Nothing you can say is gonna justify your actions.

Over the years I have come to know many people from different walks of life. Although each one of them are truly an amazing experience for me, somehow there is to some certain degree a common ground between all of them. *Dun get me wrong. I'm not standing here saying that everyone else is wrong and I'm perfect. I know I'm not perfect and I'm most likely included in this category of people too*

'PEOPLE MAKE USE OF OTHER PEOPLE TO GET WHAT THEY WANT & AFTER THAT - GOODBYE!!'

Seriously!??

Okay, here's the deal. If you need something from someone how about trying to ask them instead of putting on an act? Arrggghh.... I'm so pissed!!

Final year!!

Hey guys, I know its been months since I posted a blog.. Lotsa things have happened since my last post! As you guys already know somehow or rather i managed to squeeze myself into final year of MBBS! Yay for me! It was a joyous day but at the same time I felt sad for those of my friends who did not make it across into final year.. Sadness aside. Let's talk about fun.

ELECTIVES!! Oh My God! It was 4 weeks of pure utter fun 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Singapore was amazing! Plus the group of friends that were there with me - awesomeness!! To begin with electives in Singapore was so amazing, chilled and at the same time I learnt so many things. Anyone interested to do their electives there please do so no hesitation needed. You will have a blast. I'm gonna keep it short and simple here because if I go into details it might take days!! To summarize, elective period was definately something I will never forget. It was just toooooo much fun! Hahaha...

After that 4 weeks of fun and 2 weeks sitting at home doing nothing, coming back to Malacca was like being forced back into hell after winning a visit to heaven! =( and to make matters worse the 'stupid' college decided to scrap our senior clerkship and not reshuffle our groups. *I was really looking forward to both of those things. Way to go MMMC!!* And then to add salt to my injuries, my first posting was Medicine in freaking Muar!! Ugghhh!!! Final year is hectic. No joke but in a way its making me work a lot harder i guess.. I dunno.. hehehe.. anyways yeah.. updated blog!! Yahoo!!!!

It's finally Official!!

Dun worry I'm not getting married or anything. *like that thought would ever cross yr minds kan? =P* As of today, I'm now officially a final year medical student! *woots*

Ever since our MCQ paper *which I would like to make a note was like a paper from H.E.L.L!!* ended on Monday, I *and I'm sure many of my batch mates* were eagerly awaiting the announcement of our results. Much to our dismay, news circulated that the results would only be out on Friday morning, which was 4 days away!! WTH right? Usually the results would be released that evening or latest the following morning. But just so that we would drive ourselves mad awaiting our results, MMMC management decided to release it on Friday!

Upon realising that there is no use staying in Malacca doing nothing, I decided to come back home! *at least I will be well fed back home kan?* So off to JB did I go!

Although I was home, you would think I would be more relaxed and all but NOO!!! Throughout this whole week the one thing that kept playing again and again in my head was 'Friday is coming soon. You better hope you passed.' The whole 4 days were just about me lazing around trying to get my mind off this exam thingy but to no avail!

Finally Friday arrived. I woke up at 730am and sat myself in front of the computer. On FB one could see all the status of my classmates counting down the release of the result. * In our defense, we were informed that it will be released at 10am* The wait seemed forever.. Then finally the clock chimed signifying 10am but no news of the results.. 1010am still no news... 11am NO FREAKING NEWS bout the results..

Then finally the news that it will only be released at 200pm. AARRRGGgggHHHHH!!!! The agony! The anger.. Hahahaha.... * its all so funny now that I think back about it*

But I'm glad it all ended on a very happy note for me.

To all my fellow batch mates who got through P2S1: Go ahead and enjoy your electives. And job well done! We survived study 1.5 years in Malacca, got through study break and have finally conquered P2S1!!! Our next target P2S2.. But first..... let's party!!!

To those who didnt get through: Don't give up hope! Dun throw in the towel just yet! Use the opportunity given to you and show them that you deserve to be in final year because I know every single one of you deserve it! Show them that okay? Good luck guys!!

Mid-Autumn Festival!

As many already know and some may not, tomorrow (3rd October 2009) is the Mid-Autumn Festival or also know as the Lantern or Mooncake Festival. Not many people know this but supposedly the moon is its fullest and roundest on this day! So when you get the chance tomorrow try to catch the glimpse of the moon tomorrow night... =)

The most common story associated with this festival is that of Chang'e being lifted to the moon on this day. Chang'e is the Chinese goddess of the Moon. Below are a few versions of the story related to Chang'e courtesy of Wikipedia. Enjoy reading guy!!

