People who cross my
path
Apart from learning how to counsel, I
have to be counselled too. This is to learn what it is like to be sitting in the
other seat.
I was very blessed to have Ms Trina as my supervisor. In the five sessions I had
with her, she really taught me a lot. She transformed me from a sparrow to an
eagle in the counselling field. She asked tough questions to make me think and
think hard. She made me able to empathise with my client and opened my
perspective to the world of counselling.
I now have a greater understanding of the process of counselling and working
with my client.
In this journey with her, my thinking process has broadened and deepened. I
would say that I am a much better counsellor now as compared to the first time I
met her. I am far from being a professional but I am definitely better than when
I first started. Able to use these skills on my kids is indeed a bonus.
Yes, I am a mum. This is a place where I write about this and that.
A Whole New Perspective
I have finished my practicum.
How time flies. Met Mr Loon for my last session of practicum. I did not want to say it was my last time seeing him because I see myself going back to visit him. I explained to him that I would be going back to school and would not be able to visit him so regularly but I would still make time to visit him. I asked if he had enjoyed the time I spent with him.
你喜欢我来看你吗？
喜欢，很喜欢。
I do not think it is right to just stop the visitation completely. I will continue to visit, perhaps, fortnightly if time permits or at least once a month. The thing is to keep in touch.
This practicum, the visit to a nursing home has completely changed my perspective towards asking old people to stop work and just rest.
This is a brutal truth…
…the old people in a nursing home who have care-givers to look after them, provide food for them, having 24 hour nursing care. Their lives have no worries. They play bingo, go for outings, have physiotherapies and have volunteers who come to talk to them. Yet, their lives are as good as that of a prisoner. They are ‘caged’ in. They have no freedom to go where they want to go, eat what they like to eat. Even drinking a cup of plain water, they are at the mercy of the caregivers.
…the old people who work in the food court, at the airport, those who sell tissue papers and wet ones. They have complete freedom to do as they wish. If today, they want to eat simply, porridge and egg or tomorrow they want a plate of lard laden cha kuay teow, no one can stop them. They are able to enjoy, they are happy, above all, they have freedom.
Now, when I see old people working, I no longer feel sorry for them. I rejoice with them for they have good health which enables them to earn a decent living and enjoy their lives. It has been a great adventure doing my practicum at a nursing home. Never have I ever thought I would be able to do something like this but it clearly proved that humans are fully capable of treading on the unknown, entering the discomfort zone. I just need to be bold, to take risk.
I have finished my practicum.
How time flies. Met Mr Loon for my last session of practicum. I did not want to say it was my last time seeing him because I see myself going back to visit him. I explained to him that I would be going back to school and would not be able to visit him so regularly but I would still make time to visit him. I asked if he had enjoyed the time I spent with him.
你喜欢我来看你吗？
喜欢，很喜欢。
I do not think it is right to just stop the visitation completely. I will continue to visit, perhaps, fortnightly if time permits or at least once a month. The thing is to keep in touch.
This practicum, the visit to a nursing home has completely changed my perspective towards asking old people to stop work and just rest.
This is a brutal truth…
…the old people in a nursing home who have care-givers to look after them, provide food for them, having 24 hour nursing care. Their lives have no worries. They play bingo, go for outings, have physiotherapies and have volunteers who come to talk to them. Yet, their lives are as good as that of a prisoner. They are ‘caged’ in. They have no freedom to go where they want to go, eat what they like to eat. Even drinking a cup of plain water, they are at the mercy of the caregivers.
…the old people who work in the food court, at the airport, those who sell tissue papers and wet ones. They have complete freedom to do as they wish. If today, they want to eat simply, porridge and egg or tomorrow they want a plate of lard laden cha kuay teow, no one can stop them. They are able to enjoy, they are happy, above all, they have freedom.
Now, when I see old people working, I no longer feel sorry for them. I rejoice with them for they have good health which enables them to earn a decent living and enjoy their lives. It has been a great adventure doing my practicum at a nursing home. Never have I ever thought I would be able to do something like this but it clearly proved that humans are fully capable of treading on the unknown, entering the discomfort zone. I just need to be bold, to take risk.
