tips to stay warm this winter part I

It's early November, and I can say that it has been FRRRRREEEZIING! For four days, the temperature has remained as a single digit. It serves to remind us, that, the temperature will dive dovetail from now onwards. As I type this post, the heater is blazing on my left, while the right side of my face is cold as ice (well not quite... 6 Celcius). I could raise both my eyebrows (not a flirt-move by the way), and it would seem like I am accentuating irony. I could smile, and it would seem crooked, like the grin of Two-Face himself. But that's scary.. So I shall digress... well more like the moon.

Anyway, the point is, we need to keep ourselves warm. Here are some of my tips:

1. Wear a cap; if not a hoodie. We lose a lot of body through our head (25% - 75%)! So, why not look cool this winter, and don that beret you have been hiding in your closet! I know I would... especially to a certain ADD class.

2. Wear something insulated with down feathers! My mom just couriered one to me; and it has helped me stay warm the last couple of days. Thanks mom! Down feathers are the soft fluffy feathers from birds. It's one of the best insulators around. One drawback though, if your down feathers gets wet, you won't be able to fly anymore it will become flat, and loses its ability to insulate. So wear it with....

3. Polar fleece or wool! Both can still insulate well, even though you get wet in this wretched weather!

4. Well, the idea is also not to get wet, so get a proper umbrella. Like mine :D Solid even in the windiest of days! *Touches wood* If you get wet, you get cold faster. That's the general rule of thumb.

5. Speaking of thumbs, wear a pair of gloves! Being waterproof helps... I mean the gloves; not YOU. I know you are.

In conclusion, wear thin natural fibre clothings; like cotton or wool. They trap heat easily rather than thick bulky materials. Scarf and socks are a big help. If you are looking to buy some more jackets; I would like to share this tip my friend taught me... blow through the material, does it stop convection? (windbreaker) Keep that in mind when you shop. Oh and buy colours which can soak up the magnificent sun rays :D You know what they are ;)

If you have boots; then good for you! My shoes is falling apart, and sometimes, I can feel my socks a bit soggy when I step on puddles. Perhaps it's time to get a pair of waterproof boots.

Also eat right, keep warm. Potatoes... veg... meat... fish... eggs... basically proteins. Basically a balance diet should be fine. And fine cup of hot drink :) *Slurps* What I do is keep a flask of hot water by my bedside. So when I wake up... yay! Instant warmth from a cup!

Other things you may want:

1. Vitamins. I was taking Vitamin C with Zinc; for immune system. Now I put myself on the multi-vits... giving priorities on Vitamin B... to boost my energy. You can take either or... or alternately.

2. Stock up with can foods (like soups) for the winter. Or... hmm.. instant noodles. A bit of each, since neither are that beneficial. I keep stocks of cookies. Unfortunately my milo stock s dwindling. Please let my parcel arrive soon! :(

3. Above all, drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of life. It helps in metabolism of food. Then you will feel warm.

4. Carry some brunch bars around; like my Cadbury ones I buy from BM Bargain at Beeston Bus Station. Only 1 Pound for 6 bars. Good deal! Or if you like, nuts and raisins from Holland and Barrett; or free chocolates from Hotel Chocolat at Broadmarsh! :p

5. Final tip, just move around. Exercise! Burn some rubber flubber around that belly. Push ups, weight lifting, brisk walking... whatever helps for you. Don't sit statically too long... Which reminds me.... I need to wash the toilet now! See ya!

Stay warm! :D

red eye tonight

Here we go...

to you

As I tear away from your pain.
I could somehow see your reflection.
You stubbornly pretend you are doing okay.
But clearly you are not.

I know we can never understand how much hurt you feel.
I know we can never truly say we understand

Your broken heart, still beating
just need some healing.
Damaged.
I am sure you thought of every word in the dictionary.
But I hope you find the meanings
That would keep you strong.
That will help find your purpose.
That will help you regain your smile.

With His Mercy,
I pray that you don't forget your way home.
Because you will never be alone, here... with your friends.

poster poser

Our lecturer said YES!! :D :D :D

Our presentation is gonna be LEGENDARY! :D

You peeps just have to wait and see!

