I realised that my digital camera, a Canon Powershot A85, was not working well last night. The screen was flickering and the pictures taken was very purplished. So sad.
Went to the service centre located at Keppel Bay Tower (next to Habourfront). Quite a number of customers, around 20, I think, waiting in area. Kelvin whispered:" See... Canon's stuff not so good.. so many people!"
I took the queue number and I was served around 15mins later. "Ok lah, not so long" I thought. I was attented by a customer service (CS) lady at counter 7.
CS: " Good afternoon sir! How can I help?"
Hakkaboyz: "My camera spoilt leh! So sad!" I showed her by taking 1 shot - *click*.
CS:" Ok, the - something something- spoilt (i can't remember the exact technical term), we will replace it for free. We will deliver it back to you too, for free."
Hakkaboyz:"Huh? Common problem izzit?"
CS:" It's a manufacturer fault. They fail to take the Singapore's weather, hot and humid into consideration. This model was made in Japan"
Hakkaboyz:" What? Izzit? How come? Cannot be... Since the Japanese has been making good cars that can withstand Singapore's weather as compared to the European makers wat?" (My camera is actually made in Malaysia, by the way)
CS (Smiles): "Different lah... "
Hakkaboyz:" Ok, when can I get it back?"
CS:"We'll send it back to you in about 3wks time."
Hakkaboyz:" Huh? So long... Can I collect it myself, instead? Will that be faster?"
CS:" Sure, but it'll be at least 1 wk time."
(basket, deliver takes 3 wks, self collect, it takes 1 wk. Singapore that big meh?)
Hakkaboyz:"Ok... you guys will call me when it's repaired right?"
CS:" We'll send you a SMS instead"
Hakkaboyz:"Wah... high tech, what if I dun have handphone?" (cheekily, by this time, i'm actually not interested in the answer anymore.)
CS:" If that's the case, we will phone you loh."
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
2014
2014 is a magical number. No... it's not another arty farty movie from famous director Mr. Wong Kar Wai. It is by the year 2014, when all eligibleHDB blocks will already have lift upgrading - including those from PP and HG.
I'm just wondering... why only by 2014? Another 8 years you know... Suddenly, it came to my mind that Mr. Chiam is quite lao liao, I think around 71 or 72 yrs old. So, the reason could be... aiyah... dun think he can last till then lah! So, if we cannot win u, we outlast you loh!
I'm just wondering... why only by 2014? Another 8 years you know... Suddenly, it came to my mind that Mr. Chiam is quite lao liao, I think around 71 or 72 yrs old. So, the reason could be... aiyah... dun think he can last till then lah! So, if we cannot win u, we outlast you loh!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Mosquito taking SBS Bus
excerpts from ST forum...
"LAST Saturday, I boarded a chartered bus SBS834L from Tampines MRT station bound for Ikea. I noticed some mosquitoes and there were many at the back of the bus.
I informed the bus captain and was told the bus was parked overnight at Bukit Batok, which suggested where the mosquitoes probably came from.
He opened the emergency door at the back and left all the other doors open to let out the mosquitos. After about 10 minutes, we set off on our journey.
Despite what the bus captain did, not all the mosquitos exited at Tampines as a number of them were seen exiting at the Ikea bus stop.
A passenger told me that she had encountered a similar situation on a previous trip, also on an Ikea-chartered bus.
I called the National Environment Agency but was told that an officer could get back to me only on Monday. ..."
Nows-a-day, mosquitoes getting smarter... know how to take bus and know where they wanna go, not when u open emergency door, they alight ok... and people are getting bo liao... write something like that to the forum.
"LAST Saturday, I boarded a chartered bus SBS834L from Tampines MRT station bound for Ikea. I noticed some mosquitoes and there were many at the back of the bus.
I informed the bus captain and was told the bus was parked overnight at Bukit Batok, which suggested where the mosquitoes probably came from.
He opened the emergency door at the back and left all the other doors open to let out the mosquitos. After about 10 minutes, we set off on our journey.
Despite what the bus captain did, not all the mosquitos exited at Tampines as a number of them were seen exiting at the Ikea bus stop.
A passenger told me that she had encountered a similar situation on a previous trip, also on an Ikea-chartered bus.
I called the National Environment Agency but was told that an officer could get back to me only on Monday. ..."
Nows-a-day, mosquitoes getting smarter... know how to take bus and know where they wanna go, not when u open emergency door, they alight ok... and people are getting bo liao... write something like that to the forum.
Driving Licence - for cyclist
I don't know about you, but I really have a concern with cyclist cycling on the roads. Some don't give a damn about their own safety let alone, other road users. Yes, it's more environment friendly than driving a car, it's a more economical way of getting around and a good form of exercise too but I don't think many realised that they are actually road hazards when they are cycling on the roads without respecting the traffic rules. Some cut across the roads (from left lane to the right lane) as and when they need to, cross the road together at the pedestrian crossing at traffic lights when they need to, ride like the invisible man at night (wear dark colour clothings plus no reflectors and head lamps)... Maybe, they should get proper licence in order to travel on the roads. Maybe should suggest to garmen to get cyclist pay road tax like the others, pay ERP, ensure they have proper head lamps and signal lights, force them to wear proper protective gear (helmets) if they wanna cycle on the roads. Must be fair mah... ha!
