Food for thoughts ...

Cook out!

2010-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

We had a cook out.

K made Kurma chicken :D It was not spicy ~ thank you! It was not sandy due to the powder. It was well stirred. The chicken was cooked just right ~ not bloody or over cooked. The taste was spot on. Good job!

A & C made appetizer. I have no idea what it is called but it had prawn and sago :D The cooking processed freaked me out :P (sorry guys :D) but I truly enjoyed the food :D The cooked prawn and dried prawn concept was cool (thx to me of course hehe :P) I liked it despite my reservation. FYI, I don't think the consistency was bad :D I liked it :D

D made dessert of French toast and ice cream. Sometimes, the simple things in life are the true reflection of it's meaning. It was refreshing and nice :D Even with a full stomach I couldn't stop eating till the last drop :D Lovely!

My vege also had poor dressing consistency but was palatable.

That's all folks!

Decision thoughts ...

2010-05-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ref: http://www.bluelightlady.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/libra-2-scales_small.jpg

I was listening to the radio last night ... a matter of making decision was debated on. The response was "I will plan after the decision has been made." Now, I am no expert or wise person, but I have been riddled with this statement for quite the better half of the night.

Ref: http://deafdnareport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/crowd-of-people-300x187.jpg

Making a decision involves many people contrary to popular belief. The person making the decision, the people involved in the decision, the people supporting the people involved in the decision, the people surrounding this people who are supporting the people in the decision ... I always believed in planning as far as the eyes can see. No doubt we cannot predict everything that is going to happen (no crystal ball strong enough for the predictions) but I always feel compelled to prepare as many safety nets as possible. To always be as considerate as possible to the people involved in the decision - directly or not directly.

Ref: http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Games/Images/crystal-ball.jpg

On the other hand, I realise that the personal choice to dive and test the swimming ability later, is a popular choice. These people say

Ref: http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3645091/2/istockphoto_3645091-swimming.jpg

"I will learn to swim once I am in the water"

"If there is a shark in the water, I will deal with it if it comes"

"Swim how long? Till I am tired, I guess?"

I am a cautious pessimistic person in all that respect. However, I noticed that these people take life in stride better than I do. Life is an open field to play in - unlike for me - it is a maze with multiple choices and no U-turn signs. Perhaps I need to learn to dive to. To take the first step and play it as it comes. Perhaps.

Ref: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YQOjxafIxco/SwTKtP-TzhI/AAAAAAAAAis/rDYX-TvoYF8/s320/uturn1.jpg

Teach? Lecture?

2010-05-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have worked with a variety of people before. However, my experience is neither extensive nor complete. I have realised the qualities that have made people who they are. Many of them I look up to and hope to emulate some of their characteristics.

Qualities I want (or rather hope to have) check list ... Ref: http://www.auburn.edu/research/vpr/urfp/images/checklist2.jpg

There is a VERY long list of qualities that make a person great but the quality of motivation hit home recently. I don't have a boss (simply because I don't work :D), but I have worked in teams under various leadership before. I have met many bosses (to use the term loosely for team leaders ...) that demoralise the team. Be it that they are thinking of reverse psychology to motivate or that they are just grumpy people to begin with ... they are a reality and are every where.

Grumpy! Ref: http://www.missattitude.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/grumpy.jpeg

On the other hand, there are leaders that spark the fire of passion! An example which I will be always grateful for was the medical student conference team I was in last year. My boss (actually, my good friend, K) gave the job of doing the conference magazine to me. First, let me clarify that I am not creative (graphically or text wise), I have no experience in magazine works and I certainly am not patient when it comes to my boss's whims and fancies of pages. I muttered under my breath for the few months that I had to do the job. However, every time I attend our meetings with K, somehow ... be it his words, presence, patients, or spiking my drink ... I always feel motivated to carry on the job. In the end, I am very proud of the work I did for the magazine (self praise is no praise ... I know :P). I will always be grateful for his power to convince me to strive! Thanks boss!

Onward march! Ref: http://www.thepositivejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/motivation-300x300.jpg

Truly, I am a believer of the power to motivate and not demoralise others. Hopefully, I can do the same to others :D

To my parents, especially to my mummy (as it is Mother's day), thank you. For all the times I said I can't and you said I could. I has always been a blessing to have my own cheer leading team, be it only a one person team! Will always love the fire you have lit in me.

Ref: http://mobileapples.com/Assets/Content/Screensavers/Burning%20Heart.gif

Learning Curve

2010-02-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This post does not in anyway reflect the opinion of my institutes of learning (now or in the past). Neither does it reflect the actions or perception of my friends. It was purely meant for me to vent and avoid my blog from being without a post ...

Being in my current learning institute, I am power charged with the spirit of self directed learning (no really, when I first heard this, I was in awe - like a small boy being introduced to the concept of television).

excited betul!

It was designed so that, students will self check their own work. We would decide by ourselves the amount we NEED to read (greatly influenced of course by the amount we WANT to read). Now, especially in clinical school, we are expected to go to wards and learn as much as we NEED ...

With many sub-topics in mind, I was hit by the recent idea that was "if I feel that I am not able to learn from this session (seminar, PBL, TBL, CP, clinic, community visit etc), I am not going to attend it".

Hehe another disclaimer: this is not me :P I just like the view :P

Ref: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6sgfDVw2dYc/RcFLCoZg1GI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/y7V32ebQ8xI/s1600/pondering.jpg

So, how true is this statement?

In truth, one can learn anywhere and everywhere. Even bad situations can be beneficial to teach is what not to do. Plus, after broadening my horizon of other medical schools (haha - honestly, the view is probably a tunnel vision field but humour my delusions for this post yah!), I have realized the "golden opportunity egg" which my institute of learning sits on. Our clinical exposure is so vast that we do feel natural in the health care setting (not always but usually yes).

Ref: http://www.healthyandrich.com/golden%20egg.jpg

But, in a situation, that one cannot feel the benefits (be it because the environment is not suitable, we ourselves are not prepared, the possibility of doing other priority stuff etc), should one be given the option to not attend? We are constantly reprimanded to behave like adults and make decision to help ourselves, hence, is this not a decision made to help ourselves.

Of course, in any decision in life, there are pro and cons. Sometimes the boon and bane weigh differently on the scale depending on ones desire. In a nutshell, "a lazy person can come up with all the excuses in the world to justify slacking off and well as a hard working person can justify his spirit".

Ref: http://garyploski.com/wp-content/uploads/balance-scale.jpg

Just some thought to ponder upon ...

Falling sick

2010-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

Anyone who has been around me for the past 5 days will know that I have been more grumpy than ever. I do not like falling sick. In fact, it has been a very long time since I last fell sick like this.

***************************************************************

Five days ago, Sore-throat felt bored and wanted to have a party. he invited his two best friends, Runny-nose and Block-nose. The Nose brothers were having the time of their life. Soon, Fever came to join the party and Cough decided to stop by too. After all, what is a party if there is less than 5?

Party till the dawn of 5 days later ...