Well said!
I saw this on one of the FB posting and I fully agree with it. On one hand, they ask us to accept them but on the other hand, they do not accept that we cannot accept such lifestyle in our society.
Live your life the way you want to but I do not endorse or agree with the Pink Dot event because I do not want my child to grow up thinking that being gay is fine and dandy. Go ahead be what you want to be but don't advertise it as though it is normal and something to be proud of. You have made your stance, let us make ours without you accusing us of being narrow minded and discriminatory. If you can have a Pink Dot event why can't another group have their Wear White?
I saw this on one of the FB posting and I fully agree with it. On one hand, they ask us to accept them but on the other hand, they do not accept that we cannot accept such lifestyle in our society.
Live your life the way you want to but I do not endorse or agree with the Pink Dot event because I do not want my child to grow up thinking that being gay is fine and dandy. Go ahead be what you want to be but don't advertise it as though it is normal and something to be proud of. You have made your stance, let us make ours without you accusing us of being narrow minded and discriminatory. If you can have a Pink Dot event why can't another group have their Wear White?
Do something
In life, sometimes you have to push hard enough to make things happen especially it is for the good of the larger community.
4 April
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you directly as I think this is the fastest and best way to see things get done. I am a mother with a child studying at Henry Park Primary School. I am extremely concerned with the road safety of the school environment and the safety of the school children. I hope you will look into this and take action as fast as possible before another tragedy take away the lives of our young children.
Recently, the school has instructed the children to use the designated pedestrian crossings near the school. While I applaud the school for this, I would like to highlight to you that the location of these pedestrian crossings are at dangerous zones. Please see diagram below:
Children who need to take Bus.92 towards Ghim Moh Road/ Buona Vista MRT station has to walk to RGPS bus stop (blue line) as there are no designated crossing to use. By doing that, they expose themselves to danger when they cross Mt Sinai Lane (danger zone 1). This is made more dangerous when they start to run without stopping at the lane to watch for cars when they see the bus coming. Children who take Bus. 92 from Ghim Moh Road to school, get off at the bus stop infront of house no. 1, has to cross Holland Grove Drive (danger zone 2) in order to get to the zebra crossing at point A .
I have seen on many occasions, big trucks and cement mixers plying these roads as there are houses being renovated or rebuilt in these areas. I am seeking for LTA and MOE to work together to make this area safer for the children. I am suggesting that LTA shifts the current traffic light at position B (which is hardly being used) to position B1 so that children need not walk to RGPS to take Bus. 92. They can use the bus stop by the side of the old Henry Park Apartment. To shift the current zebra crossing from position A to position A1 so that they can get to school safely using the two newly proposed crossings. While these changes may inconvenient drivers, we should put the safety of our children first. I greatly appreciate it if you could take the necessary action soonest possible or come up with a plan for the children to get to school and to get home safely.
Regards,
--------------------------------
2 May
Safer roads for Henry Park school children (MW-Ulu Pandan)
FEEDBACK NUMBER: 20140404-1857
We refer to your email of 4 April 2014.
To regulate traffic, traffic marshals are deployed by the schools to aid motorists and pedestrian movement along Mount Sinai and Holland Grove Roads during peak hours. The schools have arranged to start classes consecutively; i.e. a 30 minute interval to avoid further impact to the traffic flow in the area. We have been constantly monitoring and working closely with the schools, to minimise the traffic impact and aid students crossing at the designated junctions safely. The schools has also assisted to place more traffic marshals and help regulate traffic during school peak periods. Please be informed that we are looking into providing an additional hump along Holland Grove Road. This will further moderate the travelling speed by motorists, before approaching the Mount Sinai Road junction. Also, chevron markings at the ingress will be introduced, to visually reduce the width of the road and facilitate a 2 stage crossing for students crossing at this junction to RGPS. Regarding your concern on the increasing presence of construction vehicles, the relevant contractors have been informed to avoid travelling in the vicinity during school peak hours. Please be assured that LTA will continue to monitor the situation on site, and implement suitable enhancement measures where necessary. Separately, this information has been shared with the Traffic Police Department, for their assistance with road enforcement for the affected junctions mentioned.
