Regret Avoided: My Mount Elizabeth Novena Story

Regret Avoided: My Mount Elizabeth Novena Story. personal experiences at mount elizabeth novena had me in stitches as i navigated through a hospital visit that turned into a comical adventure. with all the charm of a dodgy sitcom, i found myself learning the hard way about the importance of listening to my gut (and my mother). from dodging daily dilemmas to encountering quirky staff, join me as i recount the little mishaps and humorous insights that made my visit memorable and, more importantly, regret avoided! page contents. toggle misadventures at mount elizabeth novena. unexpected hospital food. waiting room antics. running into old friends. unplanned visitor. hilarious discharge. regret avoided, literally. where’s my parking? reliving old times. appreciating the care. lessons in perspective. memories made. anticipating future visits. facing fears with laughter. the goodbye wave. storytelling skills sharpened. friendships strengthened. celebrating small victories. future plans ahead. learning from each visit. to wrap up. faq. misadventures at mount elizabeth novena. before launching on my adventure at mount elizabeth, i thought i had it all planned out. however, a series of events unfolded that even the most seasoned traveller would find surprising. from dodgy directions to unexpected surprises, my visit turned into a memorable saga filled with a healthy dose of humour and a hint of embarrassment. getting lost again. despite using my reliable gps, i found myself circling around, wondering if i was part of a “lost in novena” reality show. at one point, i must have walked past the same coffee shop thrice, with the barista now looking at me with a blend of sympathy and amusement. let’s just say, if there were awards for getting lost, i would have taken home gold! uber confusion. confusion struck when i decided to take an uber to the hospital instead of navigating the labyrinth of streets. i confidently entered the car, only to discover i had given the wrong address. taking a detour through a local market, i found myself delightfully surrounded by mouth-watering hawker food instead of medical assistance. certainly not the pre-visit diet i had in mind! interesting posts. is cross hotel kyoto your safe haven?read more hotel new hankyu osaka - explore the unusual!read more charming secrets of holiday inn osaka namba!read more what makes tokyo soba tanjong pagar so magical?read more what weird wonders await in harry potter tokyo?read more this mix-up turned into an unexpected culinary adventure. as i bobbed and weaved through the bustling stalls, i gleefully sampled everything from chicken rice to satay. i was half tempted to forget the appointment entirely, knowing the likelihood of good food outweighed my hospital visit. eventually, i made it but not without an amusing story to tell and a satisfied stomach to boot! unexpected hospital food. it was truly surprising to find myself in a hospital room, looking at a menu that seemed borrowed from a high-end restaurant. gone were the days of bland, grey slop—this was mount elizabeth novena hospital, and to my delight, the food experience was about to make me forget where i was for a moment. who would’ve thought that amidst the beeping machines and sterile surroundings, i’d be savouring a delicious meal? surprise gourmet meal. meal after meal, i was treated to dishes that outshone some of my local dining experiences. the delicious roast chicken with a mushroom sauce and the decadent chocolate pudding left me feeling as though i had embarked on a culinary journey. the irony of being in a hospital and feeling more like a connoisseur than a patient filled me with laughter. diet coke dilemma. you’ll never guess the dilemma that unfolded over my beloved diet coke. as i eagerly scanned the offered options on my fancy hospital menu, i spotted the drink section and nearly cried with joy to see my fizzy friend listed. but then, a tragic thought struck me: how was i to maintain my status as a cool, laid-back patient while trying to balance my love for soft drinks with the stern advice about avoiding caffeine? talk about a first-world problem! the moment the nurse wheeled in my order, i smiled and pointed at the can, thinking i’d play it cool—i’d simply ask for “just a tiny sip”. but let me tell you, once that sweet fizz hit my tongue, i turned into a small kid with a sugar rush, forgetting that i might be the only patient in the hospital unable to sit still! it’s funny how a simple drink could make one forget the sterile, pill-popping reality of hospital life. you’d think i was on an episode of masterchef, battling the stress of hospitalisation—who knew culinary pleasures could come with such fizzy dilemmas? waiting room antics. your time in the