Small and Insignificant

Blog, updated.

2009-06-28T12:14:00.002+01:00

Sigh. When I released the blog a couple of days ago, it seems like only mac users can see the website.

Fixed that...hopefully.

Also fixed the slow loading pages...

Wohooo...

Not just need to upload recent photos in my comp...

Datttt''ssss Datt'ssss All Folksssss...

2009-06-26T13:09:00.002+01:00

Haiz. Travelling back and forth between my old home and new one just for internet. Anyway, I'm off for the weekend thanks to Fleur's BBQ. In the meantime, I'll still be working on the project. Guess it's finally time to let you in for a sneak preview.

I'm working on the links page at the moment. So I'll add your blog links eventually. d;-p

There's still loads more to do; but in the meantime...

Hope you enjoy this.

http://web.me.com/happyman725/

Pardon the crawling speed... Have no idea on how to improve it. All the images are already abysmally tiny.

Taa now

Done!!

2009-06-11T13:35:00.002+01:00

Finally the exam is over. ONE MORE MONTH people; till I'm back to the motherland. So, moved into a new place and it's going to take approximately 3 weeks or so to get internet. By then, I would have revealed my big project. Haha. Seems like I'm hyping it up now.

Just going to list out what came out for the exam for future references. Besides, it might help other students later.

So for OSCE Jun 09 for Third Years,

16 Stations of 8 minutes.

History taking:

Hyperthyroidism

IBS

Angina

Heart Failure

BPH

Physical Examination:

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Aortic Regurg

Cervical Lymph Nodes Examination

Procedures:

ABG

Urinalysis

Basic Life Support

IV infusion

Explaining/Interpretation:

Gall Stones (stupid simulated patient laughed at my drawing. Hmpf!!)

Colonoscopy

Hypertension + Starting ACE inhibitor therapy

6 Hours Prior

2009-06-08T23:00:00.002+01:00

Stop all clocks, stop all the leaky taps. Stop the rush of wind and all the laughter.

Stop the boiler and all the drunks from making noise. Stop the creasing sound of the sheets. Stop my pounding heart and even stop my mind from thinking.

Stop it all.

My exam is tomorrow. Why can't the earth stop on it's axis? Why can't the universe grind to a faltering stop?

Stop!

Stop for a few hours. Let me rest for the assault to come.

The Tsunami is there on the horizon, none but I run for cover. I pray for it to be over. Let the icy wave cool my tempest heart.

Post-Exam

2009-05-19T02:01:00.003+01:00

Oh well, exam is over and done with. Phew and grrrr at the same time. We're suppose to learn Obs and Gynae next year, but the paper was literally peppered with them. I swear, I've never seen so many vagina's in my entire life.

Next hurdle is the OSCE's. Just received my timetable. I'm unlucky enough to be selected for the first day. Thus, wont be able to get tips and whatnots from other students. Guess this time I'll have to be a giver. Sienzz..

Anyway, working on something major at the moment; might be a bit quiet for a week or so. But hopefully the surprise is worth the wait.

Muackz all

Dust

2009-04-27T21:20:00.000+01:00

It irks me- the dust.

How it unassumingly intrudes.

Slowly, gradually, at an old wives’ pace.

It takes days; maybe even hours,

To leave their fragile mark.

What once was yours; usurped,

Without any resistance.

That freckled white snow is everywhere,

On my clothes, in the air, and even-

On the reflected me I see in the mirror.

Days go by…

I’m surrounded,

Everything looks the same,

But nothing truly stays that way,

That leaves me but one choice.

I cleaned.

I swept, I dusted, I vacuumed,

I sweat, I hungered, I persevered,

Slowly, gradually, at an old wives’ pace,

I reclaimed everything.

I needed to clean.

Because you see…

My mom, she’s like dust.

Familiarity

2009-04-19T23:00:00.001+01:00

The Homo Sapien race is an irksome one. If there was one god that we all serve, that would be the God of Familiarity. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something remotely pleasant about a routine. I know I know, we need to break out once in a while, but for 95% of the time, we seek solace in the commonplace.

I have a fear against looking stupid. I think that’s the purpose of my life; to get from birth to death without enduring stupidity. Whoever’s reading this, let that be a hint that I want that on my tombstone.

Min Nadzri 1986-????

A great person who goes through life looking smart.

Oooohhh, there’s a lot of instances where one can stumble into a situation where one comes off like a complete jackass. But handling a new scenario where we break out from the norm is probably the gateway to hell itself. More so when you are in this country.

I hate my accent.

No, hate is the wrong word. I despise my accent. Stupid complicated incomprehensible Malaysian mix with god knows what morphing into heaven knows what.

Something happened this morning which I dare not reveal. It’s just so terribly humiliating. It was a mix of a new scenario, the nonsense that I spew, a dash of not wanting to look stupid and a hint of pretending to understand what the other person was saying inevitably leads to a bubbling cauldron simmering with a recipe for disaster.

Suffice to say, there’s no mound on earth that can bear my shameful face.

Arghhh!!!

PBL 4

2009-04-07T01:38:00.003+01:00

Ahh, Tired. Just changed to a new PBL group. Anyway, needed to show off PS skill to new group, hence...

Sweet Jebus....

2009-03-28T23:17:00.003Z

Oh no! Sick again. I swear I got it from this frail old lady I interview who spewed aerosol laden viruses right into my upper respiratory tract.

Just want to sleep...

Violated...

2009-03-24T23:00:00.002Z

Feel so dirty. Heading of to shower immediately after I post this. So what happened I hear you say?

Well, went to do the laundry just now. Anyway, there's two machines; washers and dryers. All the washers were backlogged, but there were still empty dryers out there. So, when I went down to move my stuff from the washer to the dryer, I was amazed to discover through shock and horror that someone has moved my stuff. I mean, I have all my erm.. undergarments in there. What's worst, is that the person was a lady who's completely without remorse or guilt.

I think I felt embarrassed for the both of us. The cheek! It's not normal right? And it's normal to feel erm, violated right? Erghhh!!!

Yay!!!

2009-03-17T20:24:00.006Z

Thanks to DEBBO, managed to get a photoshop version that works. And to commemorate the inaugural software, here's my first project. Hehe

Benny Yong

2009-03-10T19:44:00.004Z

Haha. Can't believe it. Both Kevin and I had the same idea of making our blogs more personal. I am not sure if I can tell you his blog address just yet. When he does decide to make it public, will add the link.

Anyway, Kevin was a thorn on my thumb for several months. I know he's going through a bad patch, and the best I can do is just send him some stupid lame ass feel better cliches. Occasionally, when I get a text or some signs of his rough time, I have it in my mind that he's going to do something really stupid (suicide was one of them). So off I go and send him another text; which he never replies to of course. I never bother to follow up, life just gets in my way. I am a terrible friend. The same thing happened to Caryn. I always promised myself that I will find time to talk to her on MSN, but that never happens. I would never forgive myself if something happened to either off them that I could have prevented.

When I reach a really bad patch- I go in a cave and completely shut myself up to the world. That's always been the best way for me. What I never I realize is the ripple effect it probably has on my friends. The worry I feel for Kevin/Caryn. Jeez, that's something my friend should never feel for me. It takes some guts to be friends with me. I promise I'll try to send more texts when I'm down- just to let you know I'm getting through it.

Since I can't ps something for him, guess a wordy post is all I can do for the moment.

Glad to know you've joined back to the world of living Benny.

*sigh of relief*

Up for a game?

2009-03-01T23:14:00.001Z

On a slightly lighter note. My parents revealed their hand. It wasn't a double ace after all, it was a mere 16. Received a text from my dad that reads (translated to English):

Min, do you have a blog? Your auntie wanted to see it

because your cousin wanted to start one up. Both your auntie and cousin

wanted to take a look at it to get some ideas.

Can you pass the address?

I sensed my mom's evil hand behind this text. I can smell the Channel No.5.

Double Ace?

2009-02-18T12:10:00.004Z

Why did I make this blog private I hear you ask. Well, for one thing, I'm getting highly suspicious that anonymous is actually my mom. The 'how can you love another woman if you don't love your mother" is typical her. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a conversation with me on the net using a pseudo name. Hmph!

The fact that she called me when she wakes up in Malaysia the day after I rambled about the stupid 'orange' post to... get this, ask me if I have enough money. My mom never asks me if I have enough £££. It's always me calling her telling her that I don't have any. She also let it slipped that I have a PS3. Now how on earth did she find out that out without reading my blog. I never told any of my family members.

My mom is a curious monkey, the fact that I made it private will provoke her. Push her buttons so to speak to reveal her hand. Hmmm, I don't think I actually mind her reading it if she told me she is reading it. But when she read it in secret, posting comments as anonymous, using blog-only info to get to me and reading every bit of my sordid affairs makes me feel, erm, slightly violated. Haha.

The ball's in your court now mom. Can you win this Blackjack game with that double ace? I'm calling your bluff.

Don't give me chocolates for Valentine's day, give me an orange.

2009-02-17T02:11:00.005Z

Before my 5-12am shift at the hospital started on Valentine's day, decided to do some groceries since every edible tidbits were miraculously consumed. Was kinda hopping from one shop to another to get everything; and on the last stop, decided to stop by the market to get some fruits.

I was always a sucker for oranges, and guess what? There was a... bargain. Thus, being a good Malaysian and all, decided to buy more than I could carry (it really was an awesome deal). I consequently struggled with the 1km walk back home... But that's not the point of this story.

Somewhere along the walk back, it occurred to me; this was what my mom once did routinely. This was back in Birmingham prior to her car purchase of course. Back then, buying Halal meat means a 2 bus ride into a very dodgy part of town.

Everyone who met me and my mom know that we have a somewhat playful interaction. Back in Birmingham (and even now), when she comes back from grocery shopping, I used to scavenge for the good stuff and hide them away. It brings me glee when she exclaims about her missing items. And obviously, I would parade those missing items when the time is right. Oranges and mangoes were absolutely sublime and most sought for in the grocery bag.

I know it seems silly, but when I reached home and took a look at the oranges, I realized the amount of sacrifice my mom undertook to bring me up in this world. She never once complained about the heavy groceries bags, never once complained that I steal all the good stuff, never once complained of the countless journey she travelled alone on the bus to provide food, never once begrudge that I parade those items that she carried for miles.

Here's the thing, if she never complained about those small things, what are the big things that she sacrificed for me?

I know Valentine's day came and went, but here's to the love of my life. Here's an...an orange mother. Loving you more than I care to say. Kundu Bundu You.

p.s Would also like to dedicate an orange to Debbo who's adjusting to life in Australia this Saint Valentine's Day. Hope that the marfan thing would *wink wink* go away. Faster get your internet please, can't afford to keep on texting you in Australia. d;-p Hating you just as much.

Guess who's back, all rigaighttt!! Pom pom pom pom pom

2009-02-13T01:10:00.003Z

Annnndddd touch down back to the world wide web. Cant believe it's been almost a month ++ since I updated. Well folks, it's not my fault dont ye know. My comp went bust on me. Was watching house when it went kapoof! Well, not exactly kapoof. More of a krekk krekk krekk eee eeek beepoop.

Twas a very tense month before I decided to have it replaced than fixed (it's a long story); but rest ye gentle untroubled minds, for all my pictures and documents were salvageable. However, the bad news is, I have to get adjusted to this new comp. No photoshop yet, so just bear with me. Also, since I had no comp for 1 month, all the pictures just piled and piled and piled on me. Just cant be bothered to sort it all out anymore. Just going to upload it all on facebook, the good and the bad. Will go back to photoshop some of the very good ones when I have time. Till then, enjoy tagging yourself (cant be bothered to tag 300++ pictures). Haha.

Catch ya later then folks...Muackzz

p.s I have two new babies. Haha.. Tada...

Still getting use to the Mac though. Although some of the programs is such a breeze, others are so marfan. Think I'm still used to Windows. Need to learn how to use shortcut keys AND get use to the fact that there's no Delete key. Blek...

Lake District

2009-01-07T14:05:00.011Z

Finally managed to settled in Manchester again. Phew! That took a while. Still on Malaysian time though. Keep on sleeping at 6pm and waking up at 2am. At least I dont feel sleepy during the clinical hours- which is a blessing.

Anyway, need to get rid of this album before the wedding pictures can go up. It'll be a while though- exam coming up on 19th January. So expect some long silences from the blog till then.

Taa.

****

Went to the Lake District with Mike, Maha and Katie. Although the plan was hatched a long time before, finally managed to make it a reality several days before I leave to Malaysia. Thanks goes out to Katie who lent us the use of her cabin up in the District and Mike who drove us there. Muackx. I'm afraid this is a picture blog entry, so I'll just let the pictures do all the talking.

Note: Dont think I can upload all 150++ pictures here. Head over to Facebook for most of the pictures. Another thing, the pictures are in reverse chronological order. Uploaded it the wrong way. Huhu!

Emptiness

2009-01-02T08:17:00.003Z

Finally reached back to cold cold UK. It must have snowed sometime back- I can see the remnants on the ground.

When the texts and the phone calls dies away soon after arrival, you're left with this void and a sense of helplessness. I've warned my friends about this a couple of times. This sense of dread is best fought when expected. I've encountered this feeling every single time I fly back to the UK from Malaysia. It's the thing I fear most. It's here right now- even as I am typing; and it's staying. Not phone calls, nor texts from back home can quench it once it enters. You began to question yourself, why am I here? What am I am doing? Is all this worthit?

The worst thing is, I can't even dilute this misery amongst friends. I tried that before, and it made falling down even harder. Feeling this alone, with no remedy in sight but time, is the worst thing I have encountered and experienced in my entire meaningless existence. Why won't it just go away?

I know it'll disappear soon, and I am just as sure that it'll come back again. Rearing it's despairing head to weary homesick travellers.

Sleep is the only solace. It dulls the ache. I wish to wake up later, finding that this is just a nightmare. I can only... dream.

A First Class Departure/Landing

2008-12-21T11:26:00.022Z

Oh boy, have I got a story to tell you. But first, let's run through all the goodbye's prior to departure.

Manchester IMU Goodbye

Decided to cook for all the MRI and Hope IMU students one last time before I leave. Main course: mushrooms, omelette and ayam masak merak. The result of a tiring cooking experience?

Actually cooked again for Maha and Mike. But was so tired that day that I didn't even take any pictures at all. Yup, I was THAT tired. Had a blast though. At least they didn't comment that my cooking smelt like urine this time. Pffffff!

Secret Santa

Decided to push for Secret Santa this year just to have a lit' bit more fun. Was suppose to have it later, but since I was leaving so soon, they brought it early just for me. Ah bless.

Somebody was grumpy because his Secret Santa was sick and couldnt make it. Awwww!

Steph was really happy with her cuddly gift.

I got a buff. How cool is that? There's 10+ ways to wear it. Will have to colour code it properly though. It's so colourful.

I would normally never upload such a blurly picture, but this was a special occasion. Andy was actually posing. We managed to 'break' him. Muahahah!!

A Not So First Class Departure.

Hence we began our main story. Leaving to Malaysia. How exciting does that sound? Well in theory, it does sound good. Plan is: catch a flight from Manchester to Heathrow at 5pm. Will reach there at 6pm with plenty of time to spend in the First Class lounge before the 10pm flight to Malaysia.

So: left the house at 2:30 pm via a combination of taxi and train reaching at Manchester airport in good time at 3:30pm. Looked at the departure screen "5pm flight to Heathrow has been cancelled due to bad weather at London". *Peed it pants* Wth wth wth. If something bad has to happen, I swear to god it'll happen to me.

Went to the customer service counter and press on the fact that I have a connecting flight at Heathrow. Managed to secure the next flight at 6:45pm. Hmmm. Will reach there at 7:45pm. Bit of a tight squeeze, but I'll manage to get home. WRONG!! 6:45pm flight was delayed till 7:30. Fine fine. Will reach at 8:30pm. Will have to run, but I'll get the 10pm flight for sure. Guess again? Reached Heathrow at 9:00pm. *pulls hair*. Pilot announces on the intercom "I'm sorry ladies and gentleman, this just shows that I am not that sure about Heathrow airport. We've landed at the wrong terminal, please bare with us while we secure a connecting train for you". *TIA*. Got the train, claimed my baggage, and ran like hell. Reached the check-in counter to find out that it was closed with construction workers fixing the light at 9:45pm. *Heart stops beating*.

Ran around like a headless chicken to find the MAS counter. Explained the situation to a woman there.

Lady: "Sorry sir, I dont think we can manage to have you checked in at this time. We'll get you the next flight tomorrow morning".

*cried inside*. Then I thought, 'what the heck' screw modesty and being humble.

Me: "are you sure you cant do anything...even for a first class passenger?'

Lady: "Hang on sir.."

Somebody came running down within minutes and opened the check-in counter. Because Heathrow was technically closed by then, the conveyor belt for the luggage wasn't switched on.

Check-in lady: "Sir, I'll have someone manually carry your bag to the plane. Please proceed to gate 13 as fast as you can".

Oh my god!!! Zoomed across Heathrow and boarded the flight at 10:10pm- departing soon after. Freakin' hell. I didnt realized first class has such treatment. After that, it was smooth sailing all the way. Now that I have actually flown first class, I realized that aside from the fast track, the fast security, the lounge, and the fast immigration; it's not that special. Dont get me wrong. I wouldnt mind flying first class indefinitely, but if my money can be spent elsewhere, it wont be spent flying first class. Another thing I realized is that first class passengers dont appreciate being there. They dont use the in flight entertainment, they dont use the on board services. All they do is tap tap tap on the computer or sleep. That's a bit of a conundrum for me, you work so hard to get what you want. But when you do get it, you don't appreciate it anymore because you're so busy maintaining where you are. Sad really. One thing I do know, flying first class will never get boring for me. d:-p

Twelve seats, five passengers, and two toilets= AWESOME!!!

Seats was so huge, my feet didn't even touch the footstool.

Fortunately for me, if I cant reach the footstool, then the footstool will have to reach me. The back massage was invigorating. Nearly had an orgas...

