What a day.. I am so angry and utterly disappointed!! I had 2 appointments with the sonographer today. One was to do a bone density scan and the other was an abdominal scan.
Firstly, the bone density scan was at 2pm. I arrived at the venue at 1.30pm and thought to myself, I am still very early. I had to park along the street as I knew it is cheaper than parking inside the building (nope, no discounts for patients, dream on! Everywhere is all about money!!!) Then I thought perhaps, I should go into the medical centre 15 minutes earlier. So I waited for 15 minutes in the car as I didn't want to pay for the parking ticket for an hour, as I know the scan will take about 20 minutes. So, I paid for 45 minutes which cost me $2.50. So, I finally went into the centre, got myself registered at the reception and waited....... and waited...... it's 2.20pm, as I looked at the time. Dem, my parking ticket is only until 2.30pm. I thought my appointment was at 2pm (something I learnt instantly, having an appointment at the stated time, does not mean you will get to see the doc/sonographer immediately). So I had to go and re-pay my parking tickets. I had to pay for another hour, as I wasn't sure when it will be my turn. Paid another $3.30 for an hour. Finally, it was my turn, and all in all, it took 30 minutes by the time I got back to the centre. Wasted half an hour's parking fee.
That was still ok. No hassle! Gosh, I was starving by then. I had to fast before the scan, that's why I was starving. I had to rush to another centre for the abdominal scan. I had about 25 minutes to spare. Thank God the next medical centre was in the area I live in. So, since I have the zone parking area sticker, I didn't have to pay. So I got into the centre and registered myself. The receptionist, gave me an awkward look. Then as she was searching for something on her tray, I knew something was wrong. To my disbelief, she told me I didn't have the appointment. A guy came and that guy had the same appointment time and day as me! I was getting furious.. she tried to explain to me, saying somehow my name was not on the appointment list, and perhaps someone called and cancelled my appointment. I just couldn't believe it. I replied "Perhaps it's a muck up at your end!!" I had the card which she wrote for me, which stated my appointment time and date. Then the sonographer intruded and said she can't do anymore and that she has to leave early! I was fuming by then and said "Look, it's not my fault at all and you have to see me today, no matter what!!" I explained further that, I fasted the whole day and took half a day leave, which doesn't really come by often, and now they want me to come back another day!! It was ludicrous!! The receptionist tried to cajole the sonographer to scan me today and then later came back telling me that the sonographer will try to fit me in.. depending on how long it takes to scan other patients. The receptionist was hoping I will come back some other time.
Instead, I used my mum's tactic ie by not giving up and kept ranting and ranting even if it's in public (I know, how embarrasing you may imagine!!). In my mind, I thought if they really don't scan me today, I will take the matter up to the person in charge. Does it take me to be near death, then only they will attend to me? They have an obligation plus I was 101% certain it was their fault (the receptionist) as I recalled. Two weeks ago, I took the doctor's referral to the imaging centre and booked for an appointment. Immediately the receptionist (the very same one) told me swiftly the next available date and time. Then she just wrote the time and date on a card and took my referral letter from me. Wow, I thought to myself, that was very efficient! It was all sorted out in less than 1 minute!! Which I think was where the whole error occured. She forgot to log me into the computer. How dare she come up with the explanation that someone called and cancelled my appointment. Who in the sane mind would do that? Plus are they supposed to cancel if it wasn't the patient who called?
Arrghhh.. what a awful day!!! No wonder my aorta is enlarging. Dealing with all these idiots just stresses me out!! How to be more gracious and take such things in stride? God..help me!
Tuesday, January 15
Saturday, January 12
Aging... but gracefully?
HELP! I was looking into the mirrow after showering, and I saw some stretch mark lookalike around my shoulders! The first thing that came to mind was, I am getting old and aging, bit by bit everyday. Gosh, I can't even believe that I am going to be 27 this year!! I'm getting paranoid now. I don't know what to expect of myself in 5 or 10 or 20 years time (if I'm still alive by then).
First of all, I've got to de-stress, I have to smile in every circumstances and I shall not let anyone or anything affect my mood.
Secondly, I have to eat a balance and healthy diet which I am. I am cutting down on chips (ooh, I love chips, but have to cut down on them, and slowly in total abstinence).
Thirdly, I am also taking vitamins such as C, E and CoQ10 which apparently are anti-aging substance.
A family friend also gave me a valuable advise ie to use sunscreen, especially on the face. I've never known the importance of using sunscreen and now I am absolutely paranoid about getting a dull, dark and full of spots and moles on the face (which reminds me, I have buy some sunscreen for my mum). So, I am putting on the face sunscreen daily. However, having said that, I have to stress on the importance of getting some occasional sunlight which is the best source for vitamin D as vitamin D helps to absorb calcium.
Last but not least, I am doing some exercise by doing some walking and playing games with hubby.
So, there you go, a simple anti-aging plan. Will let you know 5, 10 or 20 years later if it works. hehe =)
First of all, I've got to de-stress, I have to smile in every circumstances and I shall not let anyone or anything affect my mood.
Secondly, I have to eat a balance and healthy diet which I am. I am cutting down on chips (ooh, I love chips, but have to cut down on them, and slowly in total abstinence).
