Ling-O-Logy, the subject.

It's all about relaxation

2011-09-17T14:48:00.009+01:00

Let's try a refreshing change on this blog. Literally.

Instead of talking about serioussssss stuff, I'm gonna talk about other things that makes me happy! Like my bargains and success in giam-ness.

(For work and related stuff is starting to consume me even in my dreams. Oh the horror! I can feel those wrinkles coming!!)

By now, I like to think that I'm pretty good at indulging in relaxation therapies and consuming recovery food to help my poor lethargic body recover from the stress I cruelly put it through, throughout the week. And I thought I would just share my little moments of indulgences, because it has done wonders for me so far!

I love my showers. My 10 minutes worth of pleasure everyday after work. The bubbles, lathers, smell, rush of warm water, and like Gargamel from The Smurfs, I love being around STEAM :) Other than enjoying my Tresemme shampoo, and The Body Shop Shower Gel (Pomegrenade). Sometimes on my weekend off I like to go that extra mile for my body: a BATH SOAK + Full Body Exfoliation :)

LUSH's bathbomb - Avobath is my favourite!

(Click to go to website)

It smells absolutely heavenly and is made from Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado, Essential oils (Lemongrass, Bergamot, Rosewood). Pure natural goodness for my body! Only £2.99 for 1 home spa session. A treat a month is all I need. Who says money can't buy happiness?

The Body Shop - Exfoliating Gloves

(Click to go to website)

After 5 minutes of soaking and skin softening in the bath, I polish my body with these babies. Even if I haven't got time for a bath, I exfoliate weekly anyway at the end of my shower when my skin is super soft! Great for the hard skin on my feet. Off with all the dull dead skin! Makes a good all over massage too. Bought it for £2 last Christmas.

Once I've got myself all clean and smelling nice, I'm totally in the mood for my skincare routine. My new skincare motto is: Protection. At 22 years old, it is a little too early to be considering full-on anti-aging products (even though I am terrified at the mere thought of a single wrinkle) , while still battling the tail end of my zit-phase. Thus I've decided to go for the in-between which is preventing the criminals that are aging triggers, ie. UV rays, oxidized damage from our polluted environment, and skin stress! My skin type is Dry Combination, and these are what I am using at the moment:

Clinique - Liquid Facial Soap

(Click to go to website)

Priced at £14, I bought this for £4. What a steal LOL.

(Photo stolen from Dinky Delight)

Used with my old scrublet from my ex-cleanser L'Oreal Perfect Clean, which I adore to bits and will take it with me even when I'm travelling, still using even after changing cleansers :) It's super gentle, and yet cleans like a dream! The bristles do get into all the nooks and crannies on the face, and my face has never been smoother! I DO like the scrublet even more than the cleanser itself. By the way, this cleanser was £ 5.10, but I managed to get the Clinique cleanser for less. How awesome is that!

The Body Shop - Cucumber Water

(Click to go to website)

Using so many products, I am budgeting on my toner. Only £4, smells soothing and refreshing, contains the simplest ingredients, works perfectly well.

Clinique - Repairwear Laser Focus Serum

(Click to go to website)

I got this free from the Clinique counter. Using this serum once a week now for that extra boost for my skin!

Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

(Click to go to website)

Priced at £16.50 (50ml) , I bought this for £11.50. Yet another steal LOL. Swapped to this last year as my skin decided to go on strike or something, it was sensitive to EVERYTHING. Red, inflammed, peeling skin and all, undoubtedly ANGRY SKIN! After trying several products, I gave up and went to the Clinique. Since then, I have found my holy grail. I prefer this to the large pump bottle, because I just can't get every single drop out of the large bottle. This tube is also small enough to travel with, and also very mess free!

Superdrug - Aloe Vera Deep Cleansing Mud Mask

(Click to go to website)

My weekly deep cleansing hero with Dead Sea Mud and Kaolin Clay to draw out impurities, at a budget price of £ 2.59. Lasts 3 months on a weekly use basis. £1 / month IS a bargain.

SKIN79 Hot Pink BB Cream

My staple. My new can't-live-without. SPF 15 to protect against UV rays, light coverage that is good enough for everyday use with a nice glow, great oil control, plus anti-aging benefits. The perfect product.

For my body, it gets a bit of love on a regular basis now. After my mom caught a glimpse of my horrible leg that is....

SHRIEKS!!!

Super dry and scaly, I didn't even realize what its become. But this is now history.

The Body Shop - Dewberry Body Lotion

(Click to go to website)

I'm not a fan of spending ages on spreading it all over, just because all over is ALOT of area to cover. And also I dislike stickiness and oiliness. For regular use, something cheap and goes a long way like this £4 lotion keeps me happy! It's super light, but surprisingly moisturizing enough to keep my scaliness at bay. It's light texture makes me a breeze to apply and dries out into a film in an instant!

The Body Shop - Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak

(Click to go to website)

9-10 hours of standing at work has taken a toll on my poor feet. No matter how awesome the footwear is, I still get hard skin on pressure points. Not to mention the odour from hours of sweating in the shoe. I treat my feet to a warm feet soak with these peppermint crystals once or twice weekly now to improve blood circulation on the feet, deodorize, followed by a gentle exfoliation with the glove I have shown above! Bought in the half-price sale for £3.50. Needs only 2 pinches each time, still pretty much have the whole container left after 1 month!

Food wise, I've taken initiative to consume more goodness to counteract the immense amount of stress that I'm going through!

HONEY

Packed full of goodness, enzymes and antioxidants. Great sweet drink alternative to soft drinks.

GREEN TEA

Antioxidants, flavonoids, anti-cancer.

TOMATOES

Antioxidants, Lycopene (for skin), Vitamins and beta-carotene (for eyes) :)

Essentially, I believe, the more you ask of your body, the more you should give back to it. If I don't take care of it, I can't make the most of it. It may seem like I'm spending a fortune (as a accumulation of many little bargains), but it works for me at the moment, and I feel good. When I feel good, I can perform at my best!

P/s: Work is going really well, plans are underway, but no extra information can be revealed until a later date!

Cheers all, and be good to yourself!

Of Lemons and Lemonade

2011-08-19T10:57:00.002+01:00

When LIFE throws you a lemon, you take that bloody lemon and make a smashing lemonade out of it.

If there's anything I've learnt, things ALWAYS happen for a reason. Especially the "bad" things. On hindsight, they have always turned out for the better.

Of course, these situations are never easy. But you will always make it out of there, in a much better place.

Cry/ moan/ whine for a while. Letting out those extra emotions are always healthy. Once its over suck it all up and turn all that into POSITIVE energy!

What's that but a little obstacle. Think of all the people who are much less fortunate, who have no aim in their lives but only to survive long enough to see the next sunrise.

And then realize that life has been kind to you.

Then find that determination to overcome the obstacle ahead.

Success will only be found by those who seek it. Those who wait to be found by success will be waiting forever.

The Start of my Career

2011-08-14T11:13:00.002+01:00

The Registration

On 25th July 2011, I sealed my status as a qualified healthcare professional as my name got permanently imprinted onto The Register of Pharmacists. I was given an number which I had to display on every premise that I work in, a unique number for which the public could check to make sure that I was a legitimate professional. That catapulted me fully, and I mean FULLY into realization of how far I've come, how much training I have had, and most importantly, how ready I was to take this on.

The First Day

Every August, I will come to celebrate the anniversary of my career. Turning up, a little nervous, plenty excited, I was keen to start tasting the success. The first couple of days took plenty of getting used to. I've worked in 4 different pharmacies, 3 different areas, 2 different companies, and that's only over the past 3 years that I've been in the UK. You'd think there was nothing to get used to, but there still were much that was different.

Getting used to being the manager. Where you have to make all your decisions on your own two feet, no more tutor to consult to.

Getting used to different stores/ staff/ stock/ dispensary/ customers quickly. So that I may carry out the days activities seamlessly, as if their regular pharmacist was not absent.

Getting used to there being only one of me. There are tasks that only I could do, they vary, and I may get interrupted. But it is an essential balancing act that I needed to master skillfully.

The Verdict so far...

has been fantastic. I've had great feedback from stores, hoping that I'd come back. Customers wanting to know when I am going back to the store. Staff whose jaws dropped when he found out I've only been practicing for under 2 weeks, he could not believe it at all. I've been inspired by some customers, and also inspired a few others. Told people off for inappropriate behaviour, which went down smoothly because I was doing the right thing. So far so good.

It's a learning process, every single day.

Responsible Pharmacist

2011-08-01T21:20:00.002+01:00

It's high time I updated... concisely!

20th July 2011, graduated MPharm (Hons) from The University of Nottingham

24th June 2011, General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Registration Exam

29th June 2011, commenced new training on Foundation Management Program

5th July 2011, Foundation Management Forum + Prereg Grand Ball

19th July 2011, finished 52 weeks of training at Lloyds Pharmacy Kidlington

22nd July 2011, passed the Registration Exam

25th July 2011, was admitted into the Register of Pharmacists by GPhC

1st August 2011, a Relief Manager for Lloyds Pharmacy.

As you can see, the time from June till today (1st August) has been a huge flurry of events that are emotionally challenging. Where do I even begin to write?

The Exam...

Took 2 weeks off work to revise. Wrong choice. Should have taken longer. I've learnt, and read the same things a million times. And yet I find myself determined to read it again. Its utterly peculiar the effect this exam has on me. I stayed over at Birmingham's Jury's Inn, kindly sponsored by Lloyds, but finding it rather impossible to study further, or even sleep. The feeling was akin to having too much of something, and eventually feeling sick of it. Exam organization was a complete mess. As if the stress was not bad enough. Many of us, including myself walked out of the hall, after a whole days worth of exams, feeling dejected and defeated.

The Result...