The seat was both an Aisle and a Window seat. Weeee...

I love the fact that you have control over 4 windows (it's even controlled automatically). Makes capturing this kind of shot a breeze.

Oh my sweet Jebus...

2008-12-11T22:16:00.001Z

Can't stop singing Michael Buble's "I'm coming home". 4 Days to go and counting...

Facebook Made Me Lazy

2008-11-30T00:14:00.023Z

A little prologue: Sorry ah for the massive pictures diarrhoea. Haha. Since my internet is running at 4mb, all the pictures are loaded spontaneously with no lag whatsoever. My humble apologies if it lags for you. d;-p

As you can guess from the tittle, Facebook really has made me lazy. Haha. it's so easy to just upload all the pics and not blog about them. To be fair, I kinda love the pictures more than the words anyway. So it's a double whammy against blogging. Hence, I've decided from now on that all the pictures would be uploaded into FB and the pictures that I need to elaborate or 'show off' would be placed here. Oh yeah, of course I will still use the blog to vent off steam. Hehe. As evident by the last two posts (which has sorted itself out).

Moving on... Because of the accursed thing that happened, all the pictures seems to have piled up on me as well as blogging about them. Going to just breeze through these past 2.5/3 weeks.

Notts

Attended the Notts Games 2008 primarily because I was forced to by Siti. Lucky I did though. Managed to have a good time- aside from the boring a couple of hours when we had nothing to do. It was so boring in fact that I actually slept amidst the games. Haha (Shit man. Debbi has infected me with the 'Haha'. Roarrrr). No no, actually it was eat nasi lemak, slept and then went in search of you guess it- another nasi lemak. Another thing worth of note is actually seeing all the IMU peeps. Was brilliant seeing all of us together again. It was like a mini IMU gathering. Sweet. I was also just so freaking pissed at myself because of the lost opportunity. If only I told Wei Chun I was going, we could have met there. Damn Min and his lousy communications. Didnt even thought of telling him. Stupid stupid stupid.... *sigh*

Oh yeah, met Kevin my high school friend there. Isn't it just amazing when you bump into your friend and just picked up a conversation like nothing has happened?

Mike's and Katie's Dinner

It was Mike's and Katie's turn to cook for us. Mike was actually quite excited on trying to cook with a Halal chicken. I think his exact words were "I always wanted to try Halal chicken". Aw, bless him. I have no idea what he expects from a halal chicken though. More flavours or something? Since he did go to all the effort of actually procuring one- decided to gloss over that fact.

It's actually quite hard to explain the concept of halal chicken to the ang moh's. In most cases when I just gave up on explaining for the umpteenth time or to a new person (who I'll never meet again), I just resign myself and say I'm a vegetarian. That has saved me hours...Oh yeah, note to self: take pictures of the food. Mike's chicken was just brilliant and Katie's fudge cake is just to die for. English food is definitely different from all those places like Tony Roma's, Friday's and TGIF...

Preston

Dindn't know whether it was the incident that happened or something else, but I just had this overwhelming urge to get out of Manchester. Contemplated going up North to see papa Chun, but walauweh, the train tickets was around 40 pounds *gulp*. Needed to save money for that first. The nearest countryside and cheapest trip was actually Preston. Packed my bags and left pronto. Seriously man, need to thank Fleur, JJ, Wilfred, Ushank and Roch who made the unexpected trip awesome. Muackz.

Christmas 2008 Fair

Might as well attend since I have pretty much nothing to do on the weekend. ;-D Good opportunity to take pics. Another thing I realized that is that the ang mohs here is extremely embarassed by the act of picture taking. Literally had to pull them by the ear to get them in the shot. Hmph! Miss Malaysian's cam whoring skills.

Went for a dinner afterwards at a South-East Asian cuisine restaurant. Really disappointed at what pass as 'authentic' SE Asian food. Maha's Beef Rendang turned out to be a soup, and my curry laksa was a thick paste served ontop of rice. Laksa and rice? Have you ever heard a more ridiculous thing?

Katie's

Katie is one heck of a character. I have no idea how to describe her. She's just one of those rare people that's bubbling and bursting at the seams. She's just so full of joy that I swear to god if I were to actually use her for a piñata, she'll virtually ooze joy. Anyway, thanks dear for the lovely dinner. Especially the extra mile you put into it to make it halal. The tuna cheese thingy was awesome. Oh, her housemates were also fantastic people. Glad to have met everyone.

Movie:1

2008-11-22T02:00:00.003Z

Yay. Finally had a relaxing day of doing nothing whatsoever. What a bliss. Haha. Been a while since I actually photoshopped something...

Anyway, always wanted to try making a movie poster. Haha. So I guess this is attempt number 1.

Detached but not Forgotten

2008-11-19T01:53:00.003Z

Tried, but to no avail. I simply cannot forgive. A valuable lesson learned; a grudge forever nutured; and an enemy unearthed.

I guess all is as it should be. At least now I can sleep...

Unbelievable...

2008-11-13T16:57:00.005Z

My god! The second time? How can I be so freaking stupid? Was I born without intelligence, without the ability to learn? This just proves that the entire Homo sapiens are assholes by nature. You should never ever trust anyone. Full stop. Arghh, haven't I learned anything the first time around? WTF Min!!

So full of rage. Some one's gonna f***ing pay for screwing with me like this. Two can play at this game. I DO NOT forgive.

RAW Power

2008-11-10T14:54:00.008Z

Almost gave up hope trying to sort out all the Notts picture. Luckily found one good picture worth making an entire entry about and therefore restoring all faith.

This post is actually dedicated to Caryn and Yau who refuses to take their pictures in RAW- although their camera supports it. One of the most crucial aspect for me when buying my DSLR was whether it can handle RAW. Let's try a HDR technique to show and somewhat exaggerate the effect.

First, take five pictures in RAW using five different exposures.

+2 Exposure

+1 Exposure

+0 Exposure

-1 Exposure

-2 Exposure

Then compress them into one file- use photoshop or other software out there.

Final compressed file

Tweak the setting to choose which part of the 5 different exposure shows up on the final picture i.e use the sky on the -2 exposure and the highlights on the tress with the +1 or +2 exposure.

Selecting the area

Run it through PS to add some contrast, minor colour adjustments here and there, crop as needed and voila!

Tada!!

To exaggerate it even further. Increase a lil' bit of contrast and change it to a pseudopanaromic shot to draw the eyes towards the park gate and the people feeding the ducks.

An unexpected treat plus an unexpected guest

2008-11-09T01:38:00.019Z

Randomness...

First of all, a GREAT BIG SHOUT out to Andy who finally ~~matured~~ turned 22 this year. Ah bless. Can now enjoy the 22nd year of my life without feeling too old. Since it was obviously a surprise, didn't know he actually had something going on. So rushed through the whole celebration.

Picture says it all...

Planning the surprise...

Secondly, learned a valuable lesson. Never sing that blasted Avinder's song to the Ang Moh's. The song brought wide-eyed looks and agape mouths. Note to self: that song is a 'no no' with Ang Moh's. Haha.

Thirdly, Maha and Andy have this wicked thing going on. Basically, Maha would erm...'force' herself jokingly into Andy. We all know it's a joke, Andy know it's a joke, but he still blushes furiously every single time. Somehow or another; Maha made this comment that she'll wash his hair for him. Which then lead to the surprise birthday gift; a shampoo. :-D

Allow me to digress somewhat- just got back from dinner with them just now, and Maha made a comment about 'stroking Andy's pear' and 'showing him 4 white hairs that normally cant be seen'. Of course we interpret it as sexual innuendoes, who on earth wont? The funny thing was, the original comment was entirely innocent.

Love duets.

We did the best we can to wrap that hilarious shampoo bottle.

He had it coming

Fourthly, Andy does not like his picture taken. Hence, he only has two looks.

Look 1: 'The disgusted' look

Look 2: 'My face have just been injected with the botulinum toxin' look.

Happy Birthday Bro!! Glad to have you on board our pbl group.

Oh, before I move on; ample time breeds ample opportunities.

Eeek!!

XXXXXXXXXXX

So, GUESS who managed to grace us Mancunians with her Royal presence?

Her Royal Highness Prom Queen Caryn Koh.

*applause from an imaginary crowd*

Caryn arrived on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, I was busy handling a few things and thus unable to meet her. Had a very special outing with her for the ENTIRE Sunday. Yup, you heard me! She was all mine mine mine for one whole day. Will blog about Sunday some other time. Have something special planned for that. You'll just have to wait and see. :-D

Oh, but I just cant help myself from giving away spoilers. Here's a sneak preview...

It involves a tunnel...

and a street filled with lime...

Oh yeah, finally got a hair cut. The fact that I can chew my own hair was a sign.

Post Sunday trip, was so hungry that we decided to swung by Rusholme for a quickie (I meant food!) and met up with Angie.

3 Ju On's

I swear, the picture was meant to be nice; but the light falling on Angy's face was simply an opportunity to good to be missed.

For some reason or another, when other people visit Manchester, it always always turns out that we're not free. Caryn was forced to wander Manchester aimlessly for the entire Monday morning before we meet up with her again after class (7 pm). What a pity. What's more, somebody just have to stay in Manchester for only 2 days. She was briskly whisked away by damn Leeds and Liverpool people. Hate them so much!!

Our Last Supper

A very newly created pose by Angy. Angy, you still have yet to name your pose. We're waiting. Better call it something good.

Goodbye Caryn; Till we meet again.

As usual, saying goodbye is hard. Especially when you're close to someone. Caryn is probably the first one I've met from Malaysia that I'm truly close to. Missing you loads edi babe. Time together was freakin' awesome. Take care and have a wonderful flight back. Looking forward to seeing you again.

P.s You have NOT gained any weight whatsoever and it's only in your mind.

Overcoming the blues

2008-10-27T14:47:00.024Z

Siti's 2... Birthday (She prefers it this way- trust me)

Happy Bufffday Siti!! To be frank, the birthday celebration was almost ruined because of my perfect organization skills. Researched the restaurant and everything, timed it perfectly, met up with everyone ok, directions were ok, then guess what? The bloody shop was freaking closed. Had a minor TIA then and there. Lucky Siti had a craving for the Indian buffet. Buffday girl saved the day. Sad really. Oh well.

Angelene: Let Siti blow the candle. You'll have your chance later.

Let's Partyyyyy!!!

After the celebration, Siti decided to drop by to get some pics from my comp, which obviously lead to more cam whoring sessions. Seriously people, there's this one hot sexy mama pic of Siti that she wont allow me to post. Tried persuading her, but she's making me feel guilty. It's your turn peeps.

I've set my eyes on you.

Forgot to upload this pic before Chun Seng left. Messy bugger.

GP Trip

I love autumn, it's the only thing that makes the cold weather bearable. It's passing by quickly though. Anyway, Friyana and I got posted to this remote GP in the countryside. Been exciting so far. Got to see those classic textbook case that aren't severe enough to warrant an admission to the hospital. The GP has 5 partners, two of which are brilliant (Jon and Jenny). The others (CG and GG) are... Let's just leave it at that. The fact that they have nickname speaks volume.

Since we were so close the countryside, and we had an hour to spare; something tells me that another cam whoring session is fully justified.

Should have brought my running shoes. This is my dream location to run.

Bollywood meets Hollywood

KL Meets Bollywood?

Hmmm. Friyana could be a model for the Autumn Collection somewhere.

I on the other hand; probably wont even make it to the back page of some sleezy Asian fetish...

Seriously, now she looks like some Japanese character. Hate her so much.

Say it with me, it's the "... ..... ...." pose.

Starring: Julie Andrews in...

The Sound of Music 2.

Maha's Fantastic Dinner

Well, I said Maha's, but I am sure there's a true chef responsible for the night. By the by, Maha's from Oman and her Omani dishes are just to die for.

The superb hostesses. Well, two of them anyway. The middle one in green, not so much.

*Grins evilly*

The true chef: you heard me Maha.

After dinner, settled down to watch Naked Gun from one of many Mike's recommendations.

'Cossying' down.

Just realized, maybe I need some new creative pose rather than this dry old one. Yeah right! 'Tak Tentu Arah' Rocks.

Had the oppurtunity once again to meet new people. Intro Jamaliah, an extremely sweet girl.

Maha; despite your obvious, countless flaws. You're all right. Really blessed to have met you. Muackz. I hate you for over shadowing my hosting skills though. She at one point stopped watching the movie and prepared hot chocolate for all of us. Argh! All I did was point vaguely towards the tap.

Crap

2008-10-23T21:39:00.002+01:00

Crap!!!

Incapacitated.

Finally confirmed my flight back home on the 16th of December. AND, the best thing is; I'm flying first class. First class I tell you! So going to be a jakun (newbie) and take pictures. However, after the initial excitement died down. Feeling morose all of a sudden. When one doesnt think about home, one cant miss it. But now, when the prospect of going home appeared. I started to miss all of the wonderful things back in Malaysia.

I miss the late nights at the mamak. The sleepovers. The 5am Tai Te games. The movies. All the ridiculous birthday parties. The road trips. The vacations. Hitting a monkey on the way to Tioman. The stupid things we all do. The horrible mockery; and best of all, the laughs. How I wish our life in IMU never changed. They always say our University time are the best, and now I know why.

To sum it all up, I miss all of you. Seriously! 56 Days to go and counting.

Swamped...

2008-10-14T00:49:00.015+01:00

Feeling guilty taking time off studying to blog this. Haiz. It just have to be done I suppose. Chargeeeeee!!!!

Hmmmm. Raya this year was weird. Most people say it falls on the 30th of September 2008; while others say it's on the 1st of October. Since MY birthday falls on the 29th, I guess Raya on the 30th is a cosmic sign saying I should celebrate two events in one. :-D Besides, since I starved myself for one month, I guess a back to back celebration is sorely needed.

Think what I missed most during my birthday is the close friends that I've come to cherished this past few years. Somehow, there was this irrational part of me that believed they'll burst through the door singing;

"Oh why were you born so beautiful?

Oh why were you born at all,

You're no bloody use to anyone,

So just GIVE UP, GIVE UP, GIVE UP!!"

Damn Avinder and her accursed birthday song. Also missed the embarrassingly ridiculous attempt by YX to hide the surprise cake and all. Miss Deb's Birthday message at exactly 12:01 am. Sigh. Miss trying out new things on my buffday back home.

Would have spiralled into despair were it not for the Mancunians who boldly took up the mantle. :-D. Muaczking you all. Special thanks goes out to brother Kee Fong who arranged the whole thing. It kinda spoils the suprise when he arranged the whole thing right beside me, with comments summore. Haha.

There's a picture of a naked lady behind us. You can see her clothing falling off...

Am I such a sucker for green? Does everyone know green is my thing?

Food there was awesome. Worth the price as well.

One thing I realized since I was here is that we Asians love to pose. Must be genetic.

Mentioned to the Ang Mou's that Saw V is coming out soon and that we have to watch it. Flabbergasted, I found out that they don't follow the series. Like what the heck? How can you NOT watch Saw? Arghh! Since I was the birthday boy and all, made a special request for a Saw marathon day plus Saw 5 at the movies. Hehehe! Also made another special request for everyone to wear green. Hey, mother nature decided a very long time ago that green goes with everything. Who are we to decide otherwise?

Damn Andy! Damn Him. My eyes, my eyes...

Hmmm, should have asked Tom to take his jumper off; can't see the green t-shirt. Only Andy didn't adhere to the dress code, he did make it up by having a green leaf on his hair for the entire night. Awwww, bless him! Still an ass***e for not wearing green though.

Oh yeah, forgot to thank Tom for his gracious hospitality to have us at his house. Was sorely tempted to get a PS3 after having a go on his. Arghhh!! Guess I'm easily addicted to anything.

And along came raya...

Since we were all so full from the restaurant, we decided to postpone my cake cutting ceremony for Raya. Since there isn't really anything much to do here during Raya, decided to have a small gathering at my place to eat Nasi Lemak once again. Haha! Actually wanted to make pulut and all, but no one knew how to make them; let alone the rendang. Finally settled on the next best thing Malaysia's famous for- Nasi Lemak lo. Oh, a note to future Chef's out there, dont use too much santan with the rice; something we learned the painful way. The main course was cold by the time we washed away all the santan and cooked the rice again. Gah!!

Thanks for making my Raya- as well as Siti's, more... colourful. Love you all.

They didn't buy candles, how sad it that? Haha. Dun care, candles or no candles, still making my birthday wish (my 2008 birthday wish is for my 2009 birthday cake to have candles in it so that I don't look like a fool blowing an imaginary candle; Amen!).

Jeez, I look like I've never had a cake before.

That's for not buying me a candle. Take that!! Stabby stabby stabby...

Received a call from Siti saying that the Malaysian Society is having a Raya Celebration. Was kinda reluctant to go at first, till she utters the magic word-there's free food. Free freaking food I tell you. Haiz, so Malaysian...

Besides, where else will I get a chance to wear my Baju Melayu that I brought all the way from Malaysia.

The Malaysian Society Liaison Lady. The gathering was a huge success, thanks to her.

It's great to know that Raya can take place anywhere. Even in this sports hall.

Told you I am going to get you on camera one day Aslam.

Allow me to digress- it's autumn here, and the scenery's gorgeous!

A pose that needs no introduction.

Jasmin here is part Pakistani, part Malay, and part British. How cool is that?

It's weird you know, when you jump from one world to another. I mean, the Raya celebration was in the morning, then headed out to Andy's party that same night. From Baju Melayu in the morning to Topman/GAP clad at night. Man I love MANCHESTER!!!!

Met several people at the party, but those worthy of note is Marie and Yanus (spelling?). Marie is this fantastic bubbly person that just injects life into any party. Yanus was one of the hosts. Brilliant guy, sociable and damn funny. Andy as usual is you know what. Haha!! He's so going to kill me for painting him as an alcoholic.

Andy without Alcohol is a grumpy... Hahaha!! OK Ok I'll stop taking the piss out of you now. Muackz.

