Looking ahead with Optimism!

Dear Diary,

Was reading an article “Treatment of Depression” from the August 2008 copy of “Medical progress” journal. Imagine this... I still haven’t completed reading a journal dated more than ½ a year ago! In fact, I am trying to read that “Ministry of Health Clinical Pharmacy Practice Guidelines – Management of Chronic Heart Failure” October 2007 edition too. I really need to get into the habit of reading once again. I meant I can easily read a novel, a comic or a book on theology but I need to get into that “academic” mindset soon. I need to go back to reading so as to memorise (oh, the favourite word for pharmacy students), to understand, to apply and to do well in exams! Haha... Besides, what greater motivation to start reading up a little when I am probably going for a 2-day seminar on Cardiology at Grand Copth this coming weekend! =)

This may sound crazy (esp. If you are a current pharmacy student, haha) but I am relishing the prospect of studying again, exams, some stress... oh... this course will be taught entirely by the British faculty lecturers flown in. I really look forward learning from these foreign lecturers, getting different perspectives of things, meeting new classmates (I was warned that I may be the youngest in class, hmmm...), sharing views and applying business models. Sadly, MBA students are generally older and male in gender. I am still periodically reminding myself that I must fulfil my resolution for this year which is to get someone I can share my joys and achievements with, someone whom I can cherish and love for the rest of my life. Ironically, something which comes so easily for many seems like a tall order for me. Sigh... I am determined and making it as the resolution for the year for the first time in my life highlights its importance now. Please pray for me too. I don’t think I am called to celibacy... I can’t... hahaha... =P

This coming week is going to be more challenging than the previous one. I am busy but surprisingly coping quite well. Looking forward to giving more talks to medical staff at the polyclinics, a meeting with government officials and personnel from abroad, a church seminar on suffering (Treasure in Jars of Clay: Power in weakness – 2 Corinthians) by Rev Canon Dr John Benson, meeting up with friends for dinner, a cardiology seminar over the weekend and possibly even a blind date.... ;-) Considering if I should attend an overnight prayer session (3 – 4 April: 11pm – 6am) in preparation of Holy Week. Frankly, I haven’t been instilling discipline in myself for this Lent...

I am so “looking forward” to this year with all the cell group meetings, the church seminars, the postgraduate studies, the overseas medical mission, the charity work at Redhill... May this year be a fruitful year for me and for you who read this! Haha... Let’s be motivated and strive to be live fulfilling and joyful lives even in the midst of a pessimistic economic outlook. There are really many forms of life fulfilments other than the material chase.

God Bless,

Andrew