Reflecting on Internship Experience
The last day of 2024 marked both the end of the year and the end of my internship. As some might know from a previous vlog, the internship experience wasn't particularly beneficial. Approximately 99% of the work involved administrative and logistical tasks unrelated to my field of study. These tasks lacked practical application value.
I discussed my concerns with my supervisor and requested to shorten the internship period. December was a slow period, so the organization also struggled to find meaningful tasks for me. Despite the challenges, I don't regret the experience. Being in the sector provided fresh perspectives on future career possibilities. I spoke with colleagues in different departments to understand their roles and gained a broader understanding of the sector's functions and key drivers.
New Year's Eve Activities
The workday ended early for New Year's Eve. I met my cousins for lunch to celebrate a birthday at a cafe along Rowell Rd. The cafe, surprisingly empty, served all-day breakfast and lunch. I ordered an almond milk mocha for $8.50, which felt overpriced for the size and needed a stronger espresso flavor.
The food arrived, and it looked quite healthy. I ordered a soba set, drizzling the tangy sauce from a shot glass over the noodles. My favorite part of the dish was the crispy and firm golden tofu, ensuring it wasn't chicken breast before ordering. After lunch, I went to my parents' place.
At my parents' home, my mother was occupied with checking her 4D and Toto slips. The evening was spent relaxing and catching up with my parents. For dinner, my mother prepared a one-pot vegetarian dish.
Later, I headed to a pajamas party in my neighborhood, walking through the hospital grounds and encountering many other Yishun residents in their home wear. The husband joked that it felt like the end of the world with everyone heading to the same shelter. It was very crowded, especially near midnight for the fireworks. After a bit of waiting, the countdown began, and we celebrated the arrival of the New Year.
New Year's Day Activities
Day 2 of the New Year involved a visit to Si Ma Lu temple to pray. I wanted to take my bestie to Yat Ka Yan, but it was closed. After realizing they only opened at 1:30 PM, we decided to try a dumpling store nearby.
The dumpling store, like Din Tai Fung, allows customers to watch the staff making dumplings through a glass window. We shared a large serving of assorted dumplings in peanut chilli oil base ($8.80). The chilli was quite spicy, but the dumplings themselves were delicious, especially after adding some black vinegar. The dumpling store was a decent and inexpensive option.
Next, we got kopi from a cafe. The bestie ordered a teh c kosong, reflecting our polar opposite drink preferences. She also took some Instagram pictures for me. The kopi O was good, though the toast couldn't compare to Yakun's, whose quality varies by outlet.
We then went back to my neighborhood. Although we were in Rochor, the bestie wanted to chill in Yishun. We ordered a plate of fried rice to share and hoped for wok hei, but it didn't deliver.
Housework and Evening Plans
Back home, I spent the remainder of New Year's Day doing housework. This included folding laundry using the modesty cover method and vacuuming the floor. I also removed lint from my socks using a Xiaomi electric fabric shaver.
For dinner, lacking inspiration, we ordered McDonald's. I redeemed a box of spicy nuggets and opted for a Filet-O-Fish, adding a salad but forgetting the dressing. I planned to use sesame dressing instead. I also intended to spend some time organizing my plans for January before school resumed around the Chinese New Year period.
Challenges with Rainbow
Unfortunately, my peace was short-lived due to the challenges of caring for Rainbow, who would wake up crying and barking, disrupting everyone's sleep. My SIL spent around $7,000 on vet visits, but even medication from a neurologist didn't improve his condition. I asked for advice from anyone experienced in caring for dogs with brain dysfunction.
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