Ref: http://www.wildhorse.co.za/gallery/newyearseve/foreverresorts/cartoon_dancers.jpg

Due to all of them partying in my head, Sleep felt shy and decided not to come. She stayed out late till 3am before she was comfortable to at least say 'hi' to the guys. However, she left about 5:30am. The partying went wild and the house, me, was developing a new groovy feeling called "out of body". (Literally, my boy was working faster than my head - so scary to drive and walk like this okay!).

After effect?

Ref: http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/sea0334l.jpg

Anyway, on Friday, Sore-throat's parents, Mr Complete-rest-in-bed and Mrs 100-plus (because I felt dehydrated too) decided than enough is enough. They ended the party. Mrs Clarinase(thank you daddy & mummy), Mr Zyrtec (thank you D!) & Mr Panadol-Flu-Max (thank you K!) came to pick up their children. The house was slowly being cleaned by Mrs Porridge (thank you K!) and her sister Mrs Soup (thank you mummy!). The house is still a mess and is in the process of trying to get things tidy. Of course, Mr Non-compliant-patient was trying to avoid the parents and got scolded. (thank you fam med guys!) It is going for inspection this Friday by the landlords, Prof K and Prof T (I think so!). So, wish the house best of luck!

Stress out and worrying about the inspection.

Ref: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_253/120672334449825q.jpg

***************************************************************

On another note, I also notice something. I am really not as healthy as I like to think I am. When my friends fall sick (LW, K, DL), as sick as they are, they can still function. The are still able to to be more motivated and fresh than I am when I am healthy.

Complete rest in bed is not an easy thing to ask patients to do ...

Ref: http://www.co.napa.ca.us/GOV/Departments/40000/Images/cartoon%20sick.png

Thus, the conclusion is that I really REALLY need to start living a healthier lifestyle. More exercise? More vege? Less stressing? (yes, I can hear K cheering to this thought ...)

Well, que sera sera ...

Quick Update

2010-01-10T02:47:00.000-08:00

Haha - I seem to be doing a lot of this quick updates nowadays ... ah well, just putting my thoughts together.

Firstly, I have been to Singapore for the month of November and December. Not for holiday, but for Selective and Elective. Long story cut short, it was enjoyable and I learnt a lot. I learned the academic side and the personal side of it. My academic knowledge, well, has been summarised in my Selective and Elective report. Hehe If i can figure a way to attach it to this post than you can read all about it. The personal side, I learned about fighting and keeping the spirit up. A bit about loneliness and independence. A bit about social skills and etiquette. An experience that I owe to my parents for paying for my extended (not in IMU contract) education and my cousins whom have put a roof over my head and food before me. Thank you.

My cousins ... :D:D

As for Christmas, I spent it in Penang & Hat Yai! Haha A little less traditional but enjoyable non-the-less. Penang? What else? EAT! (I have since then never dare to stand near a weighing scale...) Hat Yai? Shop! I finally bought a pair of jeans that I like. Haha I know I sound like a small kid whose birthday came early but yeah, I have been wanting to get another pair of jeans for ages ... I truly enjoyed the trip :D

Now, back to reality in Seremban. Starting in Family Medicine. So far, the momentum is not starting. Too many breaks in between ... new year hols ... GP posting ... sigh. I really need to start work ...

Okay, enough reminiscing. Time to get off the Internet and start on my report :D

Till next time :P

Minor posting's of Semester 8

2009-10-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have finished my 4 minor postings of semester 8: Ophthalmology, Accident & Emergency, Dermatology and Ear, Nose & Throat.

My thoughts?

Ophthalmology? It was interesting staring into people's eyes. It was also fulfilling to finally be able to see the optic disc somewhere other than the books :D Thank you Dr P and Dr K for teaching us. However, I don't think I will see it as a career :P I can recognize normal - and that is the limit of my ability. Plus, I don't have the patience to read all the disease's in the book :D

http://depts.washington.edu/asaccp/eye/general/retina1_big.gif

Accident & Emergency? It was a very very scary posting but a practical one. One has got to learn the trade or else there I will be no use in an actual setting :D It is important to declare that my group were the angel's of A&E. it is true than in the 2 weeks, no one (and I mean it literally from morning sessions to night on call) we did not see ANY intubation, resuscitation or patient who has passed away. The only exception was the last group on call if I am not mistaken. So, we are not to be blamed :P Haha if this could be scientifically proven, we would all be hired to sit in the department just to ensure the safety of the patients :D

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3827823/2/istockphoto_3827823-cute-angel.jpg

Dermatology? I am 100% that I will not be doing speciality in this posting. Don't get me wrong. Dr N, Dr P, Dr I and Kak N were smashing. But, to me, all skin lesions look the same. Please don't ask me to tell the difference. For that matter, in the exam, one of the questions asked for underlying conditions that could be possible ... I answered everything (every disease that I could write in the short 5 minutes). So, I guess that career died before it started :P

Ear, Nose & Throat? This posting was much better. Thank you Prof E. However, 2 weeks to finish 3 anatomy has sent my head in twirls ... But I did get to see audiometry testing in action. It felt rewarding to see patients be fitted for hearing aid or to receive speech therapy. Hmm, quite touching.

http://www.toonpool.com/user/1044/files/ear_beach_119655.jpg

However, on the whole, the postings were too specialized. Without a deeper interest, it really was just like blowing through each postings. Hopefully, I can catch up with all the reading during my selective and elective posting (yeah, yeah, I am just saying this to comfort myself but the books are more likely to just gather dust for 2 months :D)

Quick Update

2009-09-13T02:47:00.000-07:00

Since my exam, I have still not the time to pen (or rather type) my thoughts down. So, in the true nature of last minute blogging, I am going to summarise my life events from then till now in one post. :P

Had exams ~ passed. Still waiting for results. Many people say they rather not receive the break down but I think we should. Following IMU's nature of self directed learning, we need to know where we stand if we are to direct ourselves. No?

Exams ...

Ref: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/dmbtest.gif

My holiday was to go to Port Dickson with family. It was a relaxing getaway after exams :P

During the hols, I was busy trying to clear the Semester things away, returning my baseline heart rate to 72 beats per minute and preparation for the 1st Malaysian International Medical Students' Conference. The week flew by without me even blinking. Oh, midway, celebrated K's 22nd birthday. Hmmm, it was Japanese again this year ...

Birthday boy with DL :D

Then, term started with ophthalmology. Here, I must confess and apologies to all my ophthalmology lecturers. I am sure they had high hopes in training me ... but I can safely say that now that the posting has ended 2 weeks later, I am non-the-wiser. So, have to do some catch up work and stare into more peoples' eyes.

Staring into eyes ...

Ref: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:GQaPbBfXahHqvM:http://i.pbase.com/u19/hrss/upload/8681681.M

In the midst of ophthalmology (I seem to have a lot of in between) I attended the 1st MIMSC! Kudos to the core committee and sub committee for a job well done. My respect for some of my colleagues have reached new heights and of course, my boss is still high up on my list for most likely to succeed in life :D I am still to settle the bills and certs for the conference but at least these matters can be taken one step at a time. I have to say I have never (and hopefully never again) experience so much walking (IMU BJ 4 floors look a lot more when I have to carry boxes up and down) - so little sleep (10 hours for 3 days but my amount of sleep is still more than everyone else :P - I am so lazy!) - and produce so little urine (only went toilet once a day - don't worry, I replenished as soon as possible).