Monday, June 26, 2006
TV Licence
excerpts from ST forum...
Reply from MDA (26 June 2006) on the 'No TV set but fine stays' letter published on 17 June 2006...
"I REFER to Mr N. Stanley Jeremiah's letter, 'No TV set but fine stays' (ST, June 17), and take this opportunity to clarify the process of TV licence fee renewal and payment.
All owners/occupiers of properties are required to take up a TV licence if they have TV sets in their premises.
They can apply for a TV licence online at https://mdaonline.mda.gov.sg/onlineservices or at any post office.
Before the TV licence expires on Dec 31 annually, all licensees would receive a payment advice to renew their licences by Jan 31 of the following year.
If the licence is not renewed by the due date, a subsequent reminder would be sent, giving the licensee a further grace period to make payment.
The notices also indicate that licensees should keep the Media Development Authority (MDA) informed in writing if there is a change in the status of their TV licence, so that our records can be updated accordingly.
Follow-up action by way of a summons is taken only as a final recourse when we have not received any payment or response to our earlier notices.
In Mr Jeremiah's case, a renewal payment advice and two reminders were sent to him before he received a summons for his outstanding licence fees for 2005, as we did not receive any earlier update from him on the removal of his TV set.
Mr Jeremiah updated us on June 16 and we have cancelled his licence accordingly.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind our licensees to update MDA promptly on any change in their TV licence status.
For their convenience, our licensees may choose to do this via our online service.
If there are any further queries on TV licence matters, readers may call our hotline on 1800-478 5478 or go to https://mdaonline.mda.gov.sg/onlineservices to e-mail us."
Noticed that the reply from the MDA is only on 26 June 2006. I wonder why the need for such a long time if it is such a standard reply from the authority? The letter is published on 17 June 2006, ok.. it's a Saturday and the garmen sector nows-a-day work 5 days week... so they probably start the draft reply on Monday 19 June 2006. Hmm... so it takes 5 working days to reply this kind of complain. Soooooo efficient huh?
Anyway, lesson that we all learnt:
If you have decided not to watch anymore TV, update these people ok? Else, fine you know? Singapore... a fine city wat!
Reply from MDA (26 June 2006) on the 'No TV set but fine stays' letter published on 17 June 2006...
"I REFER to Mr N. Stanley Jeremiah's letter, 'No TV set but fine stays' (ST, June 17), and take this opportunity to clarify the process of TV licence fee renewal and payment.
All owners/occupiers of properties are required to take up a TV licence if they have TV sets in their premises.
They can apply for a TV licence online at https://mdaonline.mda.gov.sg/onlineservices or at any post office.
Before the TV licence expires on Dec 31 annually, all licensees would receive a payment advice to renew their licences by Jan 31 of the following year.
If the licence is not renewed by the due date, a subsequent reminder would be sent, giving the licensee a further grace period to make payment.
The notices also indicate that licensees should keep the Media Development Authority (MDA) informed in writing if there is a change in the status of their TV licence, so that our records can be updated accordingly.
Follow-up action by way of a summons is taken only as a final recourse when we have not received any payment or response to our earlier notices.
In Mr Jeremiah's case, a renewal payment advice and two reminders were sent to him before he received a summons for his outstanding licence fees for 2005, as we did not receive any earlier update from him on the removal of his TV set.
Mr Jeremiah updated us on June 16 and we have cancelled his licence accordingly.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind our licensees to update MDA promptly on any change in their TV licence status.
For their convenience, our licensees may choose to do this via our online service.
If there are any further queries on TV licence matters, readers may call our hotline on 1800-478 5478 or go to https://mdaonline.mda.gov.sg/onlineservices to e-mail us."
Noticed that the reply from the MDA is only on 26 June 2006. I wonder why the need for such a long time if it is such a standard reply from the authority? The letter is published on 17 June 2006, ok.. it's a Saturday and the garmen sector nows-a-day work 5 days week... so they probably start the draft reply on Monday 19 June 2006. Hmm... so it takes 5 working days to reply this kind of complain. Soooooo efficient huh?
Anyway, lesson that we all learnt:
If you have decided not to watch anymore TV, update these people ok? Else, fine you know? Singapore... a fine city wat!
Hazard Lights
excerpts ST forum
" ... Hazard lights should be used only when the vehicle is stationary. They warn other drivers that there is an obstruction and to take avoidance action.
It may be proper for a cabby to switch on the lights when picking up passengers along a road. However, it seems that some drivers and cabbies are using them as an all-purpose signal. They use them:
- While changing lanes, especially across multiple lanes.
- In rainy weather.