waiting room can feel endless, can’t it? i found myself perched on an uncomfortable chair at mount elizabeth, surrounded by the faint sounds of medical chatter and the occasional cough. to keep my sanity intact, i passed the time with a mix of people-watching and attempting to decipher the mysterious letters of the next patient being called. honestly, if boredom were an olympic sport, i’d have won gold that day! boredom leads to jokes. on many occasions, boredom can lead to some good old-fashioned jokes. i started sharing a few silly puns with a fellow patient, trying to lighten the mood. “why did the scarecrow win an award? because he was outstanding in his field!” the laughter that followed was infectious, and suddenly we weren’t just two strangers; we were comrades in waiting-room warfare! secret snack stash. now, every waiting room has its unspoken rule—a secret stash of snacks is crucial. i, being the savvy patient i am, had tucked some cheeky goodies in my bag. from chocolate bars to those ever-reliable crisps, my small snack haul quickly transformed me into the most sought-after person around. i could almost sense the envy of other patients as i munched away, enjoying my mini feast while they waited for their turn! room for a bit more snack talk! during my time in the waiting room, i realised that my secretly hidden treasures turned into a social experiment of sorts. the moment i took out my crisps, it was like i’d summoned a crowd! fellow patients offered to trade their awkward small talk for a crisp or two; laughter was the currency of the day. i even made a pact to share some chocolate if they could tell me the best joke they knew! it was all in good fun and turned an otherwise dreary wait into a memorable experience, filled with laughter and tasty treats. running into old friends. in the midst of my mount elizabeth novena experience, i unexpectedly ran into a couple of old school friends. there they were, standing by the coffee machine, looking as bewildered as i felt. it’s quite funny how familiarity can spark an instant wave of nostalgia, even in the most unexpected places. we exchanged surprised grins and mentally flipped through our old yearbooks, wondering how on earth we all ended up at the same spot! awkward small talk. running into them, i quickly realised that the casual banter of our youth had been replaced by a slightly awkward silence. what does one say after five years apart? “so, how’s life treating you?” felt painfully cliché, yet there i was, gnawing on a biscuit like it held the answers to all our unasked questions. laughing at old memories. any time spent reminiscing brought back some right laugh-out-loud moments. these were the kind of stories that, when recounted, made you wonder how we survived our teenage years without a proper manual. every tale sparked another, and before i knew it, we were engulfed in laughter, reminiscent of the good old days, with no care in the world. memories of those days flooded back in delightful chaos. i recalled the time we tried to sneak into the school talent show and ended up unintentionally showcasing our terrible karaoke skills. i’ll never forget our attempts at harmonising to “i want it that” way”—let’s just say pitch was not our strong suit! we giggled as we sagely declared we were probably better off sticking to hanging out in the school canteen instead. it was moments like that, filled with laughter and total embarrassment, that made the day at mount elizabeth novena feel like a heartwarming reunion. unplanned visitor. my well-laid plans were disrupted when an unexpected surprise, none other than my aunt joan, arrived at my door. with her penchant for spontaneity, she somehow wedged herself into my perfectly manicured schedule, turning my quiet weekend into a whirlwind of chaos and laughter. aunt shows up. there’s nothing quite like the jolt of joy and confusion that comes when you open your door to find aunt joan standing there, suitcase in hand and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. she announced her arrival like a royal decree, cheekily declaring that she had come to save me from a life of boredom. i had no idea that spending a weekend under her inquisitive guidance would involve much more than just tea and biscuits. bringing crazy stories. aunt joan possesses a remarkable talent for storytelling, possessing a wealth of tales capable of bringing even the most mundane gathering to life. she regaled me with stories from her latest escapades that ranged from the absurd to the downright hilarious. each story left me captivated, and i couldn’t help but wonder how one person’s life could be filled with such outrageous incidents. this was when i realised that aunt joan didn’t just bring her suitcase; she brought a whole suitcase of hilarious