The official logo (yeah, I know you wanna see pictures of the people but as I don't have them ... you will just have to be patient)

So, tomorrow I start a new adventure in Accident and Emergency posting. I cannot hide my reservation of my learning in this posting because it is something I cannot see myself ever wanting to do. However, I shall walk into IMU tomorrow with as open as possible a heart to the posting.

Door to my heart

Ref: http://www.shjolg.com/images/closed%20door%20heart.jpg

Till I next update/brood/get annoyed at my lack of posting - Au revoir

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-08-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

To my blog, Happy Belated Birthday! You are finally one year old. May the coming year be enriched with more thoughts to feed the soul (hopefully with an increase of frequency too :P)

Ref:http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/happy_birthday_cake.jpg

I am grateful

2009-06-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for everything that has been given to me. A home, a family and education (still in process :P). A series of recent event helped remind me that I have had so much receiving but not a lot of giving.

It is actually a story about a PDA :D

http://eaesthete.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/cow_jumped_over_the_moon.jpg

About 15 months back, my Dad discussed with me and he agreed to fund my OWN PDA :D I was over the moon! I am not an IT savvy guy ... so, owning something like that is a blessing and a curse at the same time :D However, my Dad saw it fit to help me in my studies and went on with the decision to foot out almost 2.5K for it.

http://www.moretwittertraffic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/fist-of-money.gif

I was the proud owner of a HTC.

Since then, I have diligently read the manual to maximise it's use (and my brother can testify that I don't do that with every new electronic item in the house.

http://courtneyphillips.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/reading-for-dummies-cartoon.jpg

The PDA has been a great tool and life saver many times. Unfortunately, it had to weather a breakable pouch, falling on tar road (I think many ppl will remember my depress mood last year :P) and of course swimming class (literally ~ no joke!)

About one month ago, my PDA finally gave way. The screen went blank. Unfortunately, it seemed destined not to light back up with a whooping minimum of RM 900 just to get it fixed. *Point to note ~ I have been told that the model is removed of the market because too many problems? Just rumours I heard.

Anyway, I felt burned and bummed.

http://www.raytownfire.com/images/explosion%20in%20face.jpg

My Dad (the man who originally paid for my first PDA plus repairs ...) offered to buy another PDA. (If it were I, I would probably had told my son to just study the old fashion way ... after all money DOES NOT grow on trees).

http://raleighforhire.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/money-tree.jpg

I was afraid of another PDA repeated story. I was afraid of a sequel with the same plot.

But my Dad paid for another. I don't know what to say.

http://images.clipartof.com/small/6714-Brown-Dog-Mascot-Cartoon-Character-Jumping-In-Shock-Clipart-Picture.jpg

Thank you Daddy. You have always been generous in everything you gave me. I have never felt as if you denied any of my desire. You were always willing to go the extra mile for me. Thank you.

Happy Daddy Day!

PS: I promise to do my best to take care of this phone.

PSS: Special thanks to all who comforted me when my phone when down. To A, thanks for lending me your spare phone for 3 weeks. To KC, thanks for helping me set up my new phone. Last but not least, to my loving cousins down south who helped me get the phones. Thank you.

Concentration

2009-06-14T02:43:00.000-07:00

I am sitting for my paeds exam next week. After spending 4 weeks of blurring in the wards & daydreaming in class ... you would think that I would spend this last weekend doing some heavy duty revision.

But no! I have been wasting this precious 48 hours away ...

I can't seem to concentrate. Every 30 minutes of study, I am checking my mail, surfing the web, lying on my bed, day dreaming, reading a book ...

Ref: http://www.weblogcartoons.com/cb/concentration.gif

Anyone has any tips?

Social stuff ...

2009-05-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, in the midst of studying, I seems to be quite busy since the last 5 weeks. Just a quick recap on my life ...

I have done my Orthopaedic posting for 5 weeks. My take on it? It was fun, novel, eye opening ... but perhaps not something I can envision myself doing. But then again, it is too early to tell. Que sera sera. One of the most important take home message from this posting is ... LOVE YOUR BONES! The pain on impact(if MVA) is not comparable to the pain of the treatment! Slow & painful.

Bones are like this stack. Easy to bring down but it is painstaking to put it right again!

Ref: http://www.chocosho.com/admin/images/380x285/80124_1_bone_stacking_game_b.jpg

I have also sat for MCQ paper for Psy and Ortho. As always, I am the predictor of doom ... :P but, I think I have learned to take things as they come. The paper was bad but life goes on and the next posting is coming. As I always like to say, the sun will still rise tomorrow ... :D

Hmmm, I was looking for a scary hooded guy but this guy is so much better :D he got hired for the role :D

Ref: http://www.hoernersburg.net/images/StoryPictures/Black%20Hooded%20Man.jpg

Next up, my tummy needed some placating :D So, tried Seremban's specialty ... seafood ... crabs! It blew away a whole week's allowance (thanks mummy for letting me crawl home with my tail between my legs to beg for food :P). But, the company and food was nice. (The price was not worth the crab ~ so, maybe somewhere else?)

Black pepper crab? I also can't remember the taste ...

Please don't even try to test my tiny memory on the crabs taste ... :D

The friend who has promised to make a voodoo doll of me for revenge ... :P

The famous Seremban shop. Food was good but not student allowance friendly :D

Somehow, I managed to go for my first ever concert! David Archuletta! Okay, before anyone ask me how I photo edited my picture into the photo, it is REAL! I did go! Okay, it was cheap (Ticket was less than RM50), I had good friends going (who would have given me stares if I backed out in the last minute) and it was an experience :D Lots of standing, sweating, laughing, annoying (people at the concert), rain (too long a story to tell :D), last minute changes of plan and spending a lot of money (parking, food). It was truly an experience but another concert? Hmm, I think it would need a lot of thought before going for another :D

The cool friends whom I went with :D

I like his songs :D

Nice smile :D

* All pictures a bit blur but that is becoming my MO ...

Other than that, my cousin got married! Congratulations to LL (big sister!) and to my new brother in law (S!) The garden wedding dinner was novel and the tea ceremony was fun :D (because it was my first time actually helping to prepare!). Dinner at Banting was nice and yummy! Btw, I totally like their wedding pictures! Like top model!!! The choice of outfit (wedding picture and actual wedding) was good. Inspiring :D Haha but I don't think I fancy the hair! Not the looks because I was blown away by its looks but the weight! Ah well, beauty before comfort? It was a weekend like no other. Love my cousin and new cousin in law :D

The brides maids, grooms brothers and the cousins :D (Honestly, I dunno all of them but i like the atmosphere of the picture :D) ~ all smiles

My Cousin! I like this gown ~ Asian and Western touch ...