- When driving in a carpark looking for empty lots.
- When driving slowly in the left-most lane while looking for fares.
Drivers using hazard lights incorrectly pose a hazard as other drivers would not know their intentions and might make a wrong assumption, leading to accidents."
I'm guilty of switching on the hazard lights when the weather turns to the extreme, i.e. very heavy rain, and visibility is very low, and I'm driving extremely slowly due to that ... but is this behaviour worse off than the below:
- switching lanes without signalling at all
- not switching on the headlamps when it's dark - be it 7pm onwards or stormy weather
- road hogging
- overtaking other vehicles (extreme left lane) from the shoulder
- overtaking other vehicles recklessly from all directions
... I rest my case.
" ... Hazard lights should be used only when the vehicle is stationary. They warn other drivers that there is an obstruction and to take avoidance action.
It may be proper for a cabby to switch on the lights when picking up passengers along a road. However, it seems that some drivers and cabbies are using them as an all-purpose signal. They use them:
- While changing lanes, especially across multiple lanes.
- In rainy weather.
- When driving in a carpark looking for empty lots.
- When driving slowly in the left-most lane while looking for fares.
Drivers using hazard lights incorrectly pose a hazard as other drivers would not know their intentions and might make a wrong assumption, leading to accidents."
I'm guilty of switching on the hazard lights when the weather turns to the extreme, i.e. very heavy rain, and visibility is very low, and I'm driving extremely slowly due to that ... but is this behaviour worse off than the below:
- switching lanes without signalling at all
- not switching on the headlamps when it's dark - be it 7pm onwards or stormy weather
- road hogging
- overtaking other vehicles (extreme left lane) from the shoulder
- overtaking other vehicles recklessly from all directions
... I rest my case.
Been eating
inspired by ws - that bloated feeling blog
Fish & Chips @ Fish & Co
We were hungry before our shopping spree at Centrepoint. The nearest eatery (at least we gave ourselves that excuse) is Fish & Co. Both my lady and I ordered the same, good old fish & chips (cheapest main course there... hee!)
In the evening we were eating at the Sin Ming Zhi Char place together with my parents and Kelvin. This is one place that we have been eating since many many many years. When we heard something like "mum's not cooking and we'll be eating out.", we would have guess that we will be going to Sin Ming for makan. The food there is nice and economical. Good for family gathering. Don't expect too much on the customer service or the environmental cleanliness aspect, becos there ain't any.
A look at the stall that has produced such delicious food. The sign reads "Rong Hua Zhu Chao".
Been shopping
We were at Robinson's for "The Sale TRULY Worth Waiting For". Were there before Father's day to get something for our fathers. Were there again on Saturday becos the present (Polo-Tee) that we bought for Father-in-law is not the right size, thus need to change.
OMG! So many people!
We finally realised why there's so many shoppers around. It's "The Sale TRULY Worth Waiting For"... Members get additional 20% off. How can we missed this opportunity... Thus, a trip down to Robinson with the intention of just exchanging for a right size Polo-Tee ends up burning a hole in the pocket.
Been crossing a bridge
Was in Yishun on Friday 23rd June, attending a "Da Ri Zi" (The Big Day) organized by a religious society that Ang is associated with. Quite an eye opener with more than 200 believers attending the event. Participated in the crossing of the "Ping An Qiao" (The Bridge of Peacefulness). Supposed to bring better luck after crossing the bridge together with the master. Believers were to queue up according to their lunar calander animal zodiac signs (Sheng Xiao), one at a time, e.g. The Rats will go first, after which followed by the Oxes etc... We were to cross the bridge 3 times, led by the master. After all the believers have crossed 3 times, there's the finale where everybody queue up again to cross the bridge 3 more times. Wah... this time the queue is damn long man!
An interesting thing to note is that alot of children mainly below age 12yrs old were with their parents at this religious event. Some babies were carried over by their parents. I was just wondering how many of them will hold on to the faith when they grow up? How many will be converted to a more modern or hip faith, or even become a free thinker? How many will only believe in themselves and that, there's no higher beings than themselves? I wonder...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Sunshades anyone?
5 pairs of sunshades spotted on the dashboard of a car!! Who will need so many sunshades while driving?!
Maybe...
1 for the driver,
1 for the vehicle commander,
1 for Ah Gong,
1 for Ah Ma,
... and 1 more for the faithful and hardworking domestic helper.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
My first world cup 2006 bet
This is the first bet that I have placed for this year's World Cup. This was shared between Kelvin and myself. It's between Costa Rica and Poland. Well, Poland won the game 2-1, so, there goes my $10 investment. Noticed that I have crushed the betting slip in dismayed after the final whistle was blown. Imagine if I have put in a larger wager... I'll probably tear it into pieces. Hoping for better luck next time!
Baby, you are 30wks old!
Dear Baby (we still do not have a name for you yet),We went to our usual Gynae, Dr. Woo for follow up on 14 June 06., and this is how you look at 30wks. I must admit, that it took me quite some time to realise where is your face and the rest of your body. You were actually looking at us, and probably waving too.