Lo and behold, as if a miracle, I passed! After nights of nightmares and struggles to download the pass list, I saw my name on the list. I had to look twice to believe it was true. I don't need this blog entry to remind me how I felt at the time, because I know it is a feeling that I will remember forever. The result has mindblowing effects. Most people that I've spoken to, CRIED. I did. It was just the gush of emotions and relief, from the ridiculous amount of hard labour, in uni, at summer jobs, at work. Everyone who pass, at least poured their life into it. And that, I say, is the minimum requirement to succeed in this. Nothing less.

To be continued...

Blogger coming back

2011-07-11T07:41:00.002+01:00

This blogger is coming back. I promise. I'm adamant to have at least a post every month, despite my lack of time to have extra time to spare. I have pre-written at least a couple of posts at the back of my head.

Just looking for the time to spit it out.

Wait for it.

I give up

2011-06-03T22:45:00.001+01:00

Now this is not something I will say not even on a rare basis.

I GIVE UP.

It baffles me how many times I try sometimes. Guess I'm not the most stubborn one around, aye? That can't possibly be bad news.

Nature will take its course.

Life in the fast lane

2011-05-21T17:40:00.002+01:00

I am so bloody proud to have earned a pass for my UK Driving Theory Test.

Pardon the language. Ahem.

Initially, I must admit, I underestimated it.

It was super cocky of me to think that, since almost every Tom, Dick and Harry out there has a drivers license, it can't be that difficult for me, to get one. For the past few years I've been tackling MPharm materials, surely a mere common test ain't gonna make me break a sweat?

But NO. Oh boy how wrong I was. The first time I attempted a mock theory test online, I failed with a miserable 35/50. To pass, the minimum score would have to be 43/50. I read the DSA driving book (300+ pages), and The Highway Code (150+ pages), and still managed to fail the mock theory tests all the way up to 2 days before the exam.

It was until some wonderful preregs reminded me of the miracle I'm entitled to as an iPhone user: The Theory Test AppS. YES. APPSSSSS... Many of them, FREE on AppStore. Then started a vicious round of Q&A on the train/bus/while walking for the last 12 hours up to the exam.

That saved me. In the Questions section at least. I brushed past the Hazard Perception test, almost barely to pass the entire test. Gee. All this coming from one who holds a Malaysian Driver's License, passed from 1st attempt.

I'm sure the practical exam is gonna drive me right up the wall with frustration, but I'll get to that soon. For those who are interested to get the UK Drivers License, the RIGHT way. Not the, dodgy way, you know. Here's how:

1) Get a Provisional Drivers License.

- Submit your details to DVLA, and they will post you the form.

- Fill in the form correctly, include: photo, cheque for £50, and relevant passport (with visa).

- Your 2-part Provisional Drivers License will arrive within 1 week.

- This allows you to drive under the supervision of a full Drivers License holder above 21 years old.

2) Get an instructor.

- You could find one through recommendation, or through good Driving Schools like BSM, AA.

- They can be expensive. The average price is around £25, depending on your area.

- I recommend 2-hour lesson slots, instead of 1-hour. You can wander off further, and have more time to practice your new skills under supervision. Especially you don't have a car to practice at other times like myself.

3) Theory test.

- Your instructor/ driving school will normally book it for you for free, alternatively, you can do it online.

- The soonest slot you can book is approximately 2 weeks ahead of time.

- You will need, at least "The Highway Code", which is £ 2.50 from any good bookstore.

- Practice test questions VIGOROUSLY online or via iPhone apps, and familiarize yourself with Hazard Perception videos.

- All you need for the exam is your 2-part Provisional Drivers License, and a responsive clicking finger.

4) Practical Exam.

- I will update once I have done mine.

In the mean time, if you are considering whether to obtain a license the proper way, or the dodgy way, I recommend the PROPER way.

"ARE YOU NUTS? IT WILL COST ME A FORTUNE, AND PLENTY OF TIME!", I hear.

Well why do you think so many people die in car accidents in Malaysia, especially during the festive season, when the spirit of celebration is tainted by the stale smell of blood on the highways?

This is the price to pay for the extent of bribery and cutting corners in our culture of obtaining a Driver License.

This is why UK roads are ridiculously safe to travel on. (Except late at night when most people are drunk) Because the people who holds a Drivers License, well and truly deserves it.

Price-wise, I am confident that I can obtain my license in well under £600. Although I have a target of £ 500. Here is the breakdown:

Provisional Drivers License : £ 50

Theory Test : £ 31

Practical Test : £ 62 (£75 on weekends, evenings, and bank holidays)

The Highway Code book : £ 2.50

Subtotal : £145.50

Target lessons : £ 352

(16 hours x £ 22)

GRAND TOTAL : £ 497.50

If you choose to do it the less proper way, I heard it would cost about £300+ and it takes about 2 weeks to 1 month to get it sorted out. But would you really be comfortable for a stranger to take your passport and visa, few hundred hundred pounds in exchange for only a Drivers License?

And then, go out on the roads, not knowing any UK road rules, speed limits, and restrictions. Get out there, get fined, clamped, tickets by traffic officers as a result of your ignorance. Your demerit points will eventually take your license away. Or, because you lack the knowledge to care for your car, or know how to deal with fog/rain/snow conditions, you and your car will end up in trouble in a God forsaken place.

I don't think its worth it to be honest. I feel like I have fulfilled a duty to myself to keep myself and others safe, and eventually that extra bit of money will save me from unwanted expenditure like fines, and garage bills.

However, to each his own.

Lisa Eldridge inspired

2011-04-10T21:25:00.003+01:00

Many say make up is fake, in a negative light. Especially men.

Embarrassingly, I used to be one of those people. Until one day, a friend from A levels sent me an enlightening post by blog queen, Xiaxue. Eventually I started to embrace makeup, wear makeup, and understand makeup. Now I no longer think make up is something negative.

Every woman, deserves to be beautiful.

And even with make up, it is not even a short cut to beauty. Makeup can destroy someone's looks through improper use, and yet enhance a person's natural physical attractiveness, if used correctly. Learning how to use makeup, investing time, money and effort to source the right products, putting together a look, practice proper skincare is no easy feat.

If a woman can sacrifice all that, to look beautiful, then she deserves to be beautiful. She worked hard for it. Don't we all think that we deserve good grades, or recognition of our effort from our teachers, or superiors at work?

If a man can spend hours slaving away at the gym for a great body, minutes in the toilet to style their hair. They deserve to be attractive too.

With makeup or effort, it gives everyone the opportunity to be on even playing ground, with people who are naturally gifted in physical appearance. What is there to shun about?

I ask all people who consider makeup to be fake, in a negative light, to think twice. I say it is an art. Just like how fashion is a manipulative art. It takes skill to look great, and these artworks should be recognized for their effort too.

2NE1

2011-04-09T22:29:00.003+01:00

Currently, I am shamelessly indulging in some K-pop. Please be aware that these are extremely addictive, but incredibly refreshing to listen to as well. Allow me to temporarily entertain you with YouTube videos, while my schedule clears up. And then, I will summarize the story of my life for the past few months, which will include: my UK driver's license, and future job prospects in the UK.

Magic Soc Gala Show 2011

2011-03-27T13:02:00.008+01:00

Following my unfortunate bus incident, the same evening, I was at the ever-impressive Magic Soc Gala Show 2011 =)

A show that was pioneered by the Magic Society founder Chris Martin, and then relaunched years later by the 2009/2010 commitee (Albert, Graham and myself) to its maximum grandness, that it won the coveted prize of all event organizers, Best Event 2009/2010. It was our brainchild, and our success. Albert and myself poured so much of our souls into it last year, that we just couldn't miss this years show, presided over by Graham!

The show was spectacular, showcasing the brilliance of Romany, Roy Davenport, and Jonathan Shotton, who had to pull out from our show last minute due to ill health. I was even made honorary First Aider Volunteer, because they needed someone at the time, and my latest First Aid Certificated just arrived the previous day! Hehe :) The success of the show, of course, has to be credited to the astounding dedication of the Organizing Committee & Volunteers *applause*

And boy it was £10 super well spent! Especially when you can be part of the show:-

That's me being levitated by the magnificent Jonathan Shotton! Who gets to float around on a magic carpet nowadays aye? Teeheehee... Lucky me, but I didn't get to enjoy my own show for I could only take in the view of the ceiling at Studio 7 at the time. At least that is one thing crossed off the Things-I-have-to-do-before-I-die list =)

Pardon the screenshots, as FB has made it difficult to steal those pictures, and I haven't been able to get hold of the original files yet. Try to ignore my other activities!

March 2011

2011-03-26T12:06:00.000Z

A month later, I'm blogging again, YAY! It seems to have gone out of habit now. To be fair, blogging has been on the back of my mind for weeks now, just needed to find me a good weekend to write something.

I HATE OVERLY RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WITH ONLY A FRACTION OF A CHIMP'S BRAIN.

This was last weekend, when I had to travel straight to Nottingham immediately after work. So there I was with my luggages with me:

- a trolley bag

- a hand luggage

- a handbag

... happily tucked in a corner (if there was an emergency brake, the seat in front of me would've prevented my luggages from propelling forward towards unsuspecting passengers), playing Traffic Panic on my iPhone with ear phones plugged in, at the second row of seat on the bus. Fully engrossed into my game, I became oblivious to my surroundings, but I was pretty sure my luggages were out of the gangway, and there were plenty of seats because it was 95% empty when I boarded.

Out of nowhere, came a lady to interrupted me, and scolded me:

"If an elderly gets on the bus, you need to get up!"

Annoyed, and slightly embarrassed, I apologized anyway, claiming that I was completely unaware that an elderly has got on. At this time all seats were occupied and there were a couple of people standing.

What puzzled me was, I was in the SECOND row! Why didn't she attack people who were in the front row, which is OBVIOUSLY more accessible for the elderly! On my side (right) of the bus, there was this sticker: Priority seats for those less able to stand, directly beside the first row, not my row. But on her side (left) of the bus, there was not any.

