Bintan Mission

To many of us caught in the hustle bustle of city life and running the rat race, Bintan is a place for weekend getaways on her golf clubs, stretchy beaches, and resort offering spas and yummylicious barbeques. Ruth's 1st trip to Bintan gave her an interesting insight to life and the joy .. of being able to sow into the life of another.. to see the expression on a child's face upon receiving a lil present.. to receive a sincere word of gratitude.. to work hard and knock out but ready to do the same thing the next day.. to work with a dedicated team who are all there for a purpose because they know the need is there, to see that people whom i've never met before can become a colleague in a matter of hours. Nuff said, lets let pictures do the talking. :)

Health Education

An important aspect of health: Education and Prevention of disease.


The approach, staffing and information package was a roaring success! Kudos to the team!


Touching the lives of little ones..


Medical Side



Sterilisation Unit
One of those pots 'exploded'. We heard it, looked up and saw something 'free-fall', stared at each other for 5seconds, and got buried back at work. Drama-mania!


Set Up
Old bird at work.


SaunaDental work area on Day 1, 21st June.


Sterile instrument area set up in the middle of joined classroom. Desks overlaid with clean disposable white plastic sheets.


Instrument galore!!! (Look at xxx's damn shagged out face ion the left)


Cons area at the start of the day 1..


Midway pasar malam at cons area.


And the we-know-we-are-messy cons department..

Day 2 instrument common-pool at corridor.


Prostho Team
The trio at work.

Fabricating cold-cure dentures on the spot-produce most satisfying results. It brings back smiles and function, hence improve the lives of another. I love!




Oral Surgery Dept
How to smile so genuinely when faced with a crying kid? Ask her.




"And of course, we have successfully disproved the myth that you must have an oral surgeon on duty. Just need some experienced GPs that all."


Welfare
Lil pleasures life has in store admist the fatigue.



Not complaining but there being no proper handwashing facilities, most of us had lunch with powdered hands/semi-powdered not-very-clean-water washed hands.
Home made lunch by the villagers was yumminess to the max! There were loads of keropok and it reminded me of how NellyBoo and I used to go crazy over papadum.


Here's our lodging for the night. Service apartments well equipped with TV, air conditioning, hot water for bath and a kitchen! My darling junior found a roach the size of my middle finger-i decided to totally ignore her statement for fear of a sleepless night! On day 2, I woke up to the sounds of rain hitting on my window. Tired and wanting to sleep in, yet energized to embark on a fresh new day!


Here are photos of who else but MYSELF.. and some other lovely folks that brought more than sunshine to my weekend.


Siti's got Ruth charmed! She's so pretty i called her AiNi (part of her name, but to Ruth it means LoveYou)


2 juniors who are always full of positive vibe.


Cant you see she's so damn bubbly.



I couldnt emphasize how small the world gets.. (Isnt it obvious we're totally drained and not camera-ready)


Prettiest Lady On Board

This undergrad has a wealth of knowledge-really nice person to talk to during the choppy ride back to Sg.

My 1st instinct brought me to assisting..

Then Organiser reminded me of why i was there..


There's no point growing up if we loose the kid in us..


The 5th Teletubby. "Whatever keeps him dry" I hereby conclude, animation for kids bring about buckets of fun and jokes.. Mere 2 weeks and there're jokes bout Thomas the chuchu-train, TMNT, and now, teletubby!


My ex lecturer who can go on and on(literally), both in classroom and outfield. I love listening to him talk(for the 1st time).. Sometimes it tickles. Sometimes it brings messages of love and lessons life has taught.

"They are dirty, so what? They dont even have water to drink, you think they'd use it to bathe?" Adapted from a bus-ride-story-telling-session. I'm a cleanliness/hygiene freak but this line has changed my perspective.



His NYP students and graduate.


Kids playing in the sun and sand has, for the 1st time, brought a smile that cracked my hardened hard.






There's alot of people to thank for, and i have decided not to post their photos and my way-too-personal thoughts. I brought home with me bags of joy and wonderful memories and am ready for more hard work and good times. For this purpose, i want to be the best i know how and get invited back for more life changing trips.




Not exactly done with this post...