Dr. Woo mentioned that you have grown again (of cos...) estimated weight around 1.3Kg. You must have, since Mummy's tummy is getting er... bigger by the day. Mummy noticed that your legs maybe a little below average in length but still within acceptable range. It's ok lah, as long as you are healthy.
Dr. Woo mentioned that mummy can actually go back to do "some light work". She has been resting since Dr. detected a little cervix funnelling fews weeks back. Well, she has been quite obedient since then and has been watching the DVDs (Desperate Housewives espeacially) we got for her (mostly from Uncle Kelvin). We thought about it, but have decided ... aiya... better rest lah. Anyway, where got such things like "some light work". Work means work, and your mummy's work requires standing for 2hrs per session, walking to other places within minutes, walk up and down the stairs... aiyo... how can?
Anyway, we look forward to see you but... pls stay in there (safely) for at least 6 to 8wks more ok?
Love,
Papa
Things I missed - working for my previous employer
Things that I missed most after leaving the previous employer to work for dad...1. colleagues jio-ing for coffee breaks
2. colleagues jio-ing for lunch breaks
3. colleagues jio-ing for toilet breaks
4. office politics
5. gossips
6. fellow 4D/ToTo/football betting kakis exchanging expert views
7. interesting pay check at the end of the month (despite participating in all the abv events)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
What I'm currently reading
I'm currently reading this book that I borrowed from Daryl, "Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires" by local rich young bloke - Mr. Adam Khoo, who became one of Singapore's youngest self-made millionaires at the age of 26. Today, at 31, he owns 3 businesses with a combined turnover of $20 million and he personally earn over $936,000 a year. Wah! So young and so rich. So, he must have something different in his thinking and approach that is special. Currently, I only managed to read up to chapter 4 so, I can't really comment too much. I hope that after finishing the book, I can use the knowledge positively and increase my wealth!
Not as though I am super hardup for cash, but I just want to give my family a comfortable life. Maybe I will be a millionaire, maybe I won't... but I will cherish every moment of life and everyday, is a learning process for me.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Baby, you look cool!
Dear baby (sorry, we do not have a name for you just yet):This is how you look when you are 21 weeks old in mummy's womb. You are 27.4 cm in length and all your main organs, limbs and your face seems fine... according to Dr. S.C. Chew from Mt. E. Well, he suggest to us that we should let Dr. William Yip from Gleneagles (who was your sister's paediatric cardiologist) take a look at you since we have this history before. We didn't do that. Maybe we are not strong enough emotionally to go there again (at least for the time being).
Love,
Papa
Thursday, June 15, 2006
My first viewers comments (sort of)
Today, I finally have the courage to ask my close friends (ok.... so far only ws and Axizz) to visit my blog.
Communication between hakkaboyz and ws via MSN:
ws says:
nice... i have to be frank ... i finish the pictures....
ws says:
heheh damn lengthy
ws says:
have to read slowly
hakkaboyz says:
i lohsoh
ws says:
good for killing time
ws says:
i bookmark first... hope i got the heart to do mine...then link me pls
Communication between hakkaboyz and Axizz:
hakkaboyz says:
cum cum.... go see my blog
Axizz says:
simi is blog
hakkaboyz says:
hakkaboyz.blogspot.com
Axizz says:
beh hiang
Axizz says:
ho eh?
hakkaboyz says:
ho eh....
Axizz says:
ho
Axizz says:
i go now
Axizz says:
am heading out now
Axizz says:
read it later
hakkaboyz says:
okok
Moral of the story...
1. put more pictures
2. invite friends that have the patience to read
3. invite friends who don't head out after 11pm
4. DON'T F**KING WRITE YOUR BLOG THAT LOOKS LIKE A 5000 WORDS ESSAY!!
Communication between hakkaboyz and ws via MSN:
ws says:
nice... i have to be frank ... i finish the pictures....
ws says:
heheh damn lengthy
ws says:
have to read slowly
hakkaboyz says:
i lohsoh
ws says:
good for killing time
ws says:
i bookmark first... hope i got the heart to do mine...then link me pls
Communication between hakkaboyz and Axizz:
hakkaboyz says:
cum cum.... go see my blog
Axizz says:
simi is blog
hakkaboyz says:
hakkaboyz.blogspot.com
Axizz says:
beh hiang
Axizz says:
ho eh?
hakkaboyz says:
ho eh....
Axizz says:
ho
Axizz says:
i go now
Axizz says:
am heading out now
Axizz says:
read it later
hakkaboyz says:
okok
Moral of the story...
1. put more pictures
2. invite friends that have the patience to read
3. invite friends who don't head out after 11pm
4. DON'T F**KING WRITE YOUR BLOG THAT LOOKS LIKE A 5000 WORDS ESSAY!!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Ryanne, our little angel
Ryanne's story, by Mummy...