And then I realized that she was annoyed because SHE had to give up HER seat, on the FRONT row, on the LEFT side of the bus, for this elderly gentleman.

STUPID woman. Can't you see I have LUGGAGES with me? If I had to get up, where would my luggages go? In the gangway?

She should have asked the young man, who had no bags on him on the row in front of me.

SEEMS like a fair decision.

If the elderly really wanted my seat, she could've said, "Excuse me, do you mind offering your seat to the elderly please?". I would've gladly moved.

If she gave up her seat, and the gentleman sat down, then what's the f*cking deal? She wasn't happy, but she only had her handbag, and was probably in her 40s. It's like I did a good deed to help an elderly, but then I want to scold other people for not helping the elderly first, so I ended up having to do it. Doesn't make sense right, I know.

Granted, I should've paid more attention to people boarding. But I have given up my seat to the elderly COUNTLESS times when I only had my backpack, normally on my way to work ok. I think she was just being racist, and thought I looked like an idiot.

Technically, I would not have been at fault, because I was not aware, and I have exercised due diligence ensure the safety and comfort of other bus passengers when I boarded.

This is called act smart but fail.

What life is at the moment

2011-02-25T17:01:00.003Z

Maybe some of you don't understand what's consuming me so much, that I'm not blogging, facebook-ing, or messenger-ing so much anymore.

WORK.

How hard can work be? EVERYONE works.

Well let me tell you. I'm currently working on:

- My audit project poster & presentation

- My March Development Day coursework

- planning all the extra days I can do for the store

- planning all the off days I want to take in return

- processing my expense claims from the company

- applying for additional study leave

- keeping up with evidence reports and revision

- helping Magic Soc sell Gala Show tickets

- thinking about my future with the company

... and more.

My iCal is flooded at least till June its ridiculous. BUT THANK GOD FOR MY iPHONE & Mac Book Pro !!! My lifesavers. Syncing the messes of my life & plans, allowing access to internet and social network at any small window of time that I have, when I do have it.

And then are plans for the future. Not solid plans, I'm done with those. But I still do need a direction to follow, don't I?

Of course, not forgetting the silly crazy ideas that I sometimes have. That is precisely why I do find a sense of comfort in magic. Last weekend at Blackpool was a blast!

There were a handful of lousy performers, a pinch of pure brilliance, but still pretty darn amazing! There's just something that fills me with child like wonder, when I'm surrounded by magic. It brings it back to basics, where the performer executes an action deemed to be impossible, and entertains the audience. Unbelievable. A precious escape from reality.

Loved it!

Not posting

2011-02-23T20:00:00.002Z

My first blog entry was early January, but now it's almost the end of February...

I promise that I really did want to blog! But just haven't got the time! I guess really had a proper holiday from everything.

In short: I WAS EVERYWHERE!!!

Between my last blog entry and now, I have been in Oxford, London, Nottingham, Newbury, Blackpool, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur. For some destinations, I have been there more than ONCE. Oh boy. And that's just in a span of under 2 months.

I need to stop traveling. Because I don't have time. It's time now for me to get my head back into pre-reg. Not work. But pre-reg. Revising for my exams, completing whats left for registration in August! (And planning for my summer holiday, which is hopefully abroad)

SOMEONE STOP ME BEFORE I TRAVEL MY WAY TO BANKRUPTCY!!! :(

The New Year 2011 Post

2011-01-03T18:39:00.005Z

Happy New Year everyone.

Frankly, I think NY's day is overrated. The only thing good about it is a free holiday. Isn't it the same day every year? It is just another day, with slightly more numerical significance.

Fireworks with many sweaty bodies (MAL) / freezing temperatures (UK)? No thank you. Not my kind of thing. Not being able to catch the tube back home after the HAPPY NEW YEAR chant is not the best way to start the year. Wise word from me, hehehe.

The only significance the new year has for me, that another set of new year resolutions are due. I think I made some last year, but by the 364th day, I've forgotten what they were, let alone check if I've accomplished them. My friends, on NY resolutions (only), I am what Big Bird likes to call a N.A.T.O. (No Action Talk Only).

But, I gotta make the New Year count somehow, so I WILL make me some resolutions! (Peer pressure, because everyone is making one, and I'm not only NATO but KIASU)

My New Year Resolutions:

1) To find my 5 other serious NY resolutions by the 5th day

2) To love my myself more: with focus on health and emotions

3) To spend less money on things I don't need

4) To spend more time with friends & family, and less on work

5) To be more environmentally friendly: recycle, save energy

6) To not be a NATO on my 2011 resolutions

That's all for now. Wish me luck. And lucks to all other with resolutions. Don't be a NATO like me.

Digressing...

AM UBER EXCITED ABOUT GOING HOME SOON! Counting down to my holiday in Dubai and going back home... in plus minus 3 weeks. But before that, plenty of loose ends to tie, and work to do before being able to properly enjoy my holiday. Less blog, more work from now.

*MARCHES OFF TO WORK*

Belated posts

2010-12-18T11:52:00.002Z

What I've done is I've just finished off the posts that I've started, but never quite had the time to finish. I'm pretty sure everyone thought I was frozen in snow in some God forsaken place in UK and forgot to blog. Anyway, they've been finished and posted so you know I have been trying to blog, despite my schedule.

But I'm been a busy bee, in a manner that I cannot comprehend. On a regular working week, I'm knackered by the time I get home. After cooking, eating, washing up, showering, I only have time to check a little bit of FB, my emails, then off to bed I go. Occasionally I go out at night to have a meal at with friends, church, or going to the theatre.

Weekends have been crazy though, if I wasn't working on a Saturday, I'd be out in London, to meet up with friends, satisfy our recent craze with theatre, which I think was infected by yours truly. We watched Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera recently, and it was utterly FAB!!! I have my eyes on Les Miserables, The Lion King, Madame Butterfly next! Who else wants to join hehehe...

I've been traveling a ridiculous amount on buses and trains, going for regional training in Swindon and Newbury, going to London, Nottingham, Cambridge... I think I'm spending to much money T.T

Anyway, can't wait for Christmas. I need my break, desperately. Proper updates (means less rants and ramblings) next year I suppose =D

By my 22nd birthday

2010-12-05T21:19:00.003Z

On 10.29pm Dec 4th 2010, I have clocked in 21 full years in my lifetime.

= 252 months

= 7, 665 days

= 183, 960 hours

= 11, 037, 600 minutes

= 662, 256, 000 seconds

(Yes I know my time of birth even, to the minute!)

And I'd like to reflect every significant milestone in the first part of my life. As part of a nostalgic reflex response to old age. Also to kind of wrap everything up, so as to prepare for the next landmark of life, which I suppose is on my 30th birthday *gulp*

Academic wise, I think I did almost everything that was expected of me. Albeit, not quite exceeding expectations, for I was never one that was extraordinarily gifted. But reasonably successful, in a mediocre kind of way.

I survived the entire Malaysian education system: PTS, UPSR, PMR, SPM. That, was an achievement on its own that took up 10 years of my life, up till I was 16. Next up, I conquered 'A' Levels (yay!), and then proceeded to scrape through the most challenging, tormenting challenge yet, The Mortifying MPharm(hons)!!! (Three cheers)

However, The Mortifying MPharm at Nottingham was worth its weight in gold. I secured my job a year prior to graduated, and started my first day a week after graduation. The progression of my life, from one phase to another, was transient but quick! Almost dreamlike, and I am eternally grateful to all that has made this happen for me, be it The Powers That Be, or the support system around me.

On my 21st year, I have achieved:

-agonizingly, an MPharm(hons). So I am now, a GRADUATE, muahahahaha...

-my first proper job, with a very decent starting salary

-watched The Phantom of the Opera (the musical) in London

(been wanting too ever since I read the book in when I was 13)

- been to the world's largest magic convention, and met world champions =D

- organized a huge Gala Show, so successfully it earned the Best Event in uni for 2009/2010.

- booked my first return flight to go home with entirely my self-earned money.

- booked my first overseas holiday with entirely my self-earned money.

(It's not flying UK to a nearby EU country by the way. Get this - I am going to DUBAI in the Middle East. Not EU/ ASIA. And yes I am damn proud of it.)

I couldn't have achieved all that if not for the fabulous people I have around me. My family, and a the loveliest friends one can ever dream of having. I even have to thank people who have made my life difficult/ miserable, because they made me stronger, to be who I am today. Bless you all.

As at 4th December 2010, I have been 4 months into my new job as a Pre-registration Pharmacist. That means I have just over 6 more months until my Registration Exam, which will be the toughest, and most significantly life changing obstacle yet.

My targets before my 22nd birthday will be:

- To pass my registration exam, and get the big fat pharmacist income, to get the respect and recognition that I deserve.

(Trust me, when people see that 'Pharmacist' name on your nametag, they don't easily take the piss out of you, eventhough they've just had an evil go at your dispenser)

- To obtain my UK Driver's license, and buy a my very own car! (a decent second hand, of course!)

Small goals, but Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed (SMART). Whoa a Pre-reg competency on its own, hehehe... Wish me luck everyone!

Do Nothing

2010-11-14T20:59:00.002Z

I could stay at home and do nothing all day. But I locked myself in my room trying to comprehend the gibberish that is Depression, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Epilepsy.

Done happily, in a very warm heated room :)

Had roast turkey for dinner by a real firewood fire :) :)

Occasionally day dreaming about my holiday that I've just booked :):):)

Love my intentional activity free weekends :):):):)

Blair Waldorf

2010-11-07T11:20:00.001Z

I am watching too much Gossip Girl.

In my attempt to indulge in some less brain consuming activity after work hours, I find myself stumbling into the rabbit hole that is relating to the stories told by Gossip Girl.