Lastly, I am having my mid-semester break. Mummy day and a whole day out with family was awesome. No pictures for obvious reasons (I have not got down to downloading them :D). Hmm, will try to get them up :D

Food for thoughts ... how did I manage so many things in 5 weeks when I am suppose to be studying ... Hmm, obvious answer too ... I was not studying!!! Okay, time to get serious and hit the books!

Ref: http://www.vietpostcards.com/images/school.gif

Decisions ...

2009-04-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Thinking cap ...

Ref: http://www.adrants.com/images/thinking-cap.jpg

Face with this menace everyday of our life. In every aspect, we put on our thinking caps in hope to unravel the mysteries of the world. We weigh the pro and cons of every decision. Toss the list behind our backs and follow our heart. But our

heart may not always be correct. So then, how do we make a decision? No one ever hopes to make the wrong decisions.

This week, I have been burdened with many difficult decisions. Some whose consequences probably will not register as a blip in my list of life events and others that have been giving me insomnia (initiating insomnia due to anxiety :D)

Thus, my conclusion is ... there is no right decision.

Tipped scale ...

Ref: http://www.spirituality.org.za/uploaded_images/tipped-scale-733228.jpg

Pros and cons may tip the scale but .... our heart is the guide we need to be motivated and have deep burning desire for the decision

Burning heart of desire

Ref:http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~numero9/Burning%20Heart.jpg

... a decision may be full of boon but our heart just cannot accept it ... a decision may be full of undesirable endings but our heart is drawn to the challenge and gore - to test our limits ...

The true decision to be made is

Can we live with the decision made?

What can be done to mold the decision?

What are the lessons to be learned from the decision?

Taking the plunge...

Ref: http://images.google.com.my/images?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHMA_en-GBMY319MY319&um=1&q=diving+into+water&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=18

Then, take the plunge ... never to look back ... never to regret ... the only thoughts that should consume the mind would be how to proceed and realize the decision ...

The roller coaster ride of decisions has not ended but I certainly hope to continue the battle till the last battle horn is sounded.

Lord, grant me the wisdom to change what I can; and the courage to accept what I cannot

Sleepy teddy ...

Ref: http://www.huggableteddybears.com/files/detail/G-1R34146-2A0608P.jpg

Hopefully tonight my sleep will be sound ...

Zebra crossing

2009-03-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

Zebra crossing
Ref: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/communityandeducation/juniorroadsafety/2485.aspx

There is no denying the atrocious behaviour of our Malaysian drivers. This is a topic which if one were to share his/her experience, the is no need for sleep. However, I would like to share an observation of one of the likely cause of our terrible habit.

We all have learnt that at a zebra crossing, the motor vehicle is to slow down and allow the pedestrian to cross. The instruction are simple and to the point in our "undang driving book". We just don't bother to follow.

Car driving? (I don't think there is any animation, so, don't wear out the mouse by clicking on the image :P)
Ref:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mvs.net/images/virtual_cable_animation3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mvs.net/technology.html&usg=__RCk2_IPAvo1VWoCv9edxg5WzVPA=&h=320&w=480&sz=43&hl=en&start=2&sig2=-eCCYkn4nWMF0Jam3gEOqA&um=1&tbnid=oKvKtyERI7pptM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=129&ei=y0S-SfeyMIKg6gPq7P3yBA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcar%2Bdriving%2Banimation%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enMY283MY286%26um%3D1

On one morning, my family and I were crossing the road which had a zebra crossing. Now, don't get me wrong, I was not expecting any car to slow down and let us pass (good samaritans are far and few :D) So, we waited and patiently to dashed across. Coming along the road was a learning driver's licence car (the kancil's marked with a large L). It crossed my mind that someone who has to preach the rule of slowing down would actually abide by it. Hmmm, no prizes awarded for guessing what the car did. It speeded up and left a trail of dust in the air. We eventually got to cross when a good samaritan driving a Malacca plate stopped. God bless him.

Driving off while leaving smoke behind ...
Ref: http://www.daddyospizzasubs.com/Images/DrivingCartoon.JPG

Well, the moral of the day is ... becareful on the roads :D

Okay, the true moral of the day is that we should do what we preach. I am caught using the phrase "Do as I tell you, don't do as I do". As sincere as that statement is for the listener, I think it is time to break the habit. I am the biggest hipocrite there is. So, I am making a March 16th resolution (new year is long gone and I always think there is no need to wait for an occasion to better ourselves - we should do it everyday) to lead a life that I would preach to others. It will not be easy (I am so lazy) but I will never know till I try right? Best of luck to me and to those who are inspired to make the same changes as I (haha this is an attempt to give myself moral support :P)

Hmmm, I seem to have many lazy bones ...
Ref: http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/designers/rebecca/images/rw_720c.jpg

Review: Second Glance

2009-02-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

I recently read a book entitled "Second Glance" by Jodi Picoult. It's plot revolved around a plot of land that was supposed to be the Indian abenaki burial site. A land developer (who else?) wanted to make it into a supermarket thingy (what else?). The only catch was there were paranormal activities (raining roses? frozen ground? change of temperature?) Thus, the developer calls a ghost investigator (paranormal activity investigator - not a ghost buster team :P) to try to prove if there is a ghost. The paranormal investigator, Ross Wakeman, carries emotional weight as he lost his fiance in a car accident while trying to save another person's life. He has a divorced sister with a son who has xeroderma pigmentosum (interesting read but a rare disease!). Thus, he finds a ghost, falls in love with the ghost and ...

Ref: http://i-love-cartoons.com/snags/clipart/Casper-Friendly-Ghost/Casper-Friendly-Ghost-3.jpg (not the ghost in the story but it looked cute :P)

I'm not writing a book review. I was actually most interested with the fact that Ross Wakeman was depressed with all the problems surrounding him. He had tried to commit suicide many ... many times. I (both religion and self belief) do not support committing suicide. However, there was a point in the story that started some gears working ...

Ref: Gears working http://gazzaleylab.ucsf.edu/files/clear%20brain%20w%20gears(v%20small((2).jpg

Ross had asked the man who was going after his sister ...

RW: How far will you go for the love of your life?

Man: I am willing to go anywhere to be with your sister.

RW: What if the place is far away from here?

Man: As long as I can still walk, I will go.

RW: What if the place is too far to be reached by a living being?

RW was referring to following his fiance in the other world (the one which passed away) while the man was referring to physical distance. At many points of the story I could really feel the despair ... the feeling that tomorrow will be just as dark ... there is no point to continue a journey that leads no where ... why prolong agony?

Sometimes, maybe to continue something is futile. Maybe it is worth reconsidering ending all of it. Maybe tomorrow will produce the same pains and suffering it has since the beginning of time. Maybe.

Ref: Gloomy clouds http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1538/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1538R-49951.jpg

Looking at the world, it is a gloomy place to be. Perhaps, it is important to let go of some dreams and move on. Some say life is not a bed of roses. I disagree. It is. It is beautiful and honey smelling to all who lives in it. What they never tell you is that the package came with pointy thorns.