In the 12th week of my pregnancy in September last year, a nuchal translucency, NT (scan to reveal thickness of fluid accumulation at the back of the foetus’ neck) scan showed that my baby had a NT thickness of 11mm, even though she was only about 4 cm in length (the norm should be below 1mm).
The gynaecologist who did the scan told us that this is an indication that my baby either had a chromosomal abnormality (as in the case of Down’s Syndrome) or structural defect (in the heart or brain). He suggested we do a chorionic villi sampling, CVS, (the equivalent of amniocentesis, but can be done earlier, between 11th to 13th week of pregnancy) to check for chromosomal defects.
The news came as a shock to us, first-time parents, who were so thrilled when we learnt that I was pregnant from the home pregnancy test kit a few months ago.
The thought of abortion ran through our minds but we decided to do the CVS before making any decisions.
The results of the CVS came one week later and it was found that my baby’s chromosomes were normal, 46XX, which also shows that I am expecting a baby girl.
My gynaecologist, Dr Sim, then told us that that was good news but could not explain the cause for the thick NT reading. She said to wait till the 20th week to do a developmental scan to see if we could detect structural problems in the baby. She also told us to be mentally prepared that the baby may self-abort or that we could choose to have an abortion now since it was only the 13th week of pregnancy. We decided to give the baby a chance and wait and see.
In the 20th week, a more detailed developmental scan revealed that my baby’s heart had not developed properly, there was a hole in the dividing wall of the two upper chambers such that it rendered the heart a three chamber instead of a four-chamber organ.
We were referred to a senior paediatric cardiologist from the KK Children’s department to do a more thorough scan of the baby’s heart and he said that “the cardiac function is reasonable”, apart from “a common atrium and an inlet AV defect”, though “the exact problems can only be delineated post-natally”. We asked him the chances of our baby’s survival and if she would have a good quality of life. He said it would be reasonable and the defect was most probably surgically correctable.
At first, we did not know how to react, should we be happy or sad? Should we continue with the pregnancy or terminate it? We kept thinking about it for days.
Finally, we decided to give our baby a chance to survive. By that time, we felt that she was already part of the family and had a life of her own. I could often feel her kick and move inside me.
So after the decision was made, we never looked back. Though we were constantly worried about our baby, about whether she would survive till and after birth, part of us also chose to believe that a miracle would happen – that her condition would go away or heal by itself.
On 17 Feb 2005, in the 37th week of my pregnancy, I went into labour. After 7 hours of labouring pain, our daughter, Chong Yu Shuan Ryanne, was born, at 7.23pm. She did not show signs of distress during labour, nor was she blue when she was born – as babies with heart problems usually are. She was born pink at 3.3kg and 49cm. However, there was a huge lump behind her neck, what seems like a big sac of fluid.
She was then rushed to the intensive care unit and tubes were attached to help her breath. She was also put on a drip and fed through a feeding tube. Though a part of me was worried about the diagnosis of her neck and heart problems, I was also relieved that both of us made it through the labour.
2 days later, she was taken off the respirator and out of the ICU because she was breathing well on her own. We were also told the lump behind her neck was merely fluid and would subside as she grows older.
The worst news
But the worst news came only 3 days after, from the same paediatric cardiologist we saw earlier. He said an echo scan done on her showed that apart from 3 holes in her heart, she suffered from a very rare congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening heart muscles). He said the prognosis of such a disease was very poor - some babies die within 1 to 2 months, some may live a little longer. He also said surgery can only be done to close one of the holes to prolong her life but it would not reverse her condition.
We were too stunned to react. When we went home, we cried and felt like our whole world was falling apart. I have always loved babies and wanted one of my own so much. I could not bear the thought of losing my baby.
After we picked ourselves up a few days later, we decided to go ahead with the surgery. Even if it may not reverse her condition, at least we can have more time to love and care for her. But the surgery did not improve her condition, as the duct that was used to close the hole opened up again a few days later. We were devastated and very angry with the surgeons and doctors. They said they “expected it”, given her condition and her high lung pressure.
Then they said there was nothing else they could do for her in the hospital. They can only put her on medication to prolong her life. They said we could bring her home if we wanted to.
Home Sweet Home
So we brought Ryanne home, 48 days after her birth. At first we did not know how to handle her as she came home on a feeding tube. The doctors said she should not suckle, otherwise it would stress her heart and she would turn blue.
So we just told ourselves to try to enjoy her as much as we can and to follow everything the doctors told us to do. Fortunately, about one month later, I was introduced to an ex-nurse by a journalist friend. She said she would drop by immediately to see how she can help us care for Ryanne.
When she saw Ryanne, she told us to take off the feeding tube and try to bottle feed or spoon feed her, since she looked pink and healthy. Otherwise she would always have to depend on the feeding tube. So we did as told. For the first two days, Ryanne would wail and refuse to feed. But slowly, she started so suckle on the bottle and we never looked back since. Although she took her milk in very small feeds, we tried to compensate it by feeding her more frequently and that gave her enough to survive.
