Finally reached back home from dinner. But didn’t buy the kettle as what we planned to do so.
Yeah, one week has passed. And I am glad to say that I’m really starting get to use to the slow-paced life here. Lolx.
So let’s talk about my research work so far. Hmm. I would say it’s rather smooth already. Because earlier on we thought that our sample products were with errors, as the sizes weren’t what we expected to see. After the second run, and much discussion, it’s been hypothesised that we are on the correct track. So today I did purification of my sample products.
And something quite bad happened in lab. Continue Reading »
Yep. Thursday!
Nothing special actually. Just want to say that I’m getting used to the life in Thailand actually. Though I still have yet to start learning Thai properly, I am somehow able to communicate with the locals here. How? Just point and point and point. Lolx.
Buy food? Point at the dishes.
Want receipts? Show a sample receipt and point to self.
Want to go back to hostel, point at the address on the name card from Pee Ying. LOL
It’s just pointing and pointing. No point talking because they don’t understand English. Okay not all, but most.
Recently we just changed our hostel room. And we realised things are so much better here. Bigger beds, bigger TV, bigger fridge, non-flooding toilet. But we found out that the lamp in the balcony was spoilt. And didn’t know how, the spray tap to wash the toilet bowl also got spoilt.
So this evening after work, I went to find the lady to ask for maintenance. Well, expected, she doesn’t know English at all. So have to point and point. LOL. Point to the lamp above her, draw out a rectangle using hands to show balcony, and show the spraying action to say the spray tap is spoilt. Gahhh.
Lolx. Okay. Nothing else.
Everything here is so cheap. Imagine 4 dishes and rice costs 30 baht? It’s like $1.40. Imagine it’s $3 odd in Singapore. Hahas. Blah. Okay larh. I want to sleep liao. Shall blog again when there’s time.
signing off at 2300 hrs, Thailand
Today’s the first time entering the lab to do some experiments. And the first assignment on hand is to do transformation on E. coli cells with some plasmids that have been prepared already.
So it was rather easy. The colleagues are nice people. They are nice and funny. Toh, one of them, helped me quite a lot. My other colleagues are Bee, Oh and Big. Yeah, funny nicknames they have. But yeap.
Today met my supervisor, Dr Chairat. He’s also quite funny and nice. He literally spelled out the whole protocol for my whole week. But of course he doesn’t allow me to take things for granted. He still asked me to do some research. But overall, it would be easy job. hehe.
Because of confidentiality, I can’t say much about my lab work. So yep. Just hope I don’t get infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Hahas.
Okay, so that’s all. I need to do research liao. Shall blog again.
signing off at 2023 hrs, Thailand
Today is a bright? Monday morning. Lolx.
Whatever. So official programme starts today. We will be meeting Ying at the coffeeshop later at 1030 hrs. And then we will be going on an orientation programme. Basically the whole day it’s about introducing facilities, and safety briefing. Yep. Then we will be meeting our supervisors. The day basically ends at 1600 hrs if everything is smooth and steady.
Anyway, backtrack to yesterday. We all wanted to go to this Departmental Store Complex, called the Future Park or something. And also a Carrefour opposite the Future Park. So we gotten ourselves onto a van. And happily went off after paying 30 bahts each. Until when we passed by the Future Park, we realised we were on the wrong van. LOL.
So if you have been hearing from me, whether or not by mouth, by MSN or facebook, I’m flying on… … No. I’ve already flown. I’m now in Thailand Science Park, in my hostel room, which Julius, my room mate-cum- course mate.
No the blog post isn’t about him. But it’s about my trip. Hahas.
So I touched down yesterday at about 0820 hrs in Thailand, after a 2 hour flight which was rather bumpy. I like the take off. I could literally feel the take off. The flight was bumpy, perhaps because of the wind and clouds? I don’t know, that was my first flight. Hahas.
So after the flight, we were supposed to find a person that we didn’t really know who is she. And in the end, it was her that identified us instead. Lolx. Her nickname is Ying. Yeah, all Thais have a nickname, according to the introduction booklet that I read about.
Anyway, we went around to orientate ourselves around the site. It’s called Thailand Science Park. In TSP, there’re a lot of companies around. Ours being NSTDA. I don’t know what it really is. But I know BIOTEC is one of the technology centres that is under NSTDA. We met a female intern called “Lina” from United Kingdom, and we sort of befriended with her, since she’s Dayana’s room mate. Dayana is another of my course mate anyway.