Ref: Rose bush http://d954091.u114.weberz.com/images/Our%20Rose%20Bush%20Web%20Small.jpg

Nerd 0-0

2009-02-04T03:16:00.000-08:00

************************************************************************
“I don’t wanna be a nerd like you!”

Ref: Crying heart http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.heidikunterbunt.de/pics_sale/crying_heart.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.heidikunterbunt.de/html/galerie_01.htm&usg=__l4HuaOE4jHbUShIEzi6Tdo1JABY=&h=217&w=210&sz=7&hl=en&start=78&tbnid=w8wx5Lqj5GGt6M:&tbnh=107&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcrying%2Bheart%26start%3D60%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enMY283MY286%26sa%3DN

My heart shattered. Me? A nerd? Was that really how my friends viewed me? I feel like I’m going to be the last kid in the playground to be chosen for the team. Like I am at the back of a line but no one can really see me. Am I a nerd?

Ref: Nerd 1 http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kodak.com/US/images/en/corp/1000nerds/lund/nerdGirl.jpg&imgrefurl=http://nonowrites.wordpress.com/geeky-perspective/&usg=__y1ZBFGjCPKHMQSeYp8xKceHtn3E=&h=500&w=550&sz=45&hl=en&start=19&um=1&tbnid=lyU1qX8Ht05rxM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=133&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnerd%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enMY283MY286%26sa%3DN

A nerd is a person who, although having good technical or scientific skills, is introspective and generally introverted. (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nerd)

Ref: Study Chair
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://k43.pbase.com/o4/85/387785/1/53018195.cartoon.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pbase.com/beaucamera/image/53018195&usg=__tZeINzpTJnzXVwRhiSnfX7fOQig=&h=600&w=764&sz=110&hl=en&start=11&tbnid=83JZ5c48AK1lFM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=142&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dclever%2Bcartoon%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enMY283MY286

That night, I settled myself into my comfortable study chair to ponder the issue.

<…good technical or scientific skill…>.

Ref: Study lust
http://www.briansguide.net/cartoons/2005/04/20050408-studying.png

Does it reflect intellectual ability? Am I judged for my lust towards knowledge? Am I judged for the hours I spent in front of the screen? Am I judged for my amusement of the celestial laws of nature?

<…introspective and generally introvert…>

Ref: Party http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://nextsocial.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/20070724-party_cartoon.gif&imgrefurl=http://nextsocial.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/upcoming-events/&usg=__ArBXz64eO8sVGAZrtb18osyLm8M=&h=191&w=234&sz=2&hl=en&start=4&um=1&tbnid=dEu5V28UMbKSuM:&tbnh=89&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dparty%2Bcartoon%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enMY283MY286

Am I a social nuisance? I don’t like parties … I never what to say or do. I certainly don’t like being in the middle of attention … it only causes vasodilation of my cheek's vessels. I don’t like to share my thoughts … their mine right?

Am I a nerd? A social outcast? Destined to be alone? My shattered heart is blown away by the silent nightly breeze.

************************************************************************

The story was inspired by A and the topic was inspired by LW. Hmmm, does that make them the producers? :D

Anyway, the central idea was of medical student being socially labelled as nerds. I think we cannot deny the hours we study. Majority of us are of “good technical and scientific skill”. So, I guess that is a point for it.

However, “introspective and generally introvert” is only for a few of us. Anyone who has seen our batch going all out in graphic art (posters, banners), musical performance (sing, violin, piano, flute), sports (futsal, ping pong, cheerleading) and parties (birthdays are never normal with our batch!).

So, perhaps not all of us are nerds? The next time someone gives anyone of us the social label as a nerd, smile and tell him the wild stories that the funky chicken of M106 did!

PS: I am NOT brooding but this post was requested by LW as part of my blogging homework :D

Ref: Homework - http://www.cbpl.lib.ia.us/reference/homework.gif

PSS: I hoped I put that worry out of your head LW!

Christmas Night 2008

2009-01-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

Twas the night of 23rd of December, Christmas Night was celebrated at IMU JBLT. This was my first time participating in any Christmas Night production. I was in the choir.

Now, before you roll of the the chair (or bed ...depending where you are reading this), I know I can't sing (my super power is to cause rain if I try to reach any note :P ). But, I thought S'ban was having some hot weather, so, I said yes (temporary sanity lost).

It began with weekly classes by our male group teacher, LW. At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big thank you to LW. Goodness knows what we would have sounded like if it were not for her coaching (hehe the only downside is that I'm rather excited to know a song that I can hit 75% of the notes right so, the song is stuck in my head even till now).

The night started with the usual M'sian timing and with a speech from our VIP Dato K. The night had many performances such as by J and his guitar, Dr S and E, the orchestra accompanying them, the choir, the play, the message and final song. It was in a word: AWESOME. It touch me in many ways and yet, open many more queries and doubts. But I suppose that is the sign of continuous growth.

We had special guess appearance by LJ, Sr & Sw. My only regret is that I don't have a camera, so, I missed many photos. Ah well, there is always two sides of a coin right? I always want to own want but I can never take care of it so, better not to hold it and just smile into other people's camera :P.

Special thanks goes to E, who convinced me to participate and made the night a success. Thank you for being God's messenger to me :D Great appreciation to the organizing team, it was a spectacular night.

Sorry no pictures. Firstly, I had no camera and secondly, the Internet here is super slow. I have waited half hour to upload but to no success. Anyway, kudos to all who were there that night!

Balancing act

2008-12-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

Since our days in primary school, we have always been encouraged to participate in co-curriculum activities. This of course actually means any educational activity not taken in a class room. Currently, it is defined as any activity taken outside my current course study guide.

My stand was to always stick to curriculum. After all, the grade in the classroom are what will take you to the next stage. This fact is indisputable. Moreover, I am the kind of person that enjoys sitting in a classroom with well defined guide to the next step. All that is required is to keep following instructions.

academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/AS/0GUIDES.HTM

However, I, now, realize the down fall of such a comfortable life. Namely, social ties. Yes, everyone in the same class can talk about the lesson learnt on that day but truthfully, nobody wants to be constantly reminded of the feeling of unworthiness in class. So, we socialize about our activities outside of class. This became my pitfall in socializing skills (only realized it in secondary school days!)

So, I decided the old me has to go out the window! I learnt to participate in more co-curriculum activity. I did not feel more popular but rather I felt more at ease when talking to other people. However, coincidentally or otherwise, my grades began to fall. I found it difficult to maintain a high level of education or so said, curriculum.

academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/AS/0GUIDES.HTM

Hence, this brings me to where I had began in this post. One life is with academic excellence but to be viewed as a solitary person. Unsociable. On the other hand, to be able to laugh with one's friends but to allow grades to slip. Can both this lives be balanced? Sigh.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Balance_scale.jpg

Perhaps one day it will balance out but I feel that such an opinion is but a fairy tale. After all, life is never so simple. Maybe anyone out there has some advice for me?

PS: If you find this post a little contradictory and going in endless circles, it's okay :P That is how I felt. I am very sure no real answer lies out there but rather this is just to vent frustration at the lack of control of my life. Life was just meant to be a balancing act.

www.woodenstilts.co.uk/.../product.php?prod_id=8

Happy Birthday Mummy!