We were also introduced to a paediatric cardiologist in private practice, Dr William Yip. He was a kind doctor and said he would help us manage her condition. Even though he confirmed the diagnosis, he also told us to always remain positive.
The days turned into weeks, then months, while Ryanne fought on. She would perspire a lot and was always breathless. Otherwise, she was a happy child and grew to be more adorable and responsive by the day.
Even though the doctors’ warning about her condition and the possibility of her leaving us any time was constantly at the back of our minds, we told ourselves that we must hang on and be positive. We told ourselves we must try to lead a normal life for the sake of Ryanne and to give her as much love and attention as we can.
I also decided to go back to my job, as my husband was running his own business and could afford to spend more time with Ryanne. We also got the help of my mum and a maid to look after her.
Still, it was not easy. Because of her heart condition, Ryanne had to be on medication 3 times daily. She was also more prone to coughs and fevers. Her physical development also lagged and she was the size of a 4-month old baby at 10 months. Socially and intellectually though, she was alert and responsive, always ready with a smile and always keen to learn. She loves it when we sing and read to her. She could also recognise us and many objects at 10 months.
Near misses
When Ryanne was seven months old, she had a seizure episode and was hospitalised for about a week. We nearly lost her because the doctors said her heart function was very chaotic and it could go into failure any moment. But she responded to the new medication and was discharged after a few days. Exactly two months later, she had another seizure episode but this time round, she recovered even more quickly and we brought her home after she was being observed at the A & E for a few hours.
The last lap
But there were signs that Ryanne’s condition had taken a turn for the worst as the oxygen level in her blood has dropped from 90+ to 80+ percent. She also seemed more breathless and tired more easily. But we continued to tell ourselves we would live each day to the fullest for her sake and remained thankful for every day that she is with us.
And she also continued to give us hope. She continued to grow and to put on weight despite her condition. She had also learnt how to sit at eleven months and remained responsive and alert to us and her surroundings. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, she enjoyed herself so much, doing her “Gong Xi Gong Xi”, meeting so many new faces and going to so many places.
On 11 February 2006, we celebrated her one-year-old birthday one week in advance. She enjoyed herself, though she also showed signs of listlessness, especially at the end of the day.
Three days later, on the fateful 14 February, Ryanne passed away in her sleep at around 6pm. She was rushed to the clinic and then the hospital but nothing the doctors did could revive her. Her breathing had stopped, followed by her heart.
As a mother, I just want to say that I am very proud to have her as my daughter. Although my hopes of seeing her walk on her own and to go to pre-school did not materialise, I am happy and grateful to have been able to spend one year of joy and bliss with her.
Ryanne, mummy loves you and will always remember you as my strong and adorable first daughter. Thank you for all the memories you have given us. May you rest in peace.
In the 12th week of my pregnancy in September last year, a nuchal translucency, NT (scan to reveal thickness of fluid accumulation at the back of the foetus’ neck) scan showed that my baby had a NT thickness of 11mm, even though she was only about 4 cm in length (the norm should be below 1mm).
The gynaecologist who did the scan told us that this is an indication that my baby either had a chromosomal abnormality (as in the case of Down’s Syndrome) or structural defect (in the heart or brain). He suggested we do a chorionic villi sampling, CVS, (the equivalent of amniocentesis, but can be done earlier, between 11th to 13th week of pregnancy) to check for chromosomal defects.
The news came as a shock to us, first-time parents, who were so thrilled when we learnt that I was pregnant from the home pregnancy test kit a few months ago.
The thought of abortion ran through our minds but we decided to do the CVS before making any decisions.
The results of the CVS came one week later and it was found that my baby’s chromosomes were normal, 46XX, which also shows that I am expecting a baby girl.
My gynaecologist, Dr Sim, then told us that that was good news but could not explain the cause for the thick NT reading. She said to wait till the 20th week to do a developmental scan to see if we could detect structural problems in the baby. She also told us to be mentally prepared that the baby may self-abort or that we could choose to have an abortion now since it was only the 13th week of pregnancy. We decided to give the baby a chance and wait and see.
In the 20th week, a more detailed developmental scan revealed that my baby’s heart had not developed properly, there was a hole in the dividing wall of the two upper chambers such that it rendered the heart a three chamber instead of a four-chamber organ.
We were referred to a senior paediatric cardiologist from the KK Children’s department to do a more thorough scan of the baby’s heart and he said that “the cardiac function is reasonable”, apart from “a common atrium and an inlet AV defect”, though “the exact problems can only be delineated post-natally”. We asked him the chances of our baby’s survival and if she would have a good quality of life. He said it would be reasonable and the defect was most probably surgically correctable.
At first, we did not know how to react, should we be happy or sad? Should we continue with the pregnancy or terminate it? We kept thinking about it for days.
Finally, we decided to give our baby a chance to survive. By that time, we felt that she was already part of the family and had a life of her own. I could often feel her kick and move inside me.