All I can reveal now is that our lecturer must have been real please to have received that email!

;)

unveiled

The moment you share that bit of news with a gasp and a "tee-hee" with that close buddy of yours, did you ever think that it would be closely guarded for good?

Whatever analogy you want to use, secrets are like the perfume people wear. They are like the "surprise" birthday parties we ourselves expect. They are like the weight that we gain. They are like the cost a gift. Sooner or later, people are bound to know... just like the recipe of a certain bakery in Malaysia.

People say I am rather secretive. I think I am just like everyone else. We all have our secrets. Sometimes, we feel that certain things are not necessary for others to know. Let's take A for example. I have known A for soooo loooong. It has been quite awhile since we hung out. I see him fairly often, and we would do small talks just to update ourselves on things. So it came as a surprised when I found out he knows B. Well alright... the world is small. So, fair enough. Okay... so nothing seemed so secretive here right? Wait..

So, B. Not much I can say. Just that we only knew each other. So anyway, we all had this big gathering, just to meet up. I got to know many of their friends. And somehow or rather, they chose that day to make a 'memorable' day for both A and B. Initially, I was confused by what's going on. I was even misleaded into thinking pleasantly surprised they were such a friendly bunch of people. I was talking to both A and B when they brought me aside, and had said they wanted to know me better over a drink. I was like "Okayy... sure." So I left A and B, and joined them. Before I could even say "Well... I am not that intere...", they were buzzing about A and B. What happened to the hospitality I wondered. Now when I think about it, it was such a BS. Their story had more bubbles than the Carlsberg I was drinking.

So, anyway... they proceeded to take pictures of everyone there. However, little did A and B know, that every single picture was just focused on them. So... yea... plenty of zooms and awkward camera angles. That's one way secrets can be unveiled. Two people whom I know fairly long enough, and not a word was shared about each other... ever! .... till that day.

Somehow, I was given the title CNN. It's a bit untrue. Sometimes I do filter, and I do keep secrets. So, I think that it's only half true that I am a 'pat kong' (gossip guy). I am not a Perez, nor a Richard. Perhaps my reputation precede me. I have learnt that 'with great power comes great responsibility' wtf... the hard way. I leaked some news out, which I never had expect to spread like wildfire. It did, leaving quite a destruction behind. From then, I vowed to use my 'ability' only for good purposes.

So, the news about A and B... well it wasn't that big of deal actually. But one of them didn't want it to resonate out of the circle. So it was just a few of us delocalised electrons that knew about it. But, as stressed earlier. Secrets?? Bah humbug! There's no such thing. Sometimes depending on the variety of external and internal factors, its half-life is quite small. In this case, after only 1 month, I heard the first crack in the dam. Some common friends deduced something... which was as accurate as they could be (My friends are smart). I actually didn't expect them to notice so well. But, granted with my 'ability', I covered for that friend. And I think all was forgotten. But I think the next crack would surely cause the flood. *Shrugs*

So... yea... my blog can be quite dead at times. Sometimes, I could have sworn I heard crickets in the background. But that's prob just me, grinding my teeth, while thinking what to write, pondering if I should let you kids into my sugary home. Since, all secrets aren't meant to last, I figured there should be no reason not to hide anymore. I have told someone the same thing, so it's only honourable to actually practise what I had preached. And, with that, I welcome you, the selected few, to lose yourselves, and waste your precious study time reading my mindless, meaningless, cryptic tales of the twisted mind, which is yours truly... Grinch :D

time to eat serious cereal

It's December...

Christmas holidays is coming... trips.. presents... family... friends...

Exams!! It's just around the corner... Have to start putting extra efforts from now on...

Lots of things have been going on... just couldn't find the time to write...

Hmmm... I find listening to "Return to Innocence" by Enigma sure can help de-stress.
AIYAYAAAAAA OOOAAAYAAYAAA.... :D :D :D

Instead of whining or complaining about things, I manage to channel those unwanted energy into singing the chorus of this song! :D :D :D

Ooohh... and I am listening to this song... Smile by Uncle Kracker!! It's so positive and uplifting!! If you need a smile, just listen and sing to the lyrics of this song! :D

back when the year was young

Some pictures in my phone, dating back since January 2009!