2008-11-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

This year, my mummy turns ... (hehe a secret?). Anyway, mummy's birthday was on a Monday, so, I had my first experience of celebrating a birthday across a computer screen. Thank goodness for video conferencing!

Daddy bought a cake and we sang mum a birthday song! Then came presents! Luckily I already planted the gift that I was sharing with my sister with her. So, mum still got her gift despite the fact that we are in different states :P I got her a teddy bear with chocolates. So, when she misses me ... she can hug the bear! (pending of course the fact that the bear was so tiny that she could squeeze the whole bear with one hand ... :P) Daddy was getting her a long awaited sewing machine. Hmm, I wonder if all mum's gifts are to benefit the family more than herself ... :D Ad's gift for her was dinner!!

That is the cake and me with my mummy :D

My teddy for mummy :D

Hehe a closer view taken by my sister :D

So, we went to "Izzi"? I hope I got the right spelling :P It was okay but mum's cooking is still better :D Haha but I suppose her cooking for the family for her own birthday just does not sound right :D

Mummy seems to enjoy the fact that her son bought her dinner more than the dinner :D

Au and I gave her another gift to celebrate the occasion :P It was another teddy bear :D So, when mum misses Au when she goes to study, she has another bear bear to hug :D (haha also pending the size of the bear ...)

Mum sneak a cookie to eat and I caught in on camera :D Love you mum! Hope you liked the gift!

Hehe I'll take this picture as proof that you liked the gift :D

Well, thank you mummy for being my mummy :D Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Good Samaritan

2008-11-02T02:29:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to the people who do stuff for other people selflessly.

It all started on the day that V and I were going to go look for a certain adress. I had tried very hard to find the exact route via online maps and asking directions. So, with a certain amount of confidence, we started out.

First road block was the massive construction of the road! The road no longer resemble anything on the map!!! Sigh. In the end, we stopped at this petrol station to ask for directions. The counter lady said she knew the way.

"You keluar dari sini, traffic light pertama you belok kiri. Jalan terus, ada traffic light lagi you ambil kiri. Dari sana boleh nampak *a landmark which I can't remember*. Ada macam kena naik punya." There were also left hand animated signals :P

"Okok. Kiri dan kiri, yah? Terima kasih."

"Ya ya, kiri dan kiri."

So, we left the station to meet the first traffic light BUT there was no left turning!!! Calmly V pointed out another traffic light about 500metre ahead that had a left turning. SO, we took it, went through a village housing area and reached another traffic light almost 15 minutes later. At the traffic light, NO CARS were turning left and the left turning went into a semi desolated area.

"Never mind ... maybe short cut ..."

After turning in we got the fright of our life!! So empty the road!! We quickly asked for new directions. A little more careful we travelled again ... the first thing we both saw was ...

*** the same petrol station ***

Maybe she wanted us to use up petrol so we need to pump ... :P

Anyway, armed with the new directions, we took the first right turning after the station and turn right again ... sigh ...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://larnach.info/U120/images/eMM.png&imgrefurl=http://beaut1ful.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/crazy-phone-fun/&h=167&w=156&sz=3&hl=en&start=4&sig2=aqceCNf0jI1Oqd6oovw6nQ&um=1&usg=__TZiEjpwgyzbdVfcQiK6A07zOgJ0=&tbnid=r1Csw4bwfbv52M:&tbnh=99&tbnw=92&ei=eC8OSbm6Dom4swK0k8DSBg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dconfused%2Bface%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7SKPB%26sa%3DX

BUT we still got lost (an eventual event if I am behind the wheel :P). So, V and I decide to stop one more time to ask for directions. V wanted to ask this man sitting at a restaurant's empty table. I felt it was better to ask the restaurant's owner. In view of my excellant judgment (which got us lost in the first place :P), we asked the owner ... in return, we got a lost look ... sigh

Then, we decided to follow V's suggestion. The man's face registered a look of amazed shocked. My heart shattered! My first thought was that we have gone off direction again. The man smiled.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mediaknows.com/heartbreak.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mediaknows.com/2007/01/08/top-10-heartbreak-songs/&h=358&w=500&sz=16&hl=en&start=8&sig2=pzOTOm2PmaI4THZ1pcBsfw&um=1&usg=__5JyuPP9-6rvnaSjA1UrlmU0d2hY=&tbnid=nDDpAyC6glnW0M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=130&ei=yi8OSZf5OIngswKOvr3SBg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dheart%2Bbreak%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7SKPB

The following conversation was in mandarin but as I myself can't understand, this is the translated version ...

"I stay near there"

"Oh, then, can you tell us how to go there?"

"Er, ok. You ... (gave directions)"

"Oh, ok ... (blur face) ... okay I think ..."

The man's packed food came.

"I show you the way lah! My food also came already. I am also going that way."

"Oh! (brighten face) Can, ah? Thank you!"

So, to keep the story sweet and short, we followed him (incidentally, he drives a very expensive car, so, the myth of the rich being selfish is not universal :P). He guided us all the way and we wave a sign of thank you and relieve :P

In summary, *ahem ahem*, it was good to have someone guide us (referring to the last part of story, the first part was to entertain you and to never let me lead you to a new place :P). I was particularly touched by his selflessness and sincerity to help us. So, this post is dedicated to all the people who placed others ahead of themselves. Thank you and may God bless.

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3574133/2/istockphoto_3574133_angel_cartoon.jpg

Happy Birthday Bro!

2008-10-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is so overdue that if it was a food, anyone reading it will definitely get diarrhoea. :P But, I went through a lot of trouble to get the pictures, so, I am not going to waste my effort ... here goes ...

On the 2nd of October, my family and I celebrated my big brother's 24th Birthday! We celebrated his birthday by cooking breakfast! He did not sleep the whole night before so, getting him to be awake for breakfast was a piece of cake :P The so called salad was K's recipe but i butchered it! Hehe I have to go for more yogurt classes. Sausages were done by Au. Eggs by Dad and drinks by mum ... or something like that, we kept overlapping jobs :P

The crazy breakfast :D

The next item on our agenda was dinner at Imperial!! Hehe yummy food! Auntie and uncle from nearby came along with cousin and unofficial cousin (my cousin's housemate but she is as good as a cousin anyway :P). We made a toast! (Hehe but birthday boy no drink wine for toast ... he drank mock-tail). Enjoy some random shots of the dinner!

The toast! Hmm, it's a pity I can't remember what we toast for ... :P

Birthday boy!!

Hehe like conference meeting :P

Me and my aunt

The chocolate lovers ...

Actually, this was taken at the lobby of the hotel but I couldn't resist to put it in :D

Next, the cake!!

In a cake ceremony for birthdays, there are some rules to follow ...

1. Always get candles ...
2. Always get knife ....

Ad had to use a lot of imagination that day :P

Finally, the most important part ... pressies !!! Mum and I got him a new formal shirt (I was getting very tired of ironing his shirts which remain the same few every days of the week during my hols :D). Au got him a car sticker (if my memory serves me right it said ... "Cheeky monkey on board". Dad and Mum got him another Manchester United car sticker and a book. Cousins gave him a scent. Aunt and uncle gave him ang pow :D

He peek! No fair! must guess what is inside first!!