Version 1:

Once upon a time, the earth had ten suns. They burned the crops and people suffered infertility. Houyi sympathized with humans, so he decided to shoot down nine suns and leave one for the benefit of the people. After he shot down the suns, he was treated as a hero. He had a beautiful wife named Chang'e, and they lived happily together. Houyi had a many apprentices; they followed him to learn hunting. One day, on Houyi’s way back home, the emperor of the immortals gave Houyi two pills, each of which granted eternal life as a reward for shooting down the suns, one was for Houyi, and the other for his wife. He warned Houyi, “Make no haste to swallow the pill.” Houyi was to wait until New Years Day, on which he and Chang'e were supposed to eat the pills together. Chang’e put the pill in her jewelry box for safekeeping. But Peng, one of Houyi’s apprentices, discovered their secret and decided to steal the pill. One day, when Houyi and other apprentices went to the mountain, Peng pretended to be sick so that he could stay home. After everyone had gone to the mountain, Peng sneaked into Chang’e’s room and forced her to give him the pill. Chang’e knew she couldn't fight Peng, so she ate the pill herself. However, after eating it alone, she began to float. Unable to come back to earth, she took flight and flew far, far away. She did not want to leave her husband, so she stopped at the moon, which is the body closest to Earth. After Houyi found out what happened, he was very angry and heartbroken. He looked up into the night and called Chang’e’s name. He discovered that inside the moon there was a lady’s shadow that look like Chang’e, so he ran and ran and tried to reach the moon. He failed due to the wind.

Version 2:

Houyi was an immortal, while Chang'e was a beautiful young girl, working in the Jade Emperor's (Emperor of Heaven) Palace as the attendant to the Queen Mother of the West (wife of the Jade Emperor), just before her marriage. One day, Houyi aroused the jealousy of the other immortals, who then slandered him before the Jade Emperor. Houyi and his wife, Chang'e, were subsequently banished from heaven, and forced to live by hunting on earth. He became a famous archer. Now at this time, there were 10 suns, in the form of Three-legged birds, residing in a mulberry tree in the eastern sea; each day one of the sun birds would have to travel around the world on a carriage, driven by Xihe, the 'mother' of the suns. One day, all 10 of the suns circled together, causing the earth to burn. Emperor Yao, the Emperor of China, commanded Houyi to shoot down all but one of the suns. Upon the completion of his task, the Emperor rewarded Houyi with a pill that granted eternal life, and advised him: "Make no haste to swallow this pill; first prepare yourself with prayer and fasting for a year". Houyi took the pill home and hid it under a rafter, while he began healing his spirit. While Houyi was healing his spirit, Houyi was summoned again by the emperor. Chang'e, noticing a white beam of light beckoning from the rafters, discovered the pill, which she swallowed. Immediately, she found that she could fly. At that moment, Houyi returned home, and, realizing what had happened, began to reprimand her. Chang'e flew out the window into the sky. With a bow in hand, Houyi sped after her, and the pursuit continued halfway across the heavens. Finally, Houyi had to return to the Earth because of the force of the wind. Chang'e reached the moon, and breathless, she coughed. Part of the pill fell out from her mouth. Now, the hare was already on the moon, and Chang'e commanded the animal to make another pill from it, so that she could return to earth to her husband. As of today, the hare is still pounding herbs, trying to make the pill. As for Houyi, he built himself a palace in the sun as "Yang" (the male principle), with Chang'e as "Yin" (the female principle). Once a year, on the 15th day of the full moon, Houyi visits his wife. That is why, that night, the moon is full and beautiful.

Version 3:

The earth once had ten suns circling over it, each taking turn to illuminate the earth. One day, however, all ten suns appeared together, scorching the earth with their heat. Houyi, a strong and tyrannical archer, saved the earth by shooting down nine of the suns. He eventually became King, but grew to become a despot. One day, Houyi stole the elixir of life from a goddess. However, his beautiful wife, Chang'e, drank it in order to save the people from her husband’s tyrannical rule. After drinking it, she found herself floating, and flew to the moon. Houyi loved his divinely beautiful wife so much, he did not shoot down the moon.