And I realized, that I'm very much a Blair Waldorf. In so many ways.

"Dorotha, what's going on with me?"

"You aren't fighting with Mr. Chuck, so you fight with everyone else."

My personal favourite similarity is our attraction to Chuck Bass. Translated into real life, he would be an calculated man, who is determined to achieve success nothing less than great. At the right time, composed and steady, occasionally indulgent and dangerous.

"You two used to be in love, and together you were invincible. But now that you've turned against each other, it's just a matter of time before your mutual destruction... "

He should be the one that will bring out the ultimate best of both individuals.

"What I want is to be a powerful woman. But whenever Chuck's around, I just feel like a weak little girl"

And he should also be the only person who can have the power to affect me that way.

But then again, that's probably everyone's dream man as well. The secret to a good show, is when everyone invests their emotions into the stories while relating to it.

"I wanted to let you know, the treaty is over"

"Fine with me. This pretense of stability was exhausting"

"Being amicable wasn't in our blood. Ever realised we're not friends? Friends have to like each other. And after what happened tonight, I could never like you."

"I could never like you either. In fact, I hate you."

"I never hated anyone, more. "

"Every nerve ending in my body is electrified, by hatred."

"Every fiery pit of hate burning inside me is ready, to explode."

"So it's settled then."

"We're settled."

Quickie continuation

2010-11-06T22:37:00.003Z

Sometimes, all it takes is just one weekend to turn everything around.

I've just had my 13th week review with my new tutor on Friday. It was an incredibly long discussion, that left me very very satisfied in the end. She does not work Fridays. Taking into consideration that she travelled all the way to work, plucked me out from the dispensary, bought me F&B at Costa while we had our review, I am super pleased with my new tutor. My previous tutor was good too, she did her best with the limited number of hours that she had. But THIS, is a world apart by far! Relevant paperwork signed off and ready to go, future progress plans to put in place. Watch out because this prereg is putting her foot down on the accelerator. VROOMMMM!!!

That's work sorted. Now on to Finances.

Last weekend I was in Cambridge with a few lovely Pharmey girls. This weekend, I'm in Oxford again as a good girl, eager to sort her life out. I am very pleased to have joined two new banks, with FULL intention to leave my current bank. Overall I am extremely glad to have remembered that a good bank can make my money work as hard as I do, instead of sitting there, growing not bigger, and not just mould. It is risky, what I've done, committing to 2 banks, to make the most of the small savings that I'm starting out with. This means I have a bit of 'banking homework' to do every month. But I believe the rewards at the end could be very much worthwhile, even so if I had managed them properly. Before I take on the world, I must be able to manage my own world. The benefits are always here to be reaped, but visible only for those who seek. If all goes well, I will apply for my very own (not daddy's supplementary) credit card.

Groceries have been sorted which is good! Laundry I will do tomorrow. I'm looking forward to go out for a couple of theatre performances in November with a good friend. Dinner with at least 3 other lovely people in Oxford is super overdue. Frankly I'm delighted with how I'm gradually gaining social life in quaint little (okay not so little) Oxford, despite working full time, and being away from town almost every weekend. Happy as I am with creating a mini social life, I am still determined to keep this to a happy medium because this year could make a huge difference to my career, and thus my future. I need to plan with utmost care.

Plus a new hair cut from Toni & Guy Oxford with Holly to boot!

Am super pleased with how she made my wish come true. BIG HAIR, with just a tiny bit of length cut off. When I think I look good, I feel good :)

Overall, am very pleased with how everything has settled now. 16 weeks completed of my first full time permanent job. 36 to go.

Quickie Lunch Break Update

2010-11-04T12:48:00.002Z

A lunch break 'quikie' update.

The past couple of months of my life would have beat the drama on Gossip Girl flat. Like FLAT. I am so through with the chaos. For November, I foresee the erratic patterns calm down. In order to do that I'll need a little extra time and energy. And set my life straight.

One of the most important updates that I am very proud to announce, is that I've set my finances straight. New solutions and investments have been put in place, and we'll see where that'll take me.

On the other hand, I am putting travel plans on a temporary hold. I've visited many of my friends, and heard all sorts. For most of them, I am very very pleased to see them doing so well. Especially my classmates. I am, truly proud of them for coping so well after they've taken flight away from our Nottingham 'nest'. It inspires me to keep overcoming the adversities life is throwing at me in my career.

Work is improving, but the process is painfully slow. I'm doing something about it. Call me impatient, but I'm not going to be held back.

To be continued... (probably on my next lunch break)

Missing nose

2010-10-23T23:46:00.004+01:00

If you're looking for my nose, it's lost somewhere either in the Drug Tariff or the British National Formulary.

Crikey, I've been at it all day. Another gem of a weekend, where I do not have any other obligations to see to. Coincidently my landlady's away for the weekend as well, which I instantly took advantage of to sing at the top of my lungs ala X-factor in the shower. Gotta love days like this. RARE days for me.

Next weekday AND weekend I'm traveling, yet again. I really should learn to stop but the temptation of meeting friends is stronger than the fatigue biochemical signals within my body.

It just dawned on me that I finally understood what Katy Perry was singing about in Hot 'N Cold. It was about experiencing the FLU!!!

I'm singing it while I'm downing my paracetamols...

I feel hot then I'm cold

Fever yes and then no

I'm in bed then I'm out

I'm up then I'm down

vs.

Cause you're hot then you're cold

You're yes then you're no

You're in then you're out

You're up then you're down

Lucky that I turned down all appointments for this weekend. for a little 'me' time. Or sick time. Perhaps the only time when I'm not expected to be productive, or professional, or active. It's refreshing to be a lazy slob again. Doesn't matter if I were a sick slob, still feels undeniably good :)

I'm proud of me self for reorganizing the room, filed away my own documents, did my laundry PLUS beddings, changed my wardrobe into warmer clothes, and did some quality studying. All done with a trusty box of Sainsbury's Facial Tissues securely clasped under my arm to overcome my runny nose.

Ahhhh~ Sometimes bring antisocial is relaxing...

Trust issues

2010-10-06T12:36:00.003+01:00

More thoughts.

Career vs. Social life.

They will probably disown me by the end of prereg if I dedicated my life entirely to prereg. But I simply cannot be greedy and have both? I have already given up on love life. Sacrifices has to be made for success. It is the theme in all the great success stories that we have heard.

Surely real friends will understand?

On another note. Death has been a recurring theme among the people around me. My bus ride thoughts have been flooded with questions about life and death, of the people I know, of me, etc.

I don't want to die while making a career at the expense of my social life. I'd rather die of alcohol overdose from partying real hard.

So what now?

Hello Blog

2010-10-05T21:54:00.003+01:00

I haven't blogged for almost half a month! I just realized. After HALF. A. MONTH.

Work is eating away at my life. Bit by bit. Gone were the late nights, crazy partying, drinking, etc. Everyday is all about work.

Today I was knackered! With 2 full time dispensers + 1 full time pharmacist away, I finding it hard to even go to the toilet at work. In fact today I got told off by the bus driver for pressing the stop bell too late. I couldn't have helped it. I was falling asleep on the bus out of fatigue.

My weekends though, have been eventful. If anything, TOO EVENTFUL for my own good. Even when I don't plan anything, plans appear out of nowhere and fall into place. It would have been great if I had more time and energy to enjoy myself.

There are month assignments to complete, training days to prepare for, interviews to plan, performance evidences to write, and studying to do... all that has to fit around a 39hours of work a week.

I am considering to revoke my social privileges for the sake of my prereg. At moment, I'm just about at my limit with work and social life. Either that or I haven't found the right rhythm around work yet.

Because at the end of the day. It will be worth it, I think. Whats one year of suffering compared with a pay rise in double by July 2011?

Locum stock market

2010-09-17T23:11:00.004+01:00

Today's experience with The Locum.

Our first encounter was when I picked up his call, telling him where to park his car.

That went okay.

He was smiley, and introduced himself, dressed real nicely. Young, fit, good looking... (ahem)

That went okay. I think I can work with him :)

All was good until he asked me which pharmacy school I was from.

Me: "I went to Nottingham." feeling real proud to say.

Him: "Ahh... I see"

short pause while we complete what we were doing.

Him:"Is that a new pharmacy school?"

IS THAT A NEW PHARMACY SCHOOL? ~~You ignorant piece of LSOP brat.~~

Nottingham, The Land of Boots is THE TOP PHARMACY SCHOOL IN UK. And mind you, this dude is young, he was only Year 3 when I was in Year 1. He should know. His stock market just plunged deeper than Pamela Anderson's cleavages.

And no matter how he joked, and did 7 MURS within 3hours of work...

I could no longer be impressed. Most obnoxious one yet.

Routines

2010-09-09T12:35:00.003+01:00

The dust from my student identity to a working professional has almost settled.

How did I know?
Because I'm waking up at the same time everyday, regardless of the hours I have slept.
Because I'm feeling hungry at my regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner time.
Because I'm doing the same routines over and over again everyday.

Dear Ling, welcome to the world of a working citizen *confetti landing on me*

The monthly pay in to my bank account is probably the only thing that keeps me doing what I do now, with the added promise of a bigger paycheck next summer if I do well. Don't get me wrong, work is going well, very well in fact.

But what is there to do other than work???
So now do I just wake up, turn up for work everyday, and then wait to get paid???
This can't be all there is to life after uni??? Or can it???

IT'S BORING...!!!
I find myself more voracious for new projects, challenges, or even... evil schemes now. Anything to make life exciting again.

A ridiculous bubble of idea popped on me on the bus the other day.

PROJECT ZH'NG MY SELF

Since I'm on hiatus from the dating scene and pretty much away from most of my friends now. Plus there's no one out there which I'm trying to impress right now. It's perfect for some me time. I'm (still) young, and single... why not just spend what's left of my hiatus year with personal grooming?

