Nursing Home Journey #1 - The Man who was a Karaoke Champion

#NursingHomeJourney Stories #1 (LONG POST AHEAD!)

I was doing my usual ward-to-ward singing at a nursing home when I noticed a wheelchair-bound uncle observing me silently at a corner. Not wanting to make him feel left out, I smiled and waved at him. 

"Will you be coming to level 6?" 

He asked in a low tone during a brief pause of my performance. 

It turned out that he had heard me and wheeled himself down from 6th floor (OH my goodness!) specially just to ask if I would be going up to his ward to sing. I told him I would and he nodded, turned his back around and slowly wheeled himself off. 

Honestly, it wasn't part of the schedule (to enter level 6 ward) with the nursing home but I decided to fulfil him on my own accord. 

As promised, I made my way up after finishing my round at Level 4.

There he was, awaiting me at the ward with the rest of the other residents.

I greeted everyone and started singing. 

Song after song, Uncle was very supportive. He smiled and never failed to give his best clap. Then there came the moment. The moment that HITS me hard. 

He motioned me to come over and presented me with a small 4R-sized photo album. 

With his weak and trembling hands, he flipped the pages. "This was me", he said in a soft tone. I gasped as I looked at the young, energetic and handsome man staring at me right back in the pictures.

And in almost all of the photos, he was seen holding a microphone and were at all sorts of singing competitions. 

"I used to run around Singapore and joined all the competitions. And I was a champion before!" He shared as he continued flipping the pages slowly. In some of the photos, his family members were even seen supporting him at his competitions. He was such a happy man who had such a beautiful wife, too. 

"Wow, you are really handsome! I bet you have a lot of girls wooing you!" I joked.

"Handsome right? Hahaha..That was last time lah..." He gave a shy smile. 

Even though I only knew him for less than an hour, I felt like the time had stood still and I was walking down his memory lane together with him. We may be generations apart, but we connected. 

I took a short glance at him. It was very difficult to imagine that the man -so FULL of life, hope and dreams in the photos is now beside me in a wheelchair and residing in a nursing home. (While I did wonder about his family members, I did not ask him much as I didn't want to risk triggering any bad memories, if any)

It dawned upon me that my presence had probably brought him some memories of his younger days.

"I would love to hear you sing! How about you sing a song?" I said cheerfully. 

He gave a tiny smile and shook his head. 

"I cannot sing totally in my condition now".

My heart sank. 

He then requested me to sing him a song 午夜的香吻 which I fulfilled.

I looked at the time and my heart sank a second time. It was time for me to go. 

Uncle opened his small cupboard beside his bed and took out a box. "Here, have some cakes". He grabbed 3 packets of the cakes and placed them in my hand. 

I smiled. "Thank you, Uncle"

Despite that he didn't really have much with him, he still wanted to offer me something. To me, these cakes are simply priceless. I held them in my hands and felt a surge of warmth through my heart.

While time may be cruel and leave no man behind, it's inspiring to know how music can still keep one going emotionally. This is why I truly enjoyed doing volunteer work and giving back with music. Each trip to the nursing home always bring me a different experience in an inspiring manner. There are just so many sides of life that I've seen and yet to be seen. 

I will be sharing more of my personal experiences and stories as time goes by. At the same time, I do hope that I can bring a little inspiration to our young generation in coming forward to contribute back to the society. You never know how much your time contribution means to someone. :)

[Update] My Chemical Peeling Journey - August 2017

"Your skin is getting better", said a friend whom peered closely at my skin.

I smiled.

"Really?" I thought he was just trying make me happy.

"Yeah.. What did you do to your skin?"

My smile grew even wider. 

"Wow, this means my Chemical Peeling actually works!!?"

Honestly, I did not expect the results to be that visible but I guess my monthly Chemical Peeling treatment at Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic paid off.

When I traced back older photographs of myself, I couldn't believe that I actually lived my life looking like that:-

The amount of acne I had on my forehead was just downright unappealing. (I believe there are many young girls out there who may be facing similar issues too.)