anecdotes. i mean, who else could casually mention a runaway goat during her holiday in wales or accidentally audition for a reality show in a supermarket? as i doubled over laughing, i couldn’t help but feel grateful for this unplanned visitor, who not only turned my mundane weekend into a comedy show but also reminded me of the magic of spontaneity and the joy of family. i definitely avoided regret by inviting more chaos into my life that day! hilarious discharge. despite the serious subject of my hospital visit, i found my discharge to be quite the comedy show. imagine me, clad in an oversized gown reminiscent of a circus tent, attempting to make my way out while evading the medical staff. at one point, i accidentally stepped on a nurse’s foot while attempting a graceful exit. i can assure you, my dancing skills do not improve under pressure! unexpected discharge dancer. discharge day arrived, and let’s just say i wasn’t prepared for the impromptu dance i would find myself doing. as the doctor proclaimed me fit to leave, i felt an overwhelming urge to thank everyone with a little jig. my two left feet hit the floor, and before i knew it, i’d turned the ward into a makeshift dance floor. the bemused expressions from the nurses were enough to keep me spinning! making a run for it. the thought of leaving the hospital filled me with excitement. upon receiving the discharge papers, i felt a sense of victory. the adrenaline kicked in, and i plotted my escape route. i imagined myself as a secret agent, stealthily tiptoeing past puzzled staff while plotting my grand exit from the hospital. with my belongings clutched tightly, i darted down the corridor, dodging wheelchairs and the occasional confused visitor, feeling like a racing car on a mission. little did i know, all that running would get me a lot of strange looks and even a couple of chuckles from my fellow patients! who knew i had such a flair for the dramatic? regret avoided, literally. once again, i found myself staring at a ticking clock, knowing full well i was running late for my visit to mount elizabeth. life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, but this time, i made sure to dodge them. with determination and a touch of comedy, i wasn’t about to let regret take hold of me. after all, it’s not every day you have a chance to embrace the serenity of novena! sketchy cab driver. for some reason, the universe decided that my taxi experience needed a little twist. the cab driver looked like he had just emerged from a dodgy action film; his driving style would’ve made a rollercoaster feel like a gentle stroll. one minute, we were cruising, and the next, we were dodging potholes like it was an extreme sport! en route adventure. regret filled me as we veered off the main road. i thought of signalling for help, or even just jumping out and running, but then i remembered i wasn’t wearing the best of running shoes. who knew a simple cab ride could turn into a mini thrill ride? i’d never been so grateful for a destination that promised peace! sketchy moments aside, the ride turned into an unexpected adventure full of quirky conversations. the cab driver regaled me with tales of his “near-death” experiences on the road, leaving me torn between laughter and concern. i couldn’t help but chuckle at how my unplanned detour offered an unintended lesson in life; sometimes the bumpy rides lead to the best experiences. as we finally approached mount elizabeth, i sighed in relief, thankful for not letting regret catch up with me this time! where’s my parking? be cautious when parking at mount elizabeth. the first time i visited, i triumphantly strutted into the hospital, only to realise i had no idea where my car was. my confidence quickly morphed into anxiety as i thought about the sheer size of the car park. did i just drive off and leave my vehicle in narnia? lost my car again. you’ll be amused to hear that this wasn’t my first episode of car mystery. i once spent an hour wandering around a completely different shopping centre, staring at every grey hatchback that i passed. you could say my car acted as a great hide-and-seek champion that day while i was the overly enthusiastic seeker. the dreaded search. you’ll laugh when i tell you about the time i had to search for my car. following a delightful day, i eagerly anticipated returning home, only to be abruptly awakened. i was standing on level three, lost, thinking surely it couldn’t have moved to a different dimension. i felt like sherlock holmes, minus the flair and with a lot more frustration. parking at mount elizabeth turned into a scavenger hunt. i flitted between levels, peering into every nook. it’s a wonder i didn’t accidentally join a couple of confused strangers looking for their own cars! somehow, i found myself