--------------------------------
22 May
Referring to your email dated 2 May 2014 (Our Ref: LTA/TRO/TTSO/TMC/F20.000.000/24488 )
You mentioned that the relevant contractors have been informed not to travel in the area during peak hours. I have continue to see heavy vehicles during peak hours. In just a few minutes, I saw a cement mixer and two trucks. Unfortunately, I was not fast enough to capture them all. Attached is just one of the heavy vehicles I have managed to photograph. On top of that, Far East Organization will soon be launching their development directly opposite Henry Park. Will we see more heavy vehicles plying outside the school?
I hope LTA view this seriously and take the June holiday where there are much fewer children in school to study how to make the area safer for the young kids. Please do not allow the Tampines brothers tragedy to be repeated.
Regards,
--------------------------------
13 June
We refer to your preceding emails. Please be informed that your email is receiving attention from our Patrol Unit. Be assured that our officers from Patrol Unit will take your feedback into consideration when planning our operations. Thank you and have a pleasant day.
--------------------------------
26 JUNE
Dear Parents
Road Improvement Works along Holland Grove Road
As mentioned in our last LTP, road improvement works along Holland Grove Road, in consultation with MOE and LTA, has been planned to be carried out during the June vacation to enhance road safety.
The improvement works is near completion. When school reopens you can expect to see the following road safety features along Holland Grove Road: (i) Railings starting from about 30m from existing traffic lights outside the school all the way to the start of the Mount Sinai junction. The railings have been installed on both sides of the Holland Grove Road. (ii) Kerb at the bus bay egress to prevent vehicles exiting from the bus bay from turning left. Please comply with this. (iii) Kerb at the level 3 egress to facilitate the left & right turns by vehicles. (iv) Central road divider close to the new traffic light.…….
I am glad that I am one of those who pushed really hard for the safety of the school children. In life, I am not just a complainer, I put action to my words. Sometimes, I meet with people who are quick to defend. There are some who do not listen, some who just listen but choose not to do anything…
whoever I meet, if I think things can be improved, I will always try my best to fight on but always choose your battle wisely. You can call that stubbornness, to put it in a positive light, it is determination.
In life, sometimes you have to push hard enough to make things happen especially it is for the good of the larger community.
4 April
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you directly as I think this is the fastest and best way to see things get done. I am a mother with a child studying at Henry Park Primary School. I am extremely concerned with the road safety of the school environment and the safety of the school children. I hope you will look into this and take action as fast as possible before another tragedy take away the lives of our young children.
Recently, the school has instructed the children to use the designated pedestrian crossings near the school. While I applaud the school for this, I would like to highlight to you that the location of these pedestrian crossings are at dangerous zones. Please see diagram below:
Children who need to take Bus.92 towards Ghim Moh Road/ Buona Vista MRT station has to walk to RGPS bus stop (blue line) as there are no designated crossing to use. By doing that, they expose themselves to danger when they cross Mt Sinai Lane (danger zone 1). This is made more dangerous when they start to run without stopping at the lane to watch for cars when they see the bus coming. Children who take Bus. 92 from Ghim Moh Road to school, get off at the bus stop infront of house no. 1, has to cross Holland Grove Drive (danger zone 2) in order to get to the zebra crossing at point A .
I have seen on many occasions, big trucks and cement mixers plying these roads as there are houses being renovated or rebuilt in these areas. I am seeking for LTA and MOE to work together to make this area safer for the children. I am suggesting that LTA shifts the current traffic light at position B (which is hardly being used) to position B1 so that children need not walk to RGPS to take Bus. 92. They can use the bus stop by the side of the old Henry Park Apartment. To shift the current zebra crossing from position A to position A1 so that they can get to school safely using the two newly proposed crossings. While these changes may inconvenient drivers, we should put the safety of our children first. I greatly appreciate it if you could take the necessary action soonest possible or come up with a plan for the children to get to school and to get home safely.
Regards,
--------------------------------
2 May
Safer roads for Henry Park school children (MW-Ulu Pandan)
FEEDBACK NUMBER: 20140404-1857
We refer to your email of 4 April 2014.
