2 holes and an aching arm

I have 2 mini pierced holes in my right arm and left middle finger, and an arm which is going to ache tomorrow, but my heart is filled with joy at the gift of life that someone is possibly going to get.

If you haven’t donated blood before because you find it too scary, let me share my story…

2 years ago, I was grossly afraid of needles, blood and pain. I still am. Haha. When I was going to enter university in 2004, I had to go through a medical examination – the first in my life. I was so nerve-wrecked about the possibility that they are going to draw blood from me that I couldn’t eat and sleep well for weeks, pondering whether I should quit school to avoid the examination. That lasted till I ascertained from a friend that she did the test and no blood was drawn.

My 2nd experience with medical examination came in 2007 when I had to do one before my company confirmed my employment. Same routine – I asked around if blood would be drawn but I didn’t have many close friends who were employed by the same company. Once again, I wondered if I find out that they are taking blood, should I run away and quit the company… Sounds crazily stupid, but I was THAT scared.

Ah well, no one in the right mind around me would have let that happen (not that I shared with many people cos I was ashamed of my fear), so I went for the examination and THEY TOOK MY BLOOD!!! I nearly freaked out that morning when I found out, if not for the fact that my good friend did the blood test calmly before me and that I assured myself that God would protect me.

Surprisingly, it was pretty painless. I was so shocked at the lack of pain that I immediately decided to go for blood donation. So here I am, after my 2nd blood donation experience, still not daring to look at the needles, and still shaking when I sit in the chair, but convinced of the impact that this bag of blood can make, and happy that I am healthy enough to give.

Here’s my message to all those who can, but haven’t given blood before: Donate blood, save lives!

(P.S.: That being said, and especially if you are a girl, please try to get someone to accompany you on your first time… And that is another story in itself :) )

My grown-up camp experience

I’ve been in a camp the whole of the past week. When I tell people that, they look at me strangely, wondering how come I sound like I’m “back to school”. I’m not! But well, it essentially feels like it..

My company has a 2-week stay-in induction programme for all new joiners at NACLI, which is one of our training institutes. Hence, this week, about 30 of my fellow course mates and I checked in and spent a week together. Most of us are below the age of 30 (I think), and for many, this is kinda like their first job. Thus, despite this being my 2nd job already, it somehow feels like I’m back into a mini university once again (my 1st company took in about 300 fresh grads – can form a school on its own right?).

Games, cheers, teasing, lectures, morning exercises, late nights doing projects, hostel staying and the lot – how much closer can I get back to school life? Haha. But well, I’ve had a fun week overall, knowing new people and knowing my company better. I must say, I think I’m a better student now! I only fell asleep during 1 out of like 8 lectures (as compared to 7 out of 8 previously :P)!

On a side note, sometimes I really miss the crazy days of hostel life – hanging out and talking in friends’ rooms, late night suppers, the production days – working for things and people I feel for. But I’m also enjoying the new stage of life I’m currently in now, and looking forward to my life ahead, despite its unpredictability. I must remember to live life in the present, not in the past or the future, or in a hope or dream! Godliness with contentment is great gain :)

Why I laugh when things don’t go my way

This is one of my favourite lines, and its taken from a song called “State of My Mind”, written by my friend, Jonathan, who has just recorded and released his album!  (Picture taken from http://jonchong.com/)

WOW. Haha.. Jon is the 1st singer-songwriter and 1st phD grad whom I know, and he’s only 29 yrs old! Yet in my 4 years of knowing him, he’s always so down-to-earth and humble. The simplicity of heart and loving nature of Jon and his wife, Belinda, constantly touches me.

Check out Jon’s website @ http://jonchong.com/, and hear his rock/funk/jazz style of his own, or catch him on RazorTV @ http://www.razortv.sg/site/servlet/segment/main/entertainment/38576.html!

All the way, Jon!