Alright. I've been hit by the bug again. This time with a throat infection, fever and runny nose.
This time, I decided to forgo the Civil Service benefit and go to a private doctor at the nearby White Sands instead of the polyclinic. My past experiences at the polyclinic were less than pleasant. Out of the many doctors I've seen there, only two showed human compassion. Others were forgettable or just plain unsympathetic. The last one I saw after my colonoscopy said that "my staff also go for the scope and they go back to work the next day." Then she had to add, "so what else is wrong with you?"
I guess that was the last straw, and so, this time I decided to trod down to White Sands, risk getting another unsympathetic doctor, and spending more money.
But I was glad I took that risk. The doctor was not only nice, he took time to know my medical history so he could treat me better. In the light of the Prime Minister's call for good service, I must say, this doctor is exemplary.
He sent me off with a dose of antibiotics, cough mixture and cold tablets and two days' MC so I could rest. "All that shouting you do as a teacher is not gonna help with your throat." He was empathetic, and that made the difference.
I thanked him as I left, telling him that I was glad I made the choice to visit him instead of the polyclinic. He understood what I meant. He said he was a doctor there before, and he didn't like the way he had to treat patients. All it took was three weeks for him to feel he had a better way to treat patients. He broke his bond and set up his own clinic. And he's happy now that he's making his patients happy with his personal touch.
Happy people make happy people. Now, that's what service is all about.
Which makes me wonder - happy teachers make happy students?
20 September 2005
01 September 2005
Weddings, Chemistry, Love...
Hmmm.. The world around me seems to be falling in love and getting married these days. For one, I will be attending yet another of my JC mate's wedding next Sunday. Today, I accompanied one of my best friends to try on a gown. As she walked out of the changing room, I thought she looked stunning. At last, she's getting married!
The designer of the bridal shop asked me when it was my turn. Oh well. That's another on the list who's been asking me that question. I've got to find a man first, I told him. And when I met one of my former colleagues, he too asked the same question. Just like my kids at school, he concluded that I was too fussy.
But excuse me and pardon me if I am wrong, but ain't choosing a life partner quite unlike choosing say a pair of shoes. I mean wear out your shoes and there you go, you can go get a new pair. Or even own a few pairs at a time! Nothing's wrong, no sin done. But to me marriage is something sacred. Choosing a life partner is not settling down for one just cos I can't get another. To me, it's a feeling you get when you just know that you found that someone.
I've known many a friend who had played the field, and when that someone came along, they just knew he or she was THE ONE. They all can't explain it, but they tell me that you'd know. And when you know, you don't have to be dating for ages. You'd just know you're meant to be, and you'd settle down.
Which brings me to remember by friend and my NIE classmate whom I put together two years back. And look now - they're engaged! I guess both of them just knew that they were meant for each other.
Over lunch just last week with my ex-boss, she commented that youngsters these days look for "chemistry" in their marriages. She lamented on how her two children are still looking for that someone they can have "chemistry" with. She was puzzled why it was all so important to us youngsters.
I guess to me, that "chemistry" is the level of communication I can have with one. I value communication very much. If I had a relationship, I would insist on an open communication between me and my partner. No secrets! Because I think with that, everything else will fall in place. Uncle J calls this rapport. When one communicates well with another, there's rapport when you find the other completing your sentences or speaking the words off your mind even before you say it. Of course, I've got to feel comfortable with that person too. Ah, yes... "Chemistry".
And to answer that big question as to why I'm still single? Well, maybe I'm just one of those isolated metals on the periodic table that do not form bonds with other metals. No "chemistry". But don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about the status of my singlehood. Yes, I am approaching 30, and I'm single and educated, and according to some reports, I belong to the growing number of single independent women who is not contributing to the population growth of the nation. So? I am free, independent, and I can do what I want, fly off to where I want if I want to, and pursue my goals and dreams. No, I am not selfish, but I guess instead of moping on my status as a single, why can't I celebrate it and make the best use of it while I am at it?!
But yes, I'd love to fall in love some day, with that special someone some day. But til that day comes, here's cheers to singlehood, and the freedom it brings!
:)
The designer of the bridal shop asked me when it was my turn. Oh well. That's another on the list who's been asking me that question. I've got to find a man first, I told him. And when I met one of my former colleagues, he too asked the same question. Just like my kids at school, he concluded that I was too fussy.
But excuse me and pardon me if I am wrong, but ain't choosing a life partner quite unlike choosing say a pair of shoes. I mean wear out your shoes and there you go, you can go get a new pair. Or even own a few pairs at a time! Nothing's wrong, no sin done. But to me marriage is something sacred. Choosing a life partner is not settling down for one just cos I can't get another. To me, it's a feeling you get when you just know that you found that someone.
I've known many a friend who had played the field, and when that someone came along, they just knew he or she was THE ONE. They all can't explain it, but they tell me that you'd know. And when you know, you don't have to be dating for ages. You'd just know you're meant to be, and you'd settle down.
Which brings me to remember by friend and my NIE classmate whom I put together two years back. And look now - they're engaged! I guess both of them just knew that they were meant for each other.
Over lunch just last week with my ex-boss, she commented that youngsters these days look for "chemistry" in their marriages. She lamented on how her two children are still looking for that someone they can have "chemistry" with. She was puzzled why it was all so important to us youngsters.
I guess to me, that "chemistry" is the level of communication I can have with one. I value communication very much. If I had a relationship, I would insist on an open communication between me and my partner. No secrets! Because I think with that, everything else will fall in place. Uncle J calls this rapport. When one communicates well with another, there's rapport when you find the other completing your sentences or speaking the words off your mind even before you say it. Of course, I've got to feel comfortable with that person too. Ah, yes... "Chemistry".
And to answer that big question as to why I'm still single? Well, maybe I'm just one of those isolated metals on the periodic table that do not form bonds with other metals. No "chemistry". But don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about the status of my singlehood. Yes, I am approaching 30, and I'm single and educated, and according to some reports, I belong to the growing number of single independent women who is not contributing to the population growth of the nation. So? I am free, independent, and I can do what I want, fly off to where I want if I want to, and pursue my goals and dreams. No, I am not selfish, but I guess instead of moping on my status as a single, why can't I celebrate it and make the best use of it while I am at it?!
But yes, I'd love to fall in love some day, with that special someone some day. But til that day comes, here's cheers to singlehood, and the freedom it brings!
:)