Version 4:

Another version, however, had it that Chang'e and Houyi were immortals living in heaven. One day, the ten sons of the Jade Emperor transformed into ten suns, causing the earth to get scorched. Having failed to order his sons to stop ruining the earth, the Jade Emperor summoned Houyi for help. Houyi, using his legendary archery skills, shot down nine of the sons, but spared one son to be the sun. The Jade Emperor was obviously displeased with Houyi’s solution to save the earth. As punishment, he banished Houyi and Chang'e to live as mere mortals on earth. Seeing that Chang'e felt extremely miserable over her loss of immortality, Houyi decided to journey on a long, perilous quest to find the pill of immortality so that the couple could be immortals again. At the end of his quest, he met the Queen Mother of the West, who agreed to give him the pill, but warned him that each person would only need half a pill to regain immortality. Houyi brought the pill home and stored it in a case. He warned Chang'e not to open the case, and then left home for a while. Like Pandora in Greek mythology, Chang'e became curious. She opened up the case and found the pill, just as Houyi was returning home. Nervous that Houyi would catch her, discovering the contents of the case, she accidentally swallowed the entire pill, and started to float into the sky because of the overdose. Although Houyi wanted to shoot her in order to prevent her from floating further, he could not bear to aim the arrow at her. Chang'e kept on floating until she landed on the moon. While she became lonely on the moon without her husband, she did have company. A jade rabbit, who manufactured elixirs, also lived on the moon.

Version 5:

In a popular school version, Houyi was a lazy boy who did nothing but to practice his archery. He practiced day and night until he became the greatest archer in the world. One day, the ten suns all assembled around the earth. Their presence destroyed all vegetation, and hundreds of thousands were perishing. The King, who was desperate, offered his crown to anyone who could shoot down the suns. Houyi answered his call. He shot down nine of the suns, and as he pulled his bow to shoot the last one, the King stopped him. Saying the earth must have one sun. Houyi then became the next King. He was pampered to the extent that he wanted to be King forever. He called his advisors to look for a way to make him immortal. His advisors found a way. They found a recipe for the Pill of Immortality. It required 100 adolescent boys to be ground into a biscuit like a pill. Every night he was supposed to grind one boy. On the hundredth night, his wife Chang'e could not bear to watch her husband become the tyrannical dictator for eternity. She prayed to Xi Wang Mu for help. She stole the pill, with Houyi shooting arrows at her, and flew to the moon grabbing a rabbit to keep her company. So the Chinese say that if you look up at the moon to this day you can sometimes see a rabbit making moon cakes.

Keeping in Touch...

Over the years I have met many people. Some have stuck with me till today. Some are still hanging in there and there are some who have just vanished. Keeping in touch with people we have met. People we come to call as our friends. As many people find *and so do I at certain times*, keeping in touch is a difficult thing to do.

It is my personal opinion that even with the help of today's technology a.k.a the INTERNET, keeping in touch with other people has become hard. Quite to the contrary, posting a blog or constantly updating your on Facebook or Twitter is NOT keeping in touch with people. These are people who actually at some point of time if not always, mean or meant something to you. If you expect these people to know what's happening in your life through your blog, then all that says to me is what is the difference between them and a normal person who is reading your blog??

As much as keeping in touch is difficult, there are certain people in our life that we actually would MAKE time to sit down and tell them about stuff happening to us. Be that through a chat window over the net, a personalised email, or a phone call. That shows effort. Expecting someone to know it through your status updates is unfair to that person!

I know i regret losing contact with some of my friends but i still take some amount of initiative to try and get in contact with them once again.

Over the years what I have come to realise is that when you are reduced to know what's happening in your friend's life through social networking websites, then something is wrong in that friendship. You either need to have a talk with that friend or just let that friendship go...

Hmmmm.... I'm actually venting because I'm pissed and disappointed at certain people in my life who have reduced me to that situation. Whether it is my fault or not, I do not know because it just happened and I suddenly realise that I'm pushed to the curb!! It's sad and hurtful...

Anyways, try to make and effort to keep in touch with people who mean something to you in your life okay? Pick up that phone and give that person a call. Text or email that person if you are too busy.

Busy!! That's another thing I don't understand. How long will it take you to send an text message or to reply one?? An hour is it? Hardly 2 minutes. And if that person cannot do that, then I must say 'walk away'! That person is not worthy of your time!! Its 1am now and I'm blogging instead of studying for my finals because I'm pissed!! Ugggghhhhhhh!!!!

Sigh of Relief....but is it really??

OMG!! It's finally over... Truth be told I never thought I would be this tensed up about an exam.. But I guess as the days went by the reality and the seriousness of the situation kinda kicked in and that did not do good to my stress level..