When Ruth was slim

Found these on an ex classmate's webby, taken during a class get together. I forgot what the occassion was!

They say there were too many cliques in class.. I beg to differ..
See, even folks from different cliques work together.
3 lucky guys-need no introduction on what they are doing right
Here's Geraldine Cady in her curly wurlies. Looking back, so ugly right.
Did we have uninvited guests? Haha.
Incomplete group peekcherr
See, i told you i WAS slim! What went wrong... Hmmmm

AOWD Certification

Hello Earthlings.
Im on leave today, and slept in till swans transformed back to ugly ducklings, went to the hair salon and met up with my bestie, Tracy and an ex sec school classmate. Time whizzed past without me knowing and i wish i didnt spend my day as such. I wish I woke earlier, went for a swim, take a long bath, read, and bring myself on a boring movie and shopping date.

Its been awhile since mum 'talked' to me and the moment she did, she stepped on my last nerves. Days as a middle child isnt justified but heck, I'll be shifting out in a few years if my prince charming comes in my glass sandals or I'l apply for a flat in 14 years as a singleton. Either way, its definate i'll be bringing my beloved mattress along. :D
Im still feeling down even after i fa lao sao-ed(and got a tau huey fine) to name-shall-not-be-revealed. My playlist is playing Otra Luna by Carlos Libedinsky on repeat mode as i type this mundane post.

I picture a girl in a dark room, developing her life stories. Some were developed black&white, some fully coloured. And the rest of my thoughts.. got disrupted when mum turned on her DJ mode- i tell you, she can really go non stop.

Anyhows.

Although it's been awhile since i bought clothes, im guilt stricken! Because these pieces possess intricate details, you cant blame me for being shallow!
Screaming safari!
Im a holy one.
And a black dress (toga with a sash and pleat beneath) which took eons to upload i gave up waiting.

Tango At The Gardens on Sunday rolled out perfect. I reckon everyone's tired from late night practicas and running about on actual day, but it was all worth the effort. Kudos! I know i missed an awesome experience but if diving's not this week, I wont be able to do it till god-knows-when.

Anyhows. Here's a summary of 14 and 15th June 2008 at Tioman, Paya Beach.

Folks On This Trip
Senior Chris & Stephen hailing from Down Under Adelaide.


JunMing and Jason, poly mates and dive buddies.

XiaoWei on the left, Cassandra, Serene & Fion at the forefront-Church mates.


4 Ladies and Yuni, my room-mate who's in a make-sure-you-eventually-ki-siao profession, educator.


6 Youngsters.


And Sunny Cove crew!
Presenting to you Jason, on the left, spokesperson for smoker's toothpaste. Willie the wannabe hiphop rapper. Ryan the lamer basking in glory. And KaiMing with his act-stylo-milo-scarf under the belly-hot sun.


Bestest khaki, Queen aka Zenz (okay her name is Samantha), throughout the trip! Thermal rash guard sama sama.

Who's kicking up a sandstorm, blurring our hot bod and pretty face.


Cinderella and her evil step sisters.


Always up to mischief.


Introducing the 3rd party between Queen and I, King.


Lao gong ni zai na li! Lao po i busy (looking at boobfish-ies.)

Some Funny Things

"Tolay pang kang, no phish."


A 'good' buddy reports Jason's embarrassing peng-san-on-tank-and-cant-get-up-underwater situation to the crew for laughter's sake

Please dial 1900-Vote-For-Turtle now!







Tobacco Party. Cheers!


" Uncle Ben, I love you.. Most importantly, I love Paya Beach.."


My interesting finds this trip include..
a moray eel, preferably known as molarmolar to Jason.L.

and an underwater mosquito!


Ryan's thong for sale. Smell forquotation unavailable.


see no evil hear no evil speak no evil


Queen: "Aie, take a photo leh. 回去有个交代给Thomas"


Jason: Cameraman wait very long ler!
Willie: I think i smell something..
Ryan: *Takes a deep breath* Got meh..
KM post fart: *grinning-tee hee hee. Shiokkk arrrr*


Open water Tango gone wrong.

Ryan: Kiss me pleaseeee. Jason: Chee beh, i got wife leh!