on the verge of phoning for reinforcements—my friends probably got a good laugh out of my misadventure. eventually, my trusty steed, or should i say my grey hatchback, reappeared, and i felt like i’d just rescued it from a time capsule! however, i advise you to mentally record your parking location, as failing to do so could result in you adding ‘lost car’ to your hospital visit checklist. reliving old times. now, as i sat at the table, surrounded by old friends, the nostalgia wrapped around me like a warm blanket. time seemed to pause, transporting us back to our early years as we laughed and reminisced about the trivial activities that held such significance at the time. the memories sparked joy, and i couldn’t help but feel grateful for these moments that made our friendship timeless. old friends reunion. while catching up over a pint, i realised the joy of being with friends who knew me before social media turned our lives into a series of filtered moments. we may have aged a bit, but the camaraderie felt just as strong, and laughter flowed effortlessly as we teased each other about what we used to wear—who knew neon colours would ever be a style trend? sharing funny tales. even as we swapped stories, a wave of cheeky nostalgia washed over us. the minute i shared that time i mistook a police officer for a bouncer at a club, the table erupted in fits of laughter. it’s remarkable how the simple act of sharing these tales can make years melt away, creating bonds that feel as fresh as ever. any gathering of old friends is bound to bring out a myriad of funny tales, and we were no exception. every story, from embarrassing crushes to ridiculous fashion faux pas, added a sparkle to our reunion. the more we laughed, the more i realised that these shared experiences turned the ordinary into something truly special, cementing our friendships in laughter that echoed through the years. appreciating the care. for someone who has spent time at mount elizabeth, the level of care you receive is something to truly cherish. the staff are not only incredibly skilled but also possess a warmth that makes you feel like you’re in good hands—like a cup of tea on a rainy day. i found solace in their ability to turn a room filled with anxiety into a haven of comfort. it’s the little things, like a friendly smile or gentle words, that make those moments so special and memorable. grateful for nurses. an absolute standout in my experience was the nursing staff; they were like the friends i never knew i needed. every member of the nursing staff possessed a unique skill, whether it was their ability to perfectly puncture your veins during a blood test or simply offering a humorous quip to uplift your mood. i often wondered if they had taken a secret course in jest, as they seemed to have a joke ready for every occasion! countless thank-you jokes. care packages of laughter were abundant during my stay, with countless thank-you jokes that brought me joy even on the tougher days. each joke not only lightened the mood but also built a camaraderie that made my time in the hospital feel less like a chore and more like a stay among friends. from puns about the daily rounds to cheeky comments about my hospital garb, i found that laughter truly is the best medicine. thanking the staff became a routine filled with chuckles, as we all knew that humour can often bridge the gap in moments of discomfort. grateful for those moments of levity, i can honestly say they transformed my healing journey. who knew the road to recovery could include a parade of chuckles? between the doctors’ routines and the nurses’ quips, i felt a unique bond was formed, making my experience at mount elizabeth an unforgettable one. so, if you find yourself there, don’t forget to share your own funny tales—they’ll love to listen, and who knows? you might just find yourself part of a laughter-filled community! lessons in perspective. after my experience at mount elizabeth, i gained a richer perspective on life. each setback felt monumental, yet in hindsight, they now seem trivial compared to the joy of learning and growing. i’ve realised that when we face difficulties, it’s not about the obstacles but how we react to them. it’s a funny little dance of sorts, and i’m starting to appreciate my twirls and stumbles more than my flawless moves. humor in hardship. clearly, humour became my coping mechanism throughout this journey. i found myself chuckling at the absurdity of my situations when they got tough. for instance, there was that time i tripped over my own feet while trying to look composed in the hospital. honestly, who knew a patient gown could be so unflattering and hazardous at the same time? finding joy in chaos. you know, amidst all the mayhem of my struggles, i discovered small pockets