Here's the deal. I don't know what you guys mean when you say 'Oh! I'm so scared for the exam. I'm so not ready. I'm so scared I'm gonna fail!' When you hear those words coming out of my mouth I really mean it. If I don't I just wouldn't say it.

So 2 weeks of study break didn't do any justice to my studying. *In case you are wondering what I'm rambling about... I just sat for my 4th year medical school finals* Actually let's be honest.. I didn't do justice to my 2 week study break. Let's not say where the time went and what I was doing instead of burying my sad face in my books. But yeah! It just flew by and the next thing I know I just have a few more days left for my exams to start.

Tried to stuff my brain with as much stuff as I could. I was freaking out but outside I think I kinda held it pretty well. Wouldn't say I was calm and collected but at the same time I was screaming hysterically!

I have to thank a friend of mine who made sure I studied every night. Gurpreet, thank you so much! I hope all those nights and morning at Mcd studying will pay off. You are a good friend!

So back to ME! =) Towards the end, my sleeping hours were becoming lesser and lesser. * I guess that's normal in everyone's case right?*

As much as I tried to get done, it seemed like there was more that was left undone. Still keeping it together I just tried to push through. Do I regret the way that I studies? Hell Yeah! I should have started way earlier and been more hardworking! I take all the blame..*Duh! Who else can I blame kan?*

I sat for my first exam on Saturday. It was a long case. *We are given a patient to clerk history, examine them and finally come up with a diagnosis for their condition* It was bad enough that I was on the last day. That morning I find out I'm one of the last few to take the exam too!! So I wait and wait and wait till freaking 12.45pm before I am taken to my patient. I was kinda happy to get a Pediatric case not that I was hoping for one or that I was good in Peads. It was the one subject that I was least ready for. So yeah...although it was just a bronchial asthma case, my history wasn't perfect and I was not able to answer all the questions asked. *sad*

Once they let me go, I was having mixed feelings. It wasn't good nor bad...more of uneasiness.. guess I was just eager to know if I passed or not because deep down I don't wanna fail and not move on to final year with everyone else.

So anyways, I get home at about 2.45pm and there is just this sense of relief inside. It was like I could breathe again or something. I was so tired, exhausted and drained out. That's when I realised the condition my room was in. I was like 'OMG!!' hahaha...but I am glad that I managed to push myself through the exam.. and now I have to hit the books for my OSCE which is gonna start in like 10 hours time. Hopefully that goes well and i'll be halfway done with P2S1. =)

Period of inactivity.

Hey guys,

*Am in denial and think that people actually read my blog =P*

You might be wondering why I have not been very actively blogging of late. Well I have my 4th year finals coming up and right now I'm in 'freak-out' mode! But once it's on the way, I shall return to my blogging. *as I promised YOU*

So don't miss me much. To my fellow bloggers, keep on blogging. Doesn't mean I will stop reading yr blogs okay? Stay safe you'll!!

Rising stress levels...

As if I don't have my hands full with my up-coming 4th year finals (P2S1), last week's national incident was just contributing more to it. I have no idea why it affects me so much but it did and it still does! In case you people have no clue about what I am talking about, it is the protest against the relocation of the temple.

For something like this to happen just a few days before we celebrate our 52nd Independence Day was just saddening. I don't understand the necessity of the protest. It could have be carried out in a more civilized way rather than what happened. After 52 years of being an independent country and living somewhat harmoniously, something like this just dampens our spirit. When I viewed the video, I felt embarrassed because I was a Malaysia. Yes I was angry about the cow head but more importantly the way they spoke while rioting, their behaviour and mannerisms were just very unbecoming of an educated Malaysian.

Why the riot was allowed to continue even after threats about bloodshed and racial disturbances were made is a question we all ask till today? But sadly no answer has been provided. Instead the ISA protocol is being reviewed and ministers are justifying the riot. Many people are upset at the way this issue is being handled.

Apart from that there is the impending doom of my finals hanging in the background. At the rate I am going I have doubts about making it through and progressing to my final year. Thank god the study break is here. Its now time to shift into ultraspeed and make some progress with my studies. Hopefully I will be able to pull myself through.