CNY temptations - The food and the computers unite us all.

Angels and Demons crazy

L->R: 1. In first aid class, Mr Wong learning to give CPR to a 'baby'. 2. SO COOL. I know I damn jakun. But it's like 'Who wants to be a millionaire?'!

My first poster! But kena conteng-ed by my lecturer. Ish.


L->R: 1. Yakult Factory in Seremban. 2. Notice the slide on the slide? XD 3. Shirota Strains being cultured. 4. A scene in the factory.


Malaysian Studies project - Pictures from the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge.


L->R: 1 & 2. Pictures of the Petronas Twin Towers. 3. Winston demonstrating how tired he was at the end of the day. Someone buy him a cup of Milo or wind him up!


L->R: 1. Walid being such a sport! He got his hair shaved all for charity. 2. Our Uni's football field - Someone left their April Fools mark there.

28/04/09 - Earth Hour at Capital Square. I have some stories to tell of this day. But then, this was old news. Let's just say I didn't get the shirt (even after paying) and I was so frustrated, I beg someone for a glow-in-the-dark wristband, but then I learnt something more meaningful and significant about what this event truly represent.


Some pictures of the Pavilion Crystal Fountain.

ohhhh....

What is a First Cousin, Twice Removed?

Finally I get Professor Doughty's joke.. -_-" ...that's after probably one year? He kept using it when we had assignments to do. He would warn us against getting answers from other students in UK, who might happen to be first cousin, once or twice removed.

Well.. normally I would just ignore this sort of things. But finally after so long, I succumbed my ignorance to curiosity after the phrase was played on TV! And once again, I didn't get the joke!! So yeah... I don't want to murder and mutilate another cat over and over again till it was sorry it has 9 lives! Ahem.. I didn't really kill a cat... just curiosity kills a cat... so yeah... no more being curious.

Anyway, this useful site helped me...

When the word "removed" is used to describe a relationship, it indicates that the two people are from different generations. You and your first cousins are in the same generation (two generations younger than your grandparents), so the word "removed" is not used to describe your relationship.

The words "once removed" mean that there is a difference of one generation. For example, your mother's first cousin is your first cousin, once removed. This is because your mother's first cousin is one generation younger than your grandparents and you are two generations younger than your grandparents. This one-generation difference equals "once removed."

Twice removed means that there is a two-generation difference. You are two generations younger than a first cousin of your grandmother, so you and your grandmother's first cousin are first cousins, twice removed.

There you go! No more being blur during a joke about cousins first or twice removed! Hmm... I wonder how is that funny in the first place.. Gotta hear the joke again.

part IV - salvation

It was what I got... but somehow it wasn't what I needed.

Tell me, if you could undo what was done,
even if it makes the world a duller place,
for just a selfish act to make things well for you,
Would you do it?

I wouldn't.

Because that's who I'm.
If my cheese was ever moved,
I will get more, one which tastes even better.

But then,
Some are just exclusive.
Its whiff just remains.
It stinks.
It smells.
It sucks.
I don't want it.
But it remains.
So very cancerous.
I wonder why.

Yet...

It's so good.
I can pepper any dish with it...
It's like tyramine... or MSD.
It makes you happy.
Suddenly I might blink,
And bubbles would appear all around.
It won't be such a surprise.
It's pleasant.

Can I do without it?
I am studying with it.
I work with it.
It will be in my future.
At least in the next couple of years.

First year came and passed like that.
Cliche as it may sound,
There has been a fair share of ups and downs.

Sadly,
More downs recently.
Sometimes,
When I feel it's going back up,
it tumbles again.

But I'm strong.
I can wait forever.



Oh. And Club 21 has got a new member =)

'Heroes' needs a booster shot

You know what Sylar remind me of??

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

He reminds me of a bacteria!!

Why you asked??

Well... he takes people's power like how a bacteria does!! Okay... maybe not exactly like that. But this is how bacteria works. The reason why they are highly adaptable is that they are able to adsorb genetic components from the genetic pool around them in just a short period of time. For example you are a bacteria. One day you decide to fly. So you decide to take the genetic transcript from a grasshopper. Now you can fly! Then if you decided to go for a swim, you take the necessary components of a shark. Now you can swim... and terrorise people... and so much more!