of joy that were almost hidden gems. it was the little things – like the fragrant chai i stumbled upon or the delightful banter with the nurses who became my cheer squad. they had a way of turning my grumpy days into fits of laughter, and suddenly each chaotic moment felt a little lighter. chaos often feels overwhelming, but it can turn into a backdrop for unexpected joy. i found that embracing the unpredictable moments allowed me to appreciate life’s quirks even more. whether it’s a light-hearted chat with a fellow patient or a random act of kindness from a stranger, these tiny instances create laughter in the midst of turmoil. life doesn’t always go as planned, but sometimes that’s exactly what makes it worth living. i keep finding that joy, even when it’s wrapped in chaos! memories made. keep those cherished moments close, as my time at mount elizabeth novena was filled with unforgettable experiences. from the laughter echoing in the halls to the warm exchanges with staff and patients, the atmosphere was simply electric. each day brought something new, and i thoroughly savoured every minute. cherished moments. now, one particular day stands out when i stumbled into the hospital café and found a delightful mix of cakes that seemed to sing ‘eat me!’ i indulged in a chocolate chip muffin that was so divine it could have accompanied me on a journey to the moon! laughs that linger. i had a great time forming friendships with the staff! one miscommunication over a breakfast order left us all laughing. for instance, i asked for a ‘full english’, thinking it had everything i desired. instead, a delightful nurse turned up with a plate that contained three sausages and an egg. i was perplexed but couldn’t help but chuckle when the nurse exclaimed, “well, i took a literal approach!” we all burst into laughter, and that little mix-up became an ongoing joke during my stay. anticipating future visits. once again, i find myself pondering my future visits to mount elizabeth novena. as i imagine the waiting room filled with familiar faces, i can’t help but chuckle at how each appointment has become a social gathering of sorts. from catching up with nurses who double as my unofficial therapy team to sharing tales with fellow patients, there’s an unexpected camaraderie that certainly lightens the mood, even amidst the sterile surroundings. i foresee many more of these memorable encounters awaiting me! not everything is grim. there is always a positive aspect to everything! sure, the thought of frequent hospital visits might seem daunting, but i’ve made some delightful friends along the way. we swap snacks and gossip about our health struggles, turning what could have been a dreary experience into a laughter-filled affair. indeed, the waiting area is the epicentre of casual humour! exciting hospital adventures. anticipating the unexpected can be half the fun when it comes to hospital visits! each trip to mount elizabeth novena feels like a new chapter in an ongoing saga. you wouldn’t believe the bizarre things i’ve witnessed—clueless patients wandering around in their hospital gowns, bewildered family members trying to navigate the complex floor plan, and occasional vending machine mishaps that leave us in stitches. it’s as if my visits are a blend of a medical drama and a comedy sketch, and i can’t wait for the next episode! adventures in the hospital often find me in the oddest situations, from mispronouncing medical jargon to accidentally scheduling appointments on my best friend’s birthday. the absurdity of it all has turned my mount elizabeth visits into wild escapades! each encounter with quirky staff or fellow patients leaves me with an amusing story to share. trust me, i’ve gotten so good at laughing off the little mishaps that i almost look forward to my next hospital escapade. bring on the fun and follies—i’m ready for whatever mount elizabeth throws my way! facing fears with laughter. not even the thought of needles and ivs could dampen my spirits during my mount elizabeth novena experience. laughing at my own ridiculous fears became my superpower! one particularly amusing moment was when i imagined the iv stand begging for a hug due to my own nervousness—who knew that humour could be such a great companion while facing fears? hugging that iv stand. stand it did, with its bright, shiny metallic legs glaring at me as if to say, “you can’t escape!” i couldn’t help but crack jokes about my newfound ‘friend’. i thought perhaps if i gave it a good hug, it might ease my tension. spoiler alert! the iv stand did not hug back, but it did lighten up the mood for me and the nurses around! telling it to chill. facing the unknown is always nerve-wracking, especially when you’re hooked to a hospital machine! i began to tell myself to chill out