To regulate traffic, traffic marshals are deployed by the schools to aid motorists and pedestrian movement along Mount Sinai and Holland Grove Roads during peak hours. The schools have arranged to start classes consecutively; i.e. a 30 minute interval to avoid further impact to the traffic flow in the area. We have been constantly monitoring and working closely with the schools, to minimise the traffic impact and aid students crossing at the designated junctions safely. The schools has also assisted to place more traffic marshals and help regulate traffic during school peak periods. Please be informed that we are looking into providing an additional hump along Holland Grove Road. This will further moderate the travelling speed by motorists, before approaching the Mount Sinai Road junction. Also, chevron markings at the ingress will be introduced, to visually reduce the width of the road and facilitate a 2 stage crossing for students crossing at this junction to RGPS. Regarding your concern on the increasing presence of construction vehicles, the relevant contractors have been informed to avoid travelling in the vicinity during school peak hours. Please be assured that LTA will continue to monitor the situation on site, and implement suitable enhancement measures where necessary. Separately, this information has been shared with the Traffic Police Department, for their assistance with road enforcement for the affected junctions mentioned.
--------------------------------
22 May
Referring to your email dated 2 May 2014 (Our Ref: LTA/TRO/TTSO/TMC/F20.000.000/24488 )
You mentioned that the relevant contractors have been informed not to travel in the area during peak hours. I have continue to see heavy vehicles during peak hours. In just a few minutes, I saw a cement mixer and two trucks. Unfortunately, I was not fast enough to capture them all. Attached is just one of the heavy vehicles I have managed to photograph. On top of that, Far East Organization will soon be launching their development directly opposite Henry Park. Will we see more heavy vehicles plying outside the school?
I hope LTA view this seriously and take the June holiday where there are much fewer children in school to study how to make the area safer for the young kids. Please do not allow the Tampines brothers tragedy to be repeated.
Regards,
--------------------------------
13 June
We refer to your preceding emails. Please be informed that your email is receiving attention from our Patrol Unit. Be assured that our officers from Patrol Unit will take your feedback into consideration when planning our operations. Thank you and have a pleasant day.
--------------------------------
26 JUNE
Dear Parents
Road Improvement Works along Holland Grove Road
As mentioned in our last LTP, road improvement works along Holland Grove Road, in consultation with MOE and LTA, has been planned to be carried out during the June vacation to enhance road safety.
The improvement works is near completion. When school reopens you can expect to see the following road safety features along Holland Grove Road: (i) Railings starting from about 30m from existing traffic lights outside the school all the way to the start of the Mount Sinai junction. The railings have been installed on both sides of the Holland Grove Road. (ii) Kerb at the bus bay egress to prevent vehicles exiting from the bus bay from turning left. Please comply with this. (iii) Kerb at the level 3 egress to facilitate the left & right turns by vehicles. (iv) Central road divider close to the new traffic light.…….
I am glad that I am one of those who pushed really hard for the safety of the school children. In life, I am not just a complainer, I put action to my words. Sometimes, I meet with people who are quick to defend. There are some who do not listen, some who just listen but choose not to do anything…
whoever I meet, if I think things can be improved, I will always try my best to fight on but always choose your battle wisely. You can call that stubbornness, to put it in a positive light, it is determination.
A beautiful trip
After the church retreat, we went on a very short trip to Malacca. I love this place. Nice old charming place just like Georgetown in Penang. A good place to retire. You know, run a small B and B and enjoy the slow pace of life.
We took a coach up. The last time we took a coach to Malaysia was some 10 years ago. I just couldn’t believe it, it took us six hours to reach Malacca. Yes, JAM!!! But it was worth it, look at the pictures and you know what I mean…
The hotel we stayed. Beautiful and charming
The inside - Old charm.
Love the air well. Nice and comfortable room
Street food make everyone happy!
Don’t know what they call this. It looks good and so must be good and yes, it was the right choice! You got to be bold to taste the best!
Har-kow, Siew mai
Otak to die for.
Chendol, MUST eat. Some of the best food in the world is not from Michelin star awarded restaurants or chefs. They are from the street!