I'm thinking, a new hair colour, hair style, false lashes, coloured contacts if I can manage, new bimbo wardrobe. And if that all works out I might as well throw in a couple of Wonderbras, LOL.

What's my point, you ask?
My answer is, there's no point! As the years fly by, everything we do has some sort of purpose attached to it, and that's why everything else seems less fun than it was when we were 5 years old. And just maybe, I am just wanting a last bout of fun. Doing something useless (and harmless) for the heck of it. Just because. No buts, no consequences.

I will do it, mind you. When I feel convinced enough that life's not going anywhere, and that I WILL be able to snap out of it when the time comes. Just seems like zh'ng-ing is not something girls these days will be able to stop doing in a snap.

一直很安静

2010-09-04T21:31:00.007+01:00

歌曲：一直很安静 歌手：阿桑 
专辑：寂寞在唱歌   作词:方文山 作曲:如花如岳  编曲:屠颖




空荡的街景想找个人放感情 
做这种决定是寂寞与我为邻  

我们的爱情像你路过的风景 
一直在进行脚步却从来不会为我而停  

给你的爱一直很安静 
来交换你偶尔给的关心
明明是三个人的电影 
我却始终不能有姓名  

你说爱像云要自在飘浮才美丽 
我终於相信分手的理由时候很动听  

给你的爱一直很安静 
来交换你偶尔给的关心 
明明是三个人的电影 
我却始终不能有姓名  

给你的爱一直很安静 
我从一开始就下定决心 
以为自己要的是曾经 
却发现爱一定要有回音  

我们的爱情像你路过的风景 
一直在进行脚步却从来不会为我而停  

给你的爱一直很安静 
来交换你偶尔给的关心 
明明是三个人的电影 
我却始终不能有姓名  

给你的爱一直很安静 
除了泪在我的脸上任性 
原来缘份是用来说明 
你突然不爱我这件事情

Merdeka in UK No.2

2010-08-31T12:36:00.004+01:00

My second Hari Kebangsaan in UK. It wasn't difficult to count. I'm wondering when is the next time that I will actually be able to be a Malaysian, in Malaysia, with Malaysian food, and speaking Malaysian English on Hari Kebangsaan.

August 31st, 2010 is not just a regular day in the UK. It is the day AFTER Bank Holiday. Which means, the end of your Free-Monday-Holiday, back to a regular working day!

There is no hint of festivities here in Oxford, where Malaysians are few and sparse this time of the year. But still I couldn't help noticing this day, creeping up on me. I wouldn't call myself one who is uber patriotic to the country. I have as much bad things to say about the country as are the good ones. Was it because I was so used to looking forward to just a holiday?

Digressing a little, there has been plenty of reflection lately. I'm wondering so much, about pretty much everything... You can call me WonderGirl :)

Working abroad after my studies, I am a Malaysian who is contributing her skills and income tax to a foreign country. For the money, and for better prospects. Still, I would never dream of giving up my citizenship for Malaysia. And as you are right now, I am pretty confused.

Malaysia does still mean something to me, how much, I'm still trying to work out. I'm pretty sure, that many of the other Malaysians abroad would ultimately want to return to our homeland if only some circumstances would change. Prospects, mentality, rights, and so on...

As for now, I will celebrate my citizenship. By carrying the mini-Jalur Gemilang I got from Nottingham Malaysia Society in my backpack, and let the stripes of glory join the backdrop of The City of Dreaming Spires for today. And will probably dine in our nation's favourite food: MAGGI Instant Noodles in the default flavour "Kari". Tonight, I will sleep with hopes for our beloved country, and that they will come true.

Negaraku, Tanah tumpahnya darahku

Rakyat hidup, Bersatu dan maju

Rahmat Bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan

Raja Kita, Selamat Bertakhta.

Fragile Emotions

2010-08-30T21:48:00.002+01:00

My eye hurts.

There's no doubt that it was due to the tears I shed while watching some ordinary videos. Like, a contestant on X-Factor getting their moment in the auditions, etc.

Lately, I've morphed into this person with very low emotional threshold, overreacting to emotional stimulants, such as words. And not just any emotions, mind you. It's stuff like feeling touched, excited or sad... especially it is something I can relate to. Not anger though, I haven't been angry for a long time, I think I've given up on it.

I wonder if it's because my heart has gone fragile since its last massive injury. Imagine a heart shaped china that was smashed to pieces. It may have took a long period of time to be pieced back together again. With industrial strength super glue, if you like. And now the china is standing again in its original shape. But you know, it is not as strong as before. You give it a little poke, and you can feel the structure shaking, but not yet breaking.

Something like that, yeah. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I'm just not sure if I should (or can) do something about it. One thing's for sure though, that things happen in life, and they can change you. For better, or for worse, only time will be able to tell.

Big appetite

2010-08-24T12:46:00.002+01:00

It would seem that the most energy consuming organ in me is my BRAIN.

My appetite lately is almost insatiable since work commenced, leaving me feeling famished 99% of the time, despite eating plenty! And I know it's plenty because it is scary just looking at the amount of food I vanish off everyday.

Current lunch plans have been updated to:

A mug of Cadbury's Hot Chocolate
4 slices of bread with jam
1 bag of random crisps
2 tomatoes

As it takes me an hour to get home after work, I have also found myself planning a pre-dinner snack on my journey, now being:

2 bananas
1 KitKat

Don't even want to get started on my breakfast/ dinner. And the worst part is, I haven't grown at all! Am I an alien or something?

Random Rant

2010-08-19T12:41:00.002+01:00

Welcome to another moment of frustration with Ling.

Sometimes I care too much about how others feel. What's worse, is that I let that affect me. At this moment, I wish I was more cold-hearted.

Everyone is caring about what THEY want, as well as how I should be to help them get WHAT they want. Simply because they don't care.

I try telling them what I want, but in the end I always get mindgamed by them (and myself) into pleasing others.

You know what. I DON'T CARE ANYMORE. I'm too tired to care, I really am. It's your problem, and not mine. I've dealt with my share of the problem, and it's solved as far as I'm concerned. If you can't deal with it, LEARN. FYL.

HANG ON.

If you just thought, "Kudos girl", wait just a second.

On the other hand, if I stopped caring as much. So will everyone else (not that there's much of anyone else out there), and eventually, this place that we live in, will just turn into this gray, miserable place. Maybe that's why I'm special, because I still care about people. And just maybe, I can still show people that caring is worthwhile.

But everyone else is making it so difficult for me to be nice.

So I'm holding that thought, for further consideration.

Joining Oxford Brookes Uni Sports Centre

2010-08-18T22:46:00.002+01:00

Thanks guys for the undying stream of peer pressure.

I AM JOINING THE OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRE BY THE END OF AUGUST.

There I said it. Once said, cannot chicken already. Pool only membership for only £40 for 3 months. It is an UBER nice pool heated at 30'C!

Of course the bonus is uni-student-views. Teeheehee... Must. Look. Damn. Hot. When. I. Qualify. For my personal confidence and satisfaction. Try talking me out of this one, hmph!

Too much dispensing

2010-08-10T20:12:00.003+01:00

You know you spend too much time hiding within the great walls of the dispensary when...

You start getting '28' tablets or capsules, exactly, plus minus 1 occasionally, with one pour from the big bottle of 100's.

You have that 'look' when your colleague looks at you in amazement when you know Singulair lives in the 'M' drawer, because it is actually a brand of Montelukast.

You start correcting people's pronunciation of 'erithmin' to 'eh-ree-tro-mai-sin'.

FML.

Working Life

2010-08-06T21:10:00.002+01:00

So this is what being a working professional is like. 2 weeks into the job, and I'm not even sure I get the hang of it.

It scares to think that for (almost) the rest of my life, I will have to drag myself out of bed, work my ass off, and then try and recharge before having to drain my batteries again. FOR WHAT?

SO I CAN FEED MYSELF. And I still find myself starving for most of the day. I'm eating LOADS these day, it's crazy. But the job demands are ATP-demanding, and I find myself needing to refuel very often. Therefore I have stocked up on crisps and kitkats in my workplace's locker, and on my bag to enable snacking anywhere, anytime!

I'm struggling to have a life outside work.

When I'm home, I try not to think about work, or do any work for that matter. But I can't because of the wretched exam. Today I found out someone failed prereg. HOLY COW! I'm shuddering in fear now. If there's an earthquake near you, that would be me.

How do people find time to go to the gym, or take a class, or even have time to do their laundry for that matter? I'm just trying to get in touch with people outside of my work to feel alive! Already, that is hard. THOSE OTHER PEOPLE ARE SIAO OR WHAT. Either that or they don't do shit at work.

On another note, work is going well. Better this week. Much better. Imagining the rest of the year is no longer an episode of "One Litre of Tears" now. Yours truly was just too quick to feel disappointed with my ability to adapt. Truth is, it does take awhile. And I was putting too much pressure on myself, as always.

Need to master - chilling.

Tons of things to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. Foreseeing many many trips to London, because there're people visiting from Australia, Malaysia, etc. At least some sense of normalcy has resumed --- being the Busy Bee that I am...

Quarter Life Crisis

2010-08-01T21:38:00.003+01:00

If you don't already know, I was having a quarter life crisis. With this new life, in a new place, with new people, new job...

I was struggling to cope, especially without my regular support group of friends around. And then, Daniel sent me this amazing piece which I think my peers could read and relate to.

Dedicated to you all...

They call it the "Quarter-life Crisis." It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't now and may not like.

You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now. You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you. You look at your job...and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you. Your opinions have gotten stronger.

You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused.

Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward. You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lay in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic.

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself.....and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Awaiting my parents

2010-07-16T10:43:00.002+01:00

Gotta say I'm getting tired of long distance travels now. The amount of traveling I did since April was excessive. I think I almost wasted the equivalent of a week's time on buses/trains/ planes alone. For most of it, I was traveling alone.