I was a victim of uncontrollable acne that appeared on my forehead and other areas of face once every few days.

Yes, it was depressing.

This was taken in Year 2015:

I remembered I had to use lots of concealer to hide them - and that did not help because application of too much make-up resulted in breakouts too (I guess my skin is not suitable for make-up products). What I really needed was a long-term solution for my issues so I DO NOT need to depend on make-up products to achieve a flawless look. (I know it's impossible to look flawless lah.. But I just wanted those ugly acne to disappear forever. Grrr)

And here's an unglamorous just-woke-up look but it's my current state now in Year 2017 - Completely taken without photo edit, filter or make-up (except for my semi-permanent eyelash extensions)

I can't believe I can actually do this (showing off my forehead directly) without fearing what others think of my acne now. 

So if you were to ask me if chemical peeling has worked for me, I would definitely give you a YES with two thumbs up. (I have been undergoing the sessions for more than a year now and each session will have evident results)

THANK YOU DR TYNG TAN!!!!! 

I really feel secretly happy each time when I look at myself in the mirror and find the acne getting lesser. Those acne were a confidence killer- I am sure many can relate to that. 

I have never thought that my acne could clear up so much (after the sessions) and it does lessen the hassle of filtering my photos (LOL).

Of course, if you were to ask me - my skin does not always look so clear and radiant. There were times when I did not take proper care of my skin and breakouts would significantly appear. 

(It does NOT mean that you can do without proper care for your face even after chemical peeling sessions!) So do note that taking care of your face and proper cleansing ARE STILL REQUIRED. 

**Some of you are interested to read about my FIRST chemical peeling session. Do click HERE to read it! It's quite a long post but I am sure it will answer some of your enquiries!**

I will be updating once every few months on my progress and if any of you guys have questions to ask me personally, do feel free to let me know and I'll try to answer you based on my personal experience!

If any of you are interested in Dr Tyng Tan's services in Chemical Peeling, you can read more information about it here and contact the clinic for any questions 

too!! The staff are all very friendly people; so do not worry about contacting them.

http://aestheticsandhairclinic.com/service/chemical-peel-singapore

Address: 391B Orchard Road, 

Ngee Ann CityTower B, #08-04, Singapore 238873.

Telephone: +65 6235 0010

Updates on my Chemical Peeling Treatment sessions!

Several readers have written in and asked me some topics regarding the Chemical Peeling Treatments that I am still undergoing.

And I have made a short video featuring the whole process of one of my chemical peeling sessions.  If you are wondering what to expect from the sessions, I believe you will understand better after watching this!

(Pardon me as I usually do not put on make-up prior to my treatment sessions; so I am definitely not looking my best in there.... Whatever you see, is called natural beauty. *inserts a hao lian look here*)

(Credits to Dokiboy for the filming!)

Here comes the most common question:

Is it really effective? Does it work just after one session?

Since I have undergone so many sessions now, I shall give my verdict based on my personal experiences. (Please do note that what I feel does not necessarily mean that everyone will feel the same way as results vary from individual to individual!)

I would say Chemical Peeling works for me as the acne on my forehead has been cleared up pretty well now! I could look back at my old pictures and gasp in horror.
However, this does not mean that the acne issues will stop there forever.
YES, you still have to be responsible of taking good care of your skin, and there are times when pre-menstrual symptoms will inevitably cause acne to appear. These are normal.

On usual days, I would find that my skin condition has improved tremendously - Even my friends couldn't stop emphasizing how obvious the results were from time to time.
OF COURSE IT MADE ME SO HAPPY.

I used to be a lazy person who didn't care much about skincare routine - but I am taking better care of my skin now by applying facial products daily.

If you are wondering what Chemical Peeling is all about or is interested to try out at least one session to see if it works for you, here's a recommendation: (Trust me, Dr Tyng Tan is one of the friendliest and knowledgeable doctors I've ever came across!! You can leave your face in her safe and good hands. Haha.)

