Rendezvous

Homecoming

2009-07-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Will be leaving for Domodedovo Airport, Moscow in 4 hours' time, with a heavy heart. This will be my final time blogging from Moscow. This is a place I've lived for almost all my life, 7 years is indeed a long time. This is a place that brought me many great memories and not to be forgotten disappointments too. Despite the fact of what my 2nd sister wrote about Russia in her blog, I've got really used to the life here, the people, my friends, the care free life, the freedom, almost everything here. I will not say it is the best place to be in for I hated to be here previously but now that it is time to go home, I feel heavy hearted leaving this place for good.

So this is the end of another chapter of my life. It is the transient from a carefree life to a stressful working life with much responsibilities. Sigh.. Goodbye Moscow, Goodbye Russian Federation.

Random rants and thoughts.....

2009-06-17T05:30:00.001-07:00

It's a misty afternoon with occasional drizzles. Such gloomy day very much affects my mood. Well, I have gotten rather emo lately for some unknown reasons. Partly, seeing my friends leaving Moscow for home and the thought of not seeing them anymore adds up to my emo-ness...

I had a few quiet hours of solitude by abstaining myself from my laptop. I can't help it but it is really a big distraction. The more I get access to the internet, the more I am suffering from the silly things that I keep doing from time to time. Hence, I decided to love myself more and be ruthless to the silly desire and act! Final paper is due this weekend and I really gotta brush aside these unfruitful thoughts and get my senses back for I know this will bring me no where but devastating sorrow and despair!! Anyway, a quote from Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button's movie. "When you can't do anything, you just need to let go!"

Here is something to share, came across somewhere some time ago. If you have a strong belief in yourself, in what you are doing, and what you want to do; no adversity is too difficult to overcome. All right, I am logging off..

Dearest residents of 12-14

2009-06-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

Yunnmin and I

Rueyying, Me, Chiamei

Chiamei and I

YM and I

RY and I

Finally, all of us! :)

Have a safe and wonderful journey back home! I am so going to miss ALL of YOU! I could still remember 3 years ago when you all just stepped foot into 12-14, 3 attractive girls; 1 bubbly, 1 cutie and another one with reddish hotdog lips! LOL. Talking about which, occasionally we both still have that issue! It was just like yesterday when the bubbly rosy one came into my room to borrow my laptop for internet access, yah, she was up to something back then :P As time passed by, I would not say we get to know each other more but I would put it this way, we live together quite well, knowing each other’s needs and tolerate well, right? Thanks for putting up with me when I was inconsiderate or whatsoever, those were the times when my hormone went raging uncontrollably. Sorry and thank you.

My dearest big sister, thanks for enlightening me about our big brother up there, teaching me the 8 habits, sharing with me what you know, I promise, I will remember what you have taught me thus far. Not forgetting being my choir conductor despite my terrible loud croaking voice, you did not give up on me! Haha.. During the times when I was sick, I was really touched by the food you prepared for the sick and dropping by the pharmacy downstairs to get me some lozenges or whatever drug I cannot recall... I’d like to thank you too for not turning away when I was down and complained whiningly to you. You were patient and lent me a listening pair of ears. Oh guess what? As I am typing this, I just received an SMS from you. OKAY, I have defrost your yellow plate chicken LOL Lastly, RED JACKET!!!! ngek ngek ngek...Well, I sincerely hope and pray that you will continue to wear your "RED JACKET" and the meaning behind it, only the 3 of us understand this :P

To the reddish hotdog lips, the prettiest in this home, though she claims that it is her house that is pretty... HAHA... Thanks for the many times helping me deal with the unknown flying insects in my room, even at the wee hours of the day, you caught them and let them go through the window with much courage. BRAVO! Your laughter definitely adds spices to an otherwise boring 12-14! I am so going to miss them. Oh yah, I am sipping your orange green tea while typing this! Smell and taste nice, thank you!

To the cutie one, although these 1 and a half years, you have been busy with your life and your life partner, I will miss your presence too! The times when we shared TVB series...Thanks for sharing your collection of earrings! Not forgetting your favorite chrysanthemum jelly, yummy! I was touched when you gave me your one and only bottle left of facial moisturizer, the one that you brought miles and miles all the way from Malaysia! Thank you!

I am so going to miss the times when we all sit together and talk and talk and talk for hours about anything and everything under the sun. So much so that the bubbly one even has déjà vu of hugging the big teddy bear with us talking about NIU DOU MA MIAN (cow head horse face!) WahAHahhahhahha... Ahhhh… all these times will definitely remain vividly in my memory. I acknowledge the every single little thing that all of you have done for me. I wish I could do more for all of you too! Thank you for everything, keep in touch, all the best and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY IN YOUR STUDIES AND YOUR LIFE! *hugs*

Tsaritsino Park

2009-06-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Meisian suggested this place, so off we went today. Well, the reason is to find out if it is worth bringing our parents when they come over but actually it is just an excuse to go out to have fun! LOL. There are history and architecture museum, nice landscape park with an adjacent forest, an art museum, the Biryulyovo dendropark and a cascade of the Tsaritsino ponds where lotsa ducks and 1 white big swan live :) We picnicked by the lake, not just once but TWICE within the few hours there! haha! We visited the "Main palace museum" and were awed by it. It is undoubtedly worth going in, what more when it is FOC for students! ka ka ka!

In my point of view, this place beats VDNX and it is not that far after all. However, be prepared to spend a half day there and come back with leg pain and muscle ache! That is the price to pay. LOL.

Picnic! I made egg+crabstick sandwiches, Nic made tuna sandwiches, Lonny made sardine roll, very yummy! We finished them in no time! Lingtze and Meisian baked marble cake, Boonchin bought some junk food and David brought us juicy fresh fruits! :) Oh yah, forgot to mention we were entertained by some easy listening music from the outdoor speakers of the park. Great picnic ambience, indeed!

Fountains at the entrance of the park and a bridge

P-R-E-T-T-Y! I mean the ducks...

7 of us

Nic, LT, Me, Vid, MS, Lonny, BC

Bed of flowersssssss :)

Another bridge..There are many bridges there

The main palace in Tsarisino

Round 2 of picnic

"Dum, dum, dum" wahahahhahahha

Kazanov and Bazhenov, the architects of this place

Look behind! There are many russians in bikini immersing their bodies to the sunlight! Sexy sexy... hehe

Peekaboo!

A small island in the midst of the lake

Newly planted flowers welcoming us at the entrance of the park

The weather was really hot, so bought some icecream to quench our thirst!

5th June 2009

2009-06-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Had multidisciplinary MCQ exam today in the uni...It has been a long, long time since I last went to the uni..Sounds funny but yah, our teachings are in the hospital so that explains? Since this would be one of the very last time in the uni, we grab the chance to snap lotsa photosssssss!! Well, our campus is quite large I would say, there is a main building and a few other blocks but most of our photos today were taken in the walkway of the main building..

After the photo taking, our stomachs were rumbling so we stopped by at "More sushi" to have business lunch! It is located about 300 meters from our hostel and it is one of the most visited place by us.. Firstly, it is near, secondly, it is quite affordable :) There are 4 sets of business lunch served..The sushi set, Tempura set, Noodles set and Toridon set. Price wise, ranging from 210 rubles to 265 rubles.

Next, we headed to the park opposite our hostel for shooting the ending our short film. All that we needed to do was to runnnnnnnnn for our livessssss! We were chased by skin head, Aznol.. Haha.. It was really funny! Our director Zharif shouted run "lintang-pukang" and we all ran aimlessly.. Our old man, David tripped and fell to the ground helplessly. Seeing Lingtze right in front of him, he pulled hard on Lingtze's legs while this heartless lady tried to free herself thus kicked the old man who hindered her from running! I was there running while laughing at the spontaneous scenario they both put up! Great acting skill!! I just can't wait to see the end product!!!!

Lingtze suggested boating in the lake but was turned down so Meisian, Lingtze and I went to buy tickets to circus for our parents instead. However, it was a disappointment because tickets for July will only be out next week.. :( Today was indeed a tiring but joyful day! :)

With some sculpture at the entrance of the uni

After the exam, outside auditorium 4

L to R: Meisian, Lonny, Lisa, Me, Lingtze, Adele, Farid, Aznol the skinhead lol

Backdoor of auditorium, David and I

Main walkway?

Magnificent mural

Glass window overlooking a few blocks of apartments and uni's car park

Yonglin and I

L to R: David, Nicholas, Bibiana, Me, Lingtze, Meisian, Yanhan and Boonchin

"Otlichniki" Tang Rayyank and his picture nailed to the wall. Well done! :)

Cloakroom

Jump ar...After basketball practice

At the main entrance of the uni..

Kungfu kick

Another one...

Okay, a proper one..Me, Lingtze, Yan han and Bibiana

At "More sushi"

Another one..Me, Nadia, Chedin, Rayyank and Yonglin

Food... Sushi, noodles, Miso soup, Green tea

In the park, by the lake

Green, green grass...nice weather too!

Taklimat terakhir daripada pihak penaja...

2009-05-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

We were invited to Encik Azman's condo in Leninsky Prospekt. It is located quite in the centre of Moscow and guess what? I was told that the rental for his unit costs 2000 USD per month! I stunned for a moment hearing that!! Very pricey indeed! But well, for that location and living in Moscow... Acceptable, I think.. Anyway, it is a split-level condo, very nicely furnished, not very large though. I have some photos below but I do not know why they do not depict the real picture of the comfy and classy home.

Abon and Al, playing with Adele's 60s shade...I saw the Russians opposite giggling. LOL :)

Me, Farid, Nadia aka Pn Alif

My turn! Farid and I in the metro..

In the living room. L to R: David, Meisian, Dailou Aznol, Ain, Nadia and I

L to R: Al, Farid, Abon, Aznol, Nadia, Me, Rayyank, Adele, Meisian

With David in the picture this time..

The dining room with nice view..But I don't know why it turned out so awful in the photo!!! How sad :( Puan Azman prepared delicious food for all of us. Some rendang chicken, serunding, beef curry, seafood curry, acar with sambal served with Basmati rice..yummy. She kept asking us to tambah lagi, tambah lagi, so all of us did! Me? 2 rounds!!! David? 3 rounds! hahaha..Really yummy but a bit spicy for me..After that we had great dessert, lotsa fruits and cakes. Brrpp... Thank you! :)

The living room which is nicely furnished. It looks really classy and nice...but again, the photo... sigh..

Before the taklimat and pesanan terakhir from En. Azman

Bid farewell and left. Managed to snap a photo with Rayyank at the corridor. Yah, he is very tall and I am very short indeed :(

Final basketball practice... :(

2009-05-31T05:10:00.000-07:00

If you notice, most of my recent posts have the word final, last, finale... Well, yah, as a matter of fact, today is the last day in May, which means I am nearer to homecoming!* Grins....*

Yonglin, Bibiana, Me and Lingtze..On the way from hostel to uni's sports complex..

Before the arrival of coach..so we are allowed to play around? :P

Wow, Bibiana is aiming...good shoot!

My turn, aiyak... :P

Another try, yay! :)

Lingtze and yonglin..yonglin really has the basketball genes in her!!!!

Drilling by our coach :)

Final BBQ in Moscow

2009-05-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Weather has been good lately so time for BBQ! We have got a new friend with us this time...
Introducing....

GuoYang!!

Setting up and starting the fire..

*Us* Me, Meisian, Lingtze, Bibiana, Luyang and Guoyang

Bibi the pro...all watch and learn :P

Bibiana and I

A little burnt but taste good :)

Nicholas the big bro and Yanhan playing with flowers..

Packed and headed home..Big bro thinks the background is nice for photoshooting

J.O.Y. group finale

2009-05-25T03:38:00.001-07:00

There were lotsa food but I did not manage to snap all of them. The most sumptuous meal for CG thus far... YUMMY n brrrrppppp....