So after the decision was made, we never looked back. Though we were constantly worried about our baby, about whether she would survive till and after birth, part of us also chose to believe that a miracle would happen – that her condition would go away or heal by itself.
On 17 Feb 2005, in the 37th week of my pregnancy, I went into labour. After 7 hours of labouring pain, our daughter, Chong Yu Shuan Ryanne, was born, at 7.23pm. She did not show signs of distress during labour, nor was she blue when she was born – as babies with heart problems usually are. She was born pink at 3.3kg and 49cm. However, there was a huge lump behind her neck, what seems like a big sac of fluid.
She was then rushed to the intensive care unit and tubes were attached to help her breath. She was also put on a drip and fed through a feeding tube. Though a part of me was worried about the diagnosis of her neck and heart problems, I was also relieved that both of us made it through the labour.
2 days later, she was taken off the respirator and out of the ICU because she was breathing well on her own. We were also told the lump behind her neck was merely fluid and would subside as she grows older.
The worst news
But the worst news came only 3 days after, from the same paediatric cardiologist we saw earlier. He said an echo scan done on her showed that apart from 3 holes in her heart, she suffered from a very rare congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening heart muscles). He said the prognosis of such a disease was very poor - some babies die within 1 to 2 months, some may live a little longer. He also said surgery can only be done to close one of the holes to prolong her life but it would not reverse her condition.
We were too stunned to react. When we went home, we cried and felt like our whole world was falling apart. I have always loved babies and wanted one of my own so much. I could not bear the thought of losing my baby.
After we picked ourselves up a few days later, we decided to go ahead with the surgery. Even if it may not reverse her condition, at least we can have more time to love and care for her. But the surgery did not improve her condition, as the duct that was used to close the hole opened up again a few days later. We were devastated and very angry with the surgeons and doctors. They said they “expected it”, given her condition and her high lung pressure.
Then they said there was nothing else they could do for her in the hospital. They can only put her on medication to prolong her life. They said we could bring her home if we wanted to.
Home Sweet Home
So we brought Ryanne home, 48 days after her birth. At first we did not know how to handle her as she came home on a feeding tube. The doctors said she should not suckle, otherwise it would stress her heart and she would turn blue.
So we just told ourselves to try to enjoy her as much as we can and to follow everything the doctors told us to do. Fortunately, about one month later, I was introduced to an ex-nurse by a journalist friend. She said she would drop by immediately to see how she can help us care for Ryanne.
When she saw Ryanne, she told us to take off the feeding tube and try to bottle feed or spoon feed her, since she looked pink and healthy. Otherwise she would always have to depend on the feeding tube. So we did as told. For the first two days, Ryanne would wail and refuse to feed. But slowly, she started so suckle on the bottle and we never looked back since. Although she took her milk in very small feeds, we tried to compensate it by feeding her more frequently and that gave her enough to survive.
We were also introduced to a paediatric cardiologist in private practice, Dr William Yip. He was a kind doctor and said he would help us manage her condition. Even though he confirmed the diagnosis, he also told us to always remain positive.
The days turned into weeks, then months, while Ryanne fought on. She would perspire a lot and was always breathless. Otherwise, she was a happy child and grew to be more adorable and responsive by the day.
Even though the doctors’ warning about her condition and the possibility of her leaving us any time was constantly at the back of our minds, we told ourselves that we must hang on and be positive. We told ourselves we must try to lead a normal life for the sake of Ryanne and to give her as much love and attention as we can.
I also decided to go back to my job, as my husband was running his own business and could afford to spend more time with Ryanne. We also got the help of my mum and a maid to look after her.
Still, it was not easy. Because of her heart condition, Ryanne had to be on medication 3 times daily. She was also more prone to coughs and fevers. Her physical development also lagged and she was the size of a 4-month old baby at 10 months. Socially and intellectually though, she was alert and responsive, always ready with a smile and always keen to learn. She loves it when we sing and read to her. She could also recognise us and many objects at 10 months.
Near misses
When Ryanne was seven months old, she had a seizure episode and was hospitalised for about a week. We nearly lost her because the doctors said her heart function was very chaotic and it could go into failure any moment. But she responded to the new medication and was discharged after a few days. Exactly two months later, she had another seizure episode but this time round, she recovered even more quickly and we brought her home after she was being observed at the A & E for a few hours.
The last lap
But there were signs that Ryanne’s condition had taken a turn for the worst as the oxygen level in her blood has dropped from 90+ to 80+ percent. She also seemed more breathless and tired more easily. But we continued to tell ourselves we would live each day to the fullest for her sake and remained thankful for every day that she is with us.
And she also continued to give us hope. She continued to grow and to put on weight despite her condition. She had also learnt how to sit at eleven months and remained responsive and alert to us and her surroundings. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, she enjoyed herself so much, doing her “Gong Xi Gong Xi”, meeting so many new faces and going to so many places.
On 11 February 2006, we celebrated her one-year-old birthday one week in advance. She enjoyed herself, though she also showed signs of listlessness, especially at the end of the day.