This is how bacteria works. This is why most bacteria-causing diseases can evolve. That is why after awhile, antibiotics can't work against them. And people... okay... hopefully I can provide that service one day... have to come up with different drugs to combat these minute monsters. Also, when they evolve, they can somehow share their genetic components to other bacteria so as they can be immune to the antibiotics as well. I really admire their unity.

Which brings us to vaccination... I spent so many weeks reading about this for my poster presentation and report for the last semester. It was really interesting! Especially the debate on whether kids should or shouldn't be vaccinated. So each time I am asked about this topic, I can passionately speak from both sides of the debate. Anyway, the preparation went quite well I would say. My group and I even had time to joke about it.

We sang...

Immuniser, immune-immuniser,
You're a immuniser
Oh, immuniser, oh, you're a immuniser, baby
You, you, you are.
You, you, you are.
Immuniser, Immuniser, Immuniser (Immuniser)

Ahh... The things pharmacist do :p

Anyway, I am still waiting for the penultimate episode of Heroes to finish downloading. Heroes have been rather lame of late. I hope there is a good ending to Season 3.

part II - sleepy

Phew. It sure has been a hectic last 24 hours. Burnt the midnight oil trying to finish yet another Phys Pharm report. Pure exhaustion mind you. Plus had PVC again today. Luckily our lecturer had given us some leeway in this particular report. Oh by the way, this lecturer won't be teaching us next time anymore. SAD. Anyway, we could do it in groups. Who knows? It could have been worse. This semester, we have all been plagued with reports, reports, assignments, and did I mention reports?

We won't have time to catch our breaths before yet another pile of workload enters our 'In' tray. It's tiring of course. But somehow, I find it interesting writing reports, especially as I get to read some facts of journals. Some can be very fascinating. I never knew reading of official journals could be like Nitrogen Narcosis to me. Speaking of which, I could use some 'relief of anxiety and a feeling of tranquility and mastery of the environment' (Wikipedia). Yeah. Very important for us to quote from where we get our facts; although it's really not advisable getting from Wiki.

Exams coming soon. I already watched Heroes ep 22. Time to get back to work.

i need football therapy

If only life is like a football finals...

Supposed we can't finish our assignment or a 90 minutes exam on time. Firstly, we will be given a few minutes of injury time to finish our work. Injuries from what?? Well... finger cramps; hunger pangs; tired, droopy eyes (ptosis); severe-(too straight or hunched) back syndrome; restless legs, overstretched rubber neck; overworked brain and head trauma, etc. But the accumulation of each injury time is usually around 3 minutes only.

BUT be patient, if we still can't finish, we will be given 30 minutes of extra time! If that isn't enough, we will get free massages! I mean whose body isn't strained after 90 minutes of work. Also, if we can finish during this period, we will still get our deserved marks. We won't be penalised at all.

BUT if we still can't finish by then (how I wonder), it will be the lottery session. Either we pass with flying colours, or fail miserably. It depends on luck. Best of fives!

So, what you think of an exam system like this one?? Nothing to lose, only thing is that we will feel tired. And the lottery is quite an emotional, adrenaline-pumping thing which can go either way. BUT... if only...

Lots of assignments to do... sorry folks!

valistory

How was your Valentines Day? I was in class, studying Malaysian studies. It was quite romantic.

We studied that Parameswara married a Majapahit Princess but then he broke one vital code that we must always remember in marriage; never upset the in-laws. He tried to take control of his father in-law's empire for God's sake. Couldn't he wait till it was his turn next in line??

Ok maybe if he had not done that, he wouldn't have fled to Temasek where he killed Temagi (out of his power-crazy ego), and then to Muar before hiding away in this small fishing village where he witnessed his beloved dogs outwitted by a kancil (mousedeer). No more killing after that, or so I read. He decided to reside in that place where he named 'Malacca' or Malaqua - market.

Anyway, he married again and converted to Muslim. He was then known as Megat Iskandar Shah from then on.