L to R: Sapient, Chihwan, Chiasein, Sooying, Me, April, Jingli, Chinling, Changlu and Half of Angeline :P

Fried squid or commonly known as Fried sotong among Malaysians

Apple sauce by Dominic

Dominic's apple chicken, doesn't look too tempting but taste good :)

Sweet & sour pork by Issac and Yew

Marcus and Chihwan...opss haha

Me!

Isaac and Anna

Busy eating and chit-chatting

Zzz...too full jor..

Chicken wings...yum yum..

Dominic went bonkers and that explains? :)

Finally, a proper photo..Yew, me and Vid

Cooking escapade

2009-05-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

We had potluck for our J.O.Y. group's finale. The theme was chinese food..YUMMY! So Yunn Min and I prepared 2 dishes- Braised Spicy Chicken Wings and Thai Gammon Salad, yah, yah, this is out of the theme but we prepared due to special demand LOL :P Credit to my 2nd sista's recipe, penang siaopo.

Well, we both gotta prepare 40 chicken wings, but I think there are 20 here maybe?

Yunn min and her garlics :P

Here you are..braised spicy chicken wings

Thai Gammon Salad

Swan lake!!!!!

2009-05-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

I bought the Swan Lake ballet tickets today!!!! 6 tickets for my mum, dad, big sis, second sis, Aunty and I. Yay, I just can't wait for their arrival in Moscow.. 35 more days..

Swan Lake, Lebedinoye Ozero in Russian, is a famous ballet by Tchaikovsky. It is about Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil's curse.

Swan Lake, 1st July 2009, 19:00, 500 rubles each but there is a 50 rubles service charge imposed

Lelong!!!

2009-05-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Selling cheap! LOL We had our stuff "lelong" just now and I would say it was quite successful. Sold most of my things at the cheapest price one can get in Moscow... This was how the lelong went.. I really enjoyed the ambience though lol.Nicholas and I at our hostel's 6th floor corridor

My booth..Russian books, trench coat, winter jackets and laptop showing pictures of bigger stuff like fridge, window blinds yadda yadda. High tech uh? lol :P

The bargain! :)

Short film shooting

2009-05-21T15:28:00.001-07:00

Today we had the first shooting of our short film which will be shown during our convocation in Malaysia. It consists of 3 parts and I am in the first part. Part 1 is a flashback of our student life in Moscow. I am casting as Yuvaraj's daughter and Yuvaraj is a renowned doctor. I don't know much about Part 2 and 3 though.

Anyway, today's shooting was aimed at linking the 3 parts, so the main casts from all 3 parts showed up in the introductory scene. It began with Lisa sitting by the lake writing a diary and by chance spotted her boyfriend, Bala cheating on her. She was furious seeing her boyfriend spending a romantic time with Adele hence the 3 of them had a big fight. Lisa was very angry, so she threw her diary at Bala but it missed and flew way too far... across the field, the podium- where Meisian was singing and it ended up hitting Abon, the photographer who was busy snapping photo for our model, Nadia. Lisa then ran aimlessly in the park where she bumped hard onto Boonchye, a doctor, who then shouted at Lisa for being rude. Lisa turned a deaf ear to Boonchye's scolding and continued running. This time Lisa knocked onto me, a little kid who was skipping happily by my daddy's side. I fell to the ground and started crying. Dad then picked me up from the ground and shook his head commenting about how youngsters nowadays are blinded by love... So this is the first try out scene today...To be continued on Saturday, so stay tuned :P

Shooting in the process,..Zharif the cameraman, Lisa the diary writer..

Spectators lol :P

Me, the small kid with a lollipop in the mouth and a teddy bear in hand;David, the old man with grey hair; Bibiana, David's daughter

Lunch at Old Arbat

2009-05-19T15:21:00.001-07:00

There is this Jap restaurant at the beginning of Old Arbat Street having some kinda happy hour promotion, buy 1 free one. Great deal! We had some teppanyaki and sushi but I did not really snap photo of the food..We were too hungry for that.. :P

My photo taking skill is a bit out..but trust me, it looks much better and taste good. They are oysters by the way.. :P

Bibiana and I

Moo-moo

Old Arbat Street, one of the famous street in Moscow. On the left of the photo is Hard Rock Cafe

The beautiful side of Moscow

2009-05-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

The 7 of us- David, Nicholas, Boonchin, Meisian, Lingtze, Bibiana and I had a wonderful day out to the city center. Our first stop was Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. It is the tallest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world. It is situated at the bank of Moscow River and was built when the Napoleon's soldiers left Moscow. It was demolished and then rebuilt in the 90s hence this is what a new Russian orthodox church ought to look like. The interior is magnificent but we are not allowed to take any picture inside the church. The wall was inlaid with precious stones, granites and marbles. All in all, it is a must visit in Moscow and most important of all, the admission is free!!!

We then cross the pedestrian bridge across the Moscow river to the statue of Peter the Great I on the bank of the Moscow River. Well, it is one of the tallest outdoor sculptures in the world. Next we walked to Park Kulturi Metro station and took a trolley bus to the Old Arbat where we had our lunch there.

Boonchin and the rest wanted to look for maps and guide book for their Europe trip so we headed to Dom Knigi, the largest bookshop in Moscow. However, we came back empty handed. LOL.

Welcoming fountain in front of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour;Lingtze, meisian and I

More tulips..purple, pink and yadda yadda

Alexander the II

Resembles the lions in Trafalgar Square, London? :P

L to R: Boonchin, Bibiana, meisian, lingtze, me and David

The pedestrian bridge overlooking Moscow. Perfect nightview of the city at night.

Jump ar..jump! :P

Stopped by some art sculpture area..20 rubles entrance fees for students

Cello?

Famous Russian poet, Pushkin

Largest outdoor sculpture in the world!!!! Peter the I's statue on the bank of Moscow river

Pinocchio and us in the art sculpture area

Final day of classes...

2009-05-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Me.....

Nikhil and I

Thanks for guiding and teaching us throughout these 5 weeks of Medicine Rotation

Posers- Rafeek and I

In the lift-Yoga, Sumathi, Nikhil and I

At the compound of Hospital 15- Me, Bibiana and Yan han

Candid..

It was drizzling..Luyang, Yoga, Me, Rafeek..Playing in the rain

Happy! Final day of class!!!!!

The 3 rabbits of group 61

In the metro on our way back

Zzz..Yoga has got a nice shoulder to rest on :P

Chinese Buffet...

2009-05-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I was on my way back home after the morning teaching and I bump into a gang of juniors at the hostel lobby. They were about to leave for Chinese Buffet at East Restaurant in Metro Mendeleevskaya. I was asked if I would join them and without any hesitancy I said, "Of course!" It's my 7th year here and I've never been there!!!! Well, it's not exactly the normal buffet style whereby we can have unlimited feast on the food. Instead, this is how it goes... Bigger red colored plate cost 279 rubles while smaller green colored ones cost 229. You are allowed to take only one time and it is up to you how you can fit all the food that you want into the plate given. So being poor students who are still spending our parents' money, we opted for the green smaller plate and nicely arranged as much food as we can on to the small plate. Yew was the master mind for this..thumbs up. I think it was rather embarrassing loookin at how high we stacked the food but on the other hand, I had fun doing such thing for the first time ever! LOL. Well, this definitely will be my first and last time though... haha..

At Metro Novaslvodskaya-Sooying, Jinli, Karine, Me, Bong, Chinling

Karine and her highly stacked food...

AhBong the winner! LOL

I think I got 3rd prize? :P

Jinli and her food LOL

Yew, our sifu and Sooying

Chinling..

Me, Chinling and Karine

On our way back to our hostel..Derrick and his 80/20 principle book..

Yew and I

Karine and I

Chinling, Me, Karine and Jinli

Udon Yasan

2009-05-13T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here you go...The photos of the Udon and Donburi that we had for dinner in Arbatskaya the other day...

The interior..Angeline, Soo Ying and April

The Udon and Donburi on display. YUMMY!

Me and my food-Katsudon :P The set costs 220 rubles. Pricey? Well, it's consider all right for Moscow price...

Katsudon-pork chop in crispy bread crumbs with rice and katsu sauce; Miso Soup- seaweed soup with wakame and green onions; Green Salad-carrot, wakame, salad leaf, corn

Final week...

2009-05-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Candid- walking in the cardio ward with Bibiana and Yan Han

With head of medicine rotation, students' department Natalia Teplova

L to R: Sumathi, Rafeek, Yanhan, Me, Nikhil, Meisian, Luyang, Lingtze, Yoga, Bibiana

Break time..In the cafeteria

Supposed to be clerking and practising skills but got caught "curi tulang-ing"

Group 61

It's eventually the last week of the semester, which marks almost the end of my joyful student life..
Guess I will miss all these times loads when working life begins... THE HELL- 7 days a week, 36 hours of on-call..FAINT!

Outing with J.O.Y. cell group

2009-05-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yay, outing again!!

Today was tiring but it was filled with fun, fun and more fun...
So we left our second home at about noon for Kievskaya...
Snap some photos at the fountain in Kievskaya before our river cruise...
The cruise along Moscow River took about an hour and costs 400 rubles per head *ops burnt a hole in my pocket* but cell group sponsored half of the cost...Thanks J.O.Y.!
Had an awesome view of Moscow so I think it's worth it..
Next we headed to Gorky Park in Park Kulturi..
Spent a few hours walking about and had picnic in the park..
Outing ended with a superb dinner at Udon Yasan in Arbatskaya..
It was indeed a wonderful day spent with all of you...
As the saying goes..
A picture is worth a thousand words, so below are some selected pictures of our outing :)
Photos of the food and the Jap restaurant will be posted as soon as I receive them..

All of us, Kievskaya Fountain

Before the river cruise

In the cruise

Hunk, hunk..I spotted him! LOL

Gorky Park toot toot car :P

Picnic in the park

Fountain in Gorky Park.

Green green grass. L to R: Changlu, me, Yunnmin

Roller coaster, scaarrrryyy...

Hello Spring, Goodbye Winter

2009-05-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

On average, Moscow has longer winters than any other country
The winter here lasts about 5-6 months...
So it's only last week that I can actually feel some heat from the sun and I'm loving it...
I used to loathe the sun a lot but of late I've become a sun-lover!!!
Well, it's my 7th year here in Moscow and I'm embarrassed for not knowing the existence of the Botanical Garden in Prospekt Mira, Moscow till today... How awful :(
Adele suggested this place so off we went... 11 of us- Adele, Boonchin, Nicholas, David, Yingqian, Shuangyee, Swanling, Angel, Lingtze, Meisian and I.
I would not say the garden is a wowed but I think it's quite all right...with lotsa flowers which I do not really know what they are specifically named..The only one that I know of is TULIPS! lol.

An array of beautiful, colourful flowers...

Another shot..

At the entrance of the botanical garden

Adele and I

David and I

Presenting from left to right: Swanling, Angel, David, Yingqian, Meisian, Shuangyee and I

Splendid orange flowers, sorry don't knw the name :P

The girls

The lake

Stomach growling, eating time..

Boring faces...

Posing time..

Thumbs up!

The usual snapshot...
THE END :)

Travelogue of Egypt, January 2007

2009-05-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided to revive my long abandoned blog for a few reasons. One of which is that my student life is coming to an end. Soon, I will be facing a transient of student to working life and hence I'd like to recollect all the events that has happened during my student life so that one day I can look back and reminisce my old times. To start of with is my trip to Egypt, it was back in 2007 so I could not really recall much and it is not really in chronological order. Here are some of the pictures which I hope can depict my Egypt trip.

The beginning of the trip-Domodedovo Airport, Moscow

Hurghada Airport, Egypt

Red Sea

Egyptian food that almost cost my life. Had severe diarrhea and vomiting after the 'sumptuous' meal.

Some egyptian sculpture outside our hotel

Jeep queuing up for safari

In the middle of the desert

With the Bedouin

It's beach time!

Sun bathing

Karnak temple, Luxor

Hatshepsut's mortuary temple complex at Deir el-Bahri

Pyramid of Khafre

Camel riding

The Sphinx

Alabaster mosque

Interior of Alabaster Mosque

Yummy fresh juice at the roadside

Final post of the year.....