Been pretty busy this week. Handling work, studies and... the Dundee people. :-D They're staying till this Thursday, no idea what to show them though.

Chun Seng, Lily, Hwei Wan, Jia Yu, Vivian, Angelene and Me at Manchester's Eye/Wheel.

Spent most of the Sunday with them. It was a pity that I had to leave early to study for my PBL on the next day.

The Manchester's Public Library is behind us. It's a library and a theatre at the same time. :-D

Somehow I never seem to be in all the nice pictures. :-p

Where there's an arch, there's a pose.

Angelene loves taking slanted pictures. It works though.

Think I mentioned somewhere it's autumn here.

Beautiful.

We're always dwarfed by the architecture.

The Mancunians plus my temporary roomate- who happens to be extremely messy by the way. Ish!! Got you there didn't I Chun Seng?

Mancunians and Dundonians out.

On the way back today, found this waiting for me at the reception.

It's such an uplifting emotion, to feel not forgotten. Almost cried, well... almost. It's just a parcel people.

Not going to tell you the contents. Muahahahah!! *evil grin* Want to keep you guessing.

Anyway, think you can guess who it's from.

THANK YOU DEBBI. LOVE YOU LOADS...

XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOXOOXOXOXOX.

168 Long Hours

2008-09-30T01:12:00.015+01:00

Argh! Can barely keep myself sane for the last 168 hours. So freaking tired all the time. *Sigh* Been running on auxiliary battery. The energizer bunny died long time edi liao. With the 9am-5 pm schedule, you barely have time to yourself. When I do get home, the only thing on my mind is catching the much wanted ZzZ's. Sleeping on average at 10pm each night. Early right?

There's so much to learn, and yet so little time to finish all the tasks. I think that's probably the most important thing you have to learn; the fickle time management.

My apartment is on the right.

Monday and Tuesday: Lecture from 9-5. Get home, change, read a few things. Sleep.

Wednesday: Lecture lecture lecture. Meet Fleur and Ngie Chang from Preston. Sleep.

Thursday and Friday: IPE (Inter-Professional Experience- follow other hospital staff other than Dr's) 9-5 pm. Since I was allocated to the X-Ray department, took the opportunity to visit the CT, MRI, X-Ray and Vascular Laboratory department. My lord, the freaking place is huge. The vascular laboratory in particular was interesting. Managed to observe an angioplasty procedure lasting for almost 3 hours. Feet felt like dropping off- more so when I was wearing the lead apron.

Medical student wear green scrubs. Which was awesome for me, Go Green.

I think we as future Dr's take for granted the work done by radiographers. Only when I was there that I realized a fundamental flaw in my radiography concept. There's a lot of behind the scenes work being done to obtain that simple black and white film (well, there's no such thing as a film now. All the scans are electronically uploaded into a central server that's readily available to all department. Gone are the days of searching for that pesky hard copy films).

Those scans are then electronically sent to an 'Advanced Window Room' to be viewed by an attending Dr and he'll state his observation + diagnosis. Those comments are then directed to the physician who ordered the scan; who'll then start a management plan. That means ladies and gentleman, scan to treatment plan can be done in less than 1 hour without having anyone running all over the hospital. How freaking cool is that?

Random pic.

Come Thursday night, definitely need a booster. First of all, I really hate those kind of weird comedy with starring actors like Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler; but Tropic Hunter is a definite must watch. Nearly peed myself at one of the scene- you'll know which scene when you watch the movie. :-D

Maha, finally got you on camera. Yay!

This restaurant/bar was just opposite the cinema. Was so amazed at the variety of coloured-ever changing lights that I couldn't help myself from snapping away.

Brother KF came over on Friday night to stay at my place due to the early morning trip we had on Saturday.

7:49 train bound to Liverpool

Woke up at 6:30 am for the much anticipated trip to Cheshire Oak (shopping galore). 4 and a half hour (involves a train change at Liverpool and a good 15 minute walk) later, finally reached our destination.

Shop. Can you spot my favourite brand?

More shops.

Even more shops. Must have died and gone to heaven. :-D

The place is so vast. By 6:00 pm, only managed to enter some of the shops (having spent a small fortune enough to run a small country for a day). Since the place closes at 7:00, literally skipped along to find a few more items to strike off the check list.

6:40; Phone rings.

6:40; KF (panicky voice): Hey Min, did you take my Nike Bag? I can't find it. It has my jacket I worn this morning in it. I think I've lost it.

Me (stopped in my track): Where are you? I'm coming.

6:45; Found KF in a state.

Me: What happened?

KF: I think someone stole my bag. I was sure it was with me when I entered the Adidas Shop.

6:50; Tried viewing the Adidas CCTV, but the Adidas security was extremely unhelpful. It was obvious he didn't really view the CCTV and was eager to get rid of us.

Me: Retrace your steps then to make sure.

6:55; KF: ****. All the shops I visited are closed. The damn jumper has RM 4k worth of valuables in it.

6:58; Made a report at the customer service and the security.

Security: I'm sorry. I have no idea how to operate the CCTV (or words to that effect). Why don't you come in the morning and talk to Mr.C. He'll know what to do.

KF/Me: But we live in Manchester, that's a good two hour away.

7:00; WTF! WTF! WTF!

7:30; Me; *makes a phone call* Hey Sharmaine (who stays in Liverpool), I need to come back to Cheshire Oak tomorrow morning; there's been a situation. Can I stay at your place for tonight. If I go back to Manchester today, I'll waste my time travelling back to Cheshire Oak. From Liverpool to Cheshire Oak it's only 40 min.

Sharmaine: Of course you can stay over, don't waste money on trying to find a hotel there. Just stay with me. (My god, I love this woman- muackz).

7:40;Me trying to calm KF; Look, we can't do anything here now. Let's go back to Liverpool and get things sorted out in the morning.

9:00; Reached Liverpool.

Thanks Li Shan (spelling?), Hui Ling (spelling?) and Sharmaine for taking us in. KF and I split after dinner. I went to stay with Sharmaine. Was so tired that I just slept immediately.

Unexpected guests from Glasgow.

Sunday Morning; Met with Mr.C.

Mr.C: You need to give me a couple of hours to view yesterday's footage.

4 hours later (managed to spent yet another small fortune whilst waiting), we viewed security's CCTV. Confirmed KF went into Adidas with the bag and left without it. Spent almost 3 hours handling matters with security. When we finished with security, we shopped yet again (oh my god, no self control whatsoever). Left Cheshire Oak around 7pm feeling quite depressed. Hope of getting the stuff back dwindled to almost nothing. Stopped by Liverpool to get our stuff and promptly depart to Manchester. Reached Manchester at 10:40pm. KF slept over again since he was so tired that night and left at 6:30am on Monday morning for an early class.

If this whole incidence has taught me anything, it's too appreciate your friends. When I see KF in his lost and distraught state, it reminds me of the countless time when I have been in similar situation myself. Usually, it's me that's in the receiving end of God's bad luck. It's only when I'm on the helping side that I realized 'shit, this is hard work'. I mean, there were times when it took all my strength not to shout at KF for making irrational requests. To just take it in and carry his requests out. No questions asked.

Hell, to think of all the times I placed Deb (and others) in those kind of situations. I am just amazed at the amount of shit we endured for the sake of friendship. To those who had their fair share of my... Thanks so much for everything, really glad to have you all. Muackz.

I think KF kinda accepted the fact that he probably won't get his items back. He's still trying to cope with it -praying that everything turns out well.

Went home and calculated the amount spent. Bloody hell!!!! Hope my parents don't find out how much I've spent.

p.s As I am writing this, I officially ended my 22nd birthday and ushered in Hari Raya (UK celebrates it on the 30th of September). To those of you who wished me 'Happy Birthday', thanks so much ya for remembering. To the close friends who should know better, SHAME ON YOU! Muahahahaha! May guilt surrounds you for years to come. :-D

Housewarming

2008-09-21T14:08:00.005+01:00

I don't think people realised how important it is to give meaning to the word 'home'. When I left Malaysia, that word was wrenched away, cruelly twisted and left to dry. How can you possibly call a place a home when you visit it once a year?

It has become a house.

My parent's house to be exact- but my home? Maybe.

To be homeless is a terrible thing. There is a sense of lost and misdirection that tugs the soul. When I finally moved in, I have this overwhelming urgency to call this place my own. To have laughter ingrained into the walls, to let life- my life, settle and blankets the room. A place to belong, a place to call home.

***

Thanks to all the MRI and Hope people who came down and help me move.

The summer accommodations

Tada!

I am not exaggerating, the toilet is just a wee bit bigger than an airplane's latrine.

Note the same bedspread as the one I had in Vista. Oh, you can't have a place without plants.

Anyway, was talking about my new home to the Ang Moh's (thanks Deb for the spell check) and the idea of a Nasi Lemak dinner just popped out from nowhere. It's been such a long time since I cooked it, but I am sure it's like ridding a bike; once you learned it, you'll never forget. Had them over at my place and eating was supposed to commence at 7:30pm. We actually ate around 8:50pm (I was still running on Malaysian time). Sorry ah.

When they came over, I still haven't cooked the ayam masak kicap (don't think they can just eat the ikan bilis) and the sambal. Quickly cooked the ikan bilis and warned them off the smell. They said...said...it smelled like urine, haha!! I think we're so used to the smell that it doesn't affect us anymore. Not to brag, but our sambal and ayam masak kicap was awesome!!!

Thanks Step for being the best helper ever! Couldn't have managed it without her. I am not a fan of Kacang, but her kacang tasted yummy.

Note the banana leaf. I even bought it for the authentic feel.

They started with utensils, but after a while, they just gave up and used their hands. Steph and I had to do a mini-intro on how to use your hands properly. *smirks*

Finished it off with Mike's brilliant apple crumble that he made from scratch. It was freaking delicious I tell you. Still slobbering from the thought of it. Thanks Katie for the ice creams and thanks Andy and Tom for the drinks.

Apparently, our next meal together is going to be a typically British home cooked meal. Can't wait to see what they can come up with. Not to sound Kiasu, but definitely have to work on my culinary skills if they managed to beat me sound with their cooking.

Oh, before I end. If you guys are planning to cook for the Ang Moh's; tone down the spiciness and our erm, more traditional food- like Sotongs. :-D

On Things Big and Small

2008-09-17T21:40:00.015+01:00

Phew. Finally, everything is settled. Accommodations: Tick. Uni stuff: Tick. Financial stuff: Tick. Internet: Tick Tick Tick.

I'll take forever to blog this past month since I've been to too many places and done too many things. I'll just give you snippets then. I'll leave out all the academic related issues first; I'll blog them later- already got loads of stuff to talk about.

Anywhoo, spent the first month getting to know this very metropolitan city. Much is as I remembered it. Weather is just as temperamental. People just as polite. Place just as clean- more or less.

First stop in this very lengthy journey:

Spices are abundant here. If you know how to cook, you're sorted.

No, not the curry; but to the place where the curry was cooked. :-p. I was extremely fortunate when the Malaysian Student Association representatives picked Siti and me up from the airport. When they found out that I haven't settled my accommodation, I was quickly ushered into a spare room in their house. I am very thankful to their generosity.

My generous benefactor- Asrar. Took a picture of Aslam (there were two of them), but I only discovered that it was badly blurred like 5 min ago. Bah humbug!

Second stop; I love all these old architectures

Trying to emphasize the vastness of the area

The next day after arrival, I found out that my permanent hall here in the UK would not be ready until the 18th of September. When I found out that I'll inconvenience my host for a month, I decided to move out into the university's summer accommodations. Kinda thankful for that actually. It's nice to have your own place. More so when you have the biggest, nicest park in Manchester just across the road.

The lake is shaped like a heart to symbolise that it's the people's lake. Awww, so cute.

Took this picture to show Wei Chun that Manchester's duck is just as cute. So hah!

Since I am going to be at the summer accommodations for quite some time, I'm going to need some furnishing.

You got three guesses to decide where we are?

Fast forward a week or two, and the rest of the Manchester people trickled along one by one. I think our first gathering plus our trustworthy and helpful seniors was at Kebabish.

Maybe I'm used to our Malaysian Naan, but nothing here can even come close to our mamak's. Definitely missing that. Huhu.

Much to my surprise, I found out that I am not the only one interested in photography.

My, what big lense you have grandma.

Salute comrade Ken Fong!!

Second gathering was at Arndale. Their equivalent of Mid Valley's first two floors. It's much nicer though.

Third gathering. The entire batch of Mancunians- split into three hospitals.

Left to right: Me (Manchester Royal Infirmary [MRI]), Ushank (Preston Royal), Rochana (Preston Royal), Aqil (Preston), Fleur (Preston), Jane June (Preston) , Ngie Chang (Preston), Lily (MRI), Stephanie (MRI), Kee Fong (Hope), Angelene (MRI), Siti (Hope) and Wilfred (Preston).

Fourth gathering: Pearl City. Menu: Steamboat- reminds me of Deb's and Yx's haunted steamboat minus the wannabe scary decor.

Fifth gathering was at Preston on a Saturday, which was a good 50 minutes away by train from MRI. The MRI and Hope people get to see each other once in a while- but the Preston people are kinda secluded from the rest of us.

Well, I say fifth gathering, but only Kee Fong and I made our way there for their pot luck dinner. Was actually hesitating on whether I should go or not, since my first ever UK PBL was on the following Monday. That Saturday and Sunday would definitely have been wasted- especially when I had to sleep over that Saturday. But you know what? Glad I did go though. I met some really cool Prestonians there, especially Warrick- a Cambodian Chinese who's freaking hilarious and a great Bully. Kudos also goes to Simon and Ana who played...played... MAFIA till 5 am in the morning with us. Haha!! We've infected them with our Mafianess.

Thanks for the food- especially the effort to make the food Halal. Muackzz..

Don't know why, but when I am in Manchester, I am less inclined to take pictures here. Keep on thinking that there's plenty of time to do it. Need to be slapped- remember the Prom incident Min? *Waits for Deb to slap Min*.

Half of Preston Hospital, or was it the old Hospital? Don't ask me- it's complicated.

You'll only get this kind pic in the UK I'm afraid.

This is the main road by the way. Note how empty it is, and it's only 7 pm on a Saturday. On a Saturday for God's sake. In Malaysia, this road would be teeming with people.

Kee Fong. Dun perasan ok? You only get a personal picture because you helped me move into my permanent residence. Technically, the whole MRI and Hope people turned out, but he carried the heavy stuff. :-D

Fleur. She gets a personal pic as well because she's the only one kind enough to bring me around Preston while everyone else is still with the Sand Man.

That brings me to my last stack of pictures. Want to really really really give a big hugsies to my PBL mates who've made me feel more than welcomed into the UK. Was actually quite afraid of being an outsider. My eccentricities is not everyone's cup of tea, dun ye gentle folks know?

Left to right: Katie, Tom, Mike, Me and Andy. Missing out Stephanie, Maha and Friyana who couldn't make it. Will hunt those ladies for pictures later.

Shoot, can't remember these girls' name who joined our table.

Har har! I know I am short. Don't patronize me. Hmph!!

Love this pic: very genuine.

Andy trying to get that bottled of beer open.

Mike: what a freaking poser! He's the most easy-going guy I've ever met. Don't even know he could physically frown.

Muahahahah!!! Kajen's Tak Tentu Arah has spread to the UK

A Chapter Closed

2008-08-25T18:33:00.018+01:00

I have reached the full stop of a very lengthy chapter. My eyes refocus whilst my hand inexorably grasp the next page, only to discover with dismay that a blank page awaits me; waiting to be turned.

And so it has come to pass. My life in Malaysia has come to a close, to a full stop. It's time to inhale and began anew. It has not escaped my attention that the past is invaluable. I will usher the experiences and life lessons learned previously into the new chapter. I must not be sad, for nothing has been lost. It has merely been stored, ready to be exhumed after a lengthy pause.

This post will officially mark the end of a chapter.

Goodbye Malaysia...

XXX

After much deliberation, trying to fit everything into every one's time and budget; finally decided on Langkawi. Plan was to meet Meg in Penang, spend one night there then on towards Langkawi.

Since we all never took the train in such a long time. Decided to revive old memories

And adding new ones...Awww, so sweeeeett

Nothing much occurred in Penang. Arrived around 5:30 am and check-in into our hotel in Batu Feringgi around 8:00 am. Hotel was nice whilst the beach was dirty- didn't even bother with them. Met Megala at the Kek Lok Si temple entrance around 12 noon. Climbing up all the way to the top is really not for the faint hearted. Made a mistake of climbing it around noon. Really siao; sweat was pouring from every orifice (might be exaggerating slightly).

Kept on imagining those Kung Fu movies where the hero would step on this to cross the water

If only she posed properly as instructed; this would have been perfect. She got the nerve to shout at me sumore. The cheek!

A much needed rest

The Tiger Boy

The Rabbit Folks

The Ox Girl

Meg was telling us all about the guardians which inspired us to...

The Guardian of Evils

The Guardian of Good

One of the many buildings there, obstructed some one's praying because of this shot. Haiz

Kek Lok Si: So unfortunate that the place was being renovated

Was so unbelievably tired from all the walking that we retired into our hotels and slept till late evening. Since you can't visit Penang without going to Gurney Drive...

Dear Lord, I've grown fat. All the pictures shows it.

Maybe it's because of this. Sien...

Since our tour guide has no other suggestions on where to go, we went to Gurney Plaza and... and... watched a movie. Haha! You can take a person away from KL, but you can't take the KL out of a person. :-D

Woke up early the next day due to the early ferry we're suppose to catch. Took the ferry due to the congested Penang Bridge. Another revived memory from early childhood. Never remember the wind to be so strong though...

All that hair product, wasted so early in the morning

Titanic pose; which prompted laughter from the crowd. Shamefulness

Reached Langkawi around mid noon

On arrival, we quickly searched for a car rent dealer. Actually, it was the other way round, the car dealer came to us. Hounding was more like it. The strategy was most effective if I may so myself. It was hard getting away from him. After making excuses to go to the toilet, the guy finally relented and backed off. Found him again whilst looking around. Since he has the best deal, and because we can't really be bothered to look around anymore, just signed with him.