Dr. Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic
391B Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower B, #08-04, Singapore 238873
Enquiry Hotline: +65 6235 0010
Website: http://aestheticsandhairclinic.com/

You may quote my blog's name: "SgComplainQueen" for a non-obligatory consultation with the doctor! As everyone's skin condition is different, Dr Tan will access your condition and advise you accordingly!

I WILL BE UPDATING ANOTHER BLOG POST OF MY "BEFORE/AFTER" TRANSFORMATION. DO STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES!!!

My 3rd Mosaic Rejuvenation Treatment

Here's another update of my Mosaic Rejuvenation Treatment (Yes, it's my 3rd session already!) at Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic!

I'm sure you guys are more or less familiar with the process after reading my first entry. [If you haven't, you can read it HERE]:

In this entry, there will be a SPECIAL video featuring the process of my 3rd Mosaic Rejuvenation Treatment.

(Yes, you can watch it in HD too!)

Some photos taken at the day of my treatment: (The reason why my face looks kinda' reflective in the below photos is due to the numbing cream!)

I kinda' have pimple outbreak due to continuous late night sleep (Blame it on myself as I did not really maintain my condition) But the Mosaic Rejuvenation Treatment helped me in lightening the scars once again -I'll be posting more before/after photos in my next and final entry! :) All of my photographs will be totally unedited (I am lazy to photoshop anything anyway), so the effects of the treatments will be shown as they are. Once again, if you are interested to find out more about the treatments - here's the website: http://aestheticsandhairclinic.com/service/laser-treatment-singapore

[Review] Sports Watch from Bicycles.sg

So something mysterious arrived in the mail last week... ...

Something that defines the history and present. 

Something that is classic...

What could this small, brown box possibly contain?

*Anxiously opens the box*

A beautiful white sports watch staring back at me as the minute hand slowly ticked away...

Thank you, Bicycles.sg!!

I couldn't bear to take it out of the box yet and went on to take countless photographs of the watch.

There are lovely rhinestone-like crystals above each numerical digit. It looks simple but yet classy - a style that I totally love!

I was even more thrilled when I realized that the watch fits me perfectly without going through the hassle of punching extra holes on the strap to fit my child-like wrist. (I'm not kidding when I say that my wrist is exceptionally small! I often have difficulty purchasing general-sized watches and had to punch extra holes on EVERY watch that I purchased outside.)

I love the fact that it looks unisex as well.

The holes extend up to the very maximum and even kids can wear it!

The strap is made of silicon material and it felt comfortable on my skin. 

In case you are wondering, the exterior silicon strap can be removed! 

(It'll be removed during the change of batteries)

Here's one last photo of the lovely piece - I just couldn't stop taking photographs of it!

Not to mention that they are so kind (and thoughtful, too!) to provide additional battery and a metal stick in case the existing battery runs out.

I have been wearing my new watch ever since the first day I received it, and I think it looks really good on me! (Sounds thick-skinned as I am complimenting myself here, but who cares?!?! HAHA)

And most importantly... This Sports watch is definitely affordable as it costs only.. $14! (Comes with batteries, premium gift packagingand FREE mailing too!! *faints* Too good to be true, but it's not!)

See to believe.

A screenshot of the page on their site:

Of course, they do not specialize in the sales of watches. As their name would have it, Bicycles.sg sells different kinds of bicycles (road/mountain/electric/foldable bicycles) and various accessories that I felt are affordable too! If you are an avid cyclist, I am sure this is a site you will not want to miss.

Although I did not purchase any bicycle from the online store, I was impressed by the reviews given by other customers. (You can read it under their "Reviews" tab!)

Wait no further - Check out their site now at:

www.bicycles.sg

[Review] My Skin Regeneration Treatment at Aesthetic and Hair Clinic Singapore

**Warning: Picture-heavy post!! Haha*

Here's a thank you to all my readers who have been following my Chemical Peeling Journey previously! Ever since the entries were published, I have received several e-mails from a few readers who have shared their acne issues with me as well. It pains me to know of how my young readers have been battling acne since a tender age.