2007-12-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Well, 2007 is indeed an eventful year...A year full of sorrow and joy.. Ups and downs...to sum it all up, I experienced the thrills and spills of year 2007!

Like the river rocks that lay, so as the memories that stay.....Goodbye and thank you 2007.....

Hello and welcome 2008! Happy New Year!!!!! :)

Quick update.....

2007-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Eventuallyyyyyyyyy...after 4 months, it's time for an update. I seriously feel so sorry for abandoning my blog..It's terribly neglected...so much so that the spammers decided to turn my blog into a spammer's paradise! How to protect my blog from that? Please advise. Haha. Well, during these 4 months, I had quite a wonderful time... Spent my summer break in Malaysia-reunited with my family...something which is priceless, I would say; tasted the best food in Penang; rekindled old friendship; had 2 weeks of clinical attachment in penang GH, where I was thankful that I picked up quite a lot of new things and made a good number of new friends; Travelled from Penang-KL-PD-Malacca-JB-KK...Everything was so great and so much of fun that when it's time to come back to this foreign yet familiar land, to come back to a place which feels, strangely, quite like home- Moscow! Alas, we must all move on.

So, it has been 3 weeks since I stepped my foot back in this 2nd home of mine. Nothing much has happened. Things have been pretty routined. Oh ya, I fell down while chasing for bus and had 4 stitches on my chin last week. The wound is healing-the stiches were removed a couple of days ago and now the crust is out.. Of course as some precaution measures, the surgeon told me to apply Contratubex ( a gel used in the treatment of scars. The ingredients include: cepae extract, heparin and allantoin) Let's hope that it will leave no scar on my chin... Below is a picture of the sutures on my chin on day 1.

Apart from that, classes are fine so far but the weather is getting colder. Winter is around the corner..and surprisingly, I kinda miss the thick snow =) All right, I will write more soon, hopefully. Take care people!

My bro-in-law in BBC!!!!!

2007-05-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the link...My bro in law is in BBC news, just "kelefeh", pea size face, wearing blue shirt! kakaka!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6610000/newsid_6617400/6617437.stm?bw=nb&mp=rm

Shut up!

2007-03-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

I went to bed at 2am.
And then hell began.
I was tossing and turning in my bed while staring out into the dark sky.
My eye lids were heavy but I could hardly sleep...
Shut up you indian b*st*rds next door!
From 2am to 330 am, they never stopped talking.
And they never stopped talking so loudly!
While I was cursing the sh*t out of the fugly couple and their bunch of friends next door, they were probably gulping cans and bottles of beers!
I hope their livers will be damaged soon!
When I opened my main door the next morning, I was greeted by shattered glasses all over the corridor.
Arghhhh...why do I have to bear with all these??

From,
I-am-s0-sleep-deprived

I'm so glad to be yours by Hunter Payne

2007-03-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

I tried searching hard for this song but I just can't seem to find...anyone who has it, kindly send to my mailbox at eureka_92@hotmail.com Thanks a bunch! =)

Lyin here together
Soakin in the tub
Our toes turnin wrinkley
Windows all steamed up
I'm just kinda hangin
Your readin from your book
It dont matter what we're doin
It all feels so good

Don't you get it baby
I'm so glad to be yours
Oh pretty baby
I don't need nothin more
This is all I need

I know we're outta money
Put that long road aside
But I just look at you beside me
And man I've got it all

Don't you get it baby
I'm so glad to be yours
Oh pretty baby
I don't need nothin more
This is all I need
And ooh it's so right so right
It's so right so right
Oh don't you get it baby

I'm so glad to be yours
Oh pretty baby
I don't need nothin more
This is all I need

Baby I'm so glad to be yours
Oh pretty baby I don't need nothin more
This is all I need
And ooh it's so right so right
It's so right so right
You know it's so right it's so right it's so right

Marketing, food, food and more food!!!!!

2007-02-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Our class ended early today so Lingtze, Meisian, Yanhan, Bibiana, Boonchin, David, Nicholas and I went marketing in Tyoply stan market...Talking about Tyoply Stan market, I can't recall when was the last time I went there...1 year ago? 6 months ago? Shrug...really no idea.

Well, in winter when the weather is so freaky cold, we will normally buy our provisions from ASHAN, the well-known hypermarket in Russia. Okay, so back to the reason we went thru the cold today...It's because we are having a chinese new year reunion dinner tomorrow!!!!! The 10 of us!!!!! It's so sad that I can't celebrate CNY with my family this time.. =( Hmm, guess I'll have to take it as an experience celebrating it with my friends and being far far away from home on this important occasion...I guess it'll be just as fun, right?

So, given the importance of food in the Chinese culture, it is not surprising that food plays a major role in the Chinese New Year celebration...I guess that explains why whenever one chinese meets another, their greeting will be "Hey, chiak pa boay?" (taken your meal yet in hokkien)... I learnt from my "pak kua" friends the symbolic significance of certain food that we bought for CNY...
1) Chicken =>serving a whole chicken during the Chinese New Year season symbolizes family togetherness
2) Fish => nian nian you yu (wish for prosperity in the coming year, for added symbolism, it's served whole, with the head and tail attached-meaning having a good beginning and ending for the coming year)
3) Pork => chu rong lu sui
4) Noodles => symbol of longevity
5) Oranges => wealth and luck
6) Eggs => fertility
7) Tofu => happiness
8) Prawn => ha ha siu ( in cantonese)

These are the few that I know, so do add on to my list if you know any extra food with much significance!!! And for those who need more or lack any of the above mentioned "elements", "sek chou la, sek tor tit!" hahaha.. of course that is not everything that will be for our dinner...I will post more details plus photos tomorrow, I hope...All right, time to collect my laundry..Chao!

Chinese New Year Commercial

2007-02-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Watch this..
It is funny at the beginning but touching towards the end...
Really worth a watch...
GONG XI FA CAI!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T02:16:00.001-08:00

To My Friends Who Are...........SINGLE Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it. Love can make you happy but often it hurts, but love's only special when you give it to someone who is really worth it. So take your time and choose the best.

To My Friends Who Are............NOT SO SINGLE Love isn't about becoming somebody else's 'perfect person.' It's about finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.
To My Friends Who Are............PLAYBOY/GIRL TYPE Never say 'I love you' if you don't care. Never talk about feelings if theyaren't there. Never touch a life if you mean to break a heart. Never look in the eye when all you do is lie. The cruelest thing a guy can do to a girl is to let her fall in love when he doesn't intend to catch her fall and it works both ways...

To My Friends Who Are............MARRIED Love is not about 'it's your fault', but 'I'm sorry.' Not 'where are you', but 'I'm right here.' Not 'how could you', but 'I understand.' Not 'I wish you were', but 'I'm thankful you are.'
To My Friends Who Are............ENGAGED The true measure of compatibility is not the years spent together but how good you are for each other.

To My Friends Who Are............HEARTBROKEN Heartbreaks last as long as you want and cut as deep as you allow them to go. The challenge is not how to survive heartbreaks but to learn from them.
To My Friends Who Are............NAIVE How to be in love: Fall but don't stumble, be consistent but not too persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand, and get hurt but never keep the pain.
To My Friends Who Are............POSSESSIVE It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else but
it's more painful to know that the one you love is unhappy with you.

To My Friends Who Are............AFRAID TO CONFESS Love hurts when you break up with someone. It hurts even more when someone breaks up with you. But love hurts the most when the person you love has no idea how you feel.

To My Friends Who Are............STILL HOLDING ON A sad thing about life is when you meet someone and fall in love, only to
find out in the end that it was never meant to be and that you have wasted years on someone who wasn't worth it. If he isn't worth it now he's not
'going to be worth it a year or 10 years from now Let go.....
TO ALL MY FRIENDS.......
My wish for you is a man/women whose love is honest, strong, mature,
never-changing, uplifting, protective, encouraging, rewarding and unselfish

A comment that really bothers me..

2006-12-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

I am having my traumatology and orthopedic cycle now. Tomorrow will be the last day though... Now that I am in my clinical years, here in Russia we go by cycle. Heavy subjects like obstetrics and traumatology will last for 2 and a half weeks while the other trivial subjects like medical informatics will take only a week. During the cycle, we have to attend lectures and practical classes everyday...this system is boring on one hand but on the other hand, we can concentrate more on the particular subject. Pro et contra.

So, I was on my way back from class by the metro (the cheapest and fastest means of transportation here) and I was tottering as the metro left the station which I aboarded. I noticed this lady in her mid-fifties sitting on the row of seats in front of me kept staring at me. I tried to look elsewhere so that I didn't have to look into her eyes, just to avoid being scolded because it's just russians' usual habit to scold people, especially the foreigners. They just love scolding people with unknown reasons.

Ironically, she started a simple conversation by asking where I am from and why I am here in Moscow. I explained briefly with my limited language proficiency as in I am a Malaysian currently studying in the 2nd Medical school, blah blah blah...My, she was so shocked when she heard that I am a uni student! Guess what? She actually thought that I am 12 years old only! Come on, do I look that kiddo? Well, I know I am short which contributes to my young look but hello, 12? It can't possibly be lar! Some people will jump for joy when others comment about them looking young and all but honestly, I don't! When I look at the photos of my ex-schoolmates, I am so impressed and green with envy seeing how my fellow old friends have turned into matured beautiful young ladies while I still appear as a kid in the eyes of certain people that I meet. Sad to think about it, isn't it? Sigh... This comment of hers is really bothering me! I kept looking at the mirror but I can't find any concrete signs that I look so kiddo except for my height! What can be done to amend this fact?????!!!!

Well, I am supposed to be studying but I just can't find the mood to...Exam is just around the corner and everyone else is burying their noses deep into their books while I am still 'lepak-ing' around! Lazy yet 'kiasu' me huh? One more month of sufferings before my trip to Egypt! Yessssss, Egypt! I just can't wait for the day to come!!!!! Can't wait for the camel rides, can't wait to see the pyramid, the Sphinx and many more.... But for now, I have to face the reality and be very good friends with my dear books..... Chao!

Blissful 18 months together! =)

2006-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

| View Show | Create Your Own

Out of boredom...

2006-11-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

fridge magnets.....
Some inspirational quotes that are invaluable self improvement tool, at least for me...They can really light my way during the darkest hours... =)

RSMU 100 years' celebration

2006-11-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

RSMU is 100 years old!! In conjuction with that, there was an official celebration held in 'Государственный Кремлевцкий Дворец', Kremlin Palace. It was indeed a grand event attended by thousands of people ranging from students like me..hehe...to big shots such as the representative of the President of the Russian Federation! Eye-popping isn't it? Almost half of the event were speeches and the other half were performances by the local russian artists and the russian students. Wow, russian artists! Sound amazing isn't it, but my, it was really boring...perhaps it was due to my limited understanding of the language =( I almost dozed off but there was this russian guy who actually snored so loudly that everyone in the row laughed at him! Imagine how boring the event was... Anyway, below are some photographs of the memorable and historical day...I'm really impressed with the backdrop, really love it.

YongLin and I outside Kremlin

Yonglin, Amrah and I with the Miss RSMU

Us with Professor Kulikov, Head of Human Anatomy Department, RSMU

Opening Ceremony by the RSMU ochestra

Official marching in by the armies of Russian Federation

Speech by the RSMU chancellor

Choir

Local Russian band

Bad times are over.....