My square navigation skill test. "left minus 90, right add 90.." I suspect Ryan is trying to off my tank.. Hmmmm..

The Classic "I Wish You Were Here" Pose.


Instructor Willie


Phather and Dotter


Last but not least, the cannot-make-it underwater group photo. Visibility:2m-BAD.


Im now a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver!

"You've not lived until you've done something for someone who can never repay you"

Bits Bout My Whimsical Life

Mon 9th June. I collapsed on the bed the moment I got home from work, thou only a handful of patients turned up for their holiday appointments.
This the season to be jolly for I dont feel bad for cutting some slack at work. Down side being having to dine out of school and getting bored from reading, Fac_b00king, Am Ass Ant.ing and all other rubbish availble on the world wide web.
Here, i get to meet alot of seemingly well to do parents. These hoity toits get quite annoying, yet they give most encouraging verbal compliments. I've handled my fair share and have learnt how to 'manipulate' their minds and Im not gonna tell you how! The fun part? They think you're all for them, but its just a fancy mask to avoid going through files of complaints and to free up time for more useless activities online.
Tired i was, i went for a quick jog around my neighbourhood in an attempt to negate calories I consumed on Friday. Think chocolate oozing out from cake. Yummm!

Tues 10th June. I need to learn how to execute all that fancy dance kicks, hooks and everything else. In fact, Im not even 100% balance confident on those >3inch needle-like stilettos! Entrenamiento entrenamiento entrenamiento!

Wed 11th June. Shucks! With my nether region dripping blood 4days earlier than expected, I cant put the norethisterone pills into good use. Good thing is that i've avoided a disruption in the normal cycle and i'll be at Bintan's village hassle free. Flip side be inconvenience during the upcoming dive trip over the weekends! And if you want to see sharks, fin behind me aye. ;) Im being eco friendly by providing marine life good feed from human body matter-tee hee hee! If by any chance you get to see beautiful corals on Tioman, you have me to thank!
It's a long day, with compulsory attendance school orientation at 6pm and last salsa beginner's 2 class at 8.30pm.

I was 30mins late for orientation, good thing. It started the moment i silenced my phone and settled down. Very attentive me was totally absorbed in his speech as I sat jaded looking at the course outline.

I'm gonna stop salsa for awhile till i'm more settled down with upcoming transitions.
Class ended on a rather bad note. It didnt affect me much-too grown for petty issues larh! In a nut shell, beginner's level 2 was about a butt shake styling and 4 cross body leads: 1) Basic 2) Reverse (walk walk turn) 3) Cross body right turn 4) Cross body left turn-sometimes i get the footwork right, sometimes i dont. And it kinda depends on whether im thinking bout the technical details of which leg to lift. Ironically, when i become brainless, i get it. I think bimbo should become my middle name.

Thurs 12th June. I headed down to SCove after my run. I'm not very excited bout the trip but im sure its gonna be loads of fun.

Fri 13th June. Happy Birthday, Liang.
Applied for half day leave to pack and condition myself for a weekend of toomuchfun! Cant wait to jump into my thermal rash guard! Hoping for good visibility, friendly waves and journey mercy. I did bow tie homework for lady helper's attire and shopped for male suspenders. It was a steal at $19 (U.P. 36SGD) from Topman! Here's a summary in case the following info wasnt disseminated via email to the respective parties.

Shan dai shan dai tie my BLACK BOW TIE

This ulu place offers rental at $5 each. They are not open tomorrow (Sat) as they have a show. Take bus 8 from Toa Payoh.
5 Lorong Bakar Batu, #07-05 Macpherson Industrial Complex. Singapore 348742.
Tel: (65) 68412260 Fax: (65) 68412344 Email: mascots@mascotsandpuppets.com

MASQUERADE 2000 offers purchase at $15. Extortion i mean.
26A Bali Lane
TEL: [65] 6292 4889

Theatre De La Mode is left with 2 black ones (red available) at $9.50. Open on Sat from 'late morning to early afternoon, strictly by appointment only'.
Henderson Road Blk 203 #09-03 Henderson Industrial Park. Tel: 62701722.

