http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYmmh9zkpQM

Such an extremely great version of the song Empire State of Mind. I think I miss New York.

My growing dragon fruit cacti.

Handsome mao.

Cool car.

I went to see a doctor last night because I had serious heartburn that lasted 4 days. And when I saw the doctor, he looked at me and asked "Are you very stressed?"

And I said, "Can't be. I don't feel stressed. I'm pretty well adapted to Uni life."

Then he went on to explain that I have stress-induced gastric that sometimes presents itself as heartburn. And I protested "I can't have gastric, I eat very regular meals! In fact, I eat so often I always have a packet of food with me in my bag." Which is true. Pocky is the most regular snack to appear in my bag. Followed by Hello Panda and Yan Yan.

And when the doc heard I eat quite constantly, he looked so smug. "Then you must be quite high-strung all day."

Gah! What is this. Stress-induced gastric. I honestly don't feel stressed at all. I'm already in year three, trust me, I am well adapted to uni life. Then the more I thought about it, the more I realise why I might be stressed out.

Well firstly, I haven't had any time to rest during my holidays. Sure, my many overseas trips are fun and sometimes relaxing but when I didn't have any time to rest and relax at home, I guess my system can't take it. Because all the times that I wasn't on holiday, I had so many social events like cell and church and family gatherings and meeting friends and of course, going out with Shaoxun which is by far the most relaxing. Then I plunged right into school and I was thinking of when I need to find my FYP Prof and I'm taking a level 4 mod and maybe that adds a little to my stress level. And I have a considerable amount of tutorials and projects this sem which accounts for a pretty significant percentage.

Then, I feel quite abruptly snapped out of my cell and pushed into leader's cell. Which I thought was okay, because it makes sense and its not like I don't know the people there. And everyone's really nice and friendly which is good. But when I say that one of my weaknesses is that I'm change resistant, I do mean I'm change resistant and even though I try really hard to be okay with everything, I guess my body protests. Mentally though, I really think I'm fine. Stepping out of my comfort zone is something I need to get be used to so I hope my body adapts soon. I do miss my old cell though. Feels strange to transit so quickly without a farewell.

Plus, I'm suddenly co-leading a cell. And in about a month's time I will move to another cell. Then in 2 month's time I might move again. So many changes ahead, I can't have stress-induced gastric the whole time! Its too unbearable. I think this is another way of intepreting the phrase "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Now food holds no enjoyment for me anymore, everytime I eat I just feel awful because of the heartburn

And many friends confide in me and share with me their burdens and what they're going through and in a way, I'm the kind of person that thinks about what people tell me a lot and I feel for my friends. This is why I can't be a social worker, my brain might just explode. I don't know if this adds to my stress level but I think the stress-induced gastic certainly didn't just come from one source.

On another note, I love my parents so much. So supportive and everything, they are just amazing. And we are now an iPhone family, Yvonne and Shaoxun included. Haha!

And thank God so much for today, the moment I drove into Kent Vale, I saw a car waiting for a lot and I assumed that I would be late for lecture but when I drove around the car park, I found an empty lot near the bus stop! Yay God is so good. Then after I parked, like 7 cars drove in and all had to wait for space. Heehee. And God helped me find my FYP Prof and gave me friends in all my modules  There are just many ups and downs in life and I'll just have to get through this weird "stress" that I'm facing.

No more time to reflect, must get back to work!