2006-09-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a good courtesy to leave a long overdue post to say that I am back in Moscow, safe and sound. The reason for my disappearance from the blogosphere is because I lost the interest in blogging or rather I am just too lazy to blog! Well, it has been almost a month or 22 days to be exact, since I landed safely in Domodedovo Airport, Moscow. On my first week here, I had been preoccupied with my room problem, which was the main reason I came back a week earlier than I was supposed to. I had to go through much trouble due to the action of some selfish souls. This is roughly what I went through and it all began even before my summer break. It has been 4 years that I stayed in this room of mine when days before my finals I was asked to move out and find myself a room. Obviously, it was not an easy task getting myself a room, being the 3rd person to squeeze in an already occupied room. Nevertheless, I tried hard but all my attempts were to no avail so I decided to talk to the hostel administrator about it. I was then given an old, unrenovated room and I thought everything will soon be fine after I forked out a few hundred dollars for renovation. Yes, this sound a little absurd but it is what normally happens here in Russia that students have to renovate their own rooms! However, a day before my pathology examination I was told that I will have to live with a Tajikistan!
"Oh, that would be great," I thought. Well, getting a chance to live with people of different cultures and beliefs is not a good thing after all. My, she is unbearable! She never washes her dishes after meals, her dirty clothes are everywhere on the floor and my carpet gets so dirty despite hoovering it everyday! She loves eating salted fish which stinks so terribly and I can hardly runaway from the smell because the room is soooooo small, merely 3m X 4m! Imagine having to be her servant 24/7 if you want the room to be comfortable...Those days were indeed a nightmare and I dread to think about it.
When classes began, I could bear no more and my family members actually did a good deed by lodging reports and my problem was escalated to the "biggest boss" in charged. I was finally given a newly renovated room of my own, pheeew, sigh of relief! Bad times are over and I can fully concentrate on my first clinical year!

I used to get mad with the selfish people who put my life in misery and treated me wrong but after reading one of my friend's blog, I came to realise how true the saying is, "Think not of what your country can do for you, but think what you can do for your country!" How you treat people should be of pure goodwill and it doesn't mean that because you are treated badly, you have to reciprocate! When things are all going smoothly and nice, the world seems to be a better place. =) It's only during my darkest moments in life, I actually see the people who stand by me despite being shouted at and hurt by me yet still continue to stand behind me through my trials and tribulations. Thanks, hon, for all that you have gone through with me, helped me and giving me all the support and strength to go through those bad times. I love you! =)

Sushi, sushi!!!

2006-04-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

I made sushi today!!! Yeah, wondering why am I so free, well, "thanks" to HITLER! We have a week of holiday in conjunction with Hitler's birthday which falls on the 20th April. The skinheads and hooligans will be out usually around this date, so we are advised to stay indoor. The situation is rather bad this year as a Malaysian medical student studying in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia was hospitalized after being beaten by hooligans near his university. Sounds scary, right? That is why I stayed indoor to make sushi! *laugh hysterically* Anyway, I managed to snap some photos of my little "achievement".

Place the seaweed sheet on bamboo mat. With moistened hands, spread about 1/3 cup of prepared rice evenly over one side of each seaweed sheet, leaving 1-2 inches of the longer edge.

Then place crab sticks on top of the rice. Use finger to dot the rice with small amount of wasabi and mayonnaise alongside the crab sticks. With finger, spread the wasabi and mayonnaise on the rice to make thin line.

Starting with rice-covered edge, roll up each sheet. Roll the sushi evenly. Moisten seaweed edge with water and then press lightly to seal.

Cut sushi roll with sharp, thin-bladed knife using sawing motion and with very light pressure, slice each sushi roll crosswise into eight or more pieces. Simple, isn't it? =)

Balance and moderation in all things

2006-04-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just read a motivation book and I decided to make some changes in myself, change for the better that is. Well, it's all about keeping my personal self "sharp" so that I can deal better with life. This means that I have to regularly renew and strengthen the suggested 4 key dimensions in life- body, brain, heart and soul!

According to the book:
1) Body or the physical dimension
-Exercise (I will start jogging now that it's spring!)
-Eat healthy
-Sleep well
-Relax

2) Brain or the mental dimension
-Read
-Educate
-Write (does blogging count? but sorry la, I'm lazy to blog that often)
-Learn new skills (still haven't decided what skill to learn, maybe hair cutting?
ahaha!)

3) Heart or the emotional dimension
-Building relationships
-Give service
-Laugh

4) Soul
-Keep a journal
-Pray
-Take in quality media

Balance is very important because the way you do in one dimension in life will definitely affect another. So if you feel both motivated and in tune with yourself, it's easier to focus on your studies and to me more friendly. This is what I am trying to do! =)

*Currently playing: Everything I own by Bread*

Life is short, so treasure it!!!!!

2006-03-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 0755 and jumped off my bed. Dashed to the bathroom and got myself ready in less than 15 minutes. I then hurriedly grabbed on my bag and when I was about to leave, I stared at the photostated copy of my timetable pinned on my board. I blinked once. Twice.
"Arghhh...why the rush when the lecture was supposed to begin only at 0900? I am getting more absent minded by the day!"
Immediately, I dropped my bag and made myself a cup of oat+milo fuze. It was definitely mouth-watering, at least for me!! hehe..I then set off to the uni by 712 bus which was as usual, packed with soooooooo many people that I could hardly breathe! I alighted from the bus, walked towards the main road and trailed behind a man in his mid-forties, I reckoned. He scurried across the busy road while I waited rather impatiently for the traffic to slow down. Suddenly, I heard a loud thud, I looked straight and the poor man was lying on the floor. In no time, he somehow managed to get up and stumbled on the pavement and continued walking. Blood was oozing from his nostrils but he refused to accept any help. I was stunned. I stood at the same spot helplessly, shook my head wondering why some people just do not treasure life! Sigh.....

Room 12-14, Flat 39/1, Volgina Street in pictures

2005-11-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

As promised, pictures of my "new" room after having a roommate. It's rather crammed but still cosy.. =)

Where Diana and I sleep like a log every night. I'm at the top bunk- rather too untidily obvious isn't it? *grin* Next to the double-decker bed is my working place. Can you spot who are in the photo on my table? Hehe..

Our kitchenette, Diana's study table, micro hi-fi, bookshelves, laundry baskets- all in a mess!

Our newly bought microwave and the chest of drawers and cupboard where we keep our clothes and vanity stuff.. =)

So here is where we hang our jackets and again, our kitchenette

Our currently under-stocked fridge. keke..

Recycled mask

2005-10-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today was my first time ever stepping into the operation theatre in Russia. Our surgery lecturer had a conference to attend so a young, lady surgeon in her late twenties took over our class. She's a good surgeon, but inclined to be a bit impatient. She gave us practically no time to get prepped. Lacking a mask, I had no choice but to ask around for masks and I eventually managed to get one not-so-clean, "second-hand" mask from a guy friend of mine. Such a contrast to the main purpose of wearing a mask, intended for hygienic purposes, I actually recycled it! It was even more disgusting to find strand of short, black hairs which I reckoned was his leftover shaved moustache! However terrible and pung ent the smell might be, I still had to express my gratitude for his "save-my-life" mask. Thanks dude!

All about Penang Food...

2005-07-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

As Penang foodies, the 6 of us (Vincent, Wee Vern, Adrian, Hsuiyong, Bean and I) drove from one "kopitiam" to another "kopitiam" last week (only 3 lah, actually, hehe..) These are the recommended food for the discerning palate!

LOR BAK
-Kheng Pin Coffeeshop (Sri Bahari Rd/ Pg Road junction) until around 2.30p.m
Also recommended:
-Polyland Cafe, Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus - opposite Belisa Row
-Sun City Cafe, Prima Tanjung, Tg tokong - opposite Island Plaza

AIS KACANG The one I went was somewhere near Komtar, more famous for Chendul but Swatow Lane coffeeshop and Hillside Food Court (Tony ais kacang)- opposite 7-Eleven , Tg Bungah would be a better choice

Koay Teow Th'ng
-Hai Aun Coffeeshop, Burmah Road (nearby old Rex cinema/opp Transfer Rd/Burmah Rd junction)
Also recommended:
-Air Itam roadside stall (opposite old Lai Lai Supermarket;current Darling Dim Sum, on the way to Pg Hill lower station)*that is on the way to my house!*
-Restaurant Lin, Jalan Ceri, Chain Ferry Terminal, Butterworth

Note: These places are recommended by Wee Vern and those photos are taken by him too
"Kopitiam"-Coffee shop

St Petersburg-the sunshine city

2005-07-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North or Paris of the East, but its beauty is really a unique brand of its own. I am so glad that I actually got a foot in the door to St Petersburg! The 9 hours' trip was really worth it all! We checked in to Zimmer's Students' Hostel and started our sightseeing shortly after that. Here are the few shots taken.

Peterhof-nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland
(part of the Baltic Sea) It is divided into The Grand Palace and The Grand Cascade

The park's unique fountain system was designed in the 18th century and
doesn't require the use of any pumps to operate the fountains.
There are three major cascades and over 120 fountains in the park

Resurrection Church

The interior of the church

At the entrance to the Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress

Kazan's Cathedral

Tsarskoe Selo Catherine's Palace

Great pose, right? haha..

Winter Palace-a must-visit place!

Boat ride

St Isaac's Cathedral

The Bronze Horseman-inspirational equestrian monument of Peter the Great

Catherine's Monument

Zoological museum

Jan's back, all right?

2005-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I last updated my blog. Reason? I have been busy with exams and some other less important stuff which I ironically placed in the priority list. Yeah, I just had my Microbiology Exam today, the last paper for this semester! I am so happieeeeeee but this doesn't mean that I ace the subject for it's one of my weakest subjects, which I have not shown any interest since the very beginning, nor am I complacent! Looking back, I have been lazy, slothful and procrastinating... Where is the *ahem, cough* diligent, good at time management, responsible, Janet Lee?? haha...

Well, I just love my life now, life after exams, the carefree days. All I need to crack my head are for stuff like " Eh, how to spend my ample of free time ah?"; "What movie is nice ah?"; "What's for breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper ah?"; "Where to *LEPAK this weekend?" ( Oppsss, I can hear some people out there cursing the shit out of me, but hey, this is the life of a student after exam okay? hehe..) Counting days...1, 2, 3, 4..! Yup, 4 days to go...my trip to St Petersburg with my bunch of close friends and classmates. I am sure it will be loads of fun, so stay tuned!

*LEPAK=loiter in the Malay language

(Currently listening to Zhang Dong Liang's song entitled Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shui)

Shower me with your love (surface)

2005-06-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

My heart is filled with so much love
And I need someone I can call my own
To fall in love--that's what ev'ryone's dreaming of
I hold this feeling oh so strong
Life is too short to live alone
Without someone to call my own
I will care for you, you will care for me
Our love will live forever

(Chorus:)
Shower me with your love
Shower me with the love that I long for
Shower me with your love
Shower me with the love I've been waiting for

I close my eyes and pray all my wishes come true
Ev'ry night I go to sleep
Until you're mine, I'll wait for you endlessly
Can't you see
Fairy tales, they do sometimes come true
If you believe, it could happen to you
Like the stars that shine way up in the sky
Our love will live forever

(Repeat chorus)

Like the stars that shine way up in the sky
Our love will live forever
Live forever

(Repeat chorus)

Shower me with your love
Shower me with the love I've been waiting for

Wassup Penang?

2005-05-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

4 1/2 weeks to go home. Papa. Mummy. Ying. 513-D, Jalan Pokok Saga. Penang laksa. ASTRO. Hokkien mee. Familiar roads, sights, sound, mugs. Warm weather. Gurney Plaza. Mega Pavillion. Sega fredo. St George's Girls' School and my beloved teachers. Best friend. Jeannie. Ais kacang. Generous relatives *ding! dollar sign lights up in eyes*. Jason. Shopping. Juon Wor. Batu Feringghi beaches. Daniel. Ali's Mamak. Kayu. Teh Limau Ais. Background sounds of chatter in FAMILIAR dialects and languages! Polite people. Carefree days without colloquiums and controls. Friendly bunch of Malaysians-Penangite. Piano. Arghhh...just can't wait to be home!

Exotic Penang: Batu Feringghi beach

My favourite food-PENANG LAKSA *drool*

Just another post....