And thinking, and thinking, and thinking... until I'm too tired to think!

Perhaps it's because I've outgrown yet another phase of life. Whatever comes after seemed somewhat daunting.

Well since I was pulled into kindergarten at 5, life mainly revolved around education, and surviving examinations, one at a time. At 21 and a half, it's been 16.5 years of learning. If you think this is the end of examinations, you're too wrong.

Tis the time to put this 16.5 years of knowledge to the ultimate test, and see what I can make of myself. There's no one else to blame for failures, no more resits, no more misuse of extenuating circumstances to my own advantage.

More than ever now, learning has to continue, more, faster and harder! If I want to achieve what I want. There are people out there, who wants it too, and they will do anything they can to beat me to it. But guess what, I know what I want, and I want it BAD. So back off people. Better give up before you get disappointed.

I'm just kidding about the last paragraph. Or maybe I'm not.

Looking back on the 16.5 years, the last 4 was undoubtedly the most challenging. To date, I am still astonished that I made it to the end of my Masters degree, and have my name ready to be read on Graduation Day.

Of the many times when I just broke down and cried from stress and depression, I really (honestly, genuinely, wholeheartedly) thought I didn't have what it takes to make it to the end of the road. Ask my mother how I cried to her on the phone from a toilet cubicle because I thought I failed a paper back in Year 2. Thank goodness, I never failed a single paper throughout my uni years. It's an achievement on its own. But lo and behold, I learned that a little perseverance, determination and hard work goes a long way. Especially when lacking in natural talent. Cliche, but true. There is a reason why words along these lines are overused, simply because there is truth to it.

All these fond memories of education, I will replay in my head, as I prepare to accept the scroll I worked so hard for. The finishing line will be reached next Tuesday. Wait for it.

Changes on me, but still it may change nothing.

2010-07-03T11:35:00.004+01:00

A new realization has dawned upon me. Who knew that so many things could change in one summer, one trip back home? You know I'm not as stubborn as you think, I can change quite easily, for all the reasons perceived as right.

Life changed

Going home was nerve wrecking as I haven't been home for awhile. Things back home have changed while I was gone, and so have I while I was away, and I wasn't sure if I could feel entirely comfortable being back as I did before I left. But. For most of my worries, there were pleasant surprises beyond my wildest imagination.

Life turned out to be breathtakingly phenomenal. Multiple meetings with branches of the family tree took place. It somehow reminded me of how much I've grown, and changed. Met a ridiculous number of people this summer, reinforcing old friendships, and building new bridges with a handful of amazing souls I am very pleased that I have met. Being at home made me miss home even more when I left.

And so, I know no matter how long I will be away, this is and always will be HOME. A place where life is most comfortable for me, and it is lovable this way.

Perceptions changed.
An unfortunate incident on someone I know, shook me to realization. I felt helpless, but I prayed for them. God bless her and her family. I guess we all need a wake up call every now and then, to realize that life is not in our hands to control, as much as we love to believe in the contrary. Life could be taken away anytime, if not by yourself, it could be by someone else.

And I kept thinking, would I be happy if I died now. If I had the chance to do something quick before I die, what would it be? I think I would just let the people I care about know how much I love them, for they made my life worth living, just by being part of it. I would want them to know that, because they could still make another person's life beautiful.

Resolutions changed.
I'll take an advice from someone this time. I have resolved to attempt to quit voluntary/ unnecessary drinking and clubbing, and other vices. If I can cut a habit of hitting people, I can do this too. Again, I'm not as stubborn as you think. I can, and will change, for the right reasons. Because I want to.

By the way, its about time I announced this. Yours truly is currently back in Nottingham, preparing for graduation on 20th July, and gearing up to start work on 26th July in Oxford. Yes, I graduated! Another post on that later ;) The next few weeks will be challenging for reasons I cannot seem to explain, but I'll cope, like I always do.

Shu Uemura & Zouk KL

2010-06-14T17:31:00.004+01:00

Impressed by the flawless finish of the makeup by done by Shu Uemura makeup artists for my mom on the occasion of my grandfather's grand birthday bash @ Hilton, my mom and I returned for more of their products. From her massive purchases, she earned a small bottle of Shu Uemura's UV under base mousse, which went to me of course!

It's earned a place at the front line of my makeup routine. Nowadays....(single and old) I go out of with at least a hint of eyeliner. Such a vain pot. Not for pasar malams of course, waste of money, I'm not stupid. Now I have my UV base on too.

I use it as a skincare product for it's UV protection with SPF 30++, but it comes with a bonus of minimal coverage, and evens out the complexion with a dewy glow akin to the glow on Koreans or Japanese girls. Now that I've found their secret, I'm not letting it go. It is so awesome that I don't need my mineral foundation anymore, plus it doesn't even feel like its there.

Proof of effectiveness? I challenged it to a night of clubbing at Zouk, where it had to endure sweat, sebum production, and long hours. The result was more than impressive. My face had a gentle glow all night, without appearing shiny or oily. You can tell from how the light bounces off my face and compare that to the others. The best part is that it smoothed my skin tone without too much coverage, to allow any blush to come through. This gave the impression that I didn't have on too much makeup. Evidence...

I'm so lovin' it. A skincare product that doubles as a light makeup is my prayer answered. Been using it for 2 weeks now, and no breakouts from it. Lovely.

P/s: Absolutely hate it that Zouk KL allows smoking indoors. Guess it saves them from having to buy smoke machines.

pharm-eo-types

2010-06-09T09:08:00.007+01:00

Stalkers of my Facebook would realise that I was at Skytrex just last weekend. Seriously, activities like these should feature more on young adults/kids to-do-list. Rather than karaoke or clubbing. Look what an unfortunately disaster I've become.

Screaming amongst the treetops...

"*u*k! Why are my legs so short?!", driving the rare species of our precious Malaysian rainforest closer to extinction. How are animals supposed to get aroused and breed, while listening to my whines?

Many exotic bugs died laughing, watching me cling onto trees for dear life, because I decided to chicken the moment I reach the platform.
(I had a serious conversation with my guts after the trip for not chickening earlier, utterly rubbish timing.)

Evidence of me conquering my preset pharmacist mindset.

For most of the time, my OCD with safety, marinated with anxiety, topped with a generous helping of paranoia was my mental diet. I conveniently blame it on 4 years of pharmacy education.

Always being reminded to act only with 100% confidence of safety, it was important to ensure that we did not have any part in compromising anyone's quality and (quantity?) of life, and also to maintain the continuity of our fragile career without lawsuits or professional disownment.

With career prospects this scary, paranoia became my best friend, because I would not let anything fishy slip through the cracks of my fingers, until I get down to the bottom of it.

That explains why I was double checking, and triple checking my harness at Skytrex, must've came across like a retard to new people I met, most of whom were auditors. There goes my first impression, flushed right down the toilet bowl - Pharmacists are psychos. Occupational hazard, much?

Like the pharmacist software installed deep within our puny little brains, information was processed as such:

What? Hello, my harness. Pleasure to meet you for the very FIRST time. I have no idea how safe you are.

How? Use the harness as per advise I just learnt from 'The Instructor'. The lecture was about 15 minutes. And I'm not even sure if he's passed his SPM even, so does he even know what he's talking about?

Actions taken? Zero previous attempts on my side. Several safe attempts from the other. That's reassuring, somewhat. But the we were trained not to take people's word for granted.

Medications? Not on any. Was not even hungover. That's good :) But I'm not sure about The Instructor. He was speaking, slowwwwwwwwwwwly.

The consequences? That's an EXTREMELY long fall, naturally that should be what's expected of the EXTREME circuit. Duh. But 1 fall is all it takes *gulp* And I will not die a peaceful death until I know my results in mid-June. Oh, how sad is my life.

My final decision? With a little reassurance, I afforded a little faith, and let go for the flight of my life. And it was exhilirating to say the least. A small price of faith, for generous returns of courage and accomplishment.

Lesson of the day?
Leave the paranoia to the patients. Override the defaulted settings MPharm has hardwired onto me, when outside of work. It may be as challenging as overcoming instincts, but I need to have faith, and take risks. Because...

"人生有多少个十年, 最重要的是活得痛快!"

3 weeks in - Malaysia

2010-06-08T11:59:00.002+01:00

It has almost been 3 weeks, and already I'm changing.

When I first landed, I was already yearning to go back. To my housemates, my friends, my degree, my uni, anxious to kick start my UK career. Now that every bit of me has adjusted, and embraced home, and I'm actually feeling a little reluctant to return so soon.

I flew in with hopes. Some hopes were smashed into pulp while I wasn't paying attention, but that stemmed new hopes. Life changed. With the burden of the degree off my shoulders, I found myself rediscovering life. For myself.

I once found the best thing that has ever happened to me in UK. Now, I've found that I have the best thing(s) I could ever want, and they have been with me all along.

Priorities were rearranged, plans were reshuffled... wherever life takes me, I am ready.

Water Expansion

2010-06-06T16:26:00.002+01:00

Here's something I wanted to post up since Friday, but really didn't have the time to do it.

This random thing popped up while I was swimming, and wondering about water expansion under the influence of heat.

Does water expand with increased heat? I think it does.
But how do you measure purely water expansion, without the influence of evaporation, and pressure, i.e. atmospheric or from any kind of container.

Pardon the lack of scientific knowledge. I just had to ask.

Perhaps I have other things to think about, but at the moment, I'm enjoying the ability to reconnect with randomness, as I draw my thoughts away from The Blackhole.

is phail

2010-05-29T10:29:00.002+01:00

There is a certain aspect to my life that is nothing but one word - PHAIL.

God knows I gave it my best shot, my all and my everything, in fact, a million percent. However these things are like the stock market, it's not about how much you invest, if it's not meant to be, it will come all crashing down on you. You get hit worse, if you have invested more.