On a brighter note, some nice things did happen this week as well. I had a visit from someone very special and that most certainly made my day. (Thank you for that!). I have managed to patch up things with a friend of mine. And last but certainly not least I am now back on my normal sleeping schedule. *Most of the time that is*

Social Network Sites and Us

No! I'm not going to say that the social network websites like Facebook and Twitter are bad or that we should stay away from them. I'm just gonna sit down and analyse how different our lives have become since the advent of these websites. Don't get me wrong I am in love with these websites (especially Facebook and Twitter *You would have noticed how they are frequently mentioned when I exemplify these websites*)

For all those who use these websites and actually check up on them on a frequent basis and not do it once in a blue moon, you guys know how much fun it can sometimes get. But I'm not here to discuss the fun part of these websites. *I'll do that another day =P*

Let us analyse.........

In my opinion we have become to dependent on these websites. Okay I'm not gonna start pointing fingers at people. Let's talk with me in perspective. I have lately realised that I have become too dependent on these websites. I update my day-to-day occurence on it. People know what I'm up to and stuff. Some may term it being easy and simple. But I think it is slowly doing some damage to the relationship we have with these people. Why can't I just text them to share with them what's going on in my life? Or better give a call now and then. No that would involve money. Doing it through these websites is FREE!! And we cover a more larger number of people at the same time. Right?... Agreed but it does take a toll on the relationship. Somehow the friendship we have with these people is confined to that website alone. For instance if I wanna know what a friend of mine is up to right now, I would just have to check his Twitter or Facebook. But as his friend what does that tell about me? What kind of a friend am I if I need to rely on a website to know what my friend is doing or how is he feeling?

What happened to the days when we used to call up and check on our freinds? The advent of technology has caused us to sit in front of our laptops, PCs or phones and access the world. It has come down to that friends have stopped calling each other and converse through these websites. If I happen to be having a nervous breakdown, instead of getting a call from a friend, I probably get a comment to my status on Facebook saying 'What happened?'. I mean seriously!! Are we that busy that sparing a little time for someone would mean total chaos for us?? I still feel great when I hear a friend's voice over the phone or meet over a cup of coffee... Where has those days gone? People tend to give the excuse that life has become too hectic and that they are constantly busy. It's true that time and tide waits for no man but at the same time if we do not make some time for the people we care for and love, rely on these websites to know if yr best friend is sick or having a breakdown....worry just comes to mind.

So to all those who read this blog of mine * I am grateful that you read it. Seriously!*, pick up the phone, call a friend or two...check up on them or better set up a meeting and let them know that you are still there. Let us try to be better friends even with the help of these websites.

Honey! I'm Home......

YES!! Finally got my internet connection configured to my new laptop. Finally I have access to the world wide web from my room after being away from it for nearly a week. It was torture I tell u. But all's good and back to normal now. I have my internet and i persevered. Hahaha... By the way, here are a few stills of my new laptop.

Ta Chi House Dinner

I've been wanting to try out this place for a very long time and finally my long-standing wish was granted tonight. =)
Ta Chi House Cafe is located at No. 1, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang. Its just before Putra Hospital... in front of the church. I loved the interior of the place. It was simple and cosy unlike all those overly decorated high end places. Although it is situated by the road side, somehow it did not seem that noisy *maybe because our noise over-powered the traffic noise. =P*
Today's dinner was graced by the following people : Ruben, Taran, Daveena, Venothini, Dinesh, and of course, yours truly. Well the main reason we went there was to try out their Haagen Diazz milk shakes which were rumoured to be heavenly and simply yummy!! Needless to say I was all 'Let's go!' when with the mere mention of Haagen Diaz. *I love good ice cream okay. It's just too good to resist*
We decided to order dishes for dinner. On our menu for dinner was : fragrant rice *T-T*, rendang chicken, Ponteh chicken, chap chai, cencaluk egg. Food was good and filling. The chicken pieces served were good fleshy ones unlike the scrony looking ones you get at some places. Then came time for the milkshakes. I have got to say they were indeed heavenly.
Then and there it was decided that we shall return to this place probably for tea or something like that. I decided that whenever I am depressed or feel that I should reward myself, Ta Chi House Cafe's milkshakes it will be!!
Once dinner was over, we started talking...actually we started chatting about several things. Our chat made us realise and recall all the wonderful experiences we had gone through together throughout this 4 years. No matter what bitterness and hardship we have gone through, I am forever grateful to have met you guys and have you guys as my friends. =)

Can we resist temptation?

Found this article on the net the other day. It's interesting so I thought I'll share it with you guys. =)

If you think you're generally good at resisting temptation, you're probably wrong, scientists now say.

"People are not good at anticipating the power of their urges, and those who are the most confident about their self-control are the most likely to give into temptation," said Loran Nordgren, senior lecturer of management and organizations at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, in Illinois.