2005-05-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

The less frequent barrage of ramblings and posts on this blog of mine of late is indicating that I am either busy or lazy. Yeah, I admit I have been spending most of my time sitting on my study table, revolving around studying, trying to study and not studying at all! My life is just so dull and sad. Talking about sad, I was indeed sad and disappointed with my test today. I was supposed to be studying like "there is no tomorrow" last night but I accidentally dozed off. I actually set my alarm clock, limiting my *cough* beauty sleep to O.N.E hour but man, the moment I opened my eyes(that was also because the sun has shone right into my eyes!) it was already 8am, just in time for me to get ready for classes. Needless to say, I have to bear with the consequences of my own action. *ashamed* I was obviously a lil down this morning, but it was not for long, thanks to my friend who is blessed with a natural aptitude of juggling balls to cheer up my otherwise pathetic day. *Random sentence* I couldn't help stop thinking how nice it would be to have the love of my life at this 'crucial' moment and my friend suggested that it would be good if I jot down each and every moment of my life from now on, whenever I need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to make my day...so much so, so that I can 'claim' them all back when I manage to fall into someone's loving arm! Not too bad an idea, isn't it? *chuckle* hehe..haha! Ooppsss, I have wondered too far *snap* Where was I? Oh yeah, I shopped around for hours today, again, but this is one of the 'entertainments' I have here in Moscow...Sigh, but 'watudu'? No closure for this post. *abrupt end*

My personality type...and what's yours?

2005-05-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

Your #1 Match: ESFJ

The Caregiver

You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.
A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.
You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.
You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.

You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

Your #2 Match: ESFP

The Performer

You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others.
A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic.
You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally.
You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic.

You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor.

Your #3 Match: ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

Your #4 Match: ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!

You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

Your #5 Match: ESTJ

The Guardian

You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker.
Goals are important in your life, and you take many steps to acheive them.
You enjoy interacting with others, mostly through work related activities.
Your high energy level means you are great at getting things done!

You would make a great teacher, judge, or police detective.

What's Your Personality Type?

Classic Italian Dish

2005-05-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

When we talk about Italian food, the first thing that comes to our mind will most likely be pasta or pizza with our own favourite toppings, but hey, rice is also as important for the Italians, just like us (or rather me), the Asians okay? *chuckle* Well, I was "introduced" to this "Classic Italian Dish" by one of my friends, Jackson a week ago and I am now craving for it. ( Jackson, if you read this, you know what to do lah...hehe..) I never knew the existence of this special dish a.k.a Risotto till I saw him cooking it, and I was critisizing "his Risotto" while helping him grate the Parmesan cheese. Despite the criticism, I really enjoyed the dish, it was delicious! Oh yeah, by the way, Jackson learnt this from Jamie Oliver, the naked chef! Okay, so here is what you need if feel like making your own Risotto, but this is the basic one.

This is roughly how it's gonna look like in the pan, minus the shrimps

INGREDIENTS

approx. 1 litre/2 pints stock (chicken, fish or vegetable)
1 tbs olive oil
3 finely chopped shallots or 2 medium onions
½ a head of celery, finely chopped (discard any tough outer sticks)
sea salt and black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
400g/14oz risotto rice
100ml / 3 ¾ fl oz dry white vermouth or dry white wine
70g / 2 ½ oz butter
85-100g / 3-3 ½ oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese

METHODS

Stage 1
Heat the stock. Then in a separate pan heat the olive oil, add the shallot or onion, celery and a pinch of salt, and sweat the vegetables for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and after another 2 minutes, when the vegetables have softened, add the rice. Turn up the heat now. At this 'crucial' point you can't leave the pan, and anyway, this is the best bit. While slowly stirring, continuously, you are beginning to fry the rice. You don't want any colour at any point (so remember, you're in control, and if the temperature seems too high, turn it down a bit). You must keep the rice moving. After 2 or 3 minutes it will begin to look translucent (wow, translucent! haha) as it absorbs all the flavours of your base (it may crackle at this point, that's fine). Add the vermouth or wine, keep on stirring as it hits the pan - it
will smell fantastic! It will sizzle around the rice, evaporating any harsh alcohol flavours and leaving the rice with a tasty essence. ( Sounds like it will taste good, right? hehe...)

Stage 2
Once the vermouth or wine seems to have cooked into the rice, add your first ladle of hot stock and a pinch of salt(add small amounts of salt to taste while you are adding the stock).Turn down the heat to a simmer (the reason we don't want to boil the hell out of it is because, if we do, the outside of the rice will be cooked and fluffy and the inside will be raw).Keep adding ladlefuls of stock, stirring and allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This will take about 15 minutes. Taste the rice to check if it is cooked. Carry on adding the stock until the rice is soft but with a slight bite. Check the seasoning too.

Stage 3
Remove from the heat and add the butter and the Parmesan, saving a little of the latter to go on top if you like. Stir gently. Eat it as soon as possible while it retains its moist texture. Serve it on its own or with a crisp green salad and a hunk of crusty bread. (Jackson "garnish" the risotto with fried minced meat but all in all, it tasted awesome)

Try cooking this dish but just remember to spare me some! hahahahaha!

*source: Jamie Oliver*

Friday the 13th: Bad luck!!!!!

2005-05-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

I was in Physiology class this morning and I suddenly realised that today is Friday the 13th! Well, we know that the number 13 has ominous, foreboding reputation brought forward since ancient times, worse still if it falls on the 6th day of the week! Furthermore, Friday was the day of the Lord's crucifixion, hence it's considered to be an unlucky day. Hmmm...I just couldn't stop wondering how many people at the turn of the millennium still hold on to this belief though I have heard about people not going to work on this day and setting a wedding on this date, will be most unlikely. This reminds me of a TVB HK series entitled "Crime Files Investigation 4". Most of the cases in this chinese series are closely associated with bad luck Friday. Does it apply in real life too? It's indeed something to ponder....

Converted?!

2005-05-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

The very moment I signed in to my Yahoo Messenger 2 days ago, one of the juniors added me to his contact list and he claimed to be "Ippan". Below is part of the conversation:

Ippannapi: hi janet

janet_lhmay: hi..you are...?

Ippannapi: ippan..junior ko (Ippan, your junior, in the Malay language)

Stu Cam Ne Home Mos Spot Yud RRRGghHfk (fast forward)

Then......

Ippannapi: eh, aku dengar ko dah convert? betul ker?
( I heard that you have converted, is that true?)

janet_lhmay: huh? convert? convert wat???!?

Ippannapi: convert ke agama islam (converted to Islam)

( janet_lhmay laughed hysterically till she fell off the chair)

Shortly after that, I went to the study room and sat next to Che Din, who was burying his nose deep into his physiology books. Out of the blue, he started a conversation which was exactly the same as my online chat with Ippannapi! OMG! For crying out loud, I would like to make myself clear here that I have NEVER converted to Islam okay? And I never will! Helloooo?!?! What were you people thinking of and how on earth could someone actually come up with that?? *I was closed to losing consciousness*

Lesson to learn!

2005-05-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our initial plan that was supposed to be full of fun ended up with great disappointment and anger (not with what had happened, but more with the attitude of certain people!) At the entrance of the BDHX park, the 7 of us were stopped by the *militsa. The *militsa demanded for our passports and visas. All of us were obedient, except for nicholas and boonchin who tenaciously reluctant to bring along their passports despite being reminded time and again! As a result, they were held up by the *militsa, accused of being illegal immigrants here in the Russian Federation. Seeing them in such situation, we tried helping out but what we did obviously were not appreciated! For crying out loud, even if you don't show your gratitude, please mind your words and watch your action! It shows how ill-mannered and rude you are!
(***Well, as the saying goes, to err is human, to forgive is divine. I am trying my best to forgive what he has done but I just find it so hard to do so. I just don't understand why certain people have such attitude, perhaps it reflects how one is brought up. Shrug.)
It started to rain cats and dogs. All of us were drenched to the skin and we took shelter in McDonald's while waiting for rayyank to bring their passports. The both of them were then released. The journey from our hostel to BDHX took us more than an hour by **metro. Reached our hostel almost at dinner time.

Lesson to learn:
1) Bring along your passport and visa at all times when you are in Russia
2) Make sure your cell phone has sufficient credit and battery when you are out
3) When you ask for a favour, be polite
4) Be grateful of what others have done for you, others do NOT owe us anything

From what that has happened today, I realise how true the saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed" is. I also see the true colours of certain peers of mine.

Note: *militsa=police in russian
**metro=underground train

Random scribbling, again!

2005-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

6/05/2005
I remember there was one particular period of time here in Moscow when I felt as though I was living my life from weekend to weekend. That has changed! I now live from day to day! Duhhh...This week has been a relaxing one indeed. Needless to say, I did no studying at all the entire week! Yeah, I mean it, not at all...or maybe just some note taking. I just had a sumptuous meal in this newly opened restaurant called "Sindbad Cafe" located next to our hostel building. Just as what Nicholas has said, it is now our "Malaysian canteen"! 3/4 of the customers are Malaysians! All right, allow me to indulgently list down our orders, the 4 of us ( Nicholas, Lingtze, David and I): Plov, Pork chop and some pork scratchings, Steak. It was such a satisfying meal *Burp* minus the dumbo waitress whose Russian was worse than ours!

5/05/2005
The 8 of us went canoeing in the lake opposite our hostel. We really had a hell of a great time and a laugh a minute too. Thinking of what had happened make me wanna laugh out loud. Boonchin, Nicholas, Yanhan and I were in the same boat. Boonchin picked up the oars, not knowing how to row the boat and caused it to turn round and round. This attracted the attention of people around us and hence had a good laugh at us! Embarrassing isn't it? Nicholas couldn't stand sitting down being laughed at then showed his dexterity! Wow, he really is skillful! *salute* After that we had a stroll in the park then to tyoply stan and mini market, got back to hostel at almost 10pm. Exhausted but happieeeeeee....and most importantly, I spent this special and memorable day of the year eventfully! 5/5/05..wondering when will be the next one? 5/5/55 I reckon I will be 71 by then =(

*Currently listening to One of us by Joan Osborne*

Lazy to write so.....

2005-05-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent

Pushkin Museum

Eileen and I at the entrance of Pushkin Museum

Yonglin and I in the metro station

Massive report- trip to Volgograd

2005-04-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK IN MOSCOWWWWW!!!!! Pheewww...3 days in Volgograd seemed like forever. Here is my lil report on my Volgograd trip.

Day 1
2 specially rented coaches for 1200 Euro each have long awaited us, causing chaos and traffic jam along Volgina Street. Started our journey to Volgograd at 1030 am. The 15 hours journey was almost too onerous to bear. Unlike those highways in Malaysia and anywhere in the world, Russian roads were all old and bumpy so we could scarcely move! Imagine having to travel at only 60km/hour for a 900 km journey! Making matter worse, it hailed and guess what, Russia does not have a proper rest house or to be exact, proper toilet on highways! They were 20-30 metres deep holes dug and surrounded by some old planks without proper flushing system and were extremely stinky! Having the thought of those places make me wanna puke, seriously! Reached Volgograd or formerly known as Stalingrad city at about 0145 and checked in the "Gastinitsa turist" 3-4 hours later, yeah, thanks to the "efficient" russian workers! Gastinitsa=hotel in russian, but it looked more like the roadside motels and we had to squeeze into the small room with only 2 single beds to fit the 3 of us (Irise, yonglin and I)! Went to bed at almost 7am so we had a great view of the sunrise.

Yonglin and I in the coach

Toilet built during the 1900's! haha..

Sunrise-at my hotel room's balcony

Day 2
Woke up at 11am. Though it was only 4 hours of sleep but we felt as though we had slept for 4 years! Perhaps those not-so-comfortable motel bed still beat those upright seats in the bus! The bunch of us gathered at the hotel lobby and set off for the centre for lunch. One thing that we loved was the low standard of living! That is one of the best things in Volgo, apart from the friendly outskirts' residents. A 'Combo meal' with a chicken burger, 2 pancakes, a regular sized french fries, salad and a cup of english tea costed only 100 rubles! (Note:RM 1=7.3rubles)Cheap isn't it? We will never get such cheap meals in Moscow! Rushed back to Turist hotel and got ready for the opening ceremony of the 2nd Annual Intervarsity Sports Games a.k.a VolGames '05 at 1530. It was fantabulous, the VSMU (volgograd state medical uni)students really put in much effort to make the opening ceremony such a success. We were entertained by performances- Wushu, Taekwando, Choir, Gymnastics. My running event would be held on the final day so we were supposed to be RSMU's(russian state medical uni)supporters, but on the way to the other stadium, which was some distance away, we got lost and were stopped by 3 polices. As a result, we missed all the events for that day. Sigh, what a disappointment! As for the dinner at the VSMU campus, in short, I've eaten the worst meal in Russia. EVER. The roast chicken was NOT chicken. It's like a cooked chicken that tasted raw with a layer of red uncooked flesh in between and they gave out a terribly unbearable bad smell! The mutton was all burnt and tasted like charcoal. The curry chicken was okay and the dessert was not inviting at all. All in all, the whole meal was S-H-I-T! Walked around the centre and left for hotel at 2230. ZzzZzzz....