Three days later, on the fateful 14 February, Ryanne passed away in her sleep at around 6pm. She was rushed to the clinic and then the hospital but nothing the doctors did could revive her. Her breathing had stopped, followed by her heart.
As a mother, I just want to say that I am very proud to have her as my daughter. Although my hopes of seeing her walk on her own and to go to pre-school did not materialise, I am happy and grateful to have been able to spend one year of joy and bliss with her.
Ryanne, mummy loves you and will always remember you as my strong and adorable first daughter. Thank you for all the memories you have given us. May you rest in peace.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Ryanne on her 1st and last birthday party
Ryanne and uncle Kelvin during her birthday party held on 11 Feb 2006 even though her actual birthdate should be on the 17 Feb. Well, she's very happy on that day and there were lots of people celebrating her 1st and last birthday. She passed away few days later on the 14th Feb 2006.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
World Cup 2006 - List of rules
Received this from Glenn and it's regarding some ground rules that we have to lay down to our wives, girlfriends fiancés, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women in general) prior to this coming world cup from 9th June till the grand final on 9th July 2006.
Here we go...
List Of Rules.
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day. This rule however is discretionary. (please refer to rule 2)
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce (not necessarily in that order).
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I WILL not go, and
c) I will NOT go,
In that order.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list again please".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc...
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards,
Men of the World
Here we go...
List Of Rules.
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day. This rule however is discretionary. (please refer to rule 2)
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce (not necessarily in that order).
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I WILL not go, and
c) I will NOT go,
In that order.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list again please".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc...
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards,
Men of the World
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Poly friends gathering
Last night was quite an experience for me. For once, I couldn't get into the Raffles City carpark. No choice but to park at the Esplanade. $4 per entry! Nama... this will be the last time I park there. After parking, I noticed I can walk to the Raffles City thru this CityLink Mall which was buzzing with life. Wow! It's being a while since I go shopping in town thus, it's kind of overwhelming. It seems more like City Jungle to me than a shopping mall. I thought: "How can so many people appear at the same place at the same time? No place to go is it?"
Anyway, the gathering is kind of alright... Realised Carlson was married (ROMed), Donald's wife pregnent and the EDD is same as my lady, Simon still looking for a full time job, currently still freelancing (he's a damn good website designer), Chris is still looking for a partner...etc. We were drinking at Boat Quay and enjoying each other's company and doing some catching up. Nobody mentioned about the lost of my little Ryanne. Anyway, it has been around 4 months since she has gone... time flies...
A little episode that I will put into this entry is that the pub that we are patronising has these tequila drink pushers (2 gorgeous ladies) who keep pushing their $5 per shot tequila promotions to us. (Imagine this: "$5 per shot? Anyone?" *wink* - what will you be thinking?) After we rejected them, and gave crappy excuses like: "we don't feel like being shot today", "we have enough of a drink already", "we are driving"... etc, they requested us to buy them the drinks instead! Omigosh! More crappy excuses: " Our wives have a tight budget on drinks", " our wives forbid us to buy drinks for other women"... finally, they left our table and move on to the AngMo's table next to us.
We have decided that the next gathering will be in Chris's den since nobody has been to his place and he has a whole cupboard of wine. So, 8th July is the date. And I really hope to see more of our poly friends this time!
Anyway, the gathering is kind of alright... Realised Carlson was married (ROMed), Donald's wife pregnent and the EDD is same as my lady, Simon still looking for a full time job, currently still freelancing (he's a damn good website designer), Chris is still looking for a partner...etc. We were drinking at Boat Quay and enjoying each other's company and doing some catching up. Nobody mentioned about the lost of my little Ryanne. Anyway, it has been around 4 months since she has gone... time flies...
A little episode that I will put into this entry is that the pub that we are patronising has these tequila drink pushers (2 gorgeous ladies) who keep pushing their $5 per shot tequila promotions to us. (Imagine this: "$5 per shot? Anyone?" *wink* - what will you be thinking?) After we rejected them, and gave crappy excuses like: "we don't feel like being shot today", "we have enough of a drink already", "we are driving"... etc, they requested us to buy them the drinks instead! Omigosh! More crappy excuses: " Our wives have a tight budget on drinks", " our wives forbid us to buy drinks for other women"... finally, they left our table and move on to the AngMo's table next to us.
We have decided that the next gathering will be in Chris's den since nobody has been to his place and he has a whole cupboard of wine. So, 8th July is the date. And I really hope to see more of our poly friends this time!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
testing testing
I don't believe I am doing this... i.e. blogging. Hey! I don't even write a diary when I was younger even though mum always encourages me to do it. She believed that it'll improve my English ability. Damn! Should have listened to her... It'll probably save my lady's effort in pointing out mistakes during our daily conversation. Well, conversation has to be both ways isn't it? Ok lah! I'll stop here and check out how this little virgin passage will look like. This is only meant for testing anyway what!
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