Oh and specifically another Sultan's marriage was discussed. Sultan Mansur Shah, arguably the greatest ruler during the Malacca dynasty, took a Chinese Princess's hand in marriage. Her name? Princess Hang Li Po. She was from the Han Dynasty; note her name 'Hang'. Some say the name has a resemblance to the names of the 5 great Malay warriors of their time, which with latest findings are in serious doubt if they were Malay at all.

But I digress. It's all about the romantics of learning history. I do love it. I'm serious. I have been in love with history since school, especially in Form 4.

Hope the above video cheer you up as it did to me.

Happy Valentines Day!

end of semester

Hahaha! Managed to snap this picture with my last ever product - Dithranol Paste. It's quite sad.

No More manufacturing Records (MRs), No more dispensing classes, no more rushing around in the lab to collect our apparatuses, no more trying to explain our flaws to our assessors. No more sitting for weekly Pharmaceutics tests :p No more of those. It was lots of fun while it lasted though. I had looked forward to every Wednesday for this lab session. Then again, I look forward to other different lab sessions next semester.

Oh and I have to thank the bus driver. He had help me keep my pencil case I had left the day before! Such a nice fella!

And... I'm proud to say that the School of Pharmacy of Nottingham University comes top in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise 2008! :D 95% of our research was judged to be of international quality and 35% world leading!

Woohoo! That's what I call ending the semester on a high!

3 months thus far

After nearly 3 months of knowing my friends well enough, I'm already comfortable.. some would say too comfortable to...

• buuuurrrpppp in front of them after every meals.
  

• share my evil schemes with them when they will be at the end of the prank.
  

• tickle their funny bone for fun.
  

tell them that I love them; guy or girl.

i need a time machine

Week 7 just passed by so quickly. Lessons were scarce. We didn't have many classes.

Monday - 3 hrs
Tuesday - 6 hrs
Wednesday - 3 hrs
Thursday - 2 hrs
Friday - 2 hrs

However, I had to stay back on just about all the days! Mostly because of activities and event plannings.

This chapter of my life is called - Lost & Found

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I stayed till 8.30pm. On the former, I had just planned to stay till 6pm. But as soon as I missed the bus - it literally dragged me whilst my hand was still on the handle! WTF - I decided to stay for chess. It had been quite a while since I last shifted pieces. I managed to play just 1.5 game in that hour and discovered that my game has not diminished since my last competitive game in 05'. Oh but why 8.30pm?? Stupid bus didn't show up. So I had dinner while watching CSI. I was sure that Prof Daughty was doing the same thing back at his house.

Wednesday's dispensing class was accessed. Another reason why we had stayed back the day before - to make sure our Manufacturing Record is perfect (MR) and to finish some reports. We made suppositories. It's not easy making it. I had imagined it to be bigger. It looked only slightly bigger than a capsule. No wonder it can be mistaken for some oral capsules! Anyway, I think it's very similar to making ammos. I mean just involving filling the mould part. For lunch, we (5 of us) went to eat 'malak' pan mee at Broga and ais kacang that afternoon. It was so goooood! *__________* mmmm......

Remember I had said I joined Latin dance?? I was a whole lot better for someone with two left feet. I only stepped on my partners' toes twice! Huge step forward! And one of the seniors also complimented that I had improved and looked more comfortable. Haha! But my friend said that I was still a bit stiffed. And she kept laughing. Bleh. Maybe it was because of the years of disciplined marching back when I was in school. However, cha cha really does put lots of strain on my hips. It's no lie. But anyhow, I found dancing isn't as bad :p

It began to get stressful after that. We had our oral presentation on Thursday. I was barely ready. So I went to the lab to print out my presentation; just to do some last minute practice. Many of the PCs were already occupied. So I waited. And got on one just as this girl was leaving. I was about to plug in my thumbdrive when I noticed... wait I didn't even have to noticed... it was screaming "I'm an external hard disk and I have been left here not on purpose. GO FIND MY OWNER!" I had to even shut it up for yelling. So I closed its casing. Ok let's not exaggerate and lol you any further. It probably cost like RM200. Not a very nice thing to lose. So I knew the right thing to do is to return it to her. I probed her external hard disk and found a name. I emailed to her before leaving the lab.