Thirdly, I am also taking vitamins such as C, E and CoQ10 which apparently are anti-aging substance.
A family friend also gave me a valuable advise ie to use sunscreen, especially on the face. I've never known the importance of using sunscreen and now I am absolutely paranoid about getting a dull, dark and full of spots and moles on the face (which reminds me, I have buy some sunscreen for my mum). So, I am putting on the face sunscreen daily. However, having said that, I have to stress on the importance of getting some occasional sunlight which is the best source for vitamin D as vitamin D helps to absorb calcium.
Last but not least, I am doing some exercise by doing some walking and playing games with hubby.
So, there you go, a simple anti-aging plan. Will let you know 5, 10 or 20 years later if it works. hehe =)
Sunday, January 6
Ikea again..
Hubby loves the meatballs in Ikea and I admit, I quite enjoy it, though it's not my favourite food. We went there for lunch and when we got there, the queue was already quite long. I was already feeling dismayed at the long queue, but we still waited patiently just to get our meatballs. As it was our turn to order, guess what? They said the meatballs are still cooking as they ran out, and we had to wait for 8 minutes! So, what are we supposed to do at the meantime? 8 minutes is quite a wait still. We felt appalled at the attitude of the person serving us and we sort of vowed not to go back there for meatballs. We decided to buy the meatballs in a packet and the sauce to cook at home next time. You see, 10 meatballs (with potatoes as side) cost $6.50. 15 meatballs, cost $7.50 and 20 meatballs, cost $8.50. One packet of meatballs comes in 1 kg, and there's probably about 100 meatballs is $12.95. So, we'd rather cook it ourselves and there's more advantage to it than driving 25 minutes there, enduring the queue and the bad service. Anyway, to cut the story short, we waited and I decided to jump queue, and demanded for my meatballs.
Anyway, we bought something from Ikea, which lightened up my day. I've been eyeing on the rattan/outdoor/patio (whichever it is) chairs since last year, when it was $39 each. We walked Ikea without any intention of buying anything. Just as we were reaching the exit, we saw these chairs on sale. It came down to $29 now! I was ecstatic! Thanks to Andrew who also felt the same and we just grabbed two and proceeded to the checkout! Alas, we have two beautiful chairs for our balcony where we can sit and enjoy the beautiful and serene view of the park with a cup of nice and hot rooboi tea!
Anyway, we bought something from Ikea, which lightened up my day. I've been eyeing on the rattan/outdoor/patio (whichever it is) chairs since last year, when it was $39 each. We walked Ikea without any intention of buying anything. Just as we were reaching the exit, we saw these chairs on sale. It came down to $29 now! I was ecstatic! Thanks to Andrew who also felt the same and we just grabbed two and proceeded to the checkout! Alas, we have two beautiful chairs for our balcony where we can sit and enjoy the beautiful and serene view of the park with a cup of nice and hot rooboi tea!
Wednesday, January 2
Better sleeping
Got this article from smh.com.au and some of them I thought was rather new to me. I only managed to sleep at 4am last night and I wasn't sure why. Did a checklist of what I ate and did, but ccan't seem to point out the culprit. So, I reckon it was my dad who called me up just when I dozed off. Sigh.. anyway, I thought my mum would be interested as well. So, here's for you too, mum.
1. Eat little and often
Some insomniacs wake with a jolt at about 3am, when blood sugar is low and the body releases adrenaline. "Stabilise your blood sugars during the day by eating every three hours and keep to foods with a low glycaemic index — they take longer to digest," says nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville. "Before bed, have some hot chamomile tea and an oatcake."
2. A new mattress
Use a mattress that supports the body by distributing weight evenly. According to a Swedish study that monitored 23,000 sleepers over eight years, using a specialist mattress resulted in an 83% reduction in tossing and turning.
3. Turn off your mobile
Many people find chatting on mobile phones overstimulating, so switch yours off at 6pm or whenever you get home.
4. Change your breathing pattern
Deep breathing helps calm your mind and it produces relaxing endorphins, says hypnotherapist Georgia Foster. Draw air into your lungs for five seconds, hold for five seconds, release completely, and then hold your lungs empty for a further five seconds. Repeat three times.
5. Start brain-dumping
Keep a pen and paper beside your bed and write down your anxieties, so you don't have to lie awake worrying about them.
6. Eat a potato at bedtime
Starchy foods — such as potatoes and bananas — are full of chemicals called tryptophans that boost levels of serotonin, which promotes sleep.
7. Listen to the voices in your head
CDs are available to aid sleep, offering subliminal messages to send you off. They offer affirmations such as: "Sleep is natural. Sleep is effortless. Sleep is easy. Sleep is good."
8. Drink cherry juice
Tart cherries contain significant quantities of melatonin, the hormone needed for restful sleep.
9. Get into a routine
Going to bed and waking up at about the same times helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Reading a book for 20 minutes can be used as a cornerstone of a peaceful night. Avoid long lie-ins on weekends.
10. Take a cold shower
Long, hot soaks before bed raise your body temperature at a time when it is naturally programmed to fall. Take a cooler bath or shower instead.
