Social stuff ...

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 ...

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

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

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

************************************************************************
“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

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

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