All of us on the "samasolskaya street", Volgograd

Mamayavskii's monument

Opening ceremony of the VolGames'05

Taekwando by the students of VSMU

Day 3
Woke up at 1000 to have a taste of the stay-cum-breakfast but we were later than the scheduled time and so, NO FREE FOOD! Had some student-cooked-Malaysian-food and thank god we did not eat the lunch provided. 80% of those who ate the curry chicken rice had stomach upset and diarrhoea! We cheered for our basketball team. They were really good but the referee was biased, d*mn him! If not for him, we would have gotten a gold instead of the silver! Anyway, my running event was the closing ceremony and we were the silver medalist! Hurry, congratulate me!!!! hehehe...At 1900, we had a cruise along volga river, it was awesome though the supposed-to-be dinner on the cruise turned out to be a tasteless fried rice on the coach! Left Volgograd for Moscow at 2300 and reached Moscow the next day at noon.

Track games' athletes

The area beside the turist hotel, Volgograd

Cruise along the Volga River

From left: rayyank, minyuen, eileen, me, lingtze, yonglin and yanhan

minyuen, lingtze and I in the ship

Eyes twitching

2005-04-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

Ever find your eyelid twitches, kinda like in the freaky eyeglasses commercial where the eyes "talk"? Yeah, it's happening to me now. My left eyelid. Arghhh..it is really annoying and embarassing to have my eyes twitching, especially when in public or when someone stares into my eyes? Haha.. Hold it, left eyelid. Is it believed to bring good luck, or touch wood, the other way around? But screw it, screw the superstitious, non-scientific old ideas, just like the supersition handed down through the centuries that if you break a mirror, you will have 7 years of bad luck and those superstitious nonsense that 13 is an unlucky number and that walking under a ladder will bring bad luck kinda thing!

Oh well, eyes twiching is also known as blepharospasm, the scientific term that is. I learnt that it is due to involuntary muscles spasm related to fatigue and stress, too much of squinting and caffeine or even working under not so ideal lighting environment. Aiks, I seriously do not think that any of the above causes matches mine! Or perhaps one of them is actually true, but definitely not the stress part since I am in total stress-free state! Ouch, it's twitching again while I am typing this line! Really get on my nerves!! STOP!! Guess I better tuck myself in bed. Goodnight and hopefully I will be fine tomorrow morning. =)

Weariness.....

2005-04-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Those who do not run won't understand. They just see one foot in front of the other..but I can tell you it is definitely much more! 3 days of training on the track and the aftermath? Exhaustion, muscles fatigue and cramps.Diagnosis? Physically unfit!

The Emancipation of Mimi

2005-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

I was all so excited about Mariah Carey's new release today-The Emancipation of Mimi. Now that I have got the entire album (oh, I mean I got them all in my laptop..after all I have never been a fan, let alone adore all those crooners), I don't find it that tip-top as I thought it would be. Well, I did not like all the 14 tracks when I first heard it, but trust me, it will slowly grow and sticks in your mind, in a positive manner of course. All right, time to hit the books...Russian test tomorrow.

*Listening to Mariah Carey's, The Emancipation of Mimi*

Ever wonder why Muslims can't take pork?

2005-04-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hmm...btw, its me in "tudung" ok? hehehehe...

Bob: Tell me why is it that a Muslim is very
particular about the words Halal and Haram; what
do they mean?

Yunus: That which is permissible is termed Halal
and that which is not permissible is termed Haram
and it is the Quran which draws the distinction
between the two.

Bob: Can you give me an example?

Yunus: Yes, Islam has prohibited blood of any
type. You will agree that a chemical analysis of
blood shows that it contains an abundance of uric
acid, a chemical substance which can be injurious
to human health.

Bob: You're right about the toxic nature of uric
acid, in the human being it is excreted as a waste
product and in fact we are told that 98% of the
body's uric acid is extracted from the blood by the
kidneys and removed through urination.

Yunus: Now I think that you'll appreciate the
special prescribed method of animal slaughter in
Islam.

Bob: What do you mean?

Yunus: You see, the wielder of the knife, whilst
taking the name of the 'Almighty', makes an
incision through the jugular veins, leaving all other
veins and organs intact.

Bob: I see, this causes the death of the animal by
a total loss of blood from the body, rather than an
injury to any vital organ.

Yunus: Yes, were the organs, example the heart,
the liver, or the brain crippled or damaged, the
animal could die immediately and its blood would
congeal in its veins and would eventually
permeate the flesh. This implies that the animal
flesh would be permeated and contaminated with
uric acid and therefore very
poisonous; only today did our dietitians realize
such a thing.

Bob: Again, while on the topic of food; Why do
Muslims condemn the eating of pork or ham or any
foods related to pigs or swine.

Yunus: Actually, apart from the Quran prohibiting
the consumption of pork, bacon (pig flesh); in fact
the Bible too in Leviticus chapter 11, verse 8,
regarding swine it says, "of their flesh (of the
swine, another name for pig) shall you not eat, and
of their carcass you shall not touch; they are
unclean to you."

Further, did you know that a pig cannot be
slaughtered at the neck for it does not have a
neck;
that is according to its natural anatomy. A Muslim
reasons that if the pig was to be slaughtered and
fit
for human consumption the Creator would have
provided it with a neck.

Nonetheless, all that aside, I am sure you are well
informed about the harmful effects of the
consumption of pork, in any form, be it pork chops,
ham, bacon.

Bob: The medical science finds that there is a risk
for various diseaseas the pig is found to be a host
for many parasites and potential diseases.

Yunus: Yes, even apart from that, as we talked
about uric acid content in the blood, it is important
to note that the pig's biochemistry excretes only
2% of its total uric acid content,
the remaining 98% remains as an integral part of
the body.

Special thanks to Sharveena

When you are broke....

2005-04-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Brandname: Esprit
Store location: Str. New Arbat,15 TradeHouse,Moskvichka
Description: Silk top, Q 21380, Crumpled silk top with an
asymmetrical hemline-100% silk
Colour: Jade
Price: 1076.41 rubles
Status: Unaffordable (thanks to Volgograd trip)
Moral: When you are broke, you can only drool

It attracts you to it, only to make your heart cry in sorrow to flip over and see the price tag of the one you so love...

Happy Birthday, Bro-in-law

2005-04-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

Brother-in-law, these wishes I send,
To a family member and good friend.

Birthday wishes, thoughts to relay,
You are one in a million, in every way.

Within this little verse I send to you,
A rainbow day with colour and hue.

Thanks also wishes and much more,
For being a wonderful brother-in-law.

Thoughtful words for your birthday,
To family and friend I send your way.

Happy Birthday, my bro-in-law!

Darwin State Museum

2005-04-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

remorseful...

2005-04-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

'Let he who has never sinned cast the first stone' and 'judge not, and you will not be judged'. Thanks anonymous. That is very enlightening! I am really sick about A talking behind B and C talking behind A and B talking behind C and all this kinda back-stabbing, 'crappy' stuff. I suddenly realise how sinful and naive I have been. So are the others. All right, tomorrow is a brand new day and I am looking forward to be blessed with many happy, eventful and better things in life! *wink*

Typical Russians

2005-04-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

Ah, spring! It is this time of the year that spring is gonna be in full swing and winter is slowly becoming a memory. While some people will be planning for some family picnics (which I don't much fancy), trips to the ballpark and other ways to enjoy the warm weather, my friends ( Ling Tze, Mei Sian, David, Nicholas) and I decided to pay a visit to the place where we would find the bulk of them to be below 15 years of age. Darwin's State Museum, yeah, that is the place. Well, no, that is not my point. On our way there by metro (the cheapest form of transport in Moscow), 2 stops after we boarded, a couple stepped foot into the same wagon as us. The lady in her mid-twenties, with a bee-hive face, a pair of eyes which popped out and looked much like a goldfish and a sharp, pointed nose like the cartoon character Pinocchio started barking at David like a dog in Russian which we didn't comprehend but we guessed she was asking him to get up so that she could rest her arse on his seat instead. So, acting as though we didn't understand that foreign language, we ignored her barkings and continued our conversations in our mother tongue. Oh, was I in the same row? No, I was sitting at the other corner while observing the commotion. Anyway, not too long after that, her partner who stank as though he has pulled over a used condom over his head (which most Russian men share the same smell) walked towards David and asked him which stop he would be getting down.
"Akademicheskaya," he replied.
He nodded and walked back to his significant other half and they both whispered. I think they meant that David actually understood her shoutings but just not being courteous enough and so-called gentleman. Soon after that, an aged person walked into the wagon. Immediately, David got up and the old person took his place. The couple stared at David and rolled their eyes out of dissatisfaction... eh, for crying out loud, if you need a favour from the others, be more polite lar!

Unquotable quote

2005-04-01T03:20:00.000-08:00

My little device that can be made to sound at the time set in advance (alarm clock la, why can't just say alarm clock?) is telling me that it is high time to rock myself to slumber, but I just can't do that! I know it very well that sleep is an indispensable requirement of the higher organism and a man spends a third of his life in a state of periodically recurring sleep! But why can't I be a normal person deprive of more sleep? Eh, I can hear my coursemates and flatmates cursing the shit out of me (for they have to bury their noses deep into their physiology books) But hey, I've sat for my test last week, and you've not! So, being *kaypo, I read other people's blog and I came across this:

QUOTING from the particular blog (a bit of an enigma)... :

"A joke from friend saying that You are sick cause you worry too much on things which **has not happen." (** any mistake that is so god damn obvious?)

"How will it be? A joke from friend, Lets jump down the window!"

"there will be 3 more for you to sit. Isn't it the greatest joke of the day?"(I think she meant 3 more tests *shrug*)

Muahahhahahahhah...hahahahahah! hahahahahah! I am laughing my head off! Hold it, is it all that funny? Mad-NESS!

Apart from that I notice that some bloggers love telling their readers how many hours they have slept that particular day and things like that. Oh come on man, your readers don't enjoy listening to your second-rate, mediocre jokes and your sleeping hours daily! Undoubtedly, there are better, more interesting stuff to blog about, right? (I am not saying that mine is good either)

*Kaypo in hokkien=busybody
Sorry, I am just so not me tonight....Thousand apologies!( Well, at least I know how to apologize when I am in the wrong, unlike certain people who know that he/she is god damn in the wrong but refuse to strip off his/her bloody dignity! )

A blessing in disguise

2005-03-31T05:29:00.000-08:00

A month not on talking terms.... Somehow the pot of soup put the broken pieces together....Thanks to the toppled and spilt pot of soup....Indeed a blessing in disguise....!

Shall I?

2005-03-30T10:28:00.000-08:00

Shall I sit and mull over it?

Shall I wonder if it's worth to marvel at?

Shall I contemplate the fact that we are "soulmate"?

Shall I bury away the smack across the face?

Shall I actually give a damn?

Well, no, I suppose not...?

Ling Tze's 22nd B'day

2005-03-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Arbatskaya and weren't prepared for the heavy snow since it's already spring..The snow drenched us to the skin!

Perhaps it was Good Friday, most restaurants were fully occupied so we ended up in Sbarro (Italian restaurant) Birthday girl is the 2nd from the right

After meal, we perambulated a succession of places of interest, beginning with the Lenin's Library (Biblioteka imeni Lenina in russian)

Next is the Red Square (with a bunch of exceptionally friendly Russians)

An amusing pose in front of some horse sculpture and fountain *shrug*)

In the metro, on the way home...