So I guess Lina is working in the Protein Lab, which is supposed to be the one I’m going to work in as well.
So Lina is kind enough to bring us around for the past 2 days. She brought us to this steakhouse last evening, and then to chatuchak this afternoon for lunch, and also to shop. Well I didn’t buy anything at all, just a bottle of drink, while the 3 of them gotten some clothings and hats. So Dayana was saying we would go to the department stores tomorrow. So maybe I would get something from there.
I’m trying to upload some photos that I’ve just taken actually, and the slow network connection doesn’t allow me to do so. So any photos I will upload directly to facebook instead.
There’s another blog that Julius actually created, a blog that all 4 of us can post our thoughts etc. So I will take some time off to contribute to that blog as well. Anyway the blog link is http://catchusinthailand.blogspot.com/
So, do take a look too. Hahas.
Yep, that’s about it. Will blog again when there’s more interesting stuffs happening here.
The weather is hot and humid, period. I perspire when we walk, sit, eat. =.=”
signing off at 2148 hrs, Thailand
OH MY GOODNESS.
It’s happening really quick. DAMN QUICK. FU*KING QUICK.
Lolx. Yeah, don’t expect the weird feeling to triumph over my mind. Things like, “I DON WANT GO THAILAND ANYMORE”
LOL. Nah. I don’t regret the choice. But I am expecting myself to realise that things at home, with friends and in school, are not supposed to be taken for granted. Lolx.
I don’t know. Really don’t know.
The feeling super duber uber weird right now. It’s like, the next minute I will be sitting in the plane. And then next, I’m sleeping in my hostel room. And following next I would be in the plane coming back. And the next, I’m back hope square one.
Whatever. Guess what.
I haven’t pack my luggage. Lolx. Good luck to me.
So 2 nights ago, I dreamt of this used-to-be-close-friend of mine. Something about this friend, in a place that is definitely not in Singapore. I don’t know? But I really do hope that the things between the two of us in the dream would really happen in this real life. It would be cool. Period.
And that dream actually kind of ended when Lawrence appeared out of nowhere in the dream, spoiling the mood, and then me waking up disgusted by what Lawrence did in my dream. Now I can’t remember what was that. Lolx.
And then last night, it was a part 2 to the dream. HAHA. Without Lawrence.
Oh God. Please make that dream true. PleaseeeE? Oh not with the Lawrence in there. LOL
signing off at 0746 hrs
The date is getting closer to the take off from Changi Airport. Got a very weird feeling of excitement, but an element of shame that I would miss my home and friends.
Anyway, met out with the clique after passport collection at Thai Embassy. We went to Aston’s in Suntec, and then went to walk walk, arcade, Marina Square, Esplanade, then to Cafe Cartel in Marina Square. They had their snacks while I ate my 2nd meal of the night. Hahas. I will post the photos tonight, most likely.
So this is a week of holidays for the Secondary School kids, as usual, SANA is functional of its badge scheme once again. Hence I’m busy with SANA. So, won’t be coming online that much this holiday week to blog either. Everyone’s attachment starts next week. So good luck to everybody and also a good luck to myself.
With the attachment commencing, I won’t be able to drop by for the NCO Camp in the Unit. A word of good luck to my Sec 2 kids as well. Hope they learn something essential to be leaders also. I shall be back when my attachment ends. So that’s that, and I shall blog again, most probably the time after I’ve settled down in Thailand.
signing off at 1145 hrs
Yeah, it’s D-6. Allyson and Chor were still asking what the hell is D-6. It means 6 days before the event happens.
So yeah, some may gathered that I’m flying off real soon. I’m somehow excited but worried. Whatever it is, we are getting our VISA application approval by Monday, I supposed.
Yesterday drank real lot of alcohol. Haha. 6 of us, 3 vomited on the spot. I vomited in train station. So EMBARRASSING. But it doesn’t beat the unluckiness of having someone to vomit just inches away from your head when you are sleeping, and the vomit splattered onto your head. That happened to me, and the first thing I did was to RUN towards the kitchen. WTF.
Lolx.
Well. That’s really a memorable one before everyone going away for school, attachments and final year projects. Hahas.