There was a choice between a Proton Waja and a Proton Iswara. Wanted to go for the Waja, but realized then that I was inept at a manual. Hey! The car moved ok, it's just noisy between changing gears. Not my fault.

Quickly check-in at the Sunset Beach Resort; the place was awesome for the price range. Would recommend it to those on a tight leash. Got on the car again, head for lunch, and then off to the cable cars.

The thing was damn scary wei. I have a tolerance for heights, but even I feared for my life

That UFO thing behind us is the pinnacle

The pictures don't really do justice to the majestic scale of the contraption. Just believe me when I say it's a sight to behold. If you were ever in Langkawi and don't give this a go, you would have missed out on something wonderful.

On the UFO things

UFO's has landed

Scariest 'Titi Gantung' ever

By the time we reach the foothills, it was late in the evening. Got time for only one more stop, the hot springs...

As usual, Debbo's big head disrupt the shot. Sign behind her reads
"Dilarang mencelup kaki"
Which was what we did. :-D

Headed for dinner where this accidental shot was taken. Note Deb's scary look, Meg's barely discernible face and Yx's head which was replaced by huge glowing orb

Day two in Langkawi was beach day. It was sun, sand, and water all the way.

First stop: Dayang Bunting Park

Off we go

Long hair's a bit** here

Can you spot the pregnant lady? Legend has it that if you were to submerged yourself in the water, you will get pregnant. Don't think Deb and Meg has any plans for childbirth any time soon.

Stop 2: Eagle Feeding

Stop 3: Pulau Basah

Pic of the trip or a F&N advert?

On the Jetty

Love this pic

Again, around noon. Much needed shelter

Pretty no?

What's the point of having a blog if you can't SS and post a huge picture of yourself? Muahahahahah!!!

Stop 4: Sunset at Pantai Tengah

The resort breakfast lounge

Things you must do while on the beach:

The mandatory Jump Shot

The mandatory jump shot from behind

Collect seashells

Laugh at something funny

Cherish each other's company

Read your favourite book

Last day of our trip. In the blink of an eye, our precious time ebbs away.

Sunrise:

I suppose a trip to the beach is never complete without involving the sand. Hence;

'Catch' of the trip

Goodbye then,

Goodbye Langkawi

Goodbye my friends

Goodbye Dear Deb

Leaving Malaysia: Bits and Pieces

2008-08-24T14:34:00.004+01:00

Part 1: Getting Things Ready

Life is hectic. Has always been, and will always be. No matter how much you strive not to, you always end up doing things last minute; with terrible repercussion. Can you believe that my unconditional offer letter from Manchester University arrive 6 days before I leave? Can you believe that my visa was completed on the morning of my flight? Can you believe that up till now, my accommodations has not been settled? Lucky I have kind seniors to stay with till then.

Part 2: The Final Goodbye's

Saying goodbye? It isn't easy. How could you possibly express what you feel in words and gestures? If I could wish for something right now, I would wish for the ability to communicate without words. To truly express myself to those I have left behind. I miss you guys so much...

I have always love photography. But right now, I hate every single pictures I have. I can't bare to look at them. They are a constant reminder of what I have lost- a cruel mockery, taunting and jeering behind their electronic prison. The camera feels different under my touch during several feeble attempts to use it. The weight feels unwelcoming, strange and alien.

Part 3: The Flight

This is it, me, leaving Malaysia. Deb and Yx saw me off just now. Couldn't look into their eyes, eyes cast downward; I held it in.

Every mile I pass takes me further from home. I welcome the sleep and sink into darkness.

Heathrow was horrible. Immigration asked us to visit Health Control. How the heck am I suppose to know I should hand carry my chest X-ray, the report and my unconditional offer? It wasn't this difficult to gain entry last time.

About to reach Manchester. Weather is gloomy with overcasts sky. The plane ascended higher, clouds parted and revealed a whole new world. A shiver ran upwards from my toes; the sun- so much hope.

Part 4: On Arrival

Life once again hurtle you into a hectic momentum. So much things to do, to sort out. Need my accommodation to be settled. Praying for the best.

Aching heart...

Just touched down in London town... American Boys...

2008-08-23T13:16:00.002+01:00

Damn jet lag. Irregular sleeping times. Haiz.

Just woke up from a slumber- still feeling groggy. No pics yet because I cant be bothered to upload any; didn't even took pictures of the airport. Huhu!

K, signing off. Got to join some Malaysian function thing.

Taa.

Birthday Came Early This Year

2008-08-17T13:31:00.007+01:00

Haiz; and so it arrives. The last goodbyes. Trying to fit everyone into my very hectic schedule, but I'm afraid I can't accommodate everyone. Some goodbyes will not be exchanged; for better or for worse.

What really hit it home was when I discovered that this would be the last time I say goodbye to Megala and York Xiong. *Sigh* That, and knowing that this is my final weekend in Malaysia. I always expected another week, another day or another second with friends and family, but that time is morbidly advancing.

Oops, getting close to shedding a tear. Tut tut tut. Must change this post's direction.

Anyway. since my birthday would fall when I'm in UK, I received a much unanticipated surprised.

First and foremost, I received a play. You heard me! A somewhat mediocre (hahahahha) performance by none other than our assembled wanna-be-doctors right here in Bukit Jalil. Nearly peed in my pants from laughing. I could upload the video I suppose, I could... but I won't. I'm being selfish. It's mine! Mine! Mine!
A very special thanks goes out to the casts of FRIEND's Spin Off: Where's My Perfect Cookie?

Since I love Thai Food, might as well...

Obviously, a birthday celebration is not complete without the Tak Tentu Arah Pose.

Then we headed out to...

...Sky Bar

before watching a late show; right after a...

...nightly stroll in the KLCC park

Muackzxing you all!

View from our seats. Gorgeous eh?

Where's The Perfect Cookie?

Here it is. Simply delectable

Since I know it'll piss James off; let's upload an uber huge pic of my birthday gift from Debbo.

Haiz, now I need to get her another gift. Knew I should have given her the 8GB Ipod. Manala I tau she spends so much on me.

Huhu! Last cam whoring session with Debbo. Sad...

My early 22nd birthday surprised celebration could not be more perfect!

xxx

Haiz, just got back from Sungai Petani to visit my grandma before I leave. Second time I'm in Kedah within a week. Don't even want to look at the Langkawi pics yet.
*Shudders at the amount of pics in that folder*

If any of you out there wonders where I got my Chinese look from, look no further.

My beloved Grandma

All Over IMU

2008-08-08T18:26:00.011+01:00

Haiz, Can't help feeling that my blog has morphed into pages and pages of pictures without words. Arghh!! There's so much pictures left to upload, got two more albums. Taking pictures faster than I can blog. Ish. Anyway, since I am leaving with Deb and all tomorrow, decided to get this batch of pics out.

***

Since we were all leaving IMU, decided to take one last memento before we left. It's sad, but the various places that hold so much memories for us were replaced by constructions sites or never seen before corridors and entrances. Missed the Debbi's Butt Chair (it miraculously follow the contours of her ass) or the hidden tembok in front of Broadway for studying purposes. Huhu. Still, there's enough place to cam whore without feeling too nostalgic. :-D

Debbi Chai, Qijun

Vishales

York Xiong

Megala

Min Nadzri

Fourth floor: The Discussion Area

Library: The Studying Area?? (rarely visited though)

Library Bookshelves: The Kiasu Scour for Books before Everyone Else Get Their Hands On It

MMS: the Place where An Evil Evil Old Man Resides (Hah! Finally left IMU, don't have to be polite to rude annoying staff members anymore). I really hate that old man. Made my life and everyone else so difficult. Think he forgets that our tuition fees pays for his sorry ass salary. Hmpf!!

The E-Lab: The Mystical Place where Printing NEVER Comes out Right

AAD: The Most Feared Location

'Staircase to Heaven'

MPH: The Place to Accurately Measure How Stupid You Are

In a kinder parallel world, they'll allow this for the exams

Toilets: The Place To Lau Sai (Muahahahahah!!!)

PBL Take 1. Note YX's constipated look and every one's uncontrollable laughter

PBL Take 2: Note YX's still constipated look.

Finally!!
Note Yx's even more constipated look; now joined by Deb's constipated look

Canteen: Ah, Miss Food Avenue

VK: For all your stationary needs

Nokia: Connecting People

From the five of us;
Good luck in all your future endeavours.

Photographers Haven 1: Bukit Tinggi

2008-08-01T22:05:00.007+01:00

Wee, finally cast off the previous template and embraced a new one. Actually, I've grown attached to the previous one; there's something classic about it. However, I've grown tired of the minuscule pictures that the 400 pixel width template allowed me. Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 600 pixels width. Huahahaha. Was contemplating an even bigger jump to 800 pixels, but I guess I should work on my photography skills even more before I should show case my *cough cough* talent.

Bukit Tinggi

Without further ado, the first batch of pictures...

***

The gang

First stop, at the Entrance

As ye might very well know, celebrated James surprised birthday at Bukit Tinggi, along with Avinder's and Swarna's gift handing ceremony. Might as well kill 3 SRC members with 1 trip. Har Har!! Lame I know, it's actually a tribute to Kajen. :-D

I love this pic so much, pity I wasn't in it. Huhu

Three amigos

Three amigos facing the first three amigos.

Woke up early, yada yada yada, surprised James with the location, bla bla bla, reached there via the perilous roads, bla bla bla, nearly died, yada yada yada, finally reached there to find out that the place is blek!

If it wasn't for the company, I would have simply turned the car around (if I drove one) and head back to 1utama (if I had money) where I could continue with the freaking 50++ % off sales (if they actually have clothes that fit my size).

Judge: If you were a striper and we gave you a pole, how would you pose?
All of us: We'll pose to show our assets.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

The much acclaimed Japanese Garden

We looked like "Ju On's"

Tranquility

Expect to do a lot of walking around here

To cut it short, the place is a safe haven for some RnR away from the city; with friends and family (and of course a camera). Aside from it's tranquil surrounding, we KL people were bored stiffless by the second hour. "Is that it?" was probably the most gentle word uttered by us upon reaching the end of a much glamorized street (it took less than 2 min to get from one end to the other; 1 if you exclude stopping to take a pic).

Stupid Kajen and Ave had to leave in the evening because of something or another. :-D Left us poor folks up there stranded. We could have so much fun in the night, but no, they had to leave. We could have had an org..., but no, they just had to leave. Haiz.

This is what they saw on the way out. Cool huh?

*evil laughs*

A trip to Bukit Tinggi is never complete till you visit the Rabbit Farm...

Just look at this cute bugger.

Just look at this cute big bugger

All in all, glad I took the opportunity to spend time with friends. Probably the last outing for some of us eh?

When the haze settled over the hill in the evening, it was like you were in a dream

Muackzing you all. Peace out.

Post Exam

2008-07-08T17:53:00.010+01:00

Phew!! Finally the exam is over, viva list was out yesterday, name was
not on it. Not sure if that's a good sign or a bad one. Now I stand a
chance to fail.*Sigh*. Will not brood over it; just have to wait till Friday
and face come what may.

Anyway, the exam basically screws up all routines whatsoever.
Not only did I not have the time to blog, I didn't release any pictures
that I took to the respective parties; whom by the by are merciless
hounds when it come to demanding pictures.

Was so tempted to register with Facebook so that I can spread the pics,
but my self restrain stands true; besides, I am sure Facebook is going
to be replaced by Assjournal or MonpubisDiaries in a few years. You
just wait.

Note: This is a shout out to all picture hounds out there; I'm going to be in
Uni on Friday with my notebook. Please bring your thumb drive if you
want the pics. Cant afford to burn CD's for everyone. Blek.

Ok, back to the post.

Sorry if the events are a bit scattered, can't be bothered to put it in
chronological order. See what you guys do to me? I no longer have
any measure of time and space. Oh wait, maybe that was because of
the exam, or maybe it was the thousandth cup of coffee *neck twitches
involuntary.*

Hmmm, where to begin. Maybe I should start at the beginning.

I remembered being happy, I am swimming happily in a warm place
surrounded by millions of my brothers and sisters. I remembered
that there was a race going on, and you have to puncture this 'blobbish'
looking thingamajiggy. I knew I won, then all my other brothers and
sister died. So sad! Oh well, better them than me.

Hmmmm.. Maybe not that early aye?

****

Suprised Wei Chun at KLIA with Harnesh, Rachel and Daphne.
Didn't think he expected us. Managed to finally hand him his parting
gift. Took only 30 Minutes to get there from Vista, and about 1.5 hours
to get back.; owing to the disastrous directions given by none other than
our Neshy. Actually reached Seremban Hospital before I realized the
mistake. *sweat*

Since Harnesh gave me bad directions, she's not in the picture. Muahahahhhhahaha!

***

Main picture hounds are probably from the PBL group. *sticks out
tongue*. Brought along my trusted Sony on our last ever PBL in IMU.
Slightly nostalgic for a while at least, before the adrenalin pumping
photo session.

Top: James, Dr.Something (only for one session), Kishensdra,
Thrance and Geoffrey

Down: Pui Fun, Jia Yu, Mei Cheng, Beh, Swarna, Min, + one idiot who
didnt turn up. You know which idiot I am talking about right? Name
starts with "C", sounds likes Chun Seng.

The Boys.
Kishendra looked like he was enjoying it a bit too much though. Jk, 'H' Boy

Candid is the best way to go.
Mei Cheng looks so cool

Min: We need to pose better, every picture we took is just so normal
Beh: Let's carry Min then.
Min: *splutters* Wha.. What!!?
James: Oi, cepat ambik gambar la. Three people need to carry
his leg meh? I'm carrying his heavy body alone.

Pui Fun: I know of a pose. Sue Wen and I always do it one.
Min: What pose?
Pui Fun: Everyone make it look like they're hurting each other.
Once me and Sue Wen do it one ah, we made it like we pushed
each other down the stairs one.
Min *whispers to the rest*: Scarry la that girl!!

***

7atenine

The entire new and old council was supposed to attend. Kinda
disappointed at the turn up. Guess the approaching exam deterred most
of the new council. Glad to get to know them better though. Think
they'll do a fantastic job for their term. Good luck guys.

Can't help ourselves. There was this tall glowing slender twin towers just
within an eye's view. Tell me who can resist that.

***

*Phone rings*
Brendan: Asshole, we're going to 1U, come join us now. Just bring yourself.
Min: Where are you guys now?
Brendan: We're on our way, which part of that don't you understand?
We'll be there in 30 minutes.
Min: What? I can't get ready in 30 minute, give me 1 hour.

*2 and half hours later*

Min: Oi, just got here, where are you?

Lydia, Brendan, Min, Thazin Min (my twin in name), Megala

Eek! We looked like a couple. Sorry ah Bee Ling's boyfriend.
Pose only ah! Jangan marah...

You know how you can spot cam whores? When they take
a picture in a parking lot and the guard stop and smirks.
Embarrassing!!

Promised Lydia I'll make her look pretty in the picture. Pretty enuf? Haiz

Fine, I'll make you look pretty as well Brendan. Jeez!

***

Just got back from Bukit Tinggi today. James' gift was to stay overnight
there. Guess who had to fork out extra to pay for the room? Three
guesses. Haha! It's ok la. Dun mind oso. Consider that my leaving gift to
you oso ah James. Anyway, place is a photographer's heaven. Don't have
the strength to post it now, it'll be a separate one.

Sneak preview. Picture from on top of the highest tower there.

La Fin

2008-06-29T14:57:00.003+01:00

To arms dear Lords and Fair Maidens! Let us brave the EOS tempest
and emerge victorious. To arms!!!

La Fin

Fuck...

2008-06-26T17:10:00.012+01:00

This is a disclaimer. This entry is going to be filled with
profanities. Shoo if you're going to be offended.

fuck /fk/ verb, noun
verb (taboo, slang)
1 [v, vn] to have sex with sb
2 a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to
express anger, disgust or surprise:

[v] Oh, fuck! I can't finish all my notes.
[vn] Fuck it! I’ve missed my chance. Fuck you notes—I’m leaving
you.

fuck me used to express surprise: Fuck me! That stack of notes
seemed to have grown.

fuck around (BrE also fuck about) to waste time by behaving in a
silly way: I wished I had stopped fucking around and studied earlier
A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess about (BrE)
or mess around (NAmE,BrE).

fuck sb around (BrE also fuck sb about) to treat sb in a way that is
deliberately not helpful to them or wastes their time: This EOS exam
keeps messing with me, just when I thought I had it all figured out,
it comes out and fuck with me. A more polite, informal way of
saying this is mess sb about / around (BrE).

fuck off (usually used in orders) to go away: Why can't the EOS exam
just fuck off?

fuck up to do sth badly or make a bad mistake: I’ve really fucked
up this time! A more polite way to express this is mess up.

fuck sbup to upset or confuse sb so much that they are not able to
deal with problems in their life: I am going to completely
mess up my exams, I don't know what the fuck to do anymore.
A more polite way to express this is mess sb up.

fuck sthup to do sth badly or spoil sth: My procrastinating habits...
that shit's fucked up. A more polite, informal way of saying this
is mess sth up.

fuck with sb to treat sb badly in a way that makes them annoyed:
Don't fuck with Min when EOS is here, you'll only get fucked up.
A more polite way to express this is mess with sb.

P.s: Take a look at comment number 3

Stress Buster: Part 3

2008-06-23T15:29:00.003+01:00

It's official. I now have 7 little days left before the 'D-day'. Can not...
shall not...must not mention IT's name. Cortisol level is through the
roof (just finished endocrine).

Went to Carrefour to find much needed essential exam food,
i.e JUNK food. Spent RM 170 on it,wth! Never mind, you get
to go through EOS 5 only once and once only.

Evil, sinful, blasphemous, non-nutritious, delicious, delectable, yum yums.

Sorry Gluteus Maximus, you're going to go through hell this
week. There's only one way to go, and apparently in 2008,
bigger is better, look at J'Lo's.