Finally, the cake-cutting session. Happy 22nd B'day, LingTze!

2005-03-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

A panoramic view of the bustling Volgina Street from my window

Valentine's gift, belaaaaaated one!

2005-03-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have never cultivated the habit of checking my mailbox; perhaps I seldom receive conventional snail mails from my peers, now that email has "monopolized the postal service". Why the long wait when messages can be conveyed in just a few seconds? Furthermore, since the beginning of this academic year, I received less than 10 cards and letters and greeting cards contributed almost the bulk of them! Hence, I never bother to check out my mailbox till last night after Jackson came knocking at my room door, “Eh, Janet, do you know that you have a few parcel slips down there?” I was just too happy for words! I really love the feeling of receiving big boxes all wrapped up, not knowing what is inside. So, today immediately after hygiene class, our aunty tan ling tze and I made our way to the post office. You know lah, how much hassle an “aunty” will give when it comes to running after buses. Yes, that is life in Moscow, the never ending chasing after public buses while trekking through thick snow! We ran at a speed of 20km/hour for about 200metres, waving our hands madly, hoping that the bus driver could see us and halt the bus no 250. We somehow managed to board the bus and alighted from the bus the next stop. We both then marched into the post office. She queued to post a valentine’s gift to her significant other half while I collected a valentine’s gift! Such a belaaaaaaated one, haha! Damn, I was fined 7.1 rubles a day for the delay and I was late by more than a month! However, the old lady was rather kind and charged me (7X7.1) rubles instead. She is the second kind-hearted person I have encountered so far in Moscow…. Excitedly we both tore the 2-layers wrapper and this is what I got!

A Big Nose Bear to add to my collection of soft toys

And a card!

Thank you, sender! *wink* =)

My "Idol"

2005-03-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

Miss A comes from country M. She thinks that she is so very pretty that every guy can’t take his eyes off her and she attracts guys like bees to honey or more correctly, like flies to shit. I don’t understand why but she treats guys and girls so differently. She likes having her photo taken and every snaps of her; you can notice a common thing-she purposely enlarges her pair of slanting eyes that seem to repel each other to the opposite sites of her face, which in my opinion is a result of oculomotor paralysis. She also possesses a set of extremely crooked teeth which will scare the shit out of you when she smiles. At her leisure time, she enjoys posting memoirs or more commonly known as ‘blog’. She thinks she is such a great writer by using her own birdie language. Not only that, she indulges in many sports activities and she acts as though she is such a professional player that no one else in the dormitory can beat her. All in all, this species is almost obsolete so I think measures should be taken to preserve this species from extinction.

MMSA sports day

2005-03-12T11:48:00.002-08:00

LOOK! Wow, MMSA SPORTS DAY’S ORGANIZER 2004! Know what was I assigned? I was none other than....a FIRST AIDER!!!!! What a great contribution...haha! I keep telling myself that I must make myself more useful this year; I MUST participate in at least an event. But, what am I good at? Basketball? Netball? No! My height restrains me. Volleyball? No way, Lonny (my “bestest friend”) is in! Arghhhh…what other choices have I got being a Jack of all trades, master of none? Oh yeah, I was my school’s champion in cross-country back in form 2! Haha, that was like ages ago...before I put on so much weight. It takes stamina more than anything to run 4X400 m! My token of gratitude to Lisa who gave me the courage to go for the training and selection that was supposed to be held today. But too bad, the indoor track in PFU is occupied so the selection is postponed to the first week of April, subject to the weather in Moscow. Guess I will have to run up to 12th floor daily instead of using the lift to build my stamina. Haha! Wish me luck, because I really want to be chosen to represent my university to Volgograd this April!

Check this out!

2005-03-11T04:24:00.000-08:00

Hey, check this out!!!!!

http://www.pacificsongwritingcompetition.com/thestage.htm

My ex-classmate, Lifaye entered a song writing competition and she is today's featured artist.

Title: Remember

Nice voice she has...Keep it up, Faye!

Job, job, job...

2005-03-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

Well, there is no such thing as perfect job...It usually seems that other people's jobs are easier and more fun, and most of all, MORE PAY! Nurses think that doctors have it easy (excuse me, doctors spent their entire adolescent life or even more than that in obtaining the diploma! ) Sales people would most likely think that their sales manager have it easy...Everyone starts thinking that everyone else's job is better...so what happens? Well, eventually we discover there is no perfect job. Reason? Because people only pay us to do things they cannot do (take it as they lack the skill..haha) or they do not want to do. If there were to be no problems to be solved, will our job still exist? Well, if you do not like your work, you have 2 options-change your attitude or change your job? *shrug*

International Women's Day!!!!!

2005-03-08T00:26:00.000-08:00

International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. (yahooo!! russia is one) When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage.

The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

In Asia(more of my concern..hahaha), women trail well behind their male counterparts in terms of social-economic advancement although the gap is closing in some countries, a regional survey released Monday said. A new women's political party is set to emerge in Sweden, a country already considered a world-leader in women's rights.

Women's Day's slogan: Law, justice, good governance
So WOMEN, we should struggle and fight for women's rights!

"Janji melayu"

2005-03-07T02:43:00.000-08:00

You have to believe in yourself. That makes sense, doesn't it? Well, but before you could
believe in yourself, you have to BELIEVE YOURSELF! I read that somewhere, sometime ago..

Many people are total wimps when it comes to promises and commitment. When they say they
will do something, and the actual fact is they do not, or perhaps it does not even come
across their mind that they would. They promise they will help you, and they go shopping.
They promise they will come at 7, yes, they do come but at 8. That is what my
friend taught me, hmm, it is called "janji melayu" in the malay language. Then they wonder
why their life does not work!

For crying out loud, only commit to something if you know you will follow through. If
possible, makes less promises and less commitment..but whatever you say you will do it, do
it! Gradually your word becomes law for you...and that is when you really believe in
yourself!

posted by unknown author!!! hahaha...
blasting on my aiwa micro hi-fi XR-EM400 is Escape (the pina colasa song) by rupert holmes

Cast a glance...

2005-03-07T01:50:00.000-08:00

Uni's indoor sports complex (sports zal)

Volleyball court, me with the russians

"Curi tulang kaki's" caught "red-handed"

"Missing Mode" or Anti-social?

2005-03-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

There is something about the loud silence in the air, the eerie lonely last night though I could hear whirring of vehicle, occasionally...I was on "missing mode". I missed everyone and everything...I missed my family-my mummy, my papa, my da jie, my er jie....I missed my friends in Malaysia, US, Australia, Singapore,
New Zealand...I missed my good old days in school...I missed my favourite food "Penang Laksa"...I missed my holidays in UK...and not to be left unmentioned...I missed my bro-in-law too!

"Kriing, kriing, kriing...I somehow turned a deaf ear to phone calls-something which I normally would pay attention to. I just felt so lonely yet so sweet to be locked up alone in my small, cosy room, enjoying a good book and ignoring the outside world...It has been ages since I last read a book (not textbook, of course)...no time? Nah, lame excuse with a capital 'L'! Not long before I actually realised..I dozed off...and woke up this morning feeling fresh and all those weird feelings were gone! Thanks Eng Hwa for your morning call from Iowa! Sometimes I just wish I could turn back time and that would definitely make a difference...

My Daddy, my papa...

2005-03-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Family...

Today is my dad's 60th birthday so I will dedicate today's post to my beloved papa! Thanks for showering me with love for the past 21 years..I truly appreciate all that you have done for me and the family and I am also truly sorry for all my wrongdoings..Thanks for everything, I love you and Happy 60th Birthday, papa Lee Hock Huat! =)

WHAT IS A FATHER?

A father is a guide, showing you the way...
And then giving you the little push you need...
To try your wings...

A father is a once-in-a-lifetime special friend...
A friend to cherish and love forever...

Wishing the happiest of birthday to the best father of mine!

Snowy snowy...

2005-03-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Ling Tze& I

Great time throwing snow balls at each other...so mean of yonglin right? da head of the team..

From right: David, Ling Tze and I;

"Single's Club", except for one "sesat" person, Lingtze

Something to ponder.....

2005-02-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

I just came to know recently from a friend of mine currently studying in RCSI (Royal School of Surgeon, Ireland) that they have 25 study weeks. How true is that? This really leaves me with many question marks.....

"Why so?" I asked.
"Oh...that is because our course is an INTENSIVE one!" he claimed.
"Really???!? Intensive???" I ponder.

What does that suppose to mean? We, medical students in Russia study for 36 weeks (that does not include 4 weeks of practical during our summer vacation!)...this sums up to a 40 weeks, altogether! Why the vast difference? Furthermore, our medical course is a full 6 years whereas it is 5 years there. Does that mean that they are "better-off" than us being able to cram every knowledge a "good" doctor should know? Or does that mean that RUS. graduates are better due to a thorough, more widely covered syllabus? What about other countries? Hmmm.....

Anyone?!?!?

2005-02-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

What do you call a sudden involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of the nostrils? The capillaries that reside near the surface (lamina propria) becomes extensively engorged and leaky? Lamina propria becomes distended with fluid, resulting in marked swelling of the mucous membrane with a constriction of the air passage? As a result, having breathing difficulty? That is exactly what I am feeling and facing now..What is the diagnosis? Any idea? Anyone? Loratadine 10mg/day doesn't seem to do any good..will Hor Yan Hor Herbal Tea work? Help!!!!!

LOVE...

2005-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

This "poem" is exclusively assigned to ONE of my LOYAL readers.
You know who you are...and hope you get the hidden meaning. All
I can say is life is as fluid as the sea itself -JAN-

Love can be beautiful if it is taken at a slow and
steady pace;
Love is pretty when it grows from two hearts in place;
But love turns sour when it is forced to sustain;
The greatest folly of believing that love can be
regained;
When there is nothing one can love to have it in
exchange;
What is worst to call it love when it is NOT in the
first place.

Shocking facts

2005-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

This is what I am fed with...

Yummie yummie chicken rice by www.mingkurecipe.com

hot pot...delicious...

ice-cream lar duh..at tynemouth

AS A RESULT....
Family photo, me (2nd from da left) in 2001. weight:38kg

Me 2005, weight: remain secret...but this baby-T can really sustain the expansion! ahaha

Sis' wedding, Newcastle

2005-02-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Bride and bridegroom *wink*
Lunch at happiness restaurant

I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful im..im..impediment why I.....may not
be joined in MATRIMONY to.....

Newcastle City Council

"Yellow"

2005-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

First physiology lecture today was devoted to the 3 major mechanism of stomach relaxation:-
1) receptive relaxation
2) adaptive relaxation
3) feedback relaxation

The lecturer further explained about the velocity of chyme and of course with some anecdotes!

Sveshnikov(lecturer): Rate of gastrointestinal content can be determined by adding
some BaSO4 (~50g) After the intake by the patient, we explore
the behaviour of BaSO4 along the gastrointestinal tube.

Everyone in the lecture hall listened attentively with much interest.

Lecturer: BaSO4 can usually be observed in the stomach after 3-4 hours, small intestine- 6-7 hours and large intestine-a total of ~24 hours...

Students started nodding.

Lecturer(grinning): BUT FOR HOMOSEXUALS, CONTINUOUS STIMULATION OF THE RECTUM WILL
AFFECT THE MOTILITY OF CHYME!

After a few seconds, everyone laughed!

Haha..that reminds me of our uni's rector, also our histology lecturer, Prof Viktor Banin!
During one of our lectures last semester...

Viktor: Where does fertilization occurs?

Students: Ampulla of the Fallopian tube!

Viktor: Really? I thought it should be on the bed?

Laughter filled the lecture hall....

Haha..can you imagine that? Lecturers are actually telling us such jokes?