11. Skip the gym
Exercising after work increases body temperature and changes your rhythm, making you too alert.
12. Muscle in
If you are being woken by nocturnal muscle twitches, see your doctor or pharmacist for a remedy.
13. Declutter
According to the rules of feng shui, your bedroom should promote a harmonious flow of nourishing and sensual energy. So keep it clear of clutter, banish the TV, computer and fitness gear, and get rid of the boxes and suitcases that may be harbouring negative energy under the bed.
14. Paint it white
Colour therapists recommend that bedrooms be decorated in "skin" colours, from pale pink to rich brown; bright red walls, for example, are too stimulating.
15. Unplug the PlayStation
Teenagers seem to be able to cope with bright flashing screens before falling into bed, but adults seem to become overstimulated, causing their minds to race when they should be resting.
16. Warm feet
Cold feet can be a real sleep-killer. Thermal socks are an easy solution.
17. Try a snore cure
Your partner's snoring — or even your own — could be the root of your sleep problem. Nose-breather strips and drops to keep the throat open are available from pharmacies.
18. Observe the 20-minute rule
If you have been awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and rest elsewhere. Do not return to bed until you feel sleepy.
19. Herbal tips
Valerian has long been associated with sleep. Failing that, there's always warm milk.
20. Onion sandwiches anyone?
The Romans ate onions to cure vision problems, heal dog bites, treat lumbago — and induce sleep.
1. Eat little and often
Some insomniacs wake with a jolt at about 3am, when blood sugar is low and the body releases adrenaline. "Stabilise your blood sugars during the day by eating every three hours and keep to foods with a low glycaemic index — they take longer to digest," says nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville. "Before bed, have some hot chamomile tea and an oatcake."
2. A new mattress
Use a mattress that supports the body by distributing weight evenly. According to a Swedish study that monitored 23,000 sleepers over eight years, using a specialist mattress resulted in an 83% reduction in tossing and turning.
3. Turn off your mobile
Many people find chatting on mobile phones overstimulating, so switch yours off at 6pm or whenever you get home.
4. Change your breathing pattern
Deep breathing helps calm your mind and it produces relaxing endorphins, says hypnotherapist Georgia Foster. Draw air into your lungs for five seconds, hold for five seconds, release completely, and then hold your lungs empty for a further five seconds. Repeat three times.
5. Start brain-dumping
Keep a pen and paper beside your bed and write down your anxieties, so you don't have to lie awake worrying about them.
6. Eat a potato at bedtime
Starchy foods — such as potatoes and bananas — are full of chemicals called tryptophans that boost levels of serotonin, which promotes sleep.
7. Listen to the voices in your head
CDs are available to aid sleep, offering subliminal messages to send you off. They offer affirmations such as: "Sleep is natural. Sleep is effortless. Sleep is easy. Sleep is good."
8. Drink cherry juice
Tart cherries contain significant quantities of melatonin, the hormone needed for restful sleep.
9. Get into a routine
Going to bed and waking up at about the same times helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Reading a book for 20 minutes can be used as a cornerstone of a peaceful night. Avoid long lie-ins on weekends.
10. Take a cold shower
Long, hot soaks before bed raise your body temperature at a time when it is naturally programmed to fall. Take a cooler bath or shower instead.
11. Skip the gym
Exercising after work increases body temperature and changes your rhythm, making you too alert.
12. Muscle in
If you are being woken by nocturnal muscle twitches, see your doctor or pharmacist for a remedy.
13. Declutter
According to the rules of feng shui, your bedroom should promote a harmonious flow of nourishing and sensual energy. So keep it clear of clutter, banish the TV, computer and fitness gear, and get rid of the boxes and suitcases that may be harbouring negative energy under the bed.
14. Paint it white
Colour therapists recommend that bedrooms be decorated in "skin" colours, from pale pink to rich brown; bright red walls, for example, are too stimulating.
15. Unplug the PlayStation
Teenagers seem to be able to cope with bright flashing screens before falling into bed, but adults seem to become overstimulated, causing their minds to race when they should be resting.
16. Warm feet
Cold feet can be a real sleep-killer. Thermal socks are an easy solution.
17. Try a snore cure
Your partner's snoring — or even your own — could be the root of your sleep problem. Nose-breather strips and drops to keep the throat open are available from pharmacies.
18. Observe the 20-minute rule
If you have been awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and rest elsewhere. Do not return to bed until you feel sleepy.
19. Herbal tips
Valerian has long been associated with sleep. Failing that, there's always warm milk.
20. Onion sandwiches anyone?
The Romans ate onions to cure vision problems, heal dog bites, treat lumbago — and induce sleep.
Tuesday, January 1
Bring it on 2008!
May this year be a great year, a year filled with joy and adventure and prosperity for all of you .. I had some new year resolutions last year.. but didn't really accomplish all of them. So, I think I'll just enjoy riding into 2008 first before I come up with any resolution for the year. I'm more looking forward to Chinese New Year.. and it's the year of the rat.. not that it has any significance to me. Somehow, I have a feeling that 2008 and 2009 will be a very special year for me. Looking forward to what God has in store for me.
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