The result: Many of us unwittingly expose ourselves to tempting chocolate or cigarettes, leading to a greater likelihood of indulging in addictive behaviors.

Nordgren reached the conclusion through a series of small, offbeat experiments done primarily with college students. The results may hold for the broader population, but that has not been studied.

In one experiment, more than twice as many smokers who thought they could resist temptation lit up a cigarette in a no-smoking test as those who realized they didn't have so much control.

Those who puff out their chests in the face of temptation have a deflated view of others. "They also demonize others," Nordgren told LiveScience. "They take a very dim view of other people who act impulsively, because they have this belief that they themselves wouldn't act this way."

The bottom line, Nordgren says: Avoid situations where such weaknesses thrive, and remember you're not that invincible.

Hunger, cigarettes and sleep

The new study, which will be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science, builds on past research showing that when not in the "heat of the moment," individuals have a hard time understanding the depths of their cravings.

"If you aren't feeling a cigarette craving or hunger or sexual arousal at this moment, I believe you have a real difficult time appreciating the transformative force of those experiences," Nordgren said.

And most of the time, we aren't gripped by impulse, he added.

To figure out how this so-called cold state (opposite of the "gripped by impulse" state) influences behavior, Nordgren ran experiments on:

Hunger pangs: Seventy-nine university students and employees rated a list of snacks from least to most favorite and then selected one. Participants were told, "You can eat the snack anytime you like. However, if you return the snack to this location in one week, we will give you four Euros (and you will get to keep the snack you chose)."

Questions also measured participants' level of hunger. Satiated participants exposed themselves to more temptation, generally choosing their first or second favorite snack, while the hungry individuals selected their second or third favorite item. Those with full bellies were also less likely to bring back an uneaten snack, Nordgren said.

Cigarette cravings: Fifty-three university students who smoked were placed into a high- or low-control group, in which a bogus test suggested each had either a high or low capacity for impulse control. Then, the participants had to watch a film called "Coffee and Cigarettes" without smoking. Participants chose their level of temptation with corresponding levels of payoff. They could either keep the unlit cigarette in another room (lowest), on their desk, in their hand, or in their mouth (highest).

On average, low-control students chose to watch the film with the cigarette on the table, and those who thought they could easily resist temptation chose to keep the cigarette in their hand. About 33 percent of the high-control students caved and smoked during the film, while just over 11 percent of the low-control participants lit up.

Mental fatigue: An experiment of 74 college students revealed those who were drained mentally reported having less control of mental fatigue than their bright-eyed counterparts. The "sleepy" students also said they intended to leave about 53 percent of their studying to the last minute, compared with about 60 percent for the non-fatigued group.

The thinking is that the alert students couldn't appreciate the enormous drawbacks of having a drained brain and so chose to leave more studying to the last minute.

Wider implications

The study has implications for all corners of our personal lives, Nordgren figures. For instance, can a recovering alcoholic attend booze-saturated parties and stay sober? Can a dieter frequent his favorite dessert buffets and refrain from binging? Can a committed husband have drinks with a past fling without fear of infidelity?

"The answer is probably 'no,'" Nordgren said. "People have less self-restraint than they think, a false belief that often leads people to expose themselves to more temptation than they can handle."

In addition, he added, the study results suggest people often can’t predict how they will react in a given situation.

"It's not just about eating and addiction, but the 'cold self' has a really hard time understanding what you're capable of in a moment of despair, in a moment of rage," Nordgren said.

Death...

During the past few months, *to those who have noticed* the news has been all about people passing away and suffering. It has definitely been a very dim few months. It is a known fact that somewhere at all time someone is dying. But one cannot deny the feeling when you hear the news. Somehow a blanket of dullness, silence and sadness covers us up by the mere mention of the word --- D.E.A.T.H.
The world had lost some of its few great souls these past few months but while me mourn their passing away, let us not forget those who are still alive, still serving and contributing their part to this world in their own little way.
Like everything has an opposite, so does death. L.I.F.E. Let us not mourn the passing of these people but celebrate their life. Because at the end of it, they deserve it!
So if you have lost someone, be it a pet or a relative, a friend or a foe, join me and let's observe a minute of silence. In this one minute try to recall this person that you have lost. Don't think that they have gone. Recollect the fond memories you have had with them...about them. Remember how their voice sounds, how their face looks and how they make you feel... Remember..... To all those who have left me : I'm glad you are in a better place now. I know you are always with me in my mind and spirit. I miss you. I love you. R.I.P.