Russia, RussiaN

2005-02-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

I was travelling alone from London-Moscow and I came to know this lady, middle-aged Russian who got married to an Englishman. We really had a good chat throughout the journey, what interesting is I gained new facts and Russian culture which I have misunderstood all these while, hence dislike the country and people. Russians' most oftenly used word-"shto?shto?" which directly translated to English would be "what? What?" That sounds really rude when you approach any Russian to seek help and asking for directions! On contrary, the English would put up such wide smile, politely listen to you and try helping us out! Well, I shouldn't blame the Russians for this is how their language is and it's not their habit to smile to strangers..So, if any of you would some day pay a visit to Russia, don't be like me, disliking them for their unfriendly attitude!=) Another weird thing about Russians is their xmas celebration is on da 7th January when everyone else in da world celebrates this big day on the 25th dec! Well, history of epiphany explains it all!

HISTORY OF EPIPHANY

January 6 is known on the Christian calendar as Epiphany. It is
sometimes called the "Twelfth Night" being the 12th Day of Christmas. It
signifies the event of the Magi, or Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus,
and is known in certain Latin cultures as Three Kings Day. In the
Eastern (Orthodox and Oriental) churches it is known as the Theophany,
"God manifest" commemorating Jesus' baptism. Note, the Magi did not visit
the baby Jesus in the Manger. The Gospel of Matthew says they
visited the "house" and saw the "young child", not an infant. Jesus
could have been up to 2 years old by this time, as evidenced by King
Herod's order to kill all children under that age.

So, the "12 Days of Christmas" don't end at Christmas, Advent does.
Instead, the 12 days start with Christmas, and end with Epiphany,
sometimes called Christmastide. The "season" of Epiphany lasts from
January 6 through the day before Lent.

Epiphany is a Greek word that means manifestation, appearance, or
showing forth. Historically, Epiphany began in the eastern Church as the
celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. As the celebration of
Christmas spread eastward, Epiphany changed to its present meaning.
Indeed, the Church of Rome had, by the year 354, separated out the
commemoration of Christ’s Birth from Epiphany and transferred it to
December 25.

In the Western churches (Protestants, Catholics, and Anglicans) Epiphany
commemorates the "adoration" of the Christ Child by the Magi as they
presented their gifts, thereby "revealing" Jesus to the world as Lord
and King. In some traditions, the "Twelfth Night" party on January 5 is
followed by the exchange of gifts on January 6th. The Russian church's
"Feast of the Nativity," Christmas, is celebrated at this time.

We rarely hear of the 12 Days of Christmas any more, except by way of
Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" play, or the words to the song "The Twelve
Days of Christmas."

Chinese New Year

2005-02-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

I was reading Jere's blog..he was "complaining" about living in a small town and having to bump into people all the time! And here I am, a yellow girl in a white man's land, not even getting any chance to bump into anyone i know of! I spent da entire noon walking in Newcastle town ALONE yesterday, hoping to meet anyone i know, but to my disappointment, no one at all! Sad isn't it? =( But it's sadder at the thought of going back to Moscow early this Saturday. It's not that I do not look forward to meeting up with my coursemates and get back to studies, but I will miss all my good life here in Newcastle, being treated like a princess, hehe, thanks sis! And to Dr Ng Wai Pang, nasty fellow(my bro-in-law), I enjoyed those lil arguments with you, its something to look back, cherish and laugh about in time to come! KNN! haha..

It's Chinese New Year today, my first chinese new year abroad was not all that bad! I mean it was splendid! I had hot pot with sis, bro-in-law and his bunch of friends. Though this year is rather different (the people I spent my CNY with) but it was indeed a great experience. I enjoyed myself a whole lot, those jokes are really a laugh a minute! =) All in all, year 2005 is really a remarkable one! Hope that this year of rooster will bring luck, success and happiness to everyone around me.

Millennium and Tyne Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne

2005-02-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

More photos

2005-02-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

Betsy and I, outside Planet Hollywood

Phone booth..haha

Picadilly Circus, London

Castle Museum, York

Oxford Street

Imperial College of London

National Museum, London

York

Random scribbling

2005-02-01T02:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my 8th day here in the UK. Spent 3 days in London, it was really awesome! As a matter of fact, London really is an expensive city that has really drained me out! Visited most of the tourist spots; Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Westminster and the list goes on. Man, paying for entrance fees is already a killer! haha, perhaps I cant help but converting to Ringgit! =) All in all, I enjoyed a whole lot- meeting up with old school mates! Did I just say old? yeah, turning 21 makes me feel old but my newly met friends here thought I was 15! Believe it or not, but they were shocked when i reveal my real age! Should I jump for joy or grief? But, but, but. I just yearn to look more matured!! maybe mentally I am...*cough* hehe..
Guess what? I watched 4 movies in cinema in a day...yes, i mean in a day! It's like a movie marathon, but what to do, there is nothing much in Newcastle.. 2 days in Newcastle, you'll be familiar with the city, what more since its my 5th day here! =( Shhh...hope my sis doesnt hear this, else she will immediately send me to Heathrow Airport! haha!
Sis and bro-in-law drove me to York yesterday. Wow, scenic! Impressive! Will post up the photos snapped...As the title states, this is gonna be a random scribbling, so I will write whatever that comes to my mind, so it wont be chronologically done or neither will it be nicely arranged! Its almost 3am now *yawn* nitessss...

A picture is worth a thousand words...Holiday in London

2005-01-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

Exams Worries & Woes??

2005-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Exams Worries & Woes??

Before the exams:
Im worried for this particular subject/topic!
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanks giving, let your
requests be made known to God; and the peace of
God which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your heart and minds through Jesus Christ.

My mind cannot concentrate during revision
Isaiah 26:4
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is
stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

I cannot sleep peacefully nowadays.
Psalms 3:5
I lay down and sleptfor the Lord sustained me.

Im physically and mentally fatigue.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; They shall mount up with wings like
eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall
walk and not faint.

Theres no hope for Im too far behind to catch up!
Psalms 43:5
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are
you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall
yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and
my God.

During the exams:
I dont understand whats this question all about!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not
on your own understanding, in all your ways
acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

I am too nervous to think properly!
John 14:27
Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

This question needs much wisdom and I dont have
it
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God
who gives all liberally and without reproach and it
will be given to him.

After exams:
What will my results be like???
Psalms 37:4
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give
you the desires of your heart.

Does God care, if I fail?
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for
you.

Thanks Siong Ting...

Lack of updates

2005-01-09T02:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. Having 2 state exams on Histology and Human Anatomy (16 & 23 January 2005 ) Man, having exam on my birthday! Hopefully, I will get extra blessings! =) Cos I really need loads of them. Will update and enhance my blog after exam.

Extract from testi

2005-01-04T02:05:00.000-08:00

I was browsing thru my friend's page when i came across this testi..below is an extract from the original testi, but before that here are some hokkien vocab, to those of you who doesn't know this dialect.
"Lema"="your mother" in an impolite manner usually used by "tu kau's"
"tu kau" direct translation= "pig dog"

"what about jason teo? haha, the first
impression i get from him is that he is
very close to my mum.. you know y?
because he always greets my mother
when he sees me... saying .. lema
lema.. hahaha... "

New Year, New Resolutions!

2004-12-31T04:27:00.000-08:00

Lets say goodbye to year 2004. Man,i miss all the things i
lost in 2004, but yesterday was history,tomorrow is mystery...

My new year resolutions:
1) Study consistently and not at the eleventh hour for I am now a medical student!!!!
2) Do my laundry more often and not to "overflow" my laundry bag..hehe
3) Control my spending but not be too thrifty
4) Dont let my mood drift away "the good stuff"
5) Live life to the fullest
6) Stop denying you are fat!! Cut down junk food! =)
7) Plan your work and work your plan!!

Jere's fav quote:
Cherish the past,
Live the present,
Embrace the future!

-JAN-

plagiarism

2004-12-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

A Letter to Rudolph

Dear Husband, It is time that I must have my say,
I've taken your shit day after day.
I've kept the home peaceful year after year
Now there is going to be changes, so listen my dear.

So you're famous, everyone knows your name,
And you're a specialist by gum, in the transport game,
You think you're so grand with your important job.
But I'm telling you my dear you're a worn out old yob

363 days a year,
You sit on your arse drinking scotch, rum and beer,
You claim it is to keep up the shine on your nose
So Santa can see where he bloodywell goes.

One night a year is all that you work,
You and your eight reisty mates - they're all jerks.
Dasher and Dancer - Speed freaks I say,
The sleigh wouldn't go that quick any other way.
Prancer and Vixen - Just cheap little tarts,
But they look like angels once Comet starts.

Cupids on some freaked out damned power trip,
And Donner...well, she should just get a damned gripAnd Blitzen,
I almost don't need to say,
Is here getting blitzed with you every day.

All of these years at the front of the sled,
Has gone, I'm afraid, to your crusty old head.
You're a layabout and a drunkard, with a big shiny nose,
And a weakness for elves in black pantyhose.

I'm telling you husband that one Christmas song,
Has made you think that you can do no wrong.
So this year while your out with old Santa's sled,
I am eloping, my dear, with your friend - Mr. Ed

Copyright; Denise Hobbs

2004-12-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Evidently, my blog is spiralling towards a complete, painful silence. So here I am! Well, I have indeed pulled through another hectic week getting all my "zachyot" To those of you who are not familiar with this russian word, it actually means "credit", a sort of like "ticket" to enable oneself to sit for final examination. I doubt this system is carried out in any corner of the world except RUSSIA! yeah, this is the place that i am going to spend for the next 4 and a half years! wow, can you actually imagine having to stay and survive in such a place for the next few years to come? come to think about it, I have to salute myself for that! hehe..Hmmm..let me recalled what has happened today. Yup, had my last colloquium on anatomy for lower limb just now and guess I did badly for I spent only one night to study..yeah, lazy me, whatever you wanna say, haha, but that's just me! =) Ironically, my lecturer did not think that way! haha, lucky me, but guess i have to really work hard for the next one month, prepare for the big day! And what I am looking forward to is my UK trip! Just can't wait for the day to come...but before that, looks like i am gonna suffer a whole damn lot memorizing facts...all right, its almost dinner time so chao!

2004 is drawing to an end

2004-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

It started snowing...excited to see snow again after 9 months...which also marks that this year is drawing to an end. Lets pause a moment and recall, what have we done, or achieve throughout the year of monkey? *grin*

should i tell or should i not?

2004-12-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

When I got up from bed, I was in the best mood. I felt as though I have been strucked by many good things in life..and of course i thank god for all His blessings, but this does not last long before everything came to a drastic change. My mood swings. From having a wide smile on my face, as if I am promoting for COLGATE to having frowns on my forehead..it all happened in no time. Sigh. As usual, and it has become a routine that I hook on the net. Appearing on my mailbox. Sender-Leong Kin Wah, Dr .My heart was pounding furiously in my chest as i clicked opened his mail. I was expecting for the worst...and this is a copy of his mailDear Janet,Resection for pancreatic cancer is only for localised disease. Once spread especially to multiple sites, surgery is not beneficial. Her only recourse is to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She was thus started on chemotherapy yesterday. Prognosis is actually poor with median survival of less than 12 to 16 months.- Kin Wah-Having read that, I stunned. Should I tell mum about it? OR should i not?? But, but, its her beloved sister!!!

To err is human, to forgive is divine

2004-12-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Human beings or scientifically known as homo sapiens are real good actors. One can treat others so nicely but simultaneously talk behind others back so profusely, or the more common term among us, GOSSIP! What do we get from it? What is the purpose? The good feeling? It's not that I am not one of the "active member" but i just salute a "friend" of mine, lets give her a nickname, "AMPLIFIER"? She just loves talking and talking, about anything and about everything, be it the truth or after adding some "spices of her own tradition"! It really gets into my nerves nowadays to see her continuously doing that and acting to be such an angel in front of those poor, victimized people! For those who are close to me and are alert about what is happening around this dormitory, you guys should know who i mean! i am writing this because some people are just too afraid to share their thoughts. Well, I do not hate her for that because as the saying goes, "To err is human, to forgive is divine" but I do hope that the person will change for the better. Chao!