in the clinic for free, i read in between patients.

Anyways, whom ever wrote that comment, is probably one of us, and is greatly unhappy as i can feel the unhappiness and is precise about his/her opinion on the matter. He/She also sounded very knowledgeable.

I am actually on the fence on the issue. What issue some of you may ask... Well, the comment was about medical and allied health professionals becoming administrators without proper training, and losing expertise and hence reducing good and efficient quality service to the people.

I agree that some professionals, though, they took a different field, can excel in another. Though, not everyone can do it. Obvious examples are clearly available within my ministry, but i shan't point fingerssss.

Another ministry that takes similar stand is the Ministry of Education, where they pick and pull the best of their teachers into administration to help run the ministry smoothly. After all, who knows the field better than the professionals living and breathing it???

Sometimes, i think, by doing and staying in one particular job can be a bit boring and perhaps stagnant and less challenging for the brain. not that i am saying that there is not much challenge in medicine, but with limited knowledge, you can only use and apply so much, and in the end, you become boring, things become routine and the brain dies secondary to lack of challenges and stimulation!

Plus, I do not see what is wrong with a medical or health professional to become an administration. A few of us can probably do a better job than the existing team, as we understand the jargon better, and would not be 'stupidify' or politely known as 'charmed' by others into believing 'medical miracles'.

I would, however, recommend rotation of posts so one whom had achieved 'greatness' do not forget it is short lived, and will do their best within their position for that period of time, as they would come back down and join the others. What is sad with most of us is that, we tend to lose ourselves, and think we are above it all. And you forget how it was once difficult for you, too, and that someone helped you... and you needed support, too.

My attitude to this subject is simple. Regardless of the person's background, if he/she is capable to show others that they can lead, they can help improve the situation, they can inject positivism and increase morale amongst the grass root level.... I say....'What are you waiting for?"

I also understand by accepting a post within the administration means less 'professionals' looking after the people of Brunei, but WHEN DO WE GET OUR CHANCE TO BE LOOKED AFTER???

Working morale is sooooo low. There is no longer positivism in work. People lost their passion for things they once loved.

To give the best you can, is to receive the best you can. Its a relationship after all, and relationships are two way streets.

hanging out

yesterday, my friends and I decided to go out for a meal and then hang out. There were no clear plans but eating and bringing out laptop along were pre-requisite.

We wanted to eat at this italian place that offers 'eat-all-you-can' meal, however, the establishment was closed. We were picking our brains of places to eat next, when I decided i wanted Italian and head off to the other slightly pricier italian place. I had my usual - though i was supposed to share... I kind of eat the whole pasta all by my self ;) Sorry Girls!!! Its my favourite :P

We, i think, ate a bit too much, as someone felt bloated. I on the other hand, felt just ok. If truth was to be told, If i did not stop myself, I could have continued eating ;)

We hopped off to the nearest cafe where the internet connection was complimentary and decided to sit for a bit, discuss and look at pictures. Everyone had their own set of pictures to show off ;) it was nice...

The internet connection was, however, annoying. I could not tell why the connection was terrible, but then, it started to pour, lightning and thunder was present... then i said to myself "no wonder", and squeezed myself to the corner.... trying to move away from it all, trying to protect myself...

I remember when i was much younger, my parents fed me the notion that every time there is thunder, it means god is displeased with some kids... and until today, every time i hear thunder, i feel like i have done something bad... and i just want to wrap myself up in bed, surrounded with pillows and duvet for protection and comfort. i often chant prayers while driving...

My uncle in Kuala Belait often laugh at me, as i always excuse myself, even in the middle of watching a tv program if there is thunder to the bedroom.

On a lighter note, as the girls and I were walking towards the cafe in Gadong, we saw this father on a comfortable sofa with his baby in his arms on hi s lap. From afar, it looked as if the father was cooing the baby to sleep. Upon nearer and further investigation, i noted that the dad was sleeping as well.... with his head down, mere few inches from the baby.