and embrace the situation. i even voiced this to the iv drip—“hey, you chill too!” it turned out that talking to my equipment actually made me feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. who knew that a little banter could turn the tension into giggles? telling the iv to chill reminded me that keeping a light-hearted attitude made things far less daunting. i turned the fears into jokes, crafting silly dialogues with my drip about its ‘life goals’ while i was there for the real deal. this approach, mixed with laughter, eased my apprehension and made my journey through mount elizabeth novena not just bearable but downright fun! the goodbye wave. keep your chin up and wave goodbye like you mean it! as i left mount elizabeth novena, i could feel a delightful mixture of relief and excitement. the memories of my time there flooded back, from awkward hospital food moments to the warm smiles of the staff. i marched out with a wave that could rival a royal farewell, determined to leave my worries behind and embrace what lies ahead. it was like i was saying goodbye to one chapter, but oh, the plot twists await! leaving with a grin. assuming my departure wouldn’t be a tearful affair, i strolled out with a grin plastered on my face. i even attempted to strike up a conversation with the nurse who had looked after me, only to be met with a friendly laugh and a playful roll of the eyes. i was definitely the resident comedian of the ward, albeit unintentionally! as i bid farewell, i couldn’t help but think, ‘who knew exit waves could be so uplifting? cheers to the next time. my experience at mount elizabeth novena undoubtedly enhanced my appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. as i hopped into my taxi, i raised my imaginary glass and toasted to the next adventure. sure, i might have been leaving a hospital, but i was heading towards the world outside, with all its quirky surprises. the thought of returning for a check-up actually sparked joy—and no, i wasn’t just talking about the free biscuits in the waiting area! time passes quickly, and before i realise it, i find myself returning to mount elizabeth novena, this time with a sense of humour and a wealth of stories to share. i can envision the nurses rolling their eyes once more, but i will be prepared with some new jokes to entertain them! i envision the nurses rolling their eyes once more, but i’ll be prepared with some new jokes to delight them! life is too short not to have a chuckle, after all. and who knows, our next meeting might just be filled with new memories, all spruced up by laughter and a little less apprehension. storytelling skills sharpened. many of my experiences at mount elizabeth novena turned out to be lessons in storytelling. those moments of vulnerability and reflection made me more adept at weaving narratives. i discovered that sharing my trials and triumphs not only connected me with others but also allowed me to find humour in the chaos of life. who knew that a hospital stay could lead to sharpening my storytelling skills? my misadventures in a ward with a particularly chatty roommate proved to be a captivating story! turning pain into punchlines. punchlines became my new best friends during my stay. i learnt that even the toughest moments could be lightened with a few witty jabs. when the nurse mistakenly called me by the wrong name, i quipped that i could finally be someone else for a change! finding comedy in my situation kept the spirits high and proved that laughter is indeed the best medicine, even in a hospital bed. gold mine of stories. little did i know that my time in the hospital would become a gold mine of stories. each encounter, from the miscommunication with staff to the comical antics of fellow patients, added layers to my narrative. these experiences ranged from delightful to downright bizarre, making for an extensive collection of tales i could share with friends and family. i realised that everyone has their own version of humour, and mine just happened to emerge from a hospital setting. gold was the wealth of stories i unearthed, turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary narrations. the universe seemed to have conspired to bestow upon me an abundance of anecdotes. i found that every moment, whether it was a patient’s hilarious outburst or the confusion over medication, was a potential story waiting to be told. these gems of experiences not only enriched my storytelling arsenal but also reminded me that every situation could inspire laughter and connection. friendships strengthened. after spending time at mount elizabeth, i found my friendships not only strengthened but blooming in ways i never expected. it was as if going through this experience acted as a bonding glue, reinforcing those connections