Right. So I was talking to a friend a few minutes ago - he'd just spent an entire morning at the local hospital:( And hadn't receive any compensation for it either. Don't go haiii?! My point is simple. If everything in the universe is in equilibrium, and for every sorrow, a joy, then why must a visit to a doctor [which is a :( , coz no one visits a doctor unless something's wrong; unless ofcourse he's cute], not be made up for by a :) ? So what contributes to a :) ?A yummy snack. A surprise gift. A holiday package to the carribeans. ok ok will not get carried away. But seriously, i remember when i was little and had to get these regular shots (what a pity i say, that age is inversely proportional to the number and frequency of shots! And no one seems to care that the victim is a tender-as-a-petal innocent little chit of a girl. hmph!), I'd always come away with a lollipop or a plastic watch or a few balloons. When did it stop? And more importantly, WHY did it stop? There's something very funny about human logic. You've grown up now; you obviously won't be given gifts and sweets because you visited a doctor. You're supposed to be brave.

Arrey, very funny! Why should bravery come with age?! And besides, why should chocolates be reserved for the not-so-brave? I'm quite a fan of Shaw's chocolate cream soldier.

And i'm pretty certain 'grown-ups' dislike visiting hospitals just as much as little children. Perhaps more, because they know exactly what they're in for.

And if you think about it from an economic point of view (in this age of comsumerism and globalisation does one have a choice?), it's prospective patients who are the most in need of some cheer, and are therefore the most lucrative targets.

So, i say, surgeries, nursing homes, clinics and hospitals, pull your socks up. Throw in some compensation. There will be smiling patients and beaming suppliers. The last time i checked, happiness was good for one's health. :)