Half day class - Shopping - Zen dinner...

Dinesh's Aussie Beef Casserole















My Chicken Pie in the Bowl















Gill's Roasted Lamb Salad














Dav's Crispy Chicken Salad


Tuesday (28-07-2009)
Tuesday came as fast as the weekend flew this week. It was a bright sunny day compared to the horrible downpour that was on Monday! As usual being a Tuesday we had lectures lined up till 4.00pm. But soon it turned out to be a Tuesday like no other. Lectures got rescheduled and as it turned out, we had the afternoon free. Well, not exactly free. We had a surgery class that was optional to attend. Who would?? =P Not me! Lazed around the whole afternoon doing absolutely nothing. * How nice if life was life this everyday?* Had promised Dav that I would follow her shopping for a dress for the upcoming MMA dinner on Saturday. So around 4.00pm we were off to Dataran Pahlawan in attempts to find her a dress for the function.
Shop after shop... in and out... did we walk with no success. Seriously Malacca should consider expanding its variety of shops. There were dresses but they were okay ones and we were not looking for okay ones. =P Okay!! I wasn't gonna let her buy an okay looking dress. So after walking around for what seemed forever ( 3 hours), we conceded and sat ourselves at Starbucks awaiting the time for dinner.
We had planned to have dinner at Zen in Dataran. I must say food there is not that bad. I know most people go there for the desserts which are heavenly but do try out their food menu too. You just might be pleasantly surprised. =) So yeah the pictures above shows our dinner. I had the Pie in the Bowl, Dav had the Crispy Chicken Salad, Gill had the Roasted Lamb Salad and Dinesh the Aussie Beef Casserole. Boy were we stuffed after eating our dinner. Could hardly move out of our seats to go see the desserts... Yeah you guessed right. Desserts were packed back home that night! =)

A Day Like No Other

Today as I woke up from my short slumber in the morning *yes I had only slept at 5.00am as I was busy reading my story book and was kinda high on Big Apple Donuts*, I said today shall be a wonderful day. Considering that I had my first and last ENT presentation today and that I had done my slide show yesterday, I was in a happy mood. But little did I know Mother Nature would turn it all upside down for me. As today was Monday, we were in the OPD and were with Dr. Vijay until 11.00am. He is just so fun to have clinics with. Ever smiling and jovial. If only most consultants and lecturers were like him, learning medicine would prove to be much more fun. =P Anyways at 11.00am we had our usual boring session with the ENT head of department. It was only then did I notice how dark it was outside. First thought that ran through my mind was 'Please don't rain. My clothes are drying outside.' When have my words being heard? Before I knew it.....WHHHHOOOOSSSHHHHHH....* In case you didn't get that..that's the sound of the rain pouring.Hahahah* First I thought it was just the usual downpour we get here in Malacca. But little did I know the surprise the weather had in store for me. When Leslie *names have been changed to preserve confidentiality...LOL* dropped me back home, I was shocked to see the whole of my front porch was flooded right up till my doorstep. It was ankle-deep okay!! I was like 'WTH???!!' Anyways I was just praying that the rain would stop soon so as to prevent the water level from rising further and entering my house. Sad to say though my clothes are still outside drenched in rain water. Now I'll have to rewash them and hopefully the sun decides to show its face just to dry my clothes. That's all I'm asking for. Hahaha. So my presentation went on as planned but somehow due to the weather and the cosy feeling the rain gives you, just made me wanna crawl under my comforter and sleep... Sad to say my PBL session which usually is over by 4.00pm was dragged on till about 5.15pm today! So all I managed to do was come back home, snuggle under my comforter and read a few chapters of my storybook. Hmm.... But truth be told I actually love today's weather minus the getting wet in the rain part. =)

The happenings of the week....

Sorry I have not been posting and updating my blog. I'm kinda going through a rough patch! Hopefully it resolves with time. =) Anyways here's some interesting things that have happened to me throughout this couple of days!