I'm glad my entries benefited some of you who are interested in the treatment too. It has definitely been one of the most rewarding choices I've ever made in going for the Chemical Peeling treatment.
As most of you would have known by now, Dr Tyng Tan was my doctor and she was kind enough to recommend me another treatment that would aid in lightening acne scars, blemishes and flaws on my face.
The treatment is known as MOSAIC Total Skin Regeneration. (Not sure if any of you have heard of it, but now you do!)
I'll explain more about this treatment in specific details at the later part of this entry, so be sure to keep on reading if you are interested!

Given my condition (which varies between different individuals), she has suggested 5 sessions for me (with each session being 1 month apart)
I would be lying if I were to tell you I wasn't feeling nervous about the treatment.
I know this would be something different from Chemical Peeling as it involves the usage of laser, which sounded quite scary to me!

Of course... It helps knowing the fact that Dr Tyng Tan will be handling the procedure.

(Not that I am trying to be a boot-licker here but I have total faith in her!!)

I am going to be on a new journey this time with the Total Skin Regeneration treatment, so do stay tuned to my entries as I'll be posting updates of my condition - a totally honest review with unedited photographs!

Here I am, back again at the clinic!

 And this is one of the rarer chances you may get to see me without make-up on.
(I totally lack confidence in posing for photos without make-up, but for the sake of the treatment which I had to go without.... I'll make the sacrifice!!)

 Here's the lovely Ms Vivian attending to me again!

 Getting ready for the cleansing of face.
(As you can see, I have some dark scars near my chin area. They look more obvious than they are in the pictures!)

LOL. I don't know why I had that expression on my face. Now all of you have seen the most unglam side of me. Ahem.

Ms Vivian gently cleansing my face in progress... ...
(It was so comfortable that I thought I could fall asleep!)

Mmmm... 

Now, this is the interesting part. She applied numbing cream on my face after the cleansing, and I was told that this would numb my face (so that I wouldn't feel that much of any possible pain from the treatment later)
The numbing effect would last for 4-6 hours!

I was feeling anxious and curious as I have never imagined my whole face being numbed before.
I was quite skeptical of the cream initially, but I was proven wrong!

 Here's me after the application of numbing cream. I could feel the numbness and tightness setting in! Was trying my best to smile here.
Gosh, look at those dark eye circles!!!!
(Do note that I have not used any photo filter effects in my photos in this entry. What you see is how the photo was originally taken!)

My right eye was actually a bit swollen on that day, which I didn't know why either. Probably a lack of sleep from the night before :(

I was curious how the numbing cream looked like... So here it is, with permission from Ms Vivian. Haha. It's interesting how powerful the cream is!
Imagine how I could prank an enemy with it while he/she is taking a nap. Just an application around his/her mouth and it shall numb him/her from talking! LOL, just kidding. I am such a kind soul, how in the world would I have an enemy? *inserts angelic look here*

Zen mode. Face getting numb every minute... Tick tock tick tock.

 (I thought my hair looked beautiful until I saw this photo. DAMN.)

Close-up shot of my face. 

Ms Vivian cleaning off the numbing cream... Oh no.. This means that my face is now almost ready for the treatment!

 Soon, I was told to get ready for Dr Tyng Tan to begin the treatment.
While waiting for her to enter the room, I was trying to hard to control those butterflies in my stomach.
Even though I knew what I was in for, but the feeling of being physically there and awaiting to have my face worked on was making me anxious!
Thoughts such as "Will this be painful?" appeared in my mind, even though it was reportedly said to be painless.

Soon, Dr Tyng Tan entered the room with her cheerful smile (I felt comforted already!) and explained to me briefly about the treatment.

"The whole procedure only lasts for about 2 minutes!" she said optimistically.
I relaxed my muscles. The thought of how the effects will benefit my face eventually gave me the courage to brave myself for it.

"So.. Are you ready?"
I nodded.

 Zap, zap, zap zap.
Dr Tyng Tan's hand movement was fast and steady as she controlled the equipment.
"You look like you are frowning," she remarked. "Is it painful?"