Stress Buster : Part 2

2008-06-21T20:50:00.002+01:00

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*SCREAMS*

*ROARS*

Reaching a burnt out phase. Can't take studying anymore. Rested
for almost two days without doing anything; and I still have a lot
of systems left to read.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

*Pulls hair*

My only hope lies in...

amen sister...

Stress Buster Part 1

2008-06-19T19:40:00.004+01:00

Haiz, just can't wait to finish EOS. So stressed!! Lately, the comp
has been more than my escape. It's the only thing that keeps me sane
after a straight 5 hours revision spree. Using CS3 is a real stress
buster. Refining techiques at the mom; these two are a bit rough
at the edges. Vista never looked so pretty though, can't help myself
from TAP (taking a picture).

Moving up the Sushi Ladder

2008-06-18T17:27:00.009+01:00

In the beginning, way way way back; Sushi was a definite no no.
Heck, I wouldn't even touch any of the yucky slimy stuff, let alone
let it near my taste buds. Bit by bit, at my Dad's insistence (he's a fan-
plus he travels a lot; thus, he actually gets to taste the authentic
cuisine, rather than all these commercially manufactured clones) I
started experimenting. Began with Tesco's Sushi, then Carrefour's,
then Sushi King and other places, and now (the epitome?), Starhill's Jogoya.

The first round, food was bloody awesome. On the second round (wanted
to make our RM88 worth it) we stuffed ourselves silly.

Third round, nausea.

That started a debate between us; whether we should make the
RM88 memorable and satisfying (stop when you tried everything)
or worth it (gobble everything on sight)? Fight is still ongoing with no
clear winner.

Kev, if you are reading this. Hah!! We went there first. Blek!

Oh, love the patrons there. They're the educated middle class. Think the high price deters the erm...Let's just leave it as a triple dot.

Should have brought notes. We had 4 hours max to stay.

I am sure that the coconuts were a clever ruse to make us full very quickly, very cheaply. We fell for it.

We really really love the coconuts.

Did I mention I we love the coconuts? Deb loved them so much that she wished her big, huge, round, colossal coconuts were...Got you there didn't I Deb? See, lucky you haven't atas-haribulans your blog. I can abuse you in mine. *Evil laugh*

Is there a word for slutty food? The red lights were very, prostitute-ish. Oh oh oh! I just realized something. They were serving fried grubs there. Everyone know fried stuff looks kinda gross, tastes nice, but are very unhealthy. Just like...

The cookie/biscuits deserts were so so only lah.

The crème de la crème must be the ice cream. They serve...wait for it...wait for it... Baskins Robbins. Muawhahahaha!!! Only five flavours though. Deb was over the moon to discover her favourite Jamocha Almond Fudge being there.

The seafood were very very very fresh.

Was feeling so adventurous, that I even ate Roberta; Robertsiella Kaporensis' sister.

Had a lot of time to spare before the 12:30 show. I think it shows.

Kajen saw this picture and said we looked related. Seriously?

Oh, watched Kung Fu Panda (highly recommended) and The
Happening (what the heck? Left the cinema feeling so confused.
I mean seriously... That can be a story line? Seriously.)
on the same day. Movie ended around 3-4 pm, which prompted
Deb to sleep over, which prompted the early morning photo shoot.

Hence ladies and gentleman, this is an exclusive photo. I give you
Min and Deb; uncensored and uncut, how we are in the morning;
without hair gel and combs. I present, Ah Beng No.1 and
Ah Lian No.1.

La La No.1

La La No.2

Home Dusty Home

2008-06-16T20:58:00.005+01:00

How you can tell when your home isn't your home anymore.

When your usual parking space is taken up by a one metal tonne contraption

When your childhood lawn sandbox literally becomes a sand box

When navigating to your front door feels like a maze

When your kitchen has no sink

When the part in cartoons where they open a door and falls into oblivion becomes a reality

When your staircase becomes a health hazard.

When your electrical wiring are not in the walls, but on the walls.

When unsanitary items is on your dining table.

When your living room entertains blocks of cement and tiles rather than people.

When... the only two mammals that are happy with the new living
habitat are miaow and miaow miaow (yup, those are their names)

Miaow

Miaow miaow

Swarna's 21 Buffday

2008-06-15T09:37:00.006+01:00

Hmmm. Busy with revision. Thus, till the exam is over; this is going
to be a picture blog.

Was really looking forward to the event. It's a huge relief to
finally get out of the daily routine of studying, sleep, eat, study,
coffee break, sleep; rinse and repeat.

David and Kaj planned a mini-treasure hunt for Swarna.
She had to guess where the dinner were going to take place, and her limitations? She can only ask close ended (Yes and No) questions. Was pretty sure they didn't really thought it through.

*Phone rings*
Swarna: Min, is the place on the second floor?

*sweats*

She got it on the second/third guess.

Birthday Girl

Birthday Girl being sung to.

Girls being girls

Boys being boys.

Note the different pose between the sexes.

Girls: Let's get an 'awwwww' picture.
Boys: Kamikazeeee!!!!

Just realized the hands were symmetrically poised.

You can tell from the photo that Ave was reluctantly pulled into it.

You know that period of time, when the food haven't arrived or
when you're waiting for the slow pokes to finish theirs; there's an
insane rush to cam whore. The result of that rush...

Min: Oooh oooh, let's find a table an make it look like we're dating.
Harnesh: *Giggles giggles*

The statue in the middle of the picture looks like he's having an orgas...
We choose not to emulate.

Don't ask...

Food's finished...Finally

Picture of a picture. How cool is that?

Min: Group picture people!!!
James: * Disturbs Ave*
Ave: *Shrieks*
*click*
Min: You guys fricking move!!

Five 'tak jadi' shots later,

Min: *Glares at James and Ave*

By the time we finished eating and other activities *cough cough*. It
was pretty late in Garden's. Since we had all that available light,
might as well put it to good use.

My Favourite pic

Every one's favourite pic.

Lost a Friend...

2008-06-10T20:08:00.009+01:00

My parting gift
Remember us...

The handyman can...

2008-06-07T17:51:00.010+01:00

Woot!!!

Managed to ...to... change my car battery. As I am typing this, I
realized how lame this blog entry is; so please just bear with me.

Handyman and Handywoman

Anyway, Stupid car battery died- again!! Fine, maybe the first time
it happened was a cosmic hint to get it replaced. By the by, the first
time it happened; I learned how to jump start a car. Erm, before
Debbi comes up with some very witty remark. Technically, I did
not actually jump start it. Two very kind strangers did for me. :-p
Maybe it was the stranded look, the young inexperienced image we
portrayed or maybe it was the very newbie comment such as,

"The positive should go with the positive right?"
"Now where am I supposed to attached this to?"
"The car won't explode if we do this wrong, right?"

I even printed instructions from the net and all! So hah!!!

Tools for job

The second time it occurred, was actually quite pleased that I'll get a second
chance to try it out. When I finally managed to beg someone to help
me push the car so that my car faced Deb's, the car won't go in neutral.
*Pause dramatically*. Deb as usual took her sweet time in telling us
that. We were pushing the car with the gear on 'park'- thank you Deb
for giving me a hernia. Love you loads.

Called my dad for advice,

Min: Abah! Kereta Min mati lagi sekali. Kali ni tak leh start langsung. Nak letak in Neutral to push pun tak boleh. Rasanyer kena call someone this time.
Abah: Then tukar battery sendiri la. Kereta tu Toyota, nak tukar senang je. Pergi guna credit card and buy a battery. It won't take that long.
Min: Tapi tak leh lock kereta, battery dah mati, picit autolock on the carkeys won't work. Camne nak leave the car? Nanti orang ambik Min punya stuff in the car (my precious shoes)
Abah: Guna otak boleh tak? Manual lock the car la.
Min: *sweats and wonders how he got into medical school*.

Oh well.

Fast forward 1 hour later. I was sweating profusely, hands were all
greasy with oil, formal clothes all skewed, glasses lopsided, and back
aches from carrying the freakishly heavy battery.

Min: Deb, pass me the spanner?
Deb: What's that?

Fast forward another 15 min- the car is purring. Weeee! I really love
the sense of accomplishment from that. Looking back on it now; I'm
sure I was positively bouncing with excitement. Wonder if
this is how surgeons feel when they leave the OT. Can't wait to find
out...

******

Min, Fu Wen and Yeang Wee

Bluetooth the pictures from the battery incident into the comp and
found this completely forgotten pic from the phone. How cool is this?
It's three generations of SRC's Vice Treasurer. Unbelievably lucky
that all of us were in Seremban for three separate reasons.

Expiry date

2008-06-02T06:35:00.004+01:00

Imagine my shock when I opened my PMS result to find this;

I've never really cared where I continue my clinical years, just as
long as I get to study medicine. Having said that, I was quite humiliated
and dejected somewhat to discover that I didn't get my top 5 choices.
Now that, battered my ego a bit. Kept on thinking that I wasn't good
enough. The inferiority complex definitely settled in- for a while at
least.

Then the excited me, the survivor me, the adaptable me took over.
OH MY GOD!!! I'm going to Manchester. Hahah!! Weeee. Can't
believe I got in. The prospects are looking good. I even started
planning my Paris and Rome trip from there. :-D I was too young
to appreciate Paris then, but now- I'll cam whore till the Eiffel
Tower crumbles to dust.

Then the truth sets in. I am leaving in TWO months. Of course
the plans for the next 8 moons have to be disbanded, altered,
or scrapped altogether. There won't be time to find my
high end job after all. Two months is an awfully short time; I am
not that sure if I am altogether prepared for my clinical years-
will have to use that 2 months to prepare. Cannot make it seem
like Malaysian students are useless can we? Patriotic pride and
all that.

With the realization that my time here is limited. I
seem to walk around with a new pair of specs. With it, I can see that
everything, I mean EVERYTHING has an expiry date. What I see,
breathe and touch are all going to expire. My friends, my precious time
with Deb and gang, my new experiences that I'll fail to travel through,
they're all going to expire.

The specs is
on countdown; the silent ticking of a clock that will signal the
expiration of myself.

Min Nadzri: Expiration date- 20th August 2008

Nothing to blog about. So...

2008-05-27T16:31:00.003+01:00

Haiz, before I chase my readers away; need to post something.
Problem is, preparation for EOS 5 has made me a hermit. Nothing
interesting has happened these past few days. Hence, I'll jus show
you what I've been up to on the comp.

Weeee...

Satisfaction on a job well done is great. Purrrrr....!!!

Gay Love

2008-05-21T17:48:00.006+01:00

I realized this might be offensive to some people, so avert your eyes
if you're easily offended. Avert them I say!!!

xxxxxx

It's no secret to my friends that I willingly place career over
love anytime. I always have this idea that if love do happen to stumble
across my path, I would have the strength to close that door till
my career takes off.

The trouble arises when that blasted door fails to close.
What's more; it wont close for...for...for a guy.

Think I need to backtrack a bit...

I first saw him in Ikano whilst out shopping with Deb. The first
time our eyes connected, it was just amazing. I knew at that
instance that he was the one for me. His touch, his character,
...it was just perfect.

Fast forward 2 weeks; now, he's barely out of my room. When I'm
out, I sometime can't stop thinking how he's doing, is he ok, and
what special surprise I should get him. I can honestly tell you now
that his presence during the week prior to CNS exam was
just tremendously helpful. He have this god given gift to calm me
down.

Can't imagine how I managed stress without him.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to Rody.
Guys, meet my saviour...

Squeak squeak!!

She looked like Santa came early this year.

The packaging. You should see the instructions, more complicated than IKEA.

Futuristic time machine

There's no place like a green home

His play area. You should see him on the wheel. So cute.

Voilá. His suite. It looks more impressive than my Vista Bedroom.

Min: Now all we need is a habitant.
Rody: *shrugs neck* You talking about me?

Beginning of the End

2008-05-13T19:44:00.008+01:00

Well, one more historic goodbye- our last SRC Photo shoot. I already
bid farewell to Seremban Hospital, CSU, and my last 'Academic'
lecture. Soon enough, I'll have
to say goodbye to Wei Chun who's leaving on the 10th of June.
Although our official hand of power to the new council is on the 12th
of June, SRC wont be SRC anymore without papa Chun.
No more 'enchanted' moments. This momentous event will
chisel in stone the end, the downfall of SRC 07/08.

Soon after, I'll bid farewell to Megala, David, and Kajen. Within a
blink of an eye, I'll say goodbye to Debbo, Yx, James, Swarna, Ditts,
Ave, Harnesh, Charlotte, Sheah and Mervin.

I'll have to say goodbye to the Debites sleep overs, the late nights,
the ungodly midnight movies, the tyring out new places to eat,
the simple act of just being friends.

Lastly, I'll say goodbye
to Malaysia. This country ain't perfect, but I sure as hell will miss it's
rustic charm. 2 and a half years seems to have disappeared way
quicker than anticipated.

Goodbye's are horrible; at it's core- it's signifies a permanent
separation with only a hint of union. I've never been that
good with long distance friendships; my UK friends, my secondary
school friends, my MPH friends are all living testament to that.
I hate goodbye's, it means there's a chance I wont ever see you
again.

But perhaps, time can change one man. Maybe I have matured
enough within these past few years to have built a foundation
strong enough to withstand the onslaught of change.

Time can only tell.

I hope, with all the pictures we've taken together, you'll remember
me,and more importantly, know that I am fondly thinking of you.
Without presence, without emotions, without words,
know that I have you in my heart,

Of course we'll be sad.

Sad of leaving cam-whores.

Sad of leaving pseudo-wanna-be models.

Sad of leaving 11 very cool people

An Eruption of Change

2008-05-13T18:16:00.005+01:00

The land moans and the earth shudders.

It has began.

Spews of ashes descends slowly, lightly, unnoticed, till it engulfs the
entire terrain. It blankets the scene, turning a once familiar area into
something alien. An irrevocable transformation of perception has
occurred. The impending volcanic eruption of change that is to come
signals the end of what we've come to know. The scorching lava will
mercilessly burn any remnant of what we've so arduously built these
past two and half years.

It has began.

Gazing ahead, the present becomes a blur, giving way to the future.
The process of detaching ourselves is on the way. We are
already preparing for the flight. This once fertile land is now
inhabitable. We'll flee; to survive.

Clutching our precious memories, experiences and a few memorabilia,
we'll head forward; to a new safe haven- to a new beginning.

The change has began, we are waiting for the climax.

Of Hair and More

2008-05-11T07:18:00.008+01:00

Just before I start on my main topic. Some updates...

Much akin to EOS 1 and EOS 3, the stress diarrhoea is back. This
is probably the longest spree yet. EOS 1 was only 1 week prior to
exam and EOS 3 was for 2 measly weeks. EOS 5 is coming up in
7 weeks. Don't know how I can tahan that long. Although, the silver
lining means that I can eat much more and not gain weight right?
Beauty of diarrhoea.

Another thing, mom received the bouquet of flowers and was
overjoyed. The 99 red roses idea failed miserably due to lack of
funding. With one stem costing RM5 each, that would have set me
back RM500- woot! So reverted to plan B: something elegant and
sweet. One dozen red roses. Just a little bit of knowledge for you
ignorant people out there *wink wink*. 12 red roses represents
eternal love. The number 12 is considered a perfect "round"
number. Look at 12 hours of the day, and 12 months of the
calendar. Cool huh? Different colours meant different things
as well. Still haven't gotten her something though... :-D

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

It's that time again. The cosmos turning point, that earth shattering
decision of 'shall I cut my hair?' Well, maybe it's not that earth
shattering after all. It would be such a shame though; if everyone
discovered that the end is fast approaching just because I made the
wrong decision hairstyle wise.Oh well. I'm sure I can live with
it. :-D

Anywho, been living with the same short hairstyle for the past 20
years. Think it's time to keep it long and see what happens.
Besides, you can never do all these cool (subject to individuality)
hairstyles. By the by, not trying to emulate Narcissus, just thought
this cam-whoring session might be fun.

Tada, the 12 hairstyles you can try when you're bored...

No.1 -The prom look: which I did incidentally use for the ball

No.2- The Sleek Back Look; looks like the prom look though

No.3 - The Just Woke Up Look

No.4 - The Joker Look: Supposed to be half groomed half messy. Not sure I pulled it off.

No.5 The Adolescence Geek: aka Kambing Look

No.6 -The Mohawk: Chargeeeee!! *poke poke Swarna*

No.7 -The Electrocuted Look

No.8- The Wolverine Look: Yup, I used spoons for props.

No.9 - The Spiral: Damn, you can't see the right side curves. Haiz!!

No. 10 - The Superman Look; inspired by Kajen

No. 11 - The Apek: Hmmm. So tempted to use this look for Uni.

No. 12- Suave?? Yay, found my new hairstyle for the next few days. :-D

On a Quest for an Adventure Extraordinaire

2008-05-06T21:36:00.012+01:00

I've grown accustomed to my repetitive routine.

I yearn for something.

I've been nestling this rather peculiar instinct of mine for weeks, and
now, it's hardly containable. It's extremely hard to describe, but it's
just... just this feeling of wanting something extraordinary,
something more. I've been actively on the lookout for something
that will accommodate my friends and I, but it's hard.

I love my friends to bits, but looking for something that will cater to
everyone means that there's compromises to be made. It'll be a
collective thing, discussions would be made, plans preformed,
schedules have to be checked, and dates cleared. Wouldn't it be
just lovely to do what you want? No compromises, no questions, no
doubts. When I get the chance, I'll just pack and leave. It's time to
fly solo.

The world at my fingertips

Arriving at this new found realization, the world seems much smaller.
There's nowhere I can't go or do (without boarding a plane). Thought
of just jumping onto one of those bunk train and go anywhere-the
destination's irrelevant. When I get there, I'll know what to do. I've
also been wanting to just drive to some secluded beach and sleep
underneath the heavenly stars. I can go hiking, and camp beside
a lake somewhere.

Oh, how I would love to just run amongst these trees; carefree and joyful.