The three siblings :D

All in all, I hope he enjoyed it :D To my beloved brother ... Happy 24th Birthday and may all your hope come true :P

In Seremban...

2008-10-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

This post is a few weeks over due ... but ... ah well, maybe I can tell a better picture after 3 weeks of IMU-CS :D

Firstly, the personal transition from home to out on my own. My family has been ever so supportive. My big bro left for UK before, so, I was bombarded with all the advice possible on Earth :P All preparation for feeling home sick was addressed a few weeks even before I left home. Hehe. I never had the time or chance to be unprepared! Thanks!

http://www.t4tcolorado.org/files/uImages/2/vista/cartoon_house.jpg

As for study wise ... I had a true culture shock. The hours and stuff expected of us kinda hit me hard. The expected knowledge that is to be at fingertips. The self planning of limitless knowledge. The preparation that has to be made before every class. Sigh. I felt like a little box going round and round the whirlpool!!!

http://www.visartonline.com/images/183%20Whirlpool%20Blue%20copy.jpg

Honestly, I think my first reaction was to pack my stuff and run!! I mean it was overwhelming and I just couldn't see where the road was heading!! I wasted a lot of opportunity that was given to me. I was too busy being miserable and wondering how I was going to survive. After having a lot of good advice (acknowledgement to Mum, Kj, JL, Dr IC, Dr N <>)

http://jaggedsmile.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/rabbitjogging.jpg

I have decided to take on IMU-CS with a new resolution. I need to put on more make up. (To dare and make mistake, to dare for people to laugh at me). I need more courage. (my apologize to all the people who had to suffer from my cowardice) (I need to more faith in myself that I can actually pass clinical school). My hope is that both this resolution will carry me through this 2 and half years. Maybe there will be times of falter but perhaps maybe the road has just been paved. Que sera sera ...

Repentance

2008-09-19T19:58:00.001-07:00

Reference: http://www.hot-screensaver.com/wp-myimages/port-dickson-beach.jpg

This post is a confession of a wrongful doing which hopefully will lead to repentance. It all began one dark night on Friday. I was suppose to travel to PD to look for a particular location. Having been to PD (for recreational purposes) I believed I would be able to find the place with no hiccups at all. (Boy! If only I knew how the night would eventually turned out ...) So, I kidnapped (bribed with prospect of food actually) my housemates. They were under the impression (a very false one) that I would be bringing them some where in PD to eat a nice dinner.

The journey begun with a warning from my family back home to not go look for the place at night. (With my past record of getting lost, it was a very very sound advice :P ) But, on that particular night, my cup was filled to the brim. So, despite the good advice, I bundle all my innocent housemates into my car and off we went. The first turn of to PD was also to Lukut. I believed (to my own risk) that the sign board never lies. I took the turn off and enter a small road (look like kampung style but actually not lah! It was 3 lanes for both direction. The extra third lane was for the side that had a turning). Cold sweat poor out! I cannot see the town, the hospital or any resort!!! Panic attack!!!

Reference: http://www.msn-winks.ws/files/aseru.png

About 45 minutes later ( I believe actually not so long but i scared already so, I drive even slower) we reached the area of the resorts. Then, we decided that enough was enough. We turned in to a petrol station and asked directions. I think the gas attendant must have thought we were crazy cause he just told us to just keep driving straight. I thought he must have heard us wrong. Anyway, we kept on driving and finally found the hospital!!! After one and a half hours!! (Actual time needed is only 30 minutes if you follow the correct directions :P)

Whew! Sigh of relief and onward back to Seremban. But! My ego had not yet finish deflating ... I still wanted to find that nice restaurant I bribed my housemates with ... a few turning later ... by some miracle we found it!! I felt quite accomplished (for a few seconds :P ). Dinner was a hot pot dish. The waiter kept saying it is spicy. DL and I cannot take spicy food. So, we ordered extra dishes too. But when the hot pot came, NOT spicy!!! So, in the end had extra dishes causing each person to pay RM20 each!! (most expensive meal we have had since setting foot in Seremban and most amount of money we spent in the whole week!!)

Fine, just as you thought things could not get any worse, we turned back to go to Seremban. The highway was poorly lighted!! My excellent eye sight with such high astigmatism made me feel as if I was driving blindly. I think my housemates finally broke out in cold sweat! (there is only so much one can tolerate :D ) After a slow drive, we arrived back home at Seremban.

DL left for home about an hour later than expected and K help drove my car home. Sigh. My apologies go out to all the people who I put at risk of developing heart problem & the people whose advice I did not take to heart.

The moral of the story (after all, all stories need to have purpose right? :') )is that never let ego get the better of you. I let it get inflated only to have it burst. This time it was different. God decided that after all those years using a pin for my ego, He wanted to drive the message home :D. He released the air slowly. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming Him. I just feel truly blessed (really I do!!) because through out my life, He always leads me on the right road. Every time I decide to do something naughty (yes, it happens a lot) He will chuckle and teach me a lesson. So, in conclusion, thank you Lord for the lesson well learnt. Next time my ego inflates, please Lord, slap me :P I deserve it after You have been so nice to me.
Reference: http://khuon.com/blog/pics/040408_sorrypanda.jpg

Kaj & Christene's 21st Birthday

2008-08-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

On the night of 27th of August, I celebrated the birthday of two people so like each other yet will wage war against each other if they have to. To my friends K & C, welcome to the world of adulthood. :D

Taken by Kiku Zakura waitress but it is my only group photo so bear with me: SY, A, C, LW, K, me (on the left) & J, CM, C, B, Yy (on the right) ... Apologies to those that the photo did not do justice to :P
K & me :D

C & CM :D

After much debate between me & J, we finally decided to surprise them on an in between date. C's birthday is on 26th of August while K's is on 28th of August, so, we agreed upon 27th of August. Simple maths, no? The venue, Kiku Zakura is thanks to B. Hehe He pulled a lot of strings to get us the venue. I hoped that K will finally be able to say he has tried good jap food (past experience were poor :P)

C found out that the wasabi is served as cute leaf impressions.

Tempura by Kiku Zakura (K's order)

Udon by Kiku Zakura (C's order)

J ordered something cheese... ? Looks nice though :P

Anyway, the night began late (due to us all being Malaysian's :P & of course the heavy downpour leading to heavy traffic) (Murphy's Law?). Fortunately, we managed to surprise them because they didn't know so many people came (11 plus the celebrities)! The cake was the highlight though! The ice cream dog cake gave all the girls something to scream about! But the best cake award goes to CM and her 21 cupcakes. Ohhh! Sinfully delicious ... hmm, we are all now thinking of ways to get her to continue cooking in S'ban :P

The cupcakes!! (Trying very hard not to drool) :P

The ice cream cake ... hehe truth was it was suppose to be brown ... ah well, it worked well anyway :D

A special thanks to my partner's in crime J & B. To all who attended & those whose hearts were with us but not unfortunately unable to be there, thank you! Last but not least to the two newly 21st, I hope you had a great time and that the years to come are filled with many more laughters. Happy 21st Birthday.