that often lie dormant in everyday life. i now have friends who can truly empathise, armed with our shared tales of hospital quirks, nurse encounters, and, of course, the best and worst food options they served. who knew a medical journey could lead to belly laughs and heartwarming camaraderie? bonding over experiences. with every shared cup of terrible hospital coffee and each amusing incident involving a suspiciously phallic balloon, i realised that my friends and i were weaving a unique tapestry of memories. those moments, filled with laughter and support, helped to lift the considerable weight off my shoulders. it’s amazing how relatable experiences can unite us, even in a sterile hospital setting. laughing while healing. i found that laughter played a crucial role in my healing process. the absurdity of my situation often struck me, especially when depicting my various hospital escapades to friends. who would have thought that regaling tales about awkward doctor interactions could lead to such hearty chuckles? the more i interacted with my friends during this time, the more i realised that laughter was not only a way to cope but also a vital aspect of healing. instead of drowning in worries, we found lightness in the chaos, sharing jokes about my patient wardrobe or that time i almost mistook the physiotherapist for a magician. every laugh felt like a step towards recovery, showing me that even in the face of adversity, joy could flourish if you simply let it in. celebrating small victories. don’t you think we should celebrate all the small victories? during my time at mount elizabeth novena, i realised that celebrating these small victories really helped boost my spirits. whether it was finally mastering my hospital gown ties or enjoying a mouth-watering meal after days of bland hospital food, each moment became a reason to celebrate. it’s amazing how shifting the focus to these wins can lighten your mood and make the journey feel a tad less daunting! successful discharge celebration. nothing felt better than the day of my successful discharge. after enduring endless tests and tests that seemed never-ending, the sight of the discharge paperwork hit me like a confetti cannon! i couldn’t help but chuckle as i pictured my friends readying themselves for a reunion party. it’s funny how a simple piece of paper can feel like a gold medal after a marathon. evening of joy. assuming the day i got discharged would be filled with sunshine and celebration, i did not expect the delightful surprise that waited for me. at home, my friends had thrown a little welcoming party complete with my favourite snacks… and, of course, a ridiculous number of balloons. i felt like a celebrity walking into my own living room, only without the paparazzi and with far more cake! small things turned into big celebrations that evening. from laughing about my hospital gown mishaps to sharing my wild dreams of eating properly again, every moment was filled with joy. my mates even gave me a trophy for “best hospital patient”, which, let’s be honest, i’m still trying to figure out how to display on my shelf. those small victories brought us all together, and it felt wonderful to celebrate life outside those four hospital walls! future plans ahead. your journey at mount elizabeth novena has opened up so many exciting possibilities! i look forward to sharing more adventures, perhaps with a side of gourmet dining and a sprinkle of spontaneous exploration. who knows what other shenanigans await? the future is as promising as my ever-expanding list of things i aspire to explore! documenting more tales. future plans involve me armed with a camera and notepad, capturing every hilarious and heartfelt moment. i can’t wait to share the laughter and the lessons that accompany this journey. whether through photos or hilarious anecdotes, it’ll be a grand chronicle of my escapades! embracing every moment. clearly, my mission is to relish every moment of joy and sorrow along the journey! life is a whirlwind, and i will navigate through the chaos as if no one is observing. being present in each moment is what genuinely enhances our experiences and creates the most memorable stories. being present in every moment is what truly enriches our experiences and makes for the best stories. moment to moment, i find myself in delightful conversations with strangers and witnessing the oddest events. from the time i nearly tripped over my own feet whilst embracing a street performer to sharing a giggle over an unexpected downpour—each experience paints a vibrant picture. this zest for life adds warmth to my tales, creating memories that i can cherish and chuckle over for years to come. learning from each visit. many would think that a simple visit to mount elizabeth would be just