The possibilities are endless. With my car and a somewhat modest
budget, I can go anywhere and see anything. I'm sick and tired of
being bogged down with the mundane, I want to escape. The
mundane will still be here waiting when I get back; patiently waiting
to envelope me once more.

As long as my camera and iPod is with me, I'll be more than content.
I know the CNS exam is coming up, and EOS soon after, but why
should this be a hindrance? I can spare a day. After 21 years, I've
learned this much; sitting idly for a change to come is pointless, we
chase what we want and we take what we want.

Randomness

2008-05-04T17:05:00.003+01:00

Gah!!! Can't concentrate. Dr.Nilesh's notes is driving me crazy. Took a breather and decided to photoshop old pictures.

Haiz, wish I was studying since Sem 4

Voilá

James' and Ave's Birthday Cake

2008-05-03T15:48:00.013+01:00

Woot!! What a hectic day Friday turned out to be. Friday was packed with CSU, PBL, SRC Meeting, SRC vote counting and
James' and Ave's Surprise.
I won't dwell too much on the mundane, but the SRC Vote Counting was definitely filled with drama and erratic emotions. Actually, to be frank; the whole SRC 08/09 Election was a melodrama. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to disclose them; when we step down perhaps (*wink wink*)? I definitely want to get a few things off my chest, especially with regards to SRC's Friend, Our Friend, and the dot dot dot in IMU. :-D

Anyway, the vote counting ended around 8:40 pm with the results in our hands a few minutes after that. It's interesting to see the Line Up for SRC 08/09. All the best to them, (results officially released on Monday).

First of all, special thanks goes out to Swarna for being my co-conspirator from the beginning and a brilliant strategist. It was a chaotic one hour to get everything finalized. Think I kinda lost my
temper, pleaded like my life
depended on it, and shouted a few times to make sure everything went according to plan.
Sorry ah people who got caught in the firing line.

Birthday Boy and Co-Conspirator

Anywho, finally left IMU at 9:30pm for Souled Out (with a quick Mid Valley detour to pick up the Haagen Daaz ice cream cake) and rendezvous back with the other car at Souled Out
before the 10:30pm kitchen close deadline. Huhu! Can you actually believe
we got there first before the other car?They all go pergi sesat pulak.
They go pusing pusing where oso I don't know.
Shit!! Lapsed into Manglish. At any rate, they reached us eventually, with David joining us after his Church event.

Part 1 of the surprise went according to plan...

The drinks were cool

Since we ordered way past 10:30, Pizza was the only choice on the menu by then. Loved Ave's pizza (can't remember what she ordered)

Aditya: This cake is awesome! It tastes like ice cream.
Everyone shouts: It is ice cream!!!
Aditya: I thought it was a cake.
Everyone screams: It's an ICE CREAM CAKE!!
*sweats*

Funny pic. James and Ave are actually trying to shield the lilin from the pesky fan.

Birthday wish;
James: Please God, let Min be tall and rich when he grows up.
Ave: Please God, make everyone else fat.

Neshy, Chunny and Mervy

SRC o7/08, stepping down in 1 month's time. Will miss you guys!

Let there be light!

I was supposed to be a cross between Angelina Jolie and 007. Turned out to be a cross between a retard and a miang 007

Birthday Boy and Co-Conspirator

Birthday Girl and the Conspirators

Me, Ditts, Jamesy, Neshy, Chunny, Merve and Sheah Lin

They look like a matching couple. Wonder how that'll turn out.

Cam whores!

Wait, there's more

*gasps*

After the dinner ended around 1 am, we were all kinda high and wanted to do something. There were a few suggestions here and there, and James wanted to go somewhere. However, since there's Part B, I mentioned that I was tired and wanted to go home. I never want to go home early. You should have seen James' face.
Haha! It fell like a tonne of bricks. Back to the story, we all reached IMU,
took a quick 15 minute bath and expediently met up with our sleeping bags, mattresses and blankets at ... (sorry guys, this part is secret. :-D ).

Played pictionary, twisters, pillow fights, roll over and yada yada yada till about 4:30 am. Slept up to 6:30 and dispersed. However, Me, James, Swarna, David, Ditts and Kajen decided to have an early breakfast. The result of our morning excursion.

Sleepy and docile

Min: Last pic people. Pose like nobody's business.

Dear Mommsy, with Tremendous Love and Gratitude

2008-05-02T07:51:00.009+01:00

Can't really wait for Mother's Day to make my beloved dedication due to her extreme generosity. Muawhahahah!!! Besides, I realized that I haven't even mentioned my
parents by name even once in this blog. Might as well make one now while the rush of love is still here. :-D Showering her with 99 red roses this Sunday (if the budget allows).

Asssociate Professor Dr. Zoriah Aziz
The best mom one can hope for

*hugs and kisses*

Bored...

2008-04-30T19:53:00.005+01:00

Wanted to Blog about James' surprise gift from Me, Deb and Ave; but I'm at home (Kepong) and this house comp does not come attached with a bluetooth facility. So, terpaksa blog about something else lo.

Anyway, as usual, when I can't study, my mind wonders elsewhere. This time it just happens to go to...

You are The Magician

Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, depending on dignity.

Eloquent and charismatic both verbally and in writing,
you are clever, witty, inventive and persuasive.

The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things so just by speaking them aloud. Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the slight of hand and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

......

Talk about cool eh? It incorporates both my passion for Medicine and the Fantasy world.

*Brandishes a 7-inch flexible yew wand encompassing a core of phoenix's tail and gingseng/tongkat ali (hey, this is Malaysia) whilst pointing it to my temple and utters

"Wisdomefy"*

(if only it works, haiz!!!)

Green With Envy

2008-04-27T14:56:00.009+01:00

Gah! Kevin's new toy, my source of envy. The Divine Plan was for me to get an SLR before I leave for my respective PMS. However, since I managed to kepoh a bit and main-main with his brand new a200, one can not help but to feel sick with envy.

The Devil Re-Incarnate

Now I can't get it out of my head.

"It's like sooooooooo totallllllyy plasic. Like helloooo!!!"

The thing about me is that, once I set my mind to get something, I'll mule it around till I can safely cradle it in my bosom. After a few days thinking about it, I finally got one. I am quite certain that if I were to execute it, I will get my camera.

Having said that, I realised that implementing the idea will make me one of them. The materialistic superficial individuals who wants to get the best of everything.

I love photography!!! Nonetheless, to craft a better financially secured me (and perhaps a better individual); I think a dose of self restrain is very much needed.

Till then, suppressing this unholy craving to strangle Kev. :-D

Green-eyed and coveted

p.s Pictures were taken with His blasphemous contraption on Saturday whilst playing badminton. Managed to learn how
to play bridge though. Bring it on babe!! Did I mention
I hate Kevin? Might as well
mention it here before I end the post =.=

...waiting for this new found obsession to die down...

22 April 2008

2008-04-25T13:21:00.024+01:00

Since, Ave's birthday falls on this day, thought to myself, 'hey, why not blog about the entire day; rather than just the little segment of her birthday celebration'. A day in my shoes began with...

8:00- 9:00 am: Good Morning Malaysia!!

Make sure there are no embarrassing items lying about: Check

Bed made: Check

Oh, since Ave's fav colour is green, the SRC members decided to wear all green. So damn lucky that it fell on Earth Day as well. Thank the cosmos!!
So, tie, shirt, jacket, and pants green? Check. Erm...undies green? Check

Gah!! Did an unbelievably stupid move, locked my house and car keys in my room. Shit, had to walk to Uni. Lucky the weather was nice-forgot to put sun block.
Text Deb to ask her to bring my extra room key: Check

Oh bollocks, going to be late. PBL starts at 9.00. Die die!! Dr.Ranjit as well- for him tardiness is a definite no no...

Close, but not there yet. Run short legs, run!!!
Arrive for PBL in time (albeit a little sweaty and tired): Check

9:00- 10:45 am: PBL

Quite lucky to have such a fine group of people for the last semester. Special thanks goes out to Pui Fun who save our asses more than once by covering most of the learning issues. Muackzzz; you got to love this girl.
Make sure I contribute to the group discussion and don't look like a complete dolt: Check

10:45- 12:00 pm: SRC duties

Haiz! It's that time again. The Steth orders for the new batch.
Schedule with Henry for the supplier to arrive on Thursday 24th of April: Check
Text Kor Woi to inform him of Thursday's event: Check

Ensure the student lounge (my baby) is still in one piece: Check

Book Lecture Theatre 1 for the Steth talk via Ms.Punitha: Check

Confirm with other student's their wishlist for the New Student Area and submit to Admin: Check

Quick cam whoring session: Check

Pester Admin to fix the SRC's damaged door: Check
Thank Mr.Ramadi for his quick response: Check

Followed David to Sri Petaling to get copies for the new lock and get lunch.
Make 12 copies of keys and satisfy craving for Jacob's place delicious vegetarian dish: Check and Check

Sei lo, the key copies are not working. Damn sien. Have to go back later to fix it. *sigh*

12:00- 2:00pm: Husting Day

Don't think the candidates read my blog, anyway wanted to say Kudos to all of them for their courage. I know it's not easy. Hope I wasn't too harsh
on any of you.
Good luck Nicholas and Adelin. Oh, don't we all look nice in green? To those who were wearing it anyway.

Grill candidates on their manifesto and ideas: Check

2:00- 4:15pm : Meeting with PDPC

Highly inappropriate to take pictures in the meeting. Terpaksa take before lo...

Nice to have the muscle power (literally, muahahaa Kajen!!!) behind you when attending the meeting. Mr.SRC-President-Kajen-Sir!!!

Trust me, a well prepared SRC member is heavy ammo against IMU (although the file belongs to Kajen)
Push for a bigger better facilities for students: Check

Finished the meeting at 4:00. Finally got a chance to sit down and rest me tired short pudgy legs.
Use 15 minutes before lecture productively (playing Cho Tai Di-spelling?): Check

4:15- 6:30 pm: The Lectures

Dr.Nilesh's lecture about the cerebellum. Too much info + too late in the evening + too tired = not a good combo

Drooping eyelids, drooping eyelids!!! Yeah, I had them too. *poke poke, wink wink at Debbo*
Concentrate to ensure parent's money is well spent: Failed abysmally

Other fidgety members of the medical profession (it really was too late in the evening for an anatomy lecture.)

6:30- 8:40 pm: The Preparation

Everyone split to get their respective food. Followed David and Wei Chun to Sri Petaling yet again to make several stops.

Visited the key maker again. Really hope the revised set is functioning.

Final food checklist:

Min, David and Wei Chun; KFC and 2 Jacob's dish: Check
James and Swarna; Na'an, Dal, Curry, Mocktail, and Steven's corner vege: Check
Kajen: Nasi Briyani, Banana Leaf, Payasum: Check
Aditya; bring an empty rumbling stomach like always: Check

Vista A Apartment ready?: Check

8:40-9:10: The Kidnap

Split ourselves again into Team A (me, David, James and Kajen) and Team B ( Swarna, Aditya and Wei Chun). Team A is suppose to pick up Avinder from her apartment, blind fold her, and 'deposit' (nice word for a human being) her into our car. We would then meet Team B in front of IMU's Greenzone court and pass our hostage into Team B's car before rushing off to get my place ready for the final surprise. Perfect right? Well...almost. We totally did not take into consideration how the public would view a blind folded beautiful (somewhat? :-p) lady surrounded by 3 excited, hamsap young men who then placed her into a black MyVi. They said Malaysians don't care. Yeah right! We were stopped by the Guard from Vista C, some members of the public as well as receiving a good deal of disgusted/shock/alarmed glares. Avinder certainly did not help the matter by screaming 'rape' and other obscene language that not only made us uncomfortable, but scared shitless as well. Wonder who's pulling the prank for who....

Excited and ham sap dudes.

Made sure Avinder is semi-scared: Check and verified.
Oh, forgot to mention that Ave is completely docile in this situation. Something her husband should ponder about. :-D

9:10- 9:30 pm: The Surprise

Pretty right? Right? Say it's pretty right now or I'll babab you!

Ensure that everything is perfect prior to the birthday song: Check

9:30-2:00 am : The Party

Where's the birthday girl?

So we ate. Ate sumore, then ate again. We rested for a while, then ate. Burped, then ate again. Joked, laughed, and... you guess right, we ate again.

When we were stuffed like a Malaysian in a free 5 star hotel buffet, we opened Pictionary. Oh my! I should have definitely took pictures. The drawings were such work of arts. Unfortunately, I got a bad rep from my first time playing whereby my polar bear actually looked like a sea turtle. Haiz. Anyway, if you thought Risk was a friendship killer, Pictionary is a friendship separator. Team A (Kajen, Swarna, Aditya, Avinder) and Team B (me, Wei Chun, David and James) fought like crazy. Hahah!! The neighbours must have writhed in their beds from all the commotion we made. 'We said it first!', 'You guys cheated', 'Time was definitely out when he guessed' were all common remarks shouted from both teams. Haiz, medical students are all so Kiasu.

Team B vs Team A. Haha!! Muahaha!!! Gwahahahha!!! *cough cough*

So, two important thing is worth of note. First, I nearly peed in my pants when this occured

The dice rebounded on the floor and joined Kajen's Payasum. Should have at least gotten a 6. Lousy sei number.

Second, the loser for the round had to eat the leftover Na'an (we still have a lot of leftovers believe it or not)

So jelak of Na'an already. Whoever next suggests that we eat Na'an will have a piece of my mind.

Team B chants to Team A: Na'an!! Na'an!! Na'an!! Na'an

Look at Swarna's face. Absolutely priceless. Awwww!!!

Make sure Team B doesn't have to eat more Na'an than necessary: Check

SOME people just have to be the centre of my camera's focus. Is that a fish mouth lesion(lame right?)? No, it's our lovable James. Muackz!!!

2:00- 3:00 am: The Clean Up

What the... The Birthday Girl coming to help clean the dishes. Shoo! Shoo! Begone wretched girl!!

Who said cleaning up can't be fun?

My last guests to depart. One last pic, one, two, smile like a constipated frog (pulled off flawlessly by Avinder and Wei Chun)

One last chore before retiring for the night.
Clean dishes, sweep floor, mop floor, get the wax off the floors: Check, Check and Check

Ensure that this is an unforgettable night for Avinder: Check, certified and confirmed

Prom Intro

2008-04-20T18:26:00.003+01:00

Littly Sneaky Previewy.

Don't want to give the surprise away, but too tired to blog the full event. This intro will serve as a self-reminder to blog more. But...

There will be surprises

There will be deep contemplation moments

One thing for sure, we had a splash of a time

Self Medication 101

2008-04-13T05:45:00.005+01:00

The title probably explain why I'm blogging yet again.

On with the story...

The easiest way to tell I'm under the weather is when my room looks like this

Woke up this morning with all the symptoms still present but somewhat reduced. Argh!! Decided to handle all the cumbersome symptoms once
and for all. Dypsnea + cough is still the major issue, hence; decided to
visit the local Guardian to get some OTC meds.

Thus, self-medication drugs now expanded to include:

Panadol (Acetominophen): Antipyretics and anaelgesic
Becotide Inhaler (Beclomethasone Dipropionate): Asthma attack prophylaxis
Ventolin Inhaler (Salbutamol): Bronchodilation
Difflam Lozenges (local NSAID's): aka Sore-throat-begone (explains why my tongue is numb at the moment)
Mucolator: Mucolytics (bye bye disulphide bonds and welcome normal inspiration)
Strepsils Lozenges and Cough mixture: Demulcents

Muahahahaha!! Love being a medical student. Guess this is where some of the knowledge actually comes to fruit.

Definitely must stop now; past two entries is to medical-ish. Starting to become a world proclaim
insufferable geek. Must bring it down back to just self-proclaim nerd.

Haunted Steamboat Festival

2008-04-12T15:43:00.007+01:00

Your eyes are not deceiving you ladies and gentlemen; I AM actually blogging twice today. Reason? I'm feeling like some higher power has picked me up by their ethereal fingers and given me a good shaking. Couldn't study; thus, blog lo. Caught a nasty sore throat yesterday, and I guess today would be the rampant continuation of the stupid disease- think I would be in the infective stage. Current situation; severe headache that's about to morph into a migraine, lethargy, chills, malaise, rhinitis, bronchoconstriction (inhaler have failed and abandoned me) with frequent bouts of coughing and vertigo. Should have probably rested today, but decided to go out
with Aditya to get THE "Prom Tux." On top of that, I now look like (see below), due to an allergic reaction to paracetamol.

I look like some Japanese dude. Think this is how I would look like if I am 1/2 Chinese. :-D

Initial plan was to just rent one out, but after seeing some horrific ancient
styled tuxedo on Jalan Ipoh one after another, we proceeded to IU
to get some new ones. Couldn't find anything
there for me (there was one from... but no size. *sweat*, not planning to mention any store's name, THE tux must be a surprise), so then moved to Mid Valley. Finally found something!! Now I just have to decide on the pesky details (yup, not going to mention that either). Grand entrance for Prom set on the 19th of April- till then, praying
hard for the God of Pimples to be merciful and lenient.

2008 Theme; Ghosts, Horror, the Dead

Nice pic that tie seamlessly with the theme

Oops, digressed somewhat from the blog's main topic. The steamboat festival was a joined effort by that pesky YX and strangely-I-can-keep-a-secret- Debbi who relentless held back
all essential info till the last 2 days or so. "Wear whatever la" and "You'll be surprised" are common unholy answers to an almost shrieking Megala and myself. Well Kudos to them for putting
in all the effort!!! Me, Meg and Charlotte came, sat down and dove straight for the food. Don't think I can actually blog anything more about that event, so I'll let
the pictures do the talking.

The Participants; Charlotte (Ok Ok, jeez it's Vishales), YX, Deb, Meg and Me (left to right)

Look at that juicy chicken. Yummmmm!! (I know it's lame, but can't
think of something creative)

Let the cam-whoring session begin. Ladies and Gentleman, I introduce you, the Twister Pose

The-Jump-But-Tak-Jadi pose

The Out"Caste"

2008-04-04T17:17:00.008+01:00

It's never been a secret, but I tend to hang out better with the Non-Malays than the Malays. So imagine my suprise when I received word that I had to attend Camp (Kem Bumi Jati, February 2008). Obviously, naturally, medically, I went through the Kubler-Ross Model.

