♥ Life Is Good ♥

Isn't it funny how life is filled with ups and downs?

For some reason, there has been a lot of downs for me lately.
And I am only referring to my clinical work, cos that's what my life revolves around now. 
4 full days and 1 half-day of clinic sessions for the past 2 weeks, it's insanely stressful.
I can't imagine working life, like seriously.

All the challenges I've faced in clinic, I just couldn't believe my luck!
What are the odds that 3 out of 3 crown preparations I did so far are below the gum line?
Meaning it's so challenging and I need to delay my crown impressions,
and my patients have to go through surgeries to remove gum and/or bone,
we have to wait for healing of the gums before I can proceed with anything at all.
And I am anticipating another similar case this Friday - so make that 4 out of 4!

I have friends who have delivered a gazillion crowns already.
Why aren't any of my cases as straightforward?
Sorry that all these might sound like gibberish to you, but this is my reality.

I was Skype-ing mummy over the weekend and I broke down in the midst of conversation.
Somehow talking about my week took a toll on me.
But it's good that my tears flowed, I feel much more relieved.
Listening to mummy's advice and the effort she made to comfort me, I feel very blessed. =')

I know is part of my learning curve.
Learning the hard way makes everything much simpler in the future. I know that too.
So far all the tutors mentioned I did a good job despite the very challenging cases,
but I still need a boast of my confidence, the in-your-face kind, you know?
Occasional straight forward cases like one today would definitely make my day.

Challenges in clinic and in life? I am ready so bring it on!

Have you ever had moments where you want to slap someone just right then?
I just did today!!! It's so annoyinggg.

I am usually a pretty patient and happy-to-accommodate person.
But one's patience has its limits, and I am sure my limit is quite high.
So for me to have the urge to slap someone, after rolling my eyes of cos is like WOW!

I know that I like to do things my way and systematically.
Call me a perfectionist, I know. I will even try to make every minute detail perfect.
When things don't go my way, I'll voice it out and make sure it's heard. Oh yeah~
But if changes are needed, I will try to accommodate so that everyone's happy.

When I have a deadline for something, I will get it done well by then.
I will stay up late all night if I have to.
I will bug people if I need to.
I will go mountain high and ocean deep , as long as I get the work done.
And I mean done right and on time, you can take my word for it!

So I really don't get when some people just can't seem to do that.
Nobody is perfect, I know. 
How about trying your best to be as close to perfect as possible?
I don't freaking care if you aren't as efficient or as organised as I am.
I really don't, cos it's your life and your problem.
But if messed up my so-called perfectionism, you are going down man.

Why is it so difficult just to do your part?
It's not like we chose you to, you volunteered to do so.
But yet when I gave you a time limit, you missed it.
Never mind if it's wayyy past deadline, at least better late than never right?
But after rounds and rounds of bugging, you've finally submitted it.
Guess what? You submitted it but information is W.R.O.N.G.
Well done, really, well done.

I am trying my best to be a team player here.
You don't even try to put in an effort to be part of the team.
How do you expect me to work with you?
You are not the only one who is busy you know.

You should be thankful you weren't seeing me face-to-face.
Cos you would have seen my happy-turned-"du lan" face.
The angel in me disappeared and all hell broke lose.
I didn't get to say WTF to your face, 
but my poor friends had to listen to my rantings. Thank you friends!

I will cool down after going to bed soon.
But if the application is not approved, trust me, I will be madder than I am now.
You just wait and see. You better pray hard it will be approved!

I don't usually write stuff like these right here cos I absolutely dislike politics.
Just suddenly felt like ranting out my feelings!

I personally believe all politicians may or may not begin their careers for a good cause,
but would eventually be lured by corruption as they climb up the ladder of success.
Whether they are from the ruling Government or the Opposition.
I am not referring to Malaysian politicians alone but around the globe!

I mean seriously, humans in general are greedy.
The more we have, the more we want the never ending satisfactions.
I've been there, done that - so no doubts about that!

The most talked about news back home now is the 13th General Elections (GE 13).
Parliament was dissolved few days ago, so the GE 13 date should be announced ASAP!
It'll save the troubles and funds of parties promoting themselves and destroying the others.

I believe Malaysians already have their votes in mind, just waiting to cast them.
And we're all just praying it'll be as fair and square as possible.
Cos we are already anticipating fake votes that magically appear and disappear.

I don't particularly favour any political party back home.
Couldn't be bothered with their manifesto and stuff, cos I know it's all bullsh*t.

Some of the ridiculous or unrealistic examples, from both sides, in my opinion are:
"Free education for all up to university level" 
I reckon taxes would need to be insanely high!
I would rather they make it compulsory to finish high school or vocational training.
Or at least train the teachers better so they could teach students proper English.
I know a final year TESOL trainee who once said "I want to be a better cooker".
Not funny at all, considering he's going to teach our future generations.

"RM200 off smartphones for youths earning RM3000 and below"
If they can't afford to fend for themselves with the income, how can they settle the bills?
I was charged RM650 a month alone (RM1 per 1MB) for using 650MB =.=
It was the telecommunication operator's fault cos I did sign up for the data package.
But even said so, RM50 for 500MB  package is not cheap either - crazy 3G charges!
I would rather the government slowly implement Free WiFi throughout the country.