I knew I did good in the presentation!! But my tutor only game 36/45!! He said although I was confident, my slides isn't that great and I had way to many gestures. Oh well... oo oo ah ah. I will control myself better next time. Straight away after that, I had to rush to a meeting. It wasn't as bad as the following day. Practically the whole day after classes for the next 4 hrs, I was running around meeting people; discussing about the upcoming event and setting up appointments. I was beat! But had time to watch heroes before sleeping :p

Before the girl came, I had asked my friend to pretend to be me :p I asked her to pick up both calls which she made. My friend had said she would ask for a chocolate as reward when she does come. So I went to see myself. She didn't of course. She's such a sweet girl. The other girl on the other hand was more interested to get back her lost item rather than thanking my friend. Ish.. if I had passed to the security office, it will be such a messy thing to get back her lost item. Anyway, feels good to do the right thing..

I feel I had wasted so much time this week. So I will end it right here to get back to my studies :)

Yes he did!

Remember remember the fifth of November...

1. We made two different suspensions - oral suspension containing paracetamol & oral suspension containing bendroflumethiazide. The latter for hypertensive patients. I kinda screwed up my first. It spilt even before I poured it into the amber bottle. My patience is always being tested on manufacturing and dispensing days. Somehow, something always goes wrong. Thankfully, my two favourite people, Becca & WW helped me through it. They really helped me do everything in under 15 minutes! I *hugs* them! =)

Little did I know that one of them will slowly distant away from me after that...

Gunpowder, treason and plot...

2. I donated blood for only the second time in my life! I was again like a wuss. I didn't dare look at the needle going underneath my skin. Somehow it was more painful this time. Perhaps the nurse was less experienced, because the skin area was bruised after that! Anyway, we had free snacks after that.

3. I went for dance class! Unbelievable huh?? Not modern dance, not hip-hop... BUT Latin!! Now I can start dreaming of dancing with Shakira one day! *Dreams* Anyway, it was fun la. I joined because my friend wants a dance partner. Mana tau (Who would have thought), actually all have to rotate partners. Because not enough guys to go around. So probably the RM50 wasn't such a huge rip off after all! It is probably standard speed-dating fee. Now I have all these tissue papers with numbers! Just kidding ;) On the first day, we learnt so many steps. BUT, I was so slow to pick up. So I looked like a baboon dancing, blaring my teeth in what was supposed to be a sign of shame; instead of aggression.

4. I had my dinner on campus in the TV room. Listening to Obama's victory speech trump every highlight of the day easily. OMG. I feel so patriotic on behalf of all the red, white, blue, black of America! I have looked forward to this day ever since I heard of Obama. It's ok to love America as much as I love Malaysia right?

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason...

Watch his immortal speech!




Should ever be forgot...

my gluteus maximus is hurting

Throughout the last week, my stomach has been stretch to its very limits - belly popping like nobody's business. Continuing from my last post, my mom has been preparing some extravagant dinner as we had guests at home, namely Aunt Fook See and Cousin Swee Jin. And during such occasions, I'm always amused that my mom will take all the trouble to find her best china from the kitchen cabinet. We will always use plates that we have never seen before. And while cutting pieces of food, we would all receive stares that meant to say, "you better not scratch that or else!".

Anyway, my aunt and cousin stayed for 3 nights. On they first night, they did not join us for dinner. So dinner was just pretty much normal. But as I came home from uni the next two nights, I was obviously very shocked not surprised at all that we had ordered KFC to complement our mundane homey dinner. Don't get me wrong, my mom also made some delicious dishes, including her Chinese-styled chicken and ais kacang! She also fried ham for breakfast. Oh did I mentioned that mom purposely took leave to pamper our guests?

We ate so much that poor Swee Jin said that he prob gained 5kgs everyday he was here. I also felt the effects of some layering of new adipose tissues. So, I took advantage of Tuesday's free day and head to the uni's sports complex. I also went there on Friday but with more friends. We played futsal, badminton, basketball and squash. Squash got plenty of attention. Everyone wanted to learn how to play. So I thought them whatever limited skills I did know. But there's this guy who was a former state player complimented me! He even challenged me to a match. But I was too tired then :p Oh. And we could be playing tennis next week! I really need to learn how to play.