another mundane affair. however, each trip transformed into a wealth of life lessons. the friendly faces i encountered along the way became my unexpected mentors, teaching me about resilience and the power of positivity while i dodged well-meaning aunties armed with unsolicited advice. who knew a hospital lobby could be a mini-university of life skills? each laugh counts. any opportunity to laugh brings joy, doesn’t it? during my time at mount elizabeth, i was surprised at the joy hiding amongst the stark hospital walls. i found humour in the little things, like that one time i accidentally mistook a brochure for a menu, and i was left wondering why my salad hadn’t arrived! those shared chuckles made each visit lighter and more enjoyable. regrets transformed to joy. there’s something about the humbling experience at mount elizabeth that changed my perspective. while i once harboured regrets about being there, i found that each moment spent within those walls gave me an opportunity to reflect, grow, and ultimately transform my worries into laughter. it became clear that these so-called ‘regrets’ were simply new avenues for joy, as i learnt to appreciate the support around me. what was i regretting? i began to relish in the camaraderie and laughter that surrounded every visit. counts indeed, for every single regret that burdened me transformed into a joyful memory with each visit. it turns out, laughter truly was the best medicine! i started to embrace the lessons learnt and realise that the difficult experiences at mount elizabeth were, in fact, priceless gems in my life story. every laugh, every shared experience made the whole journey worthwhile, allowing me to leave behind regrets and step forward filled with joy and gratitude. to wrap up. upon reflecting, my mount elizabeth novena experience taught me that avoiding regret can often come with a side of laughter. i still chuckle at how i mistakenly thought ‘novena’ was a new italian dish! after a series of mix-ups and some unplanned detours on the way, i found clarity amidst the chaos. in the end, embracing the journey—complete with its quirks—made all the difference. so, if you ever feel lost, just remember, sometimes the path less taken leads to the best stories and perhaps a few good meals too! faq. q: what led to my mount elizabeth novena journey? a: it all began one fateful afternoon when i thought i’d try the infamous kopi with condensed milk at a nearby café. one sip had me buzzing like a bee on caffeine! then, i woke up the next day feeling like i had been run over by a bus. fast forward through an emergency visit to mount elizabeth novena; i learnt that sometimes what we put in our bodies can lead us to unexpected places. like a hospital bed, for instance. lesson learnt? moderation is key, and maybe just stick to regular coffee. q: did i make any funny mistakes during my stay? a: oh, absolutely! picture this: i walked to the nurses’ station, trying my best to look like i owned the place. instead, i accidentally asked for more jelly beans for my bedpan. the nurse raised an eyebrow and kindly redirected me to the cafeteria. let’s just say i went down in mount elizabeth novena’s nurse history as the jelly bean enthusiast. who knew i had the makings of a hospital legend? q: how did i manage my worries at mount elizabeth novena? a: i took a rather unconventional approach. instead of spiralling into anxiety, i brought along a wall calendar and decided to plan the most outrageous imaginary events. for instance, i organised a ‘pyjama party for overly medicated’, complete with imaginary snacks and questionable karaoke. sure, my fellow patients were a bit puzzled, but we ended up having a laugh over fabulous renditions of our favourite songs. laughter really is the best medicine—even in a hospital. q: what did i learn about healthcare during my visit? a: surprisingly, i became the self-appointed ambassador for gratitude. i mean, how about those doctors and nurses? they practically work miracles while still managing to find time for the occasional dad joke! i learnt that a bit of humour goes a long way. like when the anaesthetist joked about counting sheep to fall asleep. i replied, “why not count the ones that weren’t around when i needed distractions?” we shared a good laugh before i drifted off, dreaming of fluffy sheep. q: would i recommend mount elizabeth novena? a: without a doubt! think of it as a five-star hotel – minus the champagne but with plenty of humour and kindness. if you’re going to experience the unexpected, why not do it in a place where the staff can make you chuckle while they administer your meds? plus, the food is surprisingly good for a hospital; i mean, i had a better gourmet experience there than at some local eateries. just don’t forget your jelly beans!