PS: My sincere apologies due to poor photos (my camera old mah!)

Astronomical Message

2008-08-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I am not putting anyone down or lifting any one idea/concept in this post. I would just like to present my own view upon a thought that has been revolving round my head.

Some weeks ago (some as in at least 2 weeks ...), I watched a video about a message of God. It talked about the space & the astronomical bodies which reflected God's view on us. It was touching and Ad had wanted to watch it with me. I truly agree with the message: we on Earth are so small compared to the universe. Yet, we are all loved by Him. We measure by meter and the galaxy by light years (distance travelled by light in a year ). It was awesome to watch. However, I was not as moved as Ad was watching it. It truly bothered me that I was did not feel the same excitement he felt.

http://schoolnet.gov.mt/earth_universe/images/milkyway.jpg

Finally, I truly realise the reason. The reason I felt that seeing God in the galaxy is not that moving is that I always felt He was much much much closer to Earth than seemed. (Not to say the video was wrong, but I prefer seeing Him this way ...) I see Him in childbirth, growth, smiles, laughter, patience ... all the small miracles in a day (incidentally, this reminds me of a song I like: Ordinary miracles by Sarah Mchlachlan). I am a believer that everything happens to His will for a better future. For me, if I pass a traffic light which remained green for me, that is a sign of His miracle.

Source:

1) http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3609625/2/istockphoto_3609625_stork_cartoon.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gummybearsandgreenmango.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-hold-baby.html&h=380&w=285&sz=30&hl=en&start=33&sig2=uR4OjksYPkZBComPD7wVJg&um=1&tbnid=TB4TM2SCrSiXhM:&tbnh=123&tbnw=92&ei=Vc6rSO_NO4TIsgL6vbHVDw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbaby%2Bcartoon%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7SKPB%26sa%3DN

2) http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/040929_rfoster_mp_ict_trafficlights_sensor.jpg

Perhaps I should learn to see Him in a different light ... or perhaps He is just everywhere for everyone to view differently.

Convocation celebration

2008-08-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

My university is having a convo celeb for my batch that has finished phase 1. When I got the letter, I had mixed feelings ...

I was proud that I had finished my phase 1. It has been 2 1/2 yrs of pain, tears, sweat, laughter and screams. I felt that I had reached a milestone. A point before I enter the dreaded phase 2.

I am also grateful to my uni. They have taken the effort to recognize our achievement. The want to honour us for the journey we have made along with them. (Before anyone criticizes ... I believe in giving the uni admin the benefit of the doubt that they are not just trying to have publicity)

However, after reading the letter, I felt depress (I think it is the emotion that suites best but maybe it is more of a combination of disappointment and apprehension). On that day, I (my batch) will being wearing a robe without hood or mortar board. I (my batch) do not earn a degree but rather a certificate that we have passed the phase 1. I feel rather "sweepable under the carpet"?

Other than that, I did not truly achieve my goal for the finals to finish the phase 1 programme. My results were below the average score. Hence, I am a below the average student. While many know that passing is the main idea ... I can't help but feel under achieved. I don't feel accomplished. I can almost imagine myself on the day of the convo ... walking down from the stage and crying, not out of joy but out of failure. Sigh. Maybe I am just feeling under the weather.

Well, I am grateful to have come this far no matter what my dreams were. So, while I am grateful to both fate (for my results) and my uni (for the honour), I have made the decision to not attend the ceremony. Perhaps I am reading to deep. Perhaps I am being silly. Perhaps I am being selfish. But, I can't help how I feel. Thanks but sorry :P

School of thought for success

2008-08-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Some amusing (to me, of course ... you might find this in the category of "..." :P) thoughts crossed my mind while watching this Cantonese Drama entitled "Life Made Simple". I don't mean to criticize or give a review, but there is a subplot of it that intrigue me. The subplot is about succeeding in a higher class society.

A poor public estate (low on social rank) girl (C) had opportunity to further studies and return to her hometown with a degree. She began work in a famous company along with her cousin (A) who is wealthy. C is brought up to know that with knowledge and hard work, one can change the fate of one's future. Due to her diligence, she manages to gather money for studies, renovate the house and climb rank in the company.

A is holds on to the principle that presentation and knowing people will get you to the top of the ladder. She dresses the part (she can afford it anyway! :D ) and uses the contacts she has to pave her way to success. Her method causes a lot of people to get hurt and play into her hands.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am neither for nor against the thoughts. The core of me believes that the values we have will help us rise; hardworking, loyal, honesty. But, one cannot deny the windows formed by having contacts. Sometimes, one has to play a gambit (a move to sacrifice something else to protect or rather allow advancement/success). I cannot help wondering the power one will have if he/she can manipulate the chess pieces on the board so easily(no offence to anyone who plays chess, but rather a metaphor of life's decisions). Perhaps a combination of both school of thought is optimum but not so realistic :P

No particular side or strong opinion but rather just some random musings ...

My 21st Birthday!

2008-07-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you all who made my surprise birthday party a success! I truly appreciate the secrecy and the jaw dropping moment!

I knew the plans for the evening was dinner with my family (uncle and aunt included). Through out the day, the signs were everywhere!

Sign 1: My sister refuse to let me help her proof read her project - due to her doing the birthday video on the same screen (I am doubting the fact she ever had a project to do ...)

Sign 2: My father had to distract me one night - he claimed the biscuits I bought from Penang was burnt!! (sigh I fell for it despite the fact that I ate those same biscuits with no effect)

Sign 3: Kaj was given an invitation to be the partner in crime in front of me (it really never occur to me ...) {BTW, thanks for saying you will be online on that particular night - so, I was already thinking that the dinner should be short cause I needed to meet you online)

Sign 4: My brother left early that afternoon to help my dad get some computer stuff ... (My dad's laptop is company's one ... no such gadget required)

Ah well, so, the best acting awards go to the daddy, mummy, brother, sister, kaj & friends for the great surprise.

The night started off with the shock of seeing everybody. I was really in denial. My mind did not register the fact that all of my friends were there. I saw them but my mind assume the were just a part of my imagination ... sigh ... our mind only see what we want to believe.

Anyway, a picture says a thousands word. So, ...

Ad pinning corsage ... do I really look like datuk? 21 only ... still young ... :P

My friends all say I don't look surprise ... sorry, still in denial ....

Andrew and me ...

Jen Lye, me and xandra ...

Kev, Caryn, me(with their gift :D thx), Ling Wei, Cody ...

me, James and Ching mei ...

The Ann (shin ann) and me ...

Eley (with her dangerous shoes :P) and me...

Jane and me ...

Yy, boris and me ...

Christine and me ...

Jen (hmmm, you have a lot of explaining to do :P) and me ...

taiyee, me and uncle ...

Au, me and Ad ...

Daddy, me and mummy ...

The crazy people whom I have grown and loved with for 2 and a half years !!!

Thank you for the great times. The gifts were lovely and will be well treasured. It said that friendship is not measured by the time you have known the person but rather the quality of the time spent together. It isn't the seconds we are together but rather the togetherness for every second. Thanks for everything.