"Increasing annual cash handouts to RM1200 to poor households through BR1M scheme"
If you have mentioned it's for vote buying, I would say you still have some conscience.
But by denying the fact, you've just made a fool out of yourself in front of the Rakyat.
I would like to see how long your family could last with additional RM100 each month.
How about increasing the minimum wage per hour? 
RM3.50 per hour working part time at McDonald's can't even buy you a meal there.
Providing clean piped water or food for the poor would have been a better option too!

"The 1Malaysia Ideology"
Malaysia has always been multi-ethnic and generally peaceful place to live in.
Well in my opinion, until they decide to politicized this and stoking tensions among races.
If you REALLY want a 1Malaysia, be a Singapore minus the mainland Chinese immigrants.
Everyone would have the equal chances to enter public universities, 
to get bank loans and pay equal interests, to buy houses or lands at the same price,
to have the same opportunities for government business deals,
or even to be the next Prime Minister of Malaysia etc. Just saying.
I actually can't think of another country whose political function of rights,
actually protects the majorities rather than the minorities. Can you? 

I am sure there are plenty more of these, nothing and nobody is fool proof.
The current ruling Government has been there for 56 years, they have done good in the past.
Older generations and their supporters especially are in the comfort zone,
only reading from newspapers, they may be thinking "if there's nothing wrong, don't fix it".
I mean our newspapers are all government-controlled anyway, eg. think of the Psy event.

It's the younger generations who usually access to the world wide web.
Everything that goes on the internet, knows no boundaries and may even go viral.
So there are videos, pictures and even articles about everything that happened.
A lot of effort, skills and time would be required to do any editing.
So if something that happened a minute ago is posted up now, it'll most likely be true.
I mean, we are the generation who want the "in" news to be up immediately, right?
The internet news would have shown the flaws of the current Government,
that's why it's the tech-savvy and thinking Rakyat that would want a change.

A change can be for the better or the worse, we'll never know until we try!
Chances are that the next ruling Government will be pressured to live up to expectations.
What is the worst case scenario if the current Opposition wins?
Malaysians would probably need to suffer for the next 5 years.
But what is 5 years if it could lead to a better Malaysia?
It definitely can't be worse than the 3 years of sufferings during the Japanese occupation.
Our parents and grandparents have survived through that, I am sure we would too.

I really can't wait to cast my first ever vote!
Hopefully the Election Commission will notify me soon enough cos every vote counts.
May the better party bring our beloved Malaysia closer towards achieving Vision 2020!

It's amazing how someone with disabilities can be so optimistic about life.

Someone who was diagnosed with a disease a couple of years ago at a young age.
Now limping and with very limited eyesight, yet so bubbly and cheerful.
Maybe it's the support from loved ones around her?

They are the type of people who make us think and count our blessings.
Be appreciative of what we currently have instead of mourning on what we don't have.
Mummy has always told us to compare with less fortunate rather than the rich.
So I personally think people like them make really good role models.

I did nothing but just a twist using the pliers, that made her day!
She was even happier than when she first entered.
Thanking me again and again plus telling her husband how wonderful she's feeling.
That genuine smile on her face totally made my day!

I had a pretty rough day yesterday, but today, I ended my day with a smile. =)

"Dreams are simply reality waiting to happen."

I came across this very well said quote.
This caught me off guard, and made me think for a moment.

I kept myself so busy with reality for the longest time that I forgot about my dreams.
I can't even remember what my dream was, or whether I ever had one.
Which is pretty sad coming to think of it.

I shall try to dream big from now, cos apparently dreams will come true.
Well, as long as we work hard for it - there's no easy way out.

What's your dream? =)

Sometimes I just get bored of studying for exams.
It feels like reading and re-reading the notes... say what - again?!
All I hope is for the information to stay! reallyyy.
and pray that they appear in a jiffy when I need them. =) 

I've stumbled upon a forum with dentists and doctors as members.
Healthcare professionals are definitely in a whole different level
compare to any Tom, Dick and Harry in other forums!
They don't put each other down (except certain douchebags),
but instead justify their thoughts - both pros and cons.

The question was posted by a person in a crossroad:
"Medicine or Dentistry?"

The best comment I've read was:
"The fun part of Medicine is in the diagnosis, 
treatment is often simply following a protocol developed by others.
In the Dentistry, the easy part is usually the diagnosis,
and the fun part comes in developing and carrying out a treatment plan.
To grossly simplify: Medicine is for thinkers, Dentistry is for doers".

I was never in that crossroad but those were very wise words indeed.
I am definitely a doer, glad I made the right choice!
And I am loving it so far!! 
Ok, maybe except during the exam period. =P

Just looking through my lil bro's photo album on FB, my tears started rolling.

The photos were all from cousin Lee's wedding two weekends back.
For a dear cousin who's wedding I've always wanted to attend since forever?
I've only managed to be there virtually via Skype.

Seeing those photos one after another, I miss my family more than ever!
I haven't felt homesick for months since I arrived, I thought I've adapted.
But today, my first stream of tears (of missing home) came along.
Mummy I miss most, followed by Daddy then Haw and Shyang.

Maybe it was the relief from Long Case Exam?
Or the stress for upcoming OSCE?
Or the Perio assignment due?
Or the last written finals in my uni life?
Or the heartwarming chats with my loved ones?

Whatever the reason, I am actually counting the days to home sweet home!