It's incredibly awesome how the very first episode of ER (Hallmark Channel) coincided with the first Monday I've been back. It was interesting seeing George Clooney with a different albeit thicker hairdo, but still as handsome as ever. :P And it was so cool to see Dr John Carter (Noah Wyle) as a 3rd Year Medical Student. In fact, after doing hospital attachments for a year, I could relate to his struggles and frustrations. True, my UK training is peanuts as compared to my North American peers. But I guess medical students all share universal tears and laughter despite diverse geographical locations. Take The Differential, for example. Also, it feels great to watch the management of acute patients in the show, and actually be familiar with it. I may not be slick yet, I still have a lot more to learn, but at least, I know a little bit now. Yeah, I'm a nerd. I used to watch House, MD to revise (before the cases got too exotic). :P

I first watched ER back in Form 3 (Season 3), to check out People Magazine's Sexiest Man, George Clooney. Soon, I was watching it religiously not just because of him, but due to its engaging plots and characters. And I must say, despite the accurate (and dramatised) portrayal of the downside of the medical profession in this show, Medicine fascinated me. Little did I know then, that this fascination would later translate into my calling two years later.

Ever since it has been revealed to me that Medicine is my calling, my faith that I would graduate as a doctor has never wavered despite not-so-good academic results from time to time. But it feels great to watch this favourite tv show and remember how it had influenced me to become a doctor. The doctors in the show are all of different personalities, and though they are fictional, their struggles with the demand that comes with the job struck a chord with me.

I suppose, I find ER therapeutic and reassuring, besides my obvious eye-candy. :P

Another favourite show on the telly which coincided with my homecoming is America's Next Top Model (Cycle 8). Fashion, bitchings and determination to win - how could I not love it? ;) Anyway, there was this contestant named Sarah, who honestly thought she was quite good when in actual case, she didn't do well in her photoshoot at all.

I soooo could relate to that. My OSCE result was disappointing. I expected more out of it. But I've accepted the fact I may not be as good as I thought I was, and I realised that I need to work harder in that department. But that's fine with me. Better to realise that fact now, than in my 5th year when I will soon be unleashed to the public.

And so, all is well.

I love television.

My flight was delayed for 3 1/2 hours. The journey was filled with turbulence. But I'm finally home.

As the plane bumped up and down, left and right, the girl 2 seats away were crying. She got very scared. I must admit, I was getting a little bit nervous. But then I thought to myself, getting nervous and gripping the seat will not make the turbulence better. Why not just let go, and just ride it? I did... I just accepted it as a part of the ride, felt much better and before long, the plane settled down again.

I left Soton with hopes of finding peace. My heart is still turbulent, though. But turbulence is a part of life. I must be patient and wait for it to settle down.

And so I wait.

After All's Been Said & Done

It's been 11 months we've been here in Southampton. I came here with many hopes and expectations... some were met, some not. At the end of this academic year, waiting to go home, it is time to reflect and ponder my life of this past 11 months. Yeah, I'm feeling emo. That's why I'm actually blogging now. :P

What is life without it's ups and downs? To savour the highs, one must embrace the lows. It has been a good mix of those this year. Not quite as dramatic as 2005, which I still remember fondly, but not quite dull either.

The Flatmate told me that we should accept our blessings as they come and not be greedy with them. How true. Many unexpected blessings crossed my path, and I am grateful for them.

I think I have grown here in England. Not quite dramatically like back in 2005, but life's little challenges I've experienced so far have definitely made me think. And preparing me into this upcoming phase in my life known as adulthood (I consider myself as a proper adult once I'm out working as a House Officer - now I'm still a Young Adult. ;P ) Older, stronger, more mature?... as I slowly experience life, one day at a time.

Everything happens for a reason. And whatever the reason is, it's for our own good. And I shall learn from life's lessons... and continue learning, no matter how bitter it is. To live in the now. Carpe diem.

"I've done my best, and I have no regrets." - William Hung

He sure can't sing and dance, but he sure is right.

And I am proud to say that I could say the same. I gave my best shot at life during this 11 month period. And I have no regrets.

"Hi, I'm YK and I'm a Fourth Year Medical Student."