Lets starts from the weekend.(18th-19th July 2009)
I was in KL for the weekend. An amazing weekend. Being that I have not been home for quite some time, being surrounded by my friend's family just made me feel right at home. It was such a nice feeling to be in a house that was always filled with sounds of laughter and voices. Made me realised how much I missed my family. Apart from that, there was home cooked food. To those who know what I mean, no matter where you eat nothing comes close to eating home cooked food. There's just something about food that is cooked at home that gives it an extra 'Uummph!!' The weekend proved to be an amazing one - filled with good times, laughs and memories. To you ( you know who you are), thank you for that amazing weekend. God knows I needed it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. =) The only part that sucked about the weekend was when it started to dawn on me that it was ending. Wished that everyday was a weekend. Soon before I know it, I was back in Hell a.k.a Malacca. Dun get me wrong. I love Malacca. Its one of the cities I can see myself living in but as for now its hell simply because it's associated with my 'wonderful' college and studies. *note how wonderful in higlighted and is in inverted commas*

Monday(20th July 2009)
Monday marked the return to the hospitals for clinics after having an awesome one week on campus with classes starting at 9.30 am and free afternoons. Waking up did prove to be a problem but somehow managed to get ready and was in the ENT OPD at 8.45 am. Clerked a case of allergic rhinitis and then did nothing till 1100 am when our class was taken by the hospital consultant. After what seemed to take forever, we finally left the hospital at 12.30 pm. * I think thats by far the latest I have EVER left the hospital. I know....I know... I'm such a great medical student* After lunch, had a short nap and then left for my 3.00 pm PBL session. Once that was over and done with, headed home. Today was Manggis' birthday but he was not feeling well. Felt sad for him. It's never a good thing to be vomiting and unable to eat during your birthday! Thank god he felt ok towards night and was able to eat! I felt bad as I didn't get him anything. Still haven't. I kinda suck at getting people gifts. =P I'm good at receiving though..Hahahha... anyways surprised him at dinner with someone and it was all good. After dinner, headed home and slept.

Tuesday(21st July 2009)
Lecture day! Boring!!! Nothing interesting today.. Got to know that I'm going for the MMA dinner in Malacca on the 1st of August.

Wednesday(22nd July 2009)
Today we got to go to the operation theater. It was such a cold experience. When I say cold I mean BBrrrr..... cold! God I was freezing my a** of in there. But it was all worth it. Managed to see a nasal polyp removal and a tonsillectomy. =) And then things took a complete 180 turn. I realised that somehow I had misplaced my housekeys. =( I tried to retrace my steps but to no avail. They were gone. And along with them my favourite keychain which meant a lot to me. It had a big sentimental value to me and now its gone. =( Was bumped out the whole day. After class went to make a new set of keys. And ended up doing a little shopping to cheer myself up. What better way to cheer yourself up then CHOCOLATES!! Hahaha... I still mourn the lost of my keychain though.

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

This is one of the movies that I was dying to see this whole year. My wish came true yesterday. To those who are yet to see this movie, i strongly suggest that you refrain from reading further.

As all movies that have been adapted from books, I would be deemed silly to ignore the fact that the book was so much better. That being said... the creativity of the director and his team to try their level's best to depict what J.K. Rowling wrote is commendable. Although the special effects were not as great as the previous ones, it was an interesting to see how they interpreted the scenes from the book.

To those who cannot withstand long-winded movies, you have been warned!! The movie is a whole good 2.5 hours long.

Sadly I must say somehow they have managed to omit some very interesting scenes from the book and down-played the important parts. The movie begins with the collapse of the Millenium Bridge instead of the discussion between the Minister of Magic and the President. The arguement between Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Severus somehow seemed so much more interesting in the book than on screen. The memory journeys that Harry takes with Dumbledore wasn't at all intruguing. For one the initial memory concerning Morvolo and his children was completely omited.

A scene worth mentioning is probably during the retrival of the Horcrux by Harry and Dumbledore. Dumbledore's ring of fire was indeed amazing. However the scene that follows did not measure up to the book either. Being the whole climax of the movie, Dumbledore's death was dull and mediocre. Harry was not paralyzed by Dumbledore but was just merely asked to hide. The down-playing on that scene was major. The atmosphere surrounding Dumbledore's death somehow brought a tear to the eye with Fawkes lamenting cry and everyone else gathering for his funeral. Somehow this was not seen in the movie. It happened in a flash and was over in a blink of an eye.

I almost forgot to mention about one scene that was not in the book at all but somehow appeared on screen. The burning of the Burrow. The was also no mention of Fluer and the wedding. There was no fight between the members of the order and the DeathEaters. Remus' flashback story of how he was bitten by Greyback also seemed to have merely disappeared into thin air.

All in all Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was an okay movie. If you are a Harry Potter fan you will know what I mean after you have seen the movie. That or my imagination skills are just too good.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars. Here are some pictures and posters from the movie. Enjoy!