So the coming week shall end with daily appearance in SANA. And also sometimes maybe at City and Towns to get some clothings in preparation for the trip to Thailand. Yeah, that’s that.
Anyway, feel a bit guilty to be absent from the outing the CIIs have today. Supposed to go meet them for movies. But my headache from the drinking really killed me. =(
Shall blog again. The feeling after vomiting isn’t good at all.
signing off at 2148 hrs
Supposed to write this blog entry last night, but wasn’t in the mood and was also kind of lazy.
Anyway, I was at Area 16 ATC, as they required some help in first aiding. I wasn’t quite involved in the running of the camp with other CIs, rather I was only active at the first aid post, and also outside campsite as a mobile medic when the campers are out for land expedition.
I was advised not to blog about the opinions I have about this camp. Nonetheless, I still want to blog about them.
It was one of the go-through-motion camps I am in actually. Because of the mood, which was so not fun, since the Instructors are scolding almost all the time. Although I understand why they are doing so, but I believe that the ways the situations were dealt with weren’t quite effective.
The Camp OIC actually asked for opinions, and also suggestions that could help changed the situation. Of course I would love to volunteer to come into the picture and resolve the problem. But I still told her that I’m not suitable to be the one to do it, since I’m just an outsource/outsider, what’s more I’m a medic.
I kind of pity the campers somehow. Because they are just Sec 2 cadets. And some of the time, the Instructors fail to see situations from the point of view of a cadet. Like we kept saying during the camp, we cannot blame them because they are all new, and have little experience. So we can only say that it’s just a learning experience for the CIs and kind of bad luck for the cadets.
That means that today’s the fourth day of examination… …NOT!
We won’t be having any paper today. Hahas. So it’s kind of like a short break, before we move on to the next paper. First paper was Drug Development, second was Proteomics, and then yesterday was having Essentials of Business Management.
Like I told Ben, this exam, is the only slackest exam ever in Poly life. The mood is totally so not conducive for exam. But who cares. Because the papers were easy to study for. Have got lots of hints from the lecturers. Well, except for Proteomics, which many dislike in the end.
So it’s a good thing to know that the first 3 papers had been a breeze, like everything I’ve been saying. I hope tomorrow’s paper, Structural & Functional Genomics, will also be a cool one. So that I would at least be a little confident that I won’t be a repeat student like some losers who fail because of their pure laziness.
Okay larh. I shall go watch videos. Hahas. Will blog again.
signing off at 0044 hrs
So what does that mean?
It means the starting of Exams. Arghhh.
Haven’t really get started with the modules. Hmm… Drug Development is the first. Am just happy if I can get a grade that can pull my overall up to a C+ or a range for B-.
My stamina hasn’t been going on well for academics. Was out the whole night with FI Stanford and Aloysius rotting. Then today went to grands’ to celebrate grandpa’s birthday. Yeah. Brought my lecture notes there. But ended up killing time with PSP NFS: Most Wanted 5-1-10. Lolx. Well…
Okay larh. Just a little update for my blog. At least let readers know what am I doing for the moment. Lolx.
Yep. Shall get back to study at 12. Woots!
signing off at 2124 hrs
Had Cell Communication test just now in school, from 1200 to 1300hrs. Supposed to have it in the morning at about 1000hrs. But had bad diarrhoeas in the morning. Should be food poisoning but Min Feng said it’s Stomach Flu. Don’t know leh.
Whatever. Anyway, I’m very confident that I will get quite high score for this test. Because all I studied came out!! WEEE! Lolx. So After test, we rotted in school to complete Business Report. After submission, we went to Novena Square to rot.
The people include myself of course, Allyson, Xiu Yi, Liling, Chor and Xiaosi. So we had our late lunch at 1500hrs at Pastamania, and then at 1700hrs we had dessert at Bakerzin again. Hehe. Second visit to Bakerzin. Woots! I still like their profiteroles. wahahaha.
So anyway, it’s still the same old gossips and laughters. hahas. Nothing much. So all of us left the place after some window shopping. Oh. I found things to buy for my Thailand trip!!! WEEE. Lolx.
Shall blog again.
signing off at 0048 hrs
My prediction is right. It’s really coming.