Also just today, my family and I went to the Terry Fox Run at Lake Gardens. Another 5km which will surely get me back to shape. I managed to finish the race in about 30-33mins. My average time. I did not want to push myself as I only slept 4 hours the night before; not the most ideal preparation for a long distance run. But finish in an admirable time, I still feel ;) Oh! And guess who I saw at the race?? Yuan Lih, a senior of mine back in VI. And I think I saw Ida!! One half of Ida & Tania, from the Amazing Race! I swore I saw her!! OMG. No one believes me =/

Anyway, we were at Kiaramas the night before, at aunt's place. Prior to that, we had another heavy meal at Hartamas Square. Uncle Khing joined us after dinner. I asked him of the latest score between Manu and Hull. And Apparently ShiVern tol him Hull was leading 3-1 at the break. YEah..

I'm still feeling a little drowsy although I had a 2.5 hours nap just now. Malaysia have been really hot and humid lately. Worst was when I was in the middle of the crowd of runners just now, right before flag off. Have you ever been in that situation?? Suddenly the humidity can increase by 100 folds. It gets harder to breathe. No air; no air...! Ok ok.. I think I would sign off here. Hmm.. watch Heroes or study? Haha!

lemons

The last week was particularly eventful. From a few weeks back, we, from PharmNotts had planned to organise this "Understanding the Birds and Bees Week" - basically a euphemism to STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Awareness week... although the two, I must say are completely unrelated. We chose the former, because apparently STD was a 'sensitive' issue on campus. Anyway, that wasn't the only thing which irritated me.

On Sunday, my ego was kinda provoked by my Head (my senior). It wasn't necessary her fault to begin with but it just blew a fuse in one of my brain arteries. I was immediately flushed with intense fury which is an understatement. If you want somebody to do something for you, let the person do it... completely. I mean don't just make changes behind his back without even informing him first before anyone else, even though he is just your subordinate. So, I did what seemed natural then. I scorned her and sent a personal but subtle attacking e-mail to her, and two other seniors (I wasn't sure who did it yet) after she failed to reply my terse text.

The next day, the Pres whom I did look up to, spoke to me briefly. I knew she was beating around the bush before she asked me if I knew why she approached me. I told her I did. And she questioned my actions. I explained. And she responded. But was ultimately too busy to bother about me. So I just gave some passive answers and hope that it would satisfy her. I mean I did it to quiet her but at the same time that was how I really felt... nothing. I wasn't about to keep any grudge just because of something like that... but it seemed my Head was sensitive about what I did and said. Oh well... hope everything can turn up well...

It was like lemons. You know from the phrase,'If life throws you lemons, make lemonade!' So I have to learn to make the best out of it. Hmm... otherwise...

If life throws you lemons,
1. eat them
2. throw back
3. bake lemon cheesecake

But I digress...

The rest of the week turned up alright. But without some slight drama. The first day of the awareness campaign was a little kelam-kabut - especially those tending the booths selling these badges for charity. My group had problems tallying the amount of badges with the money collected. But it was all alright after clearing up some confusions. However, I still missed the 7.00pm bus. So had to wait until 8.30pm to catch the next one. I had my dinner first time on campus. I was home only at 10.00pm. Tired....



The badges are really nice, mind you! Only RM10 for all 4. But RM3 for 1. Plus they were designed by our own members. It goes to show Pharmacy sudents don't just play with chemicals in the lab. Common misconception. We are actually quite the friendly and creative bunch.




Ok, we did not made those. Got these sandwich boards from MAC (Malaysian AIDS Council). But we were all prepared to wear them and go around campus. I couldn't get a picture though. I, myself was on double shift wearing the sandwich board while selling those badges above to the student bodies. We managed to sell all 600 in just 3 days alone!

Some international students. We care ;)

My Friday shift was more exciting than my Wednesday's. Perhaps because we still had badges to sell on Wednesday. So we went around the cafeteria; making friends but causing many more to feel bad about not buying the badges. But that's just what we do ;) On Friday, we really tried to get the message out.

At the presentation station on Friday. I was deciding which sandwich board to wear.