We walked past the baby and father for the second time, when i said to my friends to watch if the father is drooling on the boy. They burst into laughters, and said i had an evil mind... I don't. but, it would be hilarious to actually see the father, being tired as well, drooling on his sleeping child ;) :P

Happy...

We all know what we are deep inside... whether we are nice or nasty. But often, others judge us from what they see we do, or say. Yesterday, I was informed that I had new patients to be seen, and as I had freed the rest of the afternoon (under false impression that i would be on a course the whole day), I rushed to the crime scene to see the patients.

I had a pair of old lady and gentleman, obviously in different wards. I went to see the old lady first. She was surrounded by her grand-daughters. I liked her... I made her smile, and tried to get her to communicate and respond to her grand children's delight. It was easy as she was responsive. It would have been harder if the old lady was not responsive, and did not find me 'cute' to respond to...

The gentleman was hard of hearing... and his daughter was unsure which of his ear was the better ear, hence, I did a mini test to determine the good hearing ear. But, he did not respond either way. I then think of tricking him to respond, by saying something silly. Fortunately, he could not resist, and responded to everyone's amazement.

The old lady and gentleman made me happy yesterday. Though I was really tired.. and came home slightly late... and was yawning all the way home... i felt like... yesterday, i achieved and touched lives :)

Just a few hours ago, i went shopping. I was in the line waiting my turn to pay my purchases, when the guy in front of me pulled his pants up. Two things came to mind... One is, OH GOD! That is how i look like when I pull my own pants. Second was, I noticed the man had bad varicous veins.... It looked painful, and possibly need surgery. Moral of the story: Do not wear shorts if you do not want others to look at your imperfections.

To my friends who are....

To My Friends Who Are...........SINGLE
Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it. Love can make you happy but often it hurts, but love's only special when you give it to someone who is really worth it. So take your time and choose the best.

To My Friends Who Are............NOT SO SINGLE
Love isn't about becoming somebody else's 'perfect person.' It's about finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.

To My Friends Who Are............PLAYBOY/GIRL TYPE
Never say 'I love you' if you don't care. Never talk about feelings if they aren't there. Never touch a life if you mean to break a heart. Never look in the eye when all you do is lie. The cruelest thing a guy can do to a girl is to let her fall in love when he doesn't intend to catch her fall and it works both ways...

To My Friends Who Are............MARRIED
Love is not about 'it's your fault', but 'I'm sorry.' Not 'where are you', but 'I'm right here.' Not 'how could you', but 'I understand.' Not 'wish you were', but 'I'm thankful you are.'

To My Friends Who Are............ENGAGED
The true measure of compatibility is not the years spent together but how good you are for each other.

To My Friends Who Are............HEARTBROKEN
Heartbreaks last as long as you want and cut as deep as you allow them to go. The challenge is not how to survive heartbreaks but to learn from them.

To My Friends Who Are............NAIVE
How to be in love: Fall but don't stumble, be consistent but not too persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand, and get hurt but never keep the pain.

To My Friends Who Are............POSSESSIVE
It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else but it's more painful to know that the one you love is unhappy with you.

To My Friends Who Are............AFRAID TO CONFESS
Love hurts when you break up with someone. It hurts even more when someone breaks up with you. But love hurts the most when the person you love has no idea how you feel.

To My Friends Who Are............STILL HOLDING ON
A sad thing about life is when you meet someone and fall in love, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and that you have wasted years on someone who wasn't worth it. If he isn't worth it now he's not going to be worth it a year or 10 years from now. Let go.....

TO ALL MY FRIENDS.......
My wish for you is a man/women whose love is honest, strong, mature, never-changing, uplifting, protective, encouraging, rewarding and unselfish.

Nine words that women use

The real definition of words women use:

1.) Fine:
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2.) Five Minutes:
If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the footy before helping around the house.

3.) Nothing:
This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end with fire.

4.) Go Ahead:
This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5.) Loud Sigh:
This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) That's Okay:
This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7.) Thanks:
A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.

8.) Whatever:
Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!

9.) Don't worry about it, I got it:
Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.