It's painful to know that somethings, you just can't earn from hard work. Especially if it's something you want so very badly.

So now let's start clearing up the mess from my last attempt, because it's going to take awhile. Persistence and perseverance doesn't always apply.

Baby - Justin Bieber

2010-05-25T16:36:00.002+01:00

A dedication: Baby - Justin Bieber ft Ludacris

Oh ~ oh ~ oh ~ oh.
You know you love me, I know you care,
you shout whenever and I'll be there.
You are my love, you are my heart
and we will never ever ever be apart.
Are we an item? girl quit playing,
we're just friends, what are you saying.
Said there's another, look right in my eyes,
my first love broke my heart for the first time.
And I was like

Baby, baby, baby oooooh,
like baby, baby, baby noooooooo,
like baby, baby, baby, ooooh.
Thought you'd always be mine, mine

Oh, for you I would have done whatever,
and I just can't believe we aint together
and I wanna play it cool but I'm losing you
I'd buy you anything, I'd buy you any ring,
and now please say baby fix me and you shake me til you wake me from this bad dream.
I'm going down down down down
and I just cant believe my first love won't be around.
And Im like

When I was 13 I had my first love,
there was nobody that compared to my baby
and nobody came between us, no-one could ever come above
She had me going crazy, oh I was star-struck,
she woke me up daily, dont need no Starbucks.
She made my heart pound, I skip a beat when I see her in the street and
at school on the playground but I really wanna see her on the weekend.
She knows she got me dazing coz she was so amazing
and now my heart is breaking but I just keep on saying.

Now Im gone,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
now Im all gone.
Gone, gone, gone, gone, I'm gone.

Living for myself

2010-05-24T07:19:00.002+01:00

Life starts, when you start living for yourself.

Make the best of everything you have, and carpe diem!
Because there's no one else more worth living for, than yourself.

Back from hiatus

2010-05-19T12:42:00.003+01:00

About time to be back! The past 2 months or so has been a tornado-like end to my student life. Though I must say I'm much too old to cope with so much drama, excitement and disappointment in such a short period of time. In fact, I'm not only old now, I'm FAT. Blame it on my dissertation stress! I'm been pigging out like there's no tomorrow.

OR NOT.
Just kidding!

Actually its just a coincidental screenshot I took while skyping. This picture gave me 8 extra kilos. But actually I haven't gained any :( Yeah, if only it's so easy for me to gain weight!

I'm flying back to Malaysia on Thursday, due to land on Friday. About a month later, I have got to drag me bum back to UK for graduation, visa, and work :(

But at the moment, I'm enjoying aimless days, with absolutely nothing to do. Especially over the past almost-6-months, I've been working hard. Very, very hard. And I'm tired. I want to take a break. From all that. From EVERYTHING. Because, I'm really, really tired.

I have exhausted so much effort and energy, and yet, Newton's 3rd Law ceases to apply.

post-gala & project

2010-03-30T17:17:00.002+01:00

Nope I didn't die after being sawed into half in the Gala Show. Though I must admit I nearly vanished into thin air, as I feel bits of myself disappearing off every single day. As if I'm not small enough, I'm getting smaller and smaller, and you just wait I will magically evaporate off one day!

The MagicSoc Gala show was a tremendous success! Tickets sold out, 100% positive feedback from guests, magicians mindblowing, volunteers amazing, and committee members phenomenal! Sigh, I couldn't have asked for more really. We have a great team planning the show from scratch, and I'm proud that we made it this far, further than what any of us could've imagined from the beginning. I must say I'm so proud of myself for dedicating into this. It's the best decision I've made, and the biggest project I've ever embarked on yet!

Post-Gala work came to haunt after the show. Just because the show is over, doesn't mean that the work ends there. I have got to sort out the volunteers rewards, and the events' report and also the post mortem. And then of course there's all my project work I've been putting off for the show.

It's all crushing me now!! Argh. Lotsa work to be done, before I fly off the Amsterdam on Sunday, returning on Thursday, flying to KL on Friday =) Holidays come with a price, and I will have to lug my books and project along with me I'm afraid. Work continues, and if you stop by C19 and you may just be able to witness my suffering =)

how do you help a crying girl?

2010-03-14T16:00:00.002Z

Just the other day in the ladies', I came out of the cubicle to find this pretty girl crying by the basin.

She was like an albino bunny. Flawlessly fair skin, but eyes red and bloodshot from crying. This bunny was frantically texting on her mobile while her friend kept advising her to ignore "someone".

My heart sank.

I don't know her at all. But seeing someone cry so hard but unable to do anything about it aches me. All I could do is watch, and leave ASAP so she could have some peace and quiet. Let The Friend handle this, I thought.

Somehow, I felt bad. Like, all I could do is leave her to her misery. The entire day, I kept pondering if there was anything I could've done, but didn't do for her.

Sigh. Somebody tell me.

On a separate note, I wonder if promises are made to be broken? Perhaps I hold on to words too strongly. But isn't that what the word "promise" is for? To provide additional assurance, and guarantee. Something for the recipient to believe in, to hope for. Or is that not how people use this word nowadays?

de ja vu

2010-03-10T16:35:00.003Z

I feel as though I'm reliving The Dark Moments again. How I let this happen to myself again I do not know. Perhaps I'm just prone to self-destruct.

When I thought I've found something good, it turned out to be otherwise yet again. Another disappointment to add the my collection of miserable life experiences. Perhaps I'm not cut out to be the one with a happy ending.

It's as if someone saved me, only to drown me again. They say having had that experience before, helps you deal with it the next time it happens. I say the fact that I've experienced it before only made it worse this time around.

I'll never know when this is going to be over. If it's ever going to be over.

Magic Soc Gala Show 2010

2010-02-28T13:33:00.005Z

It's official, and it is ON!
The University of Nottingham's Magic Society proudly presents...

Taa-Daa~!

Date: 19th March 2010 (Friday)
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Venue: The Great Hall @ Trent Building
Price: £8 (advance)

To save me having to explain what it is about, we have a video teaser/ trailer!
MUST WATCH.

Yes, I know it is awesome right?
How do you get your tickets?

All ticketing details are on the Poster!
(which I painstakingly created from scratch, ahem...)
OR

***BUY THEM FROM ME***
I might even throw in free ticket delivery.
Call me, or leave me a message on my Facebook, and I'll sort the rest out for you.

WHY SHOULD I GO?
Because I asked you to.
Because they are all very handsome.
Because we spent a lot of time planning this.
Because you don't have plans yet for that Friday night.
Because it's damn cheap, you don't get to watch 3 world class magicians for this price.

and lastly,

You know I will keep spamming your messengers and Facebook with this until I have sold my tickets. Muahahahahaha.....!!
*just kidding*

Fuck You Right Back

2010-02-23T23:48:00.003Z

You see, I have this incredible talent to find the most appropriate songs for the moment. And I have done it again. It's a tad vulgar. Kids under-18, go away. But hey, the shit I took from some people was much more offensive.

The inspiration from this song chilled me out. And guess what, I'm not gonna let haters get to me. I ain't gonna let haters infect me with their misery, because they're just not worth my while.

:)

"See I don't know why you cryin' like a bitch
Talkin' shit like a snitch
Why you write a song 'bout me
If you really didn't care
You wouldn't wanna share
Tellin' everybody just how you feel"

"Fuck what I did was your fault somehow
Fuck the presents, I threw all that shit out
Fuck all the cryin' it didn't mean jack
Well guess what yo, fuck you right back"

--Frankee

At the end of the day, I want to sincerely thank the person who "offended" me.

*Offense is subject to interpretation. Offense occurs only when one is offended. Offense is absent when one does not take offense even when deliberately being offended upon*

It has shown me who you really are, and made me realize something I have not thought about in ages. Such behaviour is not only a disgrace to the person, but also to the family, and anyone else that is closely associated.

Any reputation built over years will just come crumbling down, as you unveil your ugliness to all that is around you. What'll make it even worse if when you go about publicizing such embarassment in the spur of the moment. In that process, recruiting other innocent individuals into the drama you have single-handedly conjured. For what? For attention, and sympathy? Or for the sole satisfaction of inflicting misery as you indulge in your own misery?

To do that, takes pure talent. But luckily, I will leave the exclusive rights to practice this talent patented to certain individuals. I can do nothing about people like these. But I can shield my happiness from them, so that they cannot take it away.

And also I know, if I don't respond to their nastiness, I will be not succumb to the your evil temptation to practice such horrible behaviour. Simply because I am a better person. In contrast, it will make them look worse in comparison. For that reason, the offender is likely to be even more annoyed.

But who cares? What goes around, comes around. What you do unto others, will come back and bite you in the ass one day. You'll see.

Lesson Learnt:
Don't do what the person has done to me. Whether intentional or unintentional.
Because I know, it doesn't do anyone any good at all.

Note to self:
NEVER EVER be that horrid individual with an ugly personality, that is frown upon by others. Even for a second.

From now on, I don't want to be the one who worried the people who cares about me. I want to be the one who brings happiness and smiles to my friends. Because I really do want people around me to be happy, and not be my venting vessel.

I should be ashamed of myself, if I ever do.

MagicSoc Gala Flyers

2010-02-15T16:21:00.002Z

Painstakingly churned out multiple versions of flyers for the upcoming Gala show, and these were the winning versions!

Flyer version yellow.0

Flyer version purple.0

They want to print both versions of the flyer for variety! Now, ain't that exciting? I guess my work is not too bad then ;)

Reflect

2010-02-14T18:28:00.002Z

It always starts with an innocent drop of water, into a surface of calm water, and then you get ripples being generated, propagating further and larger, like a domino effect...

Of course, there are many ways to explain how can a water droplet fall into the surface, everyone will have individual interpretations.