NO. 1 COSTUME COSTUME that needs no introduction is at
No. 32 Aliwal Street Singapore 1999922
TEL: [65] 6333 9440. Extension 116 / 117.
Bow ties priced at $8.50. Black unavailable, has stock for metallic red, gold and purple.

clearly shows why im in dental and not creative arts. :P Black bow tie on white (sleeveless baring your clavicle/collar bone if u can find) collared shirt, black shorts, ? Red belt ?.

Good luck girls! I'll be finding Nemo!! JOllyBoo!

Shan dai shan dai tie my black bow tie.

Sat 14th June. 1st night dive makes jovelle a lil worried. I must have uber thin Hawaiian pizza for dinner!
Sun 15th June. Returning to Sg from Tioman. Hoping to make it in time for Tango at the Gardens
Mon 16th June & Tues 17th June.
I want to go on a short escapade.

Im a busy urbanite!
** There are people who walk into a room and say "here i am" and there are those who go "there you are!".

Pork Ribs

At the bowels of CHIJMES lie b0bby's Tapr00m griII & ribs, where Tracy Pearline Serene and I officially had our 1st (and more to come) Girl's Night Out. I wasnt feeling well to begin with, and the still night made the 1000sq feet alfresco dining area a far cry from spectacular.

We were cam whoring when our neighbour diner from SantaBarbara, California, offered to help us with a group photograph.
They were so generous with their flattery I was way above cloud 9.
They then enquired bout 'air shows', that probably was rehersals for NationaI Day. Naturally, a "When?" came. Tracy, my cock friend, very confidently replied "August 17!" (her birthday). Before we jolted to our senses and laughed over it, i was trying hard to recall why August 9 sounds significant.

There's no good reason to give their Signature Baby Back Pork Ribs a miss. The cut from the tenderloin had fats that were easily seperated from the tender lean meat. BBQ sauce gave the grilled ribs some thang. I chose garden salad with vinaigrette and french fries. We ordered a jug of mango margarita too! It was an episode of saccharine overdose-too much for a drowsy sickly lady.

The overall experience was undeniably mainstream but the company made Wed night exceptional.
We heart this spiral staircase!

Finally made her virgin sleepover on my new mattress!


Song of the moment: Pocket Full Of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield!
I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it's all mine.
Oh.

Do what you want, but you're never gonna break me.
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.
No.

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it's all mine.
Oh.

Wish that you could, but you ain't gonna own me.
Do anything you can to control me.
Oh, no.

Take me away: A secret place.
A sweet escape: Take me away.

Take me away to better days.
Take me away: A higher place.

There's a place that I go,

But nobody knows.
Where the rivers flow,
And I call it home.

And there's no more lies.
In the darkness, there's light.
And nobody cries.
There's only butterflies.

The sun is on my side.
Take me for a ride.
I smile up to the sky.
I know I'll be all right.

Roachful Morning

Im definately hors de combat at the mere sight of a cockroach-i become Thai fried tofu; tough on the outside, ultimately mushy and soft inside, sends a wrinkled face because its hot and sour. Just imagine.

On the way to work this morning, 2 disgusting living things crawled out of a foreign worker's backpack. 1 headed onto his blue jeans and into the dark, probably moist, comfort of his plastic bag of groceries. The other ventured the exterior of his backpack, got caught and was given a quick sweep off to the seat, with its 6 legs dangling in thin air till godknowswhen. Sitting directly opposite, I was totally disgusted, while my train neighbour, a 40odd year old man, had this classic
expression till the train came to a halt at Hougang.

Back at the clinic, i picked a call for my collegue who has yet to arrive and decided to take a message. Upon opening the drawer to retrieve paper and pen, the nymph of the regular household cockroach was staring at me upfront. I slammed the drawer shut and rummaged through my bag for a pen. The school servant popped by and i thought she'd be my saviour for the day. Unfortunately, Mr Roach was no where to be seen. I wont be living in peace till the day i see Mr Roach dead, right in front of moi.
I dont understand why im repeatedly tested for acarophobia(particularly cockroaches) over and over again. I think its a good idea (or rather, not a bad idea) that these creatures be wiped out from the face of MotherEarth for the good of Ruth and her senses.

ah man.