After you have eaten, you better walk to burn them off. The street market is not to be missed.
This was ‘buay ko yok’. Selling medicine on the street after some kung fu stunts. A long gone trade in Singapore but it was something I enjoyed watching when I was a child.
After a night of eating, walking, seeing, you just walk straight into the hotel to shower and sleep. The Jonker hotel was located in the heart of the night market. Fabulous location.
Best wanton mee I have ever eaten, cannot be found in Singapore (seriously, no kidding). Plus kopi peng, you get the most heavenly breakfast.
The same street that was selling food the night before. Amazing! Who says we are the cleanest city?
Nothing is more enjoyable than walking down the Jonker street in the morning. Fresh air, friendly faces, a place full of character.
Clever use of the old trays
My “gang”
Simplicity is indeed the way to go.
After the church retreat, we went on a very short trip to Malacca. I love this place. Nice old charming place just like Georgetown in Penang. A good place to retire. You know, run a small B and B and enjoy the slow pace of life.
We took a coach up. The last time we took a coach to Malaysia was some 10 years ago. I just couldn’t believe it, it took us six hours to reach Malacca. Yes, JAM!!! But it was worth it, look at the pictures and you know what I mean…
The hotel we stayed. Beautiful and charming
The inside - Old charm.
Love the air well. Nice and comfortable room
Street food make everyone happy!
Don’t know what they call this. It looks good and so must be good and yes, it was the right choice! You got to be bold to taste the best!
Har-kow, Siew mai
Otak to die for.
Chendol, MUST eat. Some of the best food in the world is not from Michelin star awarded restaurants or chefs. They are from the street!
After you have eaten, you better walk to burn them off. The street market is not to be missed.
This was ‘buay ko yok’. Selling medicine on the street after some kung fu stunts. A long gone trade in Singapore but it was something I enjoyed watching when I was a child.
After a night of eating, walking, seeing, you just walk straight into the hotel to shower and sleep. The Jonker hotel was located in the heart of the night market. Fabulous location.
Best wanton mee I have ever eaten, cannot be found in Singapore (seriously, no kidding). Plus kopi peng, you get the most heavenly breakfast.
The same street that was selling food the night before. Amazing! Who says we are the cleanest city?
Nothing is more enjoyable than walking down the Jonker street in the morning. Fresh air, friendly faces, a place full of character.
Clever use of the old trays
My “gang”
Simplicity is indeed the way to go.
EQ the most important two letters in the alphabet
These couple of weeks, I have seen people who have forgotten to apply the two important letters.
Incident one – young cousin who was clueless to the whole incident made such silly remarks.
“You have not look at other options, morally it is not right to do.”
Do not stand on the high moral grounds when you are clueless. A person with a high EQ would have said…
“Have you tried looking into the other options?”
Incident two – this one is still on going.
Applying the two letters, a person would have said…
“I accept the apology but you can keep the money or donate to charity.” Regardless of what have been said. This would have propelled him to the highest of highest pedestal and it would have made a magnificent statue. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. An attribute of the strong, said Gandhi.
I have also heard people said things like “you cannot afford it.” How you know they cannot afford? You mean they are poor? Society has changed. The really rich do not dressed to impress. The really poor will never try to impress. The not so rich but pretend to be rich, are always out to impress.
EQ, it is all about EQ!
These couple of weeks, I have seen people who have forgotten to apply the two important letters.
Incident one – young cousin who was clueless to the whole incident made such silly remarks.
“You have not look at other options, morally it is not right to do.”
Do not stand on the high moral grounds when you are clueless. A person with a high EQ would have said…
“Have you tried looking into the other options?”
Incident two – this one is still on going.
Applying the two letters, a person would have said…
“I accept the apology but you can keep the money or donate to charity.” Regardless of what have been said. This would have propelled him to the highest of highest pedestal and it would have made a magnificent statue. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. An attribute of the strong, said Gandhi.
I have also heard people said things like “you cannot afford it.” How you know they cannot afford? You mean they are poor? Society has changed. The really rich do not dressed to impress. The really poor will never try to impress. The not so rich but pretend to be rich, are always out to impress.
EQ, it is all about EQ!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)