   Denial: Re-checked the name twice. "Can't be, they must have gotten the name wrong"
   Anger: Ape Ni?? It's not like I'm coming back to Malaysia anyway (given the choice). Kena force to so some stupid camp. Frickin' camp. How old am I? 2? Frickin' camp
   Bargaining: "Wait wait, wonder if they look at my IC. Should I hire some random person to be me for a week? Can right? Right?."
   Depression: "I'm gonna dieeeeeee...Mati Katak over there. What to do without hot water? Mandi kerbau lo. Shit! Going to be smelly"
   Acceptance: "It's going to be OK! Worst come to worst, it's only one week of your life. Just get it over with."

So after the much awaited acceptance stage ran it's course; I started research on the camp. *Praise the creator of the world wide web*. You'll be amazed at the breadth of information out there. After
getting a blow-to-blow itinerary for the five days,
I started going through the comments.

Typical comments;

"I'm glad I went through with it, made me see Malaysia in a different light"
" It really sparked the inner patriotic me"
"Loved the camp"
"I really had fun there"

I'm serious, not one person said anything bad about it. I guess those who disdainfully hated the camp choose to ignore it and let it be a forgotten memory. Since no one took up the mantle, let me get a few things straight.

The Camp Bloody Sucks! First of all, the camp was tailored to 17-18 year old's. So place four 21-22 year old's amongst 150 adolescent and it's no secret that they won't blend it. Seriously, the rest of the other 150 or so campers are from 2 frickin'
universities. The jokes was lame, the regime was kiddish and the the...the...
*hyperventilates on the thought of those 5 black days*

Ok, next up is the amenities. Accommodations; they fit 18 of us in a room smaller than a master bedroom. Two of these adjacent room shared a common toilet. ARGHHHH!!!! The latrine, don't even know where to start. Everyone showered from a very ancient styled kolam with a
scooper (can't think of the Malay equivalent). The water was not filtered and there was some kind
of algae-ish growth that definitely does not belong there. When you bath, you essentially got a
body scrub at the same time, there was some unknown grainy materials. So I opted for the
taps in the toilet cubicles indeed. Haiz! Since there was no rubber pipes, you had to squat beside
the 'lubang jamban'. I was furiously clutching my satsuma soap. I think that small body shop piece was the only thing keeping me sane
in that 2x2m cubicle.

Next up is the food. Fine, we were feed 5 times a day. Since the camp was free, guess I shouldn't really expect sauteéd delicacies. They were edible la- most of them anyway. Oh oh oh! Forgot to mention that you had to clean your own plate. Being a slightly neat/hygienic person, I tend to wash my cutlery and utensils quite thoroughly. The thing was, your plate for lunch might not be yours for dinner, they're kinda shared. KIDS does not know how to clean utensils. Some of the time, you can see (actually, it's more of a 'feel') the remnant of previous dishes. Yuck!!

The worst thing there would probably be the mentality. I don't know why, but it seems like Diana, Siti, Alimin and I are miles away from them. Giving Siti or Diani a high five there would probably be a cardinal sin. Since Siti and Diana were not wearing 'tudung', I think they bear most of the insults, and the back talk, and the stares, and the back stabbing session. Must admire them for their resilience. See, we IMU students have much more substance than just our knowledge ok!

To make it sound less biased; I must admit that we might have portrayed ourselves as spoiled brats/individuals. Don't think we can really help it, the camp was absolutely
horrible!

The camp co-ordinators. There were minor disagreements with them; hope there wasn't any hard feelings

The only good thing that came from the experience (being a bit generous in the word
'experience') was probably some people I met during camp. Quite lucky compared to the rest of the other 3 in that; my group (yup, we were separated into groups) was extremely fortunate to have some very outspoken and really
sociable individuals. These are the only people I think I bonded with.
Supposed to e-mail or text them, but I bloody lost my contacts book
(they snatched our phones and other modern gadgetry on the second day).

Malaysia's Next Supermodel

Oops, forgot all about it till I wanted to attach the photos. We had to be in uniforms *chuckles*. The standard black and white- oh how so... primary school.

Another thing (seems to be slightly forgetful- that's why you should blog about events on the day itself), there is an exam at the end of it. If you fail, you had to attend the course again *shudders*. Medical students being medical students, we stayed up till 3-4am everyday to study Marieb sized notes. In the end, the questions were more of common sense than data. Definitely wasted time studying- should have focussed on those pesky seminomas and mamary duct ectasia. *sigh*

Cam-whoring is a must

A Crime Most Heinous

2008-02-14T13:59:00.006Z

11 AM, 11th February 2008.

This day, like any other day, began when the clock strikes twelve. This story, like any other thriller novel, began with a murder scene. This murder scene, like any other bloodbath, began with a victim. This victim, unlike any other, happened to a most unexpected individual.

This investigation, like any other, began with a detective who at times; is clueless to the scene that is unfolding in front of his eyes. This murder most foul, like any other, began with innocent bystanders that were unfortunately found in the wrong time and place. This story, unlike any other, contains a hero; and by extension- a villain. This story, like countless other, ended with a much unanticipated finale.

The story unfolds…

The victim: A cracked tyre

The Murder Scene

The Detective's Sophisticated Instruments of Investigations

The Unfortunate Bystanders

More Unfortunate Bystanders

The Saviour: Temporary Only

Argh! A word to the wise, (I always had a problem with this idiom, shouldn’t it be “a word to the dumb?”. The wise don’t need any advice, that’s why they’re wise. Sigh, I digressed somewhat. Shush, let me continue) make sure you learn how to change your tyre. I spent almost 15 minutes tying to find all the tools, 7 of it trying to pry the car jack out if its location. I couldn’t locate the leverage for the car jack and improvised by using a laundry basket’s railing. Guess where the leverage was? Under the flippin’ tyre cover. Guess when I realized this, AFTER I changed the tyre. *Sweats*- literally, it was really hot.

Permanent Memories

2008-01-22T17:09:00.001Z

So here I was, browsing the net on my comp; when suddenly the screen went blank. Arghh! Hypotension leading to shock. Not to boast or anything, but since I got my comp; this would be the first time ever that it crashed. They say that:

‘only in a time of crisis that a man’s character is reflected’.

Such an ancient maxim! I think in the modern world, what this would translate into is:

‘only when one’s computer crashes will one’s character be reflected’.

I am not kidding with you. Haha!! I mean, it depends from person to person. Some might worry about that extra dough they have to spend getting it fixed, or how inconvenience it is, or the time lost fixing it.

For me, it was a nerve-racking two and a half minutes agonizing over …over… my pictures. The moment the screen went deathly black, my immediate thoughts were how utterly stupid I was for not making back-ups of my pictures.

Pictures are incredibly precious to me. It is a way to re-capture past moments, to reflect on what I have done, the impact my journey on life that has made me who I am now. When I look at a picture, I look past those artificial smiles, those synthetic pose, those forged humanity. I see, ladies and gentlemen; a chapter. I see the beginning of the picture, I see the end and I see the present. I see that each clothes, each charm and poise, each casual touch on someone screams a story that’s so alluringly ready to be heard.

What happens if a book were to ghastly lose a chapter? Doesn’t the story seem incomplete? Filled with promises that were brutally shattered? Empty?

Take this picture for example. I love this picture. What do you see?

I see my first time in KKB. I remember that I placed my camera on timer and placed it on top a wall in front of a two door toilet. I see Pui Fun, David and Sue Wen holding plants. I also bought a plant; it was not in the picture because I left it beside the camera. I remember that I had to run back for it because I left it camouflaged between the foliage. I remember that we bought those plants very cheaply at the local nursery in Fraser Hill. It was close to Chinese New Year then, everyone said that the plant resembled the traditional Chinese New Year flower. I remembered David telling me months later that the flower died because he forgot to water it.

I remember that this picture was taken just before we left, where we then headed to buy key chains as memento of this little excursion. I remember that Pui Fun looked like a little kid whilst she was riding the horse in the paddock. I remembered how terrible Kok Guan played during our first Mafia game-and how Aditya struggled to remember his name in the first round, always confusing him with Hon Keong. That was also the first time Lydia adopted the name Weng Chu for him. I remember that Raymond shared a house with William and Aditya. I remembered how much noise we made till wee hours of the morning. I remembered how much fun I had.
There are a million more things I can say. There are not enough papers to hold what I can say from a single photograph. Join two photographs, and there won’t be enough words to contain what I can say.

Losing one single photograph is a cataclysmic reaction that inevitable culminates in a catastrophe.

I love pictures. Full stop!

Beneath the ……. line

2008-01-20T08:21:00.000Z

14 December 2007 - Oh shit!! Realized that I’ve spent too much on gifts for Christmas.

20 December 2007 - Arghhh!!! So many birthdays. Nevermind, will cover with next month’s allowances.

28 December 2007 - Ape ni, keep on spending aimlessly. Must control. Can’t go out anymore. Will spend the rest of the month in a cave- like a hermit.

31 December 2007 - Went out with James, Kev, and Caryn. Spent money yet again!! Haiz. Enjoyed myself though. Feeling guilty that I’m too kiamsap.

14 January 2008 - What the flippin’ hell? Spent RM60 in one day. Starting to wonder if there’s such a thing as a “Money Fairy”. She’ll come to take your RM50 notes and replace it with RM0.50 when you leave it in the wallet for too long.

Must kill myself, or at least have a gastric bypass so that I don’t have to eat at all- hence saving money.

17 January 2008 - Continue spiraling into financial black hole. Can’t believe it! First time ever have to worry about how much food cost. Lucky this month coincide with “lose 2 Kg bet” with Mui How. Replaced dinner with stable diet of RM0.60 Gardenia bread for these past three days. Promise myself that when I am financially stable; will go out and burn Gardenia’s bread factory. So sick of the logo and that damn taste.

Feeling like shit, have to decline something good because I don’t have money. *Praying hard for a money tree that will miraculously appear in room and solve all problem*

18 January 2008 - Stupid, stupid, stupid!!! Money tree didn’t appear. Have to eat bread again.

19 January 2008 - Yay!! Money wormhole slightly under control. Can’t be too happy and complacent though. Can enjoy food again- going out to eat tonight. :-D Decided to travel from home to Gombak for my hospital posting; can save money on food. Love my parents. Muackzzz.. Will ask them to belanja something expensive. Luxurious culinary taste bud deprived- worried that it’ll atrophy and dies. Oh shit, going to be late. Suppose to meet James 5 minutes ago. Where did I put my bloody keys?

20 January 2008 - Oh bollocks. Sunk back into the poor vortex. Will forever remain poor and become an old grumpy miser. Spent RM15 on DOTA yesterday- played till 4am. Frickin 15 bucks, that could buy me 25 Gardenia bread, which would make 14 dinners. Was supposed to stop at 2am, but my bloody watch ran out of battery at 12:30. Arghhh!!! Don’t even have money to replace the battery. Will have to sell off clothes to support my living expenses. Hate James, Kevin and Mui How who coerced me into playing. Loved the experience though. Note to self- never play with Kevin again. He’ll raise your BP, makes you stressed and end up hating him.

Postscript: I don’t regret going out with you guys and spending my money you know. So don’t terasa la, just hate being poor. Hahaha!!!!

New Year

2008-01-04T20:59:00.000Z

Humans are a complex being. Understanding it; is a futile attempt that is best left to the craze or the desperate. Take the New Year, without fail, every 365 days 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, we troop out to stir the slumbering denizens who lay comfortably in their dreams.

New Year is not a time for the present. It is a time to critically assess oneself for the better. It is a time to ponder on the life lesson that was arduously learned and never forgotten. It is a time to put in perspective our goals and those which have not been attained. At its core; it is simply a time to look at the future using binoculars of the past. However, be warned fellow mortals; that in the urgency to look ahead, one must not allow oneself to belittle those that have been achieved.

Traditionally, I searched inwards for my New Year Resolution. However, this year, I decided to seek aid from friends and family to help me construct my ever-expanding list. I began to question myself on the wisdom of this route when the first few replies arrived knocking on my phone. Some of them are, allow me to be frank- quite hurtful, others meaningful, and some… are just hilarious. Thank you nonetheless for all your replies. I take it all in good grace without hatred or prejudice.

Thus, my lists for PE 2008 are:

Don’t be too materialistic
Put family above others
Try to have a better relationship with my bro (haiz)
Change my attitude towards PP (sorry guys, meaning only for the select few)
Try to be more sensitive
Learn how to forgive
Learn how to say ‘sorry’ and mean it
Don’t be too Kiasu
Be less horny and perverted
Stop saying profanities (can I create a new one?)
Stop forcing people to do what I want

I think that’s it for those that makes sense, the one without sagacity are:

Start trying Japanese food
Change my hairstyle
Don’t Kutuk MyVI’s, Kancil’s and other small cars
Stop using my IMU bag (I hate David)
Start eating Chutney (only one person would say this)
Stop saying I’ll fail before the exam (I can’t help it ok)
Change my shrewdness (That’s what I need to win dear. SHIT, resolution no. 7 and 9 are broken)
I should donate all my expensive items to my friends (as if)
I should accept Person A to be my roommate without asking him to pay rent (sweat)

Oh, another observation I noticed while receiving all those replies are how diplomatic my friends are. Most if not all, follow the same rule. A typical message is:

You should change A, B and C. But having A, B and C is what makes you, you. So don’t have to change at all.

Haha!!!

This is Not a Normal War

2008-01-04T20:58:00.000Z

The high sun rages over the battlefield, scorching, blazing, an unstoppable tirade of inferno. A gush of wind carries a hint of an impending calamity.

Blood stained castles scatters the otherwise serene milieu. Their foundations lay deep within the earth; unmoving, steadfast, ready to withstand the inevitable onslaught of pain and anguish.

Within each ancient stronghold, house a Noble who endlessly strives to conquer the others. Countless scrolls and parchments are frayed by eager hands sent by spies and infiltrators. The Nobles seek only one thing; to vanquish the others.

This is not a normal war.

There are no soldiers, no immense clashing of two colossal armies, no poet to lament the loss of the many, there are only the Nobles. Oh, they are a terrifying lot, each as vicious as the next. The most ruthless of them seeks refuge within the shadows, showing themselves only on the last instance to deal the fatal blow.

Alone, one cannot prevail to conquer the others. But alas, friendship is as treacherous as the war itself. Hasty alliances are formed and broken; comrade turns to foe with a simple expedient stroke of a lethal blade.

This is not a normal war.

There are no brutal weapons or siege contraptions. Each Noble is only armed with a venomous claymore of idea and a stout cudgel of belief that are sadistic enough to crack foundations. An unyielding assault on a defenceless Noble will inexorably shatter one’s citadel; leaving the Noble alone, vulnerable, and defeated- wiped out from memory to join the neglected dusty tomes of history. Transforming an ‘is’ to a ‘was’.

This is not a normal war

It’s a normal day in Empress Sheba’s Class.

The Veiled Enemy

2007-11-30T13:12:00.000Z

Legs tensed, torso braced against the bitter wind. A human silhouette lay against the backdrop of darkness howling with the torment of defeat. Standing on the precipice of doom, all lights are extinguished- signifying a hope that has long yet died, never to return.

Arms inertly hung by my side- shamed by the downfall of valour. I bleed anew with each constant parry against an aerial blade. It hacks and thrusts, eluding my defences- lusting for blood. Each mutilation injects a lethal venom that massacres from within. Moribund, I lay lifeless waiting for a fate that has yet to come.

Face thrashed to the unyielding earth, gasping for the last ounce of air; I ponder my stance against an enemy that cannot be seen, heard, touched or even sensed. Should I have run and never look back? What compelled me to take arms and fight against the inevitable end that was pre-ordained?

What then, if I was to discover using a mirror; the devastating truth that the invisible enemy is none other than myself?

Is fate so wicked that it coerces you to slay yourself? What then, if you were to discover that true death comes not from the wounds, or the venom, or from the torture and agony, but from the submission of defeat and from the trepidations you instilled within yourself?

The chill is suffocating, unforgiving. Each fading breath promises a liberation from this malicious incarceration. I succumb to the engulfing darkness.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2007-11-02T20:12:00.000Z

It all started with a damn episode of Scrubs I watched with YX. Those avid watchers might recollect a particular episode where Michael J. Fox (one of my favourite actors) made a guest appearance as a Surgeon/Doctor suffering from OCD.

For the entire day and the day after, I began to question myself whether I am indeed an OCD sufferer.

Reasons supporting:

1. I have this stupid habit where I have to check, re-check, and “re-re-checking” certain acts. Take the stove, the iron, or the door for example. I am certain I turned off/switched off/ or locked the respective items; but somehow, this fleeting image comes obtrusively and uninvited that I did otherwise. Worse is, I just have to imagine the worst case scenario. So, that’s accompanied by the house being burned down, or being burgled. It’s not as bad if I am still in the house when this happens, but if I am already in the car for example, then I have to get out, switched off the engine, opened the locks and check the iron. When I get there, I see that I have already switched it off, then; halfway out of the door, came the thought again. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like I know I was in front of the iron, but I can’t really remember if I switched it off- or more specifically, I can’t remember the act of switching it off. Again, I am sure I switched it off, but I can’t take the risk. So I have to drag my ass off to do it again- remembering myself that I would visualize the act of ‘clicking’ the switch off. It helps if I can remember the sound as well- it kinda helps to confirm that I switched it off. Usually, I only have to do this once, but sometimes, it happen three or four times and get extremely frustrating. I’ve learned that if it happens more than once, I simply take a picture of the iron being unplugged. At least when I get back to the car, I can check the picture. Sometimes- but rarely, I have to check the picture twice. I think I once had to stop on the emergency lane on the highway to double confirm. But as I said, it’s rare.