I wore the second from left one at first. Then we went around passing leaflets and postcards to everyone. Then, I saw Kimberly (a senior). She said all the guys like to wear the "I'm HIV+. Can I get a hug?" sandwich boards to take advantage. I was like "YEAH! I prefer to wear that. At least can have more fun". So she smacked me. After going around, I went back to the station and switched to a board which reads, "I'm HIV+. May I walk with you?" Then it hit me. And so I gathered the others wearing the sandwich board to form this human chain walking together with our arms intertwined with each others'. It was so cool! We walked quite far; while gathering plenty of attention. We also asked some people to walk with us which was soooo coooool that they were sporting enough! We looked like Snake 2 or something :p Although the chain was at its longest with 9 people only, it was very awesome that we managed to persuade some to join us :D

Oh and some of the condoms I collected throughout the week. All free! The bottom right hand corner one is a green tea flavour one :P Probably for Asians? Haha! And note the condom-shaped stamen on the hibiscus XD

I got some of the condoms from the sex education + STD talk we had during the week. It was very interesting! I went on Thursday; the only day I wasn't on duty. The orator made the topic more interesting than it already was. Unfortunately I missed the earlier parts; as I was at lunch and left early to rush for class. The doctor also said that guys' sex organs vary in size with temperature. He compared a swimmer which looked as though his was small as compared to a body builder whose looked bigger. It's not the sport or activity which determines the size. It's how much heat the body is producing. So he warned the girls not to fall for body builders so easily! That was some of the few funny examples he gave :P

As for classes, we had an interesting lab session on Tuesday. 2/3 of the class administered drugs on their eye! It seemed a whole lot scarier at first as the lecturer told us that we had to sign a consent form so as not to lodge any complaints if something does happen to us. Before the experiment, our Uni doctor was also invited to answer some questions about the things that could go wrong. Then we were also told to bring our sunglasses prior to the class. As we head to the lab, I put on my shades and with my imaginary tongkat, I pretended to struggle to keep my bearings. A course mate helped me as a guide and we went to class, not without some fake obstacles and directions along the way. I just love humour! Anyway, the drugs were 1% Tropicamide and 2% Pilocarpine. I picked the former (In each group of 3, 2 will be volunteers, choosing either drug, and admistering on only 1 eye.). My pupils were super dilated after a few minutes. When I was outside the lab, the sunlight seemed a whole lot brighter! No wonder we needed the shades. I felt like Batman. We were ok after half the day.

And as always, we made two different medicines this week again. Something for dry cough and for urinary tract infection. I look forward on Wednesdays for this lab sessions! Making medicines are a whole lot fun! Haha!

The bus rides were less eventful this week... although it still rained almost everyday! So, it caused some really bad traffic jam. And that's why the drivers were always so cranky. On Friday, what was supposed to be a 30 min journey ended up being a 90 min-sleep inducing trip! During the journey, the driver hollered at a handful of us to wake up. He didn't want us to miss our stop. As we got down, I wished him (the same driver in my previous posts) a Happy Deepavali! Hope it brightened his day =)

Happy Deepavali to everyone else! And courier me some Murukku if it's possible :D

drenched

The weather in Malaysia has been quite torrential recently. It has been raining cats, dogs, bears, whales nearly everyday since last week. I got completely soaked a couple of times... and on both occasions only at my posterior. From the back I was bone dry... on the front not so much. I was a walking Pangaea. However, the rain has always been kind to me.

Anyway, we made our second and third medicine this week. It looked super cool in the amber bottle. Unfortunately I couldn't sneak a pic of it. It's pretty much unlawful and we are supposed to behave professionally. But so far, I have been pretty jakun about everything - from the white lab coats, the lockers, etc. I'm such a bundle of excitement - like a kid at a candy store.

This week has been pretty hectic compared to the first 2 weeks. I found my first white hair just at my sideburns ='( I wanted to pull it out. But I heard more white hairs could sprout out like mushrooms after that... kinda like Hercules trying to slay the Hydra. You pluck one out, another three will appear.


I am even starting to develop perhaps-permanent eyebags...

just like this fellow...

But like him, I guess I have to be positive about it and keep a huge smile on my face :D

Ok... time to get some shut eye! I will write more when I can. Sorry peeps!