I started to talk to my mom, and so my dad. But it’s more of usual conversation of “are you coming back home to eat?” Nonetheless, yesterday I tried to break the ice saying that my application for the attachment in Thailand has been approved. And that the financial assistance is also approved for a subsidy of $900, which can only come in after I had come back from Thailand.
I mean, I thought I have been dwelling on this, that I would be going somewhere overseas for attachment. First was Australia, but they didn’t want it because it was too expensive. So I requested a change to Thailand. And now my mom is still unhappy.
They had been cold blankets ever since they knew my applications have been approved. I bet they are reluctant for me to go. They have lots and lots of excuses and ways to bring me down. Let’s talk about money. I told them that, I would need a total of $1.7K as calculated by Ms Neha, the lecturer, and school will reimburse $900. And because we can’t bring in money of that amount (approximately $800 + more for my expenses), I would need to open an account in another bank, that can be found in Thailand.
Then my mom was getting so offensive in her words, pushing “You have a lot of money ah? Open account…” My dad didn’t say much. I got irritated when she in the end said “So troublesome don’t go larh, don’t go larh!”
Wah fed up. I know I need to discuss this, especially when I’m leaving. But it’s already made known to them since start of semester, about 6 months ago. Now the irritating part is when I try to discuss, they are implying that they are reluctant to let me go. =.=”
Fuck. Now how am I going to get the money if my dad doesn’t want to give me? I was so happy when he didn’t say anything when I first told the news. Fancy asking me to loan from bank. I know this house is not rich, but can’t you be a little supportive? Shit.
signing off at 0925 hrs
Apologies to my frequent readers, haven’t been updating very much often because of my tight schedules in school. Really a relief, to be away from the Unit. My brain is no longer 40% NPCC, 40% School, 10% Food, 10% Friends & Family. Now it’s like, 10% NPCC, 55% School, 20% Food, 15% Friends & Family. Though, Family is negligible in the equation. Hahas.
So just let me do an update of what’s happening these few days.
This week is one of the another week when we cleared most of the projects/assignments. A lot of submissions, and presentations were done, together with the previous 2 weeks. Good enough, on my To-Do list, we are left we a handful of less tedious workload. We cleared all our Communication Skills Interview Sessions, we did 3 presentations, and also submitted 1 experiment report. Oh, not forgetting an assignment that mimicked a real-life situation of a global pandemic of an unknown viral infection, that require us to establish ways to fight this infection and countermeasures to control the situation. Although everything is much done on a report format, the time limit of 2 hours was really a challenge.
So anyway, we had our interview for the Overseas Industrial Placement Programme. I would say it’s more like a chit-chat session with our director and the deputy principal. Lolx. Okay larh. I guess nothing much for that. Just wanna say I still look forward to the trip to Thailand, though it’s with 3 strangers that I see almost everyday, but I don’t talk to them at all.
So on Friday, the school celebrated National Day, in the most stupid way. Lolx. Wasted my time totally. After that everyone left, leaving some of us, Regina’s clique, Liling, Xiaosi and I, talking to Mr A.K. Darn farny conversation. I thought we could go prepare for the EBM Interview that will happen later, and we ended up having a dinner (for me) and dessert (for them) at Bakerzin. I hope I spelt it correctly.
Hmm. I just remembered that on Thursday the week before, we went to City to chill. Or rather, everyone call it Town, when it’s supposed to be City. Nyeh. Not the point. So we went to Settlers at SMU and literally chilled and played till 2200 hrs. Lolx. Had a lot of fun playing those stupid games and eating. One of the game’s item, apparently a bone, fell into my cup of coke. Lolx. No comments.
Okay larh. That’s about it. Shall blog again when I’m free, and I shall go prepare for the EBM Interview later. =)
PS: I dread the politics at work with these childish stubborn people irritating and annoying the rest, which obviously is the group that I fall into as well.
signing off at 1724 hrs
Start of Week 17
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 in daily shit, school, some comments
Finally it’s the end of National Day. That means no more need to burn Saturdays in Full Uniform at HQ and Marina Bay. Hahas.
Anyway, today had my Drug Development test. What the hell. About 30% of the questions were from lectures that are not said to be tested. All the Module Coordinator’s fault. I hate her. Stupid.
I guess I’m going to do badly for this test. Argh. Whatever. This week does not have a good start. And I am expecting a storm coming through.
signing off at 2133 hrs