2. I get obsessed with cleanliness or hygiene. Two examples, my bed and my clothes. Ok, I have 5 pillows. In my mind, each of them has a specific function or I can only use them after certain pre-requisites are met. So, pillow No.1- Main head pillow. Can only be used after I have bathed recently (within an hour) and I am in my ‘bed’ clothes (will talk about it later). Usually used for sleeping at night. Pillow No.2- Accessory head pillow- to be used when you have bathed recently (within hours) and in my ‘room’ clothes. Pillow No.3- Head pillow- to be used when I have bathed recently, but I was subjected to the outside world which in my mind is still ‘clean’. Like going out to check mail, or just to get something from the store. Pillow No.4- Head pillow- to be used when I am too lazy to bath. Pillow No.5- accessory pillow- Never ever to be used as a head pillow. Usually used as a lower limb support. If you guys ever do manage to come into my room, hope you guys don’t be too offended if I ask you to get up from my bed ok? I just get a bit uncomfortable. Oh, there’s also the bed spread and the blanket throw. That also come attached with a few pre-requisites, but this blog is getting too long already. Let’s just fast-forward to the clothes- I have ‘bed’ clothes- clothes to be worn only in bed (after an immediate shower) and is changed immediately into either ‘room’ clothes (when I am in my room) or ‘outside’ clothes (every other attire that does not fall into the previous two categories). If that’s not bad enough, I also have “clinic” ties and lab coats- to be used only in the Hospitals or Health Clinics. Taking out the rubbish for me is a hassle. The hands have to be completely washed and scrub after touching the garbage bags. You know when you throw the rubbish bag into a slightly smaller container than the beg, the pressure would cause the air to kinda ‘gush’ out from the container- well, if that ‘wind’ hits my face or clothes, I absolutely have to bath or change the attire.

3. Miscellanous- I like things to be neat; but not to such an extent as how you would imagine it. However, I am quite particular about stacked or arranged books though- it have to be stacked according to their length or width; depending on how you stack them. The weird thing is, it only affects my books; sometimes I don’t really care also.

Fortunately, being a medical student; one gains the skill of accessing massive libraries of medical literatures. To cut the story short, while rummaging through the reliable sources, I’ve come to realise that I do not have OCD. It’ll take to long to explain; but if you guys are really interested to know. There is a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale that’ll give you a clue if you are a sufferer.

Nice to know that I’m not a sufferer though. However, my aforementioned habits are in the list of symptoms; but I don’t even qualify for the “risk group of developing OCD” due to the lack of other presenting symptoms. There is an “obsessive with one’s body image and diet” check list though- I guess I better curb that habit before it gets out of hand. :-D

SO, moral of this very lengthy post is. Never watch a show with YX. Hahahahah!!!!

On another note, I haven’t managed to blog about Raya or my brother’s engagement yet though. However, here’s a little sneak preview….

Tioman; the Jewel of Pahang

2007-09-25T06:12:00.001+01:00

With each faltering step closer to a profession where strict protocols and guidelines reigns supremacy; is a step where one cannot help but to appreciate the moment of the ‘now’. Hasten with the urgency to experience youth at its best, we set our horizons on an east coast island- Tioman; the Jewel of Pahang.

An initial seed of thought rapidly grew into a blossoming tree seemingly endless in fruits of opportunities. The euphoria; which began with my parents’ approval, increased gradually until it reached an all time high on the day of the departure. Heart laden with optimism and an overwhelming thirst for joy, I woke up thinking nothing but the days ahead. The smell of dew hung static in the air, promising a journey that has never been encountered; a slight whispering of the leaves gestured a silent farewell. Shielded by the harsh sun, the dawn proved to be a formidable ally for the next five hours of the journey.

Advice truly fall on deaf ears; more so when the offended ear turns a deaf one. Suffice it to say, the drive to Mersing does not involve speeding 120km/h on the highway. On a number of occasions, the owner of the said deaf ear had to drive at a crawling pace of 30km/h to avoid crashing into oblivion. The slow progress was not an altogether failure, for the surrounding palm oil plantations allowed me to reminisce in simpler times; one where dominating skyscrapers does not play a major role in daily life.

Mersing is to put it simply, a tourist’s town. A huge part of the town is dedicated to serve as a gateway to Tioman. Every conceivable souvenir under the Malaysian sun could be found here. With the recent addition of KFC, McDonalds, and Court’s Mammoth, this rustic town somehow became an idyllic town where east meets west. The picturesque image would sorely test the skills of an accomplished painter; having him frantically in search of some yet undiscovered colour.

We boarded the transfer speed boat in high spirits dampened somewhat with exhaustion. Awakened from a restful slumber two hours later; we discovered that Tioman was astoundingly breathtaking. What one immediately notices is the clarity of the sea; which is never ever to be confused with the murky brown of Port Dickson. At the right angle at just the right moment, one can glimpse the hidden treasure of the land beneath. Standing on the jetty, alone; all thoughts are washed anew with the gentle sea breeze. Couple this with the peaceful lull of the breaking waves, overlooking the ever so blue sky; comes this sudden realization that life is good. I am thankful then of the privileged life I am fortunate enough to experience. As Newton quaintly states “every force has an opposite reaction”, I was also simultaneously besieged by this intense pity and sorrow for those unlucky enough, who will never be able to stand where I was, with little worry and complete contentment.

The sand burns pleasantly hot underneath our fatigue feet. We quickly checked into our booked chalet and rest for the remainder of the day- recuperating for the next unknown hurdle. It is probably worth mentioning that Tioman is not comprised of a single concentrated developed area while the rest of it remained untouched. The fact is, Tioman is divided into regions; each with its own elusive beauty and splendour.

Culinary experience in Panuba Inn was immensely satisfying. Carefully planned cuisine range from local dishes to exotic delicacy. The food by itself was fabulous, unite this with a candlelight dinner on the beach facing the sunset; and you have yourself a bite of heaven worth dying for.

Panuba was blessed enough with a clean, clear blue-turqoise sea water and a white sandy beach. During our stay, swimming became our most favourite pastime. The clear water provided ample opportunities to spy on the local habitats as well as the marine echo life. Sheltered by the shade of a coconut tree, my mind grew tiny ‘epiphanous’ legs and wandered away. Studying in Kuala Lumpur with its bountiful distraction is probably the epitome of modern living. In spite of this, have you ever thought ‘my God! I am living in KL, I am truly auspicious?’ Bogged down by minute worries, damaged by the inconsistency of emotions, bled by the unrelenting assault of mind and body; we walked ‘zombified’ into a routine that were never supposed to be ours. That immeasurable, infinitesimal, incomprehensible second built a barricade strong enough to withstand the tsunami of life for years to come.

Lucky enough to acquire two bicycles, we seized the opportunity and cycled into remote areas of the island. We were astounded by the numbers of natural settlers on the island; who appeared to live quite comfortably with their surroundings. Since the tourism sector is the main source of income, the roads were littered with souvenirs and memorabilia that were priced very cheaply. The cycling was much more taxing that we anticipated; a testament to our cardiovascular system. The hills were as high as two storey buildings, and as steep. Prior to the event, we were instructed not to cycle on those hills. Thus, with much sweating and puffing, the hills seems to be- literally, a hurdle that we overcome.

To tell you a secret, I always admired those shows where men and women were able to jog across the beach heading towards some unknown location. I always thought it was something cool. Hence, with dreary eyes and limbs which were not fully awake, I manage to stumbled across the bed and put on my running shoes. I must say that there’s something different in jogging in the morning. Could it be the atmosphere? The lack of people? Or is it the light? I know not; but jogging across that beach instilled that sense of tranquillity that I long for. It was not easy however, the sand crumbled underneath your every step and somehow managed annoyingly to seek solace in my shoe; but that is irrelevant compared to the surge of serendipitous feeling that I acquired that morning. I found a spot amongst the rock, sat, and contemplated on the direction of my life whilst watching the sunrise. I implore you now ladies and gentlemen, if you have not seen a sunrise. Do so now. Next morning, wake up, find a precipice, and look at it. It a glorious sight to behold. The feeling I had then had to be experienced, I let it fall on you ladies and gentlemen to describe it after you’ve witnessed this simple natural act.

Not satisfied with the normal fish flora, we went in search for something more extravagant. We were rewarded with an unusual experience that took place in the Marine Park. We snorkelled to a perfect hideaway, opened our private store of Gardenia and fed the fish. By George, the fish! The moment the bread touched the water, a swarm swallowed us whole. There were moments when the fish ‘ticklishly’ nibbled on our fingertips, and on occasion, our stomachs; immediately causing a spastic attack. What was interesting is the way they seem so relaxed an unafraid. One could lay perfectly still, and have the school of fish swim by you as though you were nothing more than cheap furniture; something not worth a second glance. (;-D)

Snorkelling, much akin to swimming, involved activities that are much further away from the beach. Although the water is crystal clear, one is unable to see the bottom of the floor bed. Such is the clarity and the depth of the sea. It is something that can only be visualised once one see the darkness engulfing the surrounding area beneath our floating limbs. However petrified we are, we persisted with our underwater exploration. It is here then, ladies and gentlemen that we discovered the pearl for this elective. The corals were AMAZING! Words nor capitals nor bold letters can truly capture the image that I am abysmally trying to describe.

To say that they were different in sizes is an understatement bordering on senility. A combination of their sizes, colours, shapes, the surrounding light, the natural habitat, the fish, the sea urchins, etc all contributed to this little piece of miniature heaven tucked away in a hidden alcove.

All is not well in heaven however. The scorching sun finally exerts its toll on our precious but very much unprotected skin. By the second day, we resemble an overcooked lobster. We started to peel. I can tell you now, that it is a very unpleasant sensation indeed; to have one scratch oneself, and have bits of oneself scratched off. It took us two days to have our backs and legs marginally touchable.

One could not help but to admire the serenity and sanctuary that mother earth in her infinite wisdom choose to bestow. Even now, several months after the elective, I can still vividly see the image as clearly as yesterday. Every sight, sound and taste cherished. Locked surreptitiously away in a corner of my mind, I would cling selfishly to this unwavering ally who we will en masse brave the nameless tempest of uncertainty evermore.

Tioman Postcard

2007-08-21T11:03:00.000+01:00

Back to the Past Part 2: SRC-ish

2007-08-12T03:36:00.000+01:00

After almost a semester of blogging, I’ve come to realized that keeping a blog up-to-date is like trying to quench the burning fires of hell; with a miniscule teaspoon if I might add. There is so much to type, yet so little time. The worst thing is, the more you procrastinate, the higher that damned fire gets- and I think the teaspoon gets smaller too.

SRC- Student Representative Council. Sounds so posh right? Posh my ass. Some people think that just because we are SRC members, we can walk on water. Hah!! I wish. Listen up guys, here’s a secret. We are just ordinary people. But mostly, we are ordinary people under extraordinary stress. Let’s not bore you with all the details, but suffice to say, SRC has its up’s and down’s.

The up’s? Well, you get to be involved and organize the coolest things- right up, front and centre. The sense of accomplishment one gets on a job well down comes close to euphoria.

The semester in review…

Campaigning for SRC

The story unfolds...

The clues. By the by, that's Thazin's hot long legs. Haha!! Kudos to her for giving me the idea.

*Smirks like Mona Lisa* You’ll never guess what those clues meant. There’s a hidden meaning under each one of those items- from the rose petals right down to Sport (the teddy bear). If you do decipher those clues, don’t think less of me, Mmmkay? Hahha!!

Kampung Angkat Serendah

National Geographic worthy no?

The suckers...

Just for those of you hidden underneath the ‘hearltess’ and ‘eternally dammed’ rock, IMU has recently ‘adopted’ an Orang Asli village. This is an ongoing project mediated by SRC and is dear to all of us. Those who were involved in the project took much more (in experience) than the denizens ever did from us.

Registration

Yeah, his pics looks nicer than mine; dont beat my head over it.

If you were in Uni during the 6th-10th of August, you’ll have noticed the pictures we displayed in the Atrium. I’ve just realized that I forgot to give credits to our photographer. Since there’s no time like the present… *Clears throat*. Shout out to our budding photographer- Chung Wei from the M107 batch, who has graciously allowed us to plagiarize his work. Haha!! Visit his blog

I guess that’ll satisfy the copyright law. :-D

Ozanam

The gang...

The children there were so cool. I truly hope that they had fun that day. Thanks to Avinder who organized the whole thing. Oh, let’s just mention that our team (Me, David, Swarna, and Wei Chun) won the ‘who can build the tallest building using straws’ game. It reached the ceiling ok. Maybe should have pursued a career in architecture. I am sure a building that looked like___ would be very interesting; please feel free to use your imagination in filling the blanks.

MOY

Forced to attend

Since no one answered the call for the Ministry of Youth outing, ALL of the SRC members were forced to attend. Huhuh!! *Mentally kills Kajen and drags his ___(insert imagination here) across the tarmac.* It was very interesting though. Got to meet some interesting juniors; whose names I cant really recall now, but that’s beside the point. We also got to see some captivating band performances as well as our Deputy Prime Minister from far far far away.

Connexion Launch

''The Bow Tie Affair''

Monday, the 6th of August was the inaugural launch of the Connexion; a news system made by the students, for the students. The first edition was made by Aaron and Mui How using SRC members as actors. I am afraid that they were the only one patient enough to handle our fussy director (Kajen). I am equally sure that they did some psychological brutal murders involving Kajen’s various internal organs themselves. Hopefully, some talented students would take the mantle and handle the filming/acting. We have enough on our plates to worry about :-D

My first attempt at a desktop background

We were happy with the turn out though. With a bit of luck, our little stunt with the Gold Class and the bow ties would remain faded in living memory.

Oh bollocks. Just realized that this is getting way too long. As long as ___ (ok ok I’ll stop that, Haha!!) Anyway, getting wee excited for my Tioman Trip tommorrow. I’ll blog about that soon, I promise.

Till then, I bid you farewell. Goodnight and sleep well.

Back to the Past Part 1: She-Who-Must-Be-Named

2007-07-28T15:17:00.000+01:00

Ok ok. I know I haven’t blog for a while now. SO, to commemorate Debbo’s 20th Buffday, I thought I’ll start updating with her birthday post.

‘The universe, having perfected its existence through eons of evolution; now exists for the sole purpose of providing a place for Debbi’s legs to rest’

Excerpts from the ‘Ravings of a Debbites Infectee’

Since Debbo will blog about her birthday outings, I’ll decide to just ‘curi’ her entries where it concerns me. :-D

Chillis: Before.

So, for those who doesn’t know Debbo, here’s 20 things (in no particular order) you should know about her. *clears throat*

1. She’s a straight A student who doesn’t want people to think she’s clever
2. She wears perfume, but it’s always so little that you cant smell anything
3. She gets mad when you say her thighs are fat
4. Despite having constant gastric, she only eats one major meal a day.
5. She a size 28, but wish she can fit in a size 24.
6. She’s brand conscious
7. She rarely wears skirts, and when she does, she gets so self-conscious
8. She can’t let things go
9. She’ll spend a sleepless night if you have an unsettled argument with her
10. She reads a lot
11. She’s a tough one, she rarely quits something she starts
12. She can play the piano (grade 8) but has never let me hear anything she plays.
13. Her favourite flavour in Baskin and Robbins is ‘Jamoca Almond Fudge’
14. She smells like her car most of the time
15. She’ll go to extreme length to make sure her hair stays like she wants it to
16. She was thinking of a career in Pharmacology before settling on medicine
17. When she shops, she just jumps from one shop to another
18. She hates making decision
19. She cringes when she watch hack and slash movie
20. She’s my best friend in IMU.

Looks pathethic right?

Enough of this sentimental thingies, any more- and I’ll start to vomit. :-D

Oh shit, just realised that I haven’t wished her yet. So,

Happy Buffday Debbo!!! May you start to age gracefully.

She loves this pic, personally, I think it's like someone has...

Impending doom???

2007-04-22T04:14:00.000+01:00

I don’t know what I have done; but good things are happening to me left, right and centre. It’s all happening too fast and way too unexpected. For the first time in my life, I am happy, nay; I am content. Is this natural? Will all these good things suddenly come kicking and screaming to a halt?

Actually, of that I am sure; one can only hope that it does so gently. In the meantime, one can do naught but cherish this moment. To worry about the future, is to forget to live in the present.

While it’s still fresh in my memory, lemme talk about tonight. A great ‘thank you’ is due to Jessica who was generous enough to invite me to the Good Charlotte concert here in Bukit Jalil. If I can describe it in one word, it would be ‘awesome’. We started to queue at about 5:30 pm in Carpark A. As usual, nothing ever starts when it should. So we queued till about 6:40 pm before we were even admitted into the concert grounds. It was another 4 hours before Good Charlotte actually came on stage. There were three local opening acts. It was so-so. Haha. I can’t even remember their names.

Electrifying. You cant bring in cameras. So got stuck with my 2MB camera phone

I came to the concert expecting mediocre music and atmosphere. How wrong I was. They sounded amazing, and this was a live performance. The atmosphere, vivacious. Beside a particularly tense moment involving a bunch of uneducated boys jumping like a group of baboons, the whole experience will be forever etched in my mind. I cannot describe it, it must be experienced.

So, moving along. My dad got promoted. Woohoooo. Congrats congrats. Since that happened, I finally managed to get hold off my long awaited item. Unexpectedly, another two items that I wished for also managed to cross my path. I was overjoyed.

In addition to that, I got elected (elected might be a wrong word here since there wasn’t any other opponent- that sucked by the way) as Vice Treasure for the Student Representative Council. Here, I managed to attend my first official diner involving five (or was it six?) course diner. I felt self-conscious during the whole event though; owing to the fact that I was wearing a Batik several sizes too big. I just had to be at my home in Kepong when I received the invite- all my Batik was in Vista. Anyway, the food was scrumptious; the people were friendly; the evening- magical.

There are other good things I can share with you guys, but I think it’s just too minor to share it here. What’s important is the collective effect. I actually feel slightly invincible. Haha. Anyway, take care guys. Time to end this lengthy post.