(I did not realize I was frowning! Actually, I was feeling more of shocked than pain as the equipment felt prickly on my skin. Personally, it is not really 100% painless - but definitely tolerable. I am one that is afraid of pain, so I believe majority of the humans would not have issues with it! HAHA)

There was one point when the intensity has to be increased and the pain level was slightly higher than the former. It's still within my tolerable limit though. (They felt prickly against my skin)

 Dr Tyng Tan confidently working on my face.

Wow, I love this photo! It looks so professional as though it's from some advertisement! Hahaha.

I love how Dr Tyng Tan is always seen to be smiling in photos.

 Get ready for a photo that may possibly be one of the more glamorous ones ever showcased on my blog.
But being a honest and transparent blogger (*takes pride*), I'll post photos that are true to my experiences.

.
.

Here, a photo of me straight after the treatment. I KNOW I looked like a roasted pig here (and I didn't know I was frowning, really!)

Don't worry, I only looked like a roasted pig for probably only 10 minutes! The swell went down pretty fast.
The after-treatment sensation was actually quite comfortable. I felt like my face has been pricked, but in a "shiok" way. The feeling was indescribable but boy, was I glad that there really was not much pain felt! The numbing cream helped alot, I guess.

 Immediately, I was given a cleansing and had facial session to "cool" my face.

  After cleansing.
See? My face wasn't so red now. :)

The cooling mask!!! It was to be laid on my face for 20 minutes.

Ms Vivian even switched the lights off so I could have a short nap. Awww.

Really shiok leh.

 Dr Tyng Tan giving me some advice =D

OK, sleeping time while the mask as doing its work on my face!

 After the removal of mask, my face was back to almost normal again!! No more redness.!!

Ms Vivian proceeded to apply post-treatment balm and sun-block on my skin.

(I was encouraged not to go under the sun that much after the treatment)

I looked like I had fallen asleep.. Did I??

Yay, done with the treatment! :) I looked better, didn't I?!

As I have promised earlier in my post to explain more about the Total Skin Regeneration treatment, here it is.

Total Skin Regeneration has the ability to deliver substantial improvements while leaving the skin's outer most layer unaffected.

Following a single session, one can notice that the skin will be brighter and re-generated with renewed collagen, and it is reportedly said that the skin will become even tighter and scars will dramatically improve after several more sessions!

Personally, it is a convenient treatment that does not leave a visible wound (other than looking a bit sun burned after the procedure). However, it does not affect daily activities at all and I was told that I can even apply make-up after the treatment!

What types of skin are suitable for the treatment?

-Scars such as acne scar, surgical scars, traumatic scars, burn scars and striae.

-Rejuvenation of Non-Surgical Areas (Neck, chest, and hands ,etc)

-Wrinkles and Skin Laxity

-Sun Damaged skin

-Large pore, rough skin texture

-Pigmented lesions such as Melasma, age spots and dyschromias

-Uneven skin stones

Here's a random photo of me making my next appointment at the clinic - I can't wait for my second session already!
I was given a post-treatment balm (which I have to apply twice daily on my face). The post-treatment balm is recommended to be stored in the fridge and it was sooo cooling when I applied it on my face everytime!

Here's a pic of my face condition on the same day (at night)

A close-up shot of my face. Just some minor red patches here and there.

Pardon the messy kitchen background. LOL

This is Day 2 and I felt that my skin is improving already!

I think it really improved!!
I went to work that following week and one of my colleagues (who did NOT know I underwent the treatment at all) asked me "Did you just do facial?"

WHOA, I felt immensely happy because this meant that the treatment was EFFECTIVE!!
"NO!!" I replied with a smile. "I did skin treatment! Do read my blog to find out more if you are interested what I exactly did."

That's me now:

If you would like to find out more about the treatment, here's the link:
http://aestheticsandhairclinic.com/service/laser-treatment-singapore

Do stay tuned to my upcoming entries for updates on the treatment!