-Gravity pulled the droplet
-It slid off a leaf because it was too heavy
-It fell from a cloud

but you never really know, do you? I have been trained that sometimes it's better not to do anything, than to do something without knowing what I'm doing. Perhaps more people should adopt that attitude as well.

I was not amused to have my weekend interrupted, without even knowing why.

It would seem like my intentions are in doubt, for an ulterior motive instead. There seems to be no accusations, but I can't help feeling thoroughly insulted to be remotely considered to harbor negative intentions.

I only ask one question: What are you expecting me to do with what you've told me?

I refused to reply. It's obvious that both parties are not emotionally stable to support a proper conversation, hence it would be pointless to try anything. I respect the fact that you are not acting as your usual rational self, for that reason, I hold no grudge against you.

Because I still do care, I beg for you to reconsider.

Was it a mature and sensible thing to do?
I don't know what you're on about, and what your intentions are. I'm not a mindreader. If you just deliberately want to puzzle me, and destroy my mood, congratulations, you did it! I hope my misery has made you happy now.

Suspicion is an evil seed. Indulging into suspicion is almost like stepping into your idea of a sick fantasy, letting go of reality.

To let suspicion jeopardise a friendship is foolish. I cherish the friendship. But I guess friendship only works both ways. I have not let go of it yet. It's your choice.

In the spirit of the festive season, I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year, and Happy Valentines Day! Everyone deserves to have a good celebration, try not to ruin others' mood, because that would be selfish and extremely inconsiderate.

If you must know, I'm only celebrating CNY this year.

February & Posters

2010-02-05T20:03:00.006Z

And I thought I would have more time after my exams.

Apparently NOT! If anything, I'm busier than ever! Busy busy beeeeee.... I hardly have time for myself, let alone to blog. I found my self saying, "I'm busy" a gazillion times lately. Not in a 'excuse' kind of way, but more of a really-busy-and-apologetic way.

Two weeks into the new semester, my final year project is doing surprisingly more than fine. My supervisor was well impressed with the way the project is going =) Much thanks to Albert, Nick and Omama! The price I paid for this was dedicating up to 4 days a week just for my project, MEETINGS + BRAINSTORMING sessions. Who said not having lectures means more free time? I totally misinterpreted that. I'm practically dating our group members in a 4 way orgy at random study rooms in uni. Never in my life I have borrowed so many books from the library at any one time.

I wondered if I've mentioned that I'm now Secretary of Magic Soc? Everyday is magic related as I spent a good amount of time working with Albert for our exciting upcoming MagicSoc Gala Show 2010! Check out the poster I spent days to do:

I welcome comments! But please try not to be too harsh, as this is just a draft poster! Oh, and I actually had to YouTube Photoshop tutorials to create this. I barely have any training in Photoshop at all!

This is only my 3rd attempt at making a poster with Photoshop! I've come a long way since my 1st and 2nd posters!

In Year 2, I had the pleasure of learning Photoshop from Augustine! He did most of the magic here, but I had the opportunity to do a little something on it.

Summer 2009: I had no choice but to make this 2nd poster entirely on my own for my Boots Summer Placement Project. Looks like rubbish but somehow it won me Best Project =) Maybe I didn't win for the design, but for the project itself, I don't know.

Results were released on Thursday. I was initially devastated to not have got what I was expecting. I worked my ass off for this! Barely 30 minutes later, devastation evolved to relief! Apparently, the year performed poorly as a whole, and a number of the moderate-good performing students had resit! I just feel blessed that I will be able to graduate this summer!

Oxford here I come!

Lesson learnt from this: I'm not study material. No plans for PhD.

Guess what I'm doing after this? Tonight is dedicated to my project, while Saturday I've got plans to make Thosai, and maybe go drinking at the house across the road =)

Getting back on track

2010-01-23T11:48:00.003Z

"Please stop writing now!"

I heard it for the very last time. Now that I think of it, I didn't feel the least bit nostalgic. By now, I'm pretty sick of examinations. The thought of it makes me feel queasy.

Let me recall the highlights of my last examination!

My phone alarm backfired on me, failing to ring, due to "charging error", so I overslept by almost an hour. Did I mention that I only discovered that my paper is now 1 hour and 30 minutes long, instead of 1 hour, just 2 hours before my paper? I got a ride from Sartaj to save me from a stressful 30 minute walk to the Sports Centre, where the examinations were held.

I forgot to hit the loos before entering the examination hall - very smart. Some idiot tried to cheat by flipping over the test paper while everyone was still hunting for their seats amongst the maze of tables and chairs, and that sent the invigilator screaming across the hall, and my pulse racing.

And when I finally did walk out the doors of the examination hall, the air smelt uber fresh! At last I am free...

But wait. There's tons of work to do.

Wednesday:
The day I finished my exams, I had a big fat meal of McDonalds, took my own sweet time to eat it. Back home, I crawled to the loo to relieve the stress-induced-constipated impact that was dying to escape from my body. Eventually I floated off to a very nice nap.... or what it was supposed to be, before I was woken up by that annoying song Gee!!!

Let's face it, I was never meant to like it. It exists purely to sabotage my exams, my sleep, everything.

Can't sleep? I sorted my laundry next. Piles of overdue clothes, and bedsheets were refreshed. Too lazy and too low on supplies to cook, so it's time to put the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Domino's Pizza vouchers to good use.

Thursday:
The next day, I went shopping, lunched @ TGI Fridays, met up with friends and watched Avatar 3D (FINALLY), and Sherlock Holmes, finishing the day off with a nice dinner at Curry Lounge!

Friday:
Out on duty with my President for MagicSoc, meeting members of the Student's Union, we're planning something exciting, so watch this space for more updates! Collected my PharmSoc Leavers Hoodie in a garish shade of blue =( Had dinner with our ex-Magic president Chris @ Wagamama's! Attacked my housemate in his face with facial mask =P

Saturday:
Finally got to sleep and rest properly!!!! Somehow managed to have the day to myself, ending up watching Farmer Wants a Wife, washing my dirt covered sneakerS, and mopping up the last bit of month-old-muck from my room. And the day was lovingly finished with a good old drinking session at Pitchers & Piano with friends who've been hermit-ing in the name of exams....

Now you know why I haven't been blogging. So excuse me please. Ahem ahem. Still got work to do, I'm not joking! But that's for another entry, for another day ;)

I'm not dead

2010-01-04T13:40:00.003Z

BOO!

In case you're wondering, I'M NOT DEAD. yet.

Just severely brain damaged, sleep-deprived, hungry, sick, and screwed up.

My life is currently pre-occupied by more pressing matters at the moment. Yeah, PRESSING.
... like spending time with the love of my life <3
EXAMS start 11th January! It's my last set of examinations for my freaking Masters degree. The horizon is so close, and yet so far. I have crawled so many miles, thirsty, hungry, exhausted, but I'm not giving up!!!

I have another 41 kilos of me to lose (already lost 2 kg) , if that's the only way for me to get to the finishing line! 3 years of HARD, SLEEP-DEPRIVED JOURNEY, is not going down the drain. I'll see to it!!!

This is my last chance to redeem myself, to give it my ALL. It's now or NEVER. My exam-due fellas, all the best!

MPHARM HERE I COME..... CHARGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See y'all after Jan 20th =)

Men

2009-12-18T22:35:00.003Z

Sometime I wake up, unable to believe what had just happened. The course of my life has been a roller coaster , surprising me, one after another!

I couldn't believe that I went on a date with someone so incredible. He has all the 'C's that a typical Singaporean girl could ever want, and more... In all honesty, he was charming, very handsome, immensely impressed me and I thought we got along very well, considering we've only met just once before. It was extremely flattering for him to ask me out, but we just didn't click romantically. He was so sweet, but I simply don't want to lead him on, since I think it's not going to work out 'that way'. I gave us both a shot, and didn't regret it. I tried, he tried, and there's no harm in trying. Still, I hope we will be able to be good friends, as I AM interested in a good friendship! My Christmas wish? For him to find Miss Right soon =)

... because I know how lonely it can be sometimes

And then my housemates still had my birthday surprises rolling in till Wednesday (I think). A brand new IKEA mattress was delivered to our doorstep for me, that is so uber sweet/thoughtful/lovely of them! One night on that magical mattress, and my backache has gone... like *poof*!!!

Surprises also came in the form of cards and greetings, that kept rolling in for me through the mail =) I LOVE CARDS!!! <3

Snow fell on Thursday, and that sure made everyone very excited! Watching the snow fall from gently to blizzardy ( for a brief moment ) was so romantic, we even had a warm bowl of porridge, and Christmas songs ready to savour the moment. What a waste it was to not have a someone special to share it with at that very moment!

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas, is a white blanket of snow, and for my birthday wishes to come true =) I'll try and be good, promise! x

Love Ling.

Merry Christmas my lovelies, and have a Happy New Year too.

CHANEL No. 5

2009-12-11T13:38:00.006Z

Perhaps outdated by now, but I've just discovered...

CHANEL No.5 's Advertorial, starring Audrey Tautou

Incredibly sexy, smoldering romance, yet understated, another piece of art well done. The ad tickles the desire in every woman, to be wanted and seduced the man of their dreams...

"I'm a fool to want you"

In this case, a very handsome one too =)

p/s: Though Tatou has a stunning face, she looks anorexic. Some curves would have added some feminine charm!

My Birthday!

2009-12-08T22:15:00.003Z

Big Thank You to everyone who helped me celebrate my birthday, be it just a simple Facebook message, or partner-in-crime in making me drink...!

Family Photo on my 21st! Thanks to Skype, and Mummy for the wonderful cake, which I'm sure tastes super delicious. Why is my family so cool XD

It was a fantastic birthday, and I enjoyed myself loads! I love you all so much <3
THANK YOU for such an awesome 21st birthday celebration!!!!

Blogging will be put aