Such thoughtful teenage gestures... ;)

Heh... am back in action at work... FINALLY! Strange how I actually missed going back to the workplace last week when I was forced to go on MC... boy, you'd think I'd have a good time taking advantage of the break and resting at home. Nah, for me, it's either to feel ok and be swamped by work or feel horrible cos of some dumb virus AND still be swamped by work. I'd pick the former any time. :p

Anyway, been back in school since Monday this week, and I received such wonderful tokens from those youngsters at school. Think Eng Wee spoke to some of his student councillors who know me and told them I was quite unwell last week. Then one of the Sec 3 boys from the next class whom I taught the last two years but am no longer teaching now, together with some of his pals who are from my form class, decided to present me with a packet of herbal medicine with handwritten instructions enclosed. His dad owns a medicinal hall near school, so he's familiar with Chinese herbs and stuff. So sweet! Was so touched by the kind gesture. What's better still is that I went back that evening and really tried to boil the herbs according to his instructions, and it really worked! Drank about two-third of it and saved the rest for Hubby. Even Hubby commented that the drink turned out quite nice. :) Throat was actually in pain still when I returned home that afternoon, especially after a day of teaching, but the pain vanished after I consumed the concoction. Wow... this experience kinda made me more open to Chinese medicine now. Also received a full pack of lozenges from another boy in my form class... another heartwarming moment for me when he passed the pack to me after class. So sweet, these kids...although some of them, especially the girls, said they missed my 'sexy voice'. Blea. Hehe.



Above are the thoughtful get-well gifts: The traditional packet of Chinese medicinal herbs, supposedly meant to 'cool' the body and reduce heatiness, the enclised list of instructions (with the scary disclaimer at the bottom where the boys made it clear that they 'do not bear any responsibility' if I do drink the concoction...haha) and the pack of lozenges -- strawberry flavoured, one of my favourites! ;)

Well, think I'd better note down what I remember of the process for boiling the herbal medicine cos it may come in handy in future:

1. Put the herbs into a small pot.

2. Add 3-4 cups of water.

3. Bring to boil over low heat on stove, till the concoction gives off a strong herbal smell.

4. Drink on its own, at least a few hours before or after taking Western medicine.

5. To store any remaining liquid, seal in bottle and keep at room temperature (cannot keep in fridge!)

Think the packet includes red dates, which is supposedly good for blood circulation, chrysanthemum flowers, luo han (Sophia said the big round things are 'luo han') and the rest, er.. I can't identify liao. :p But yeah, after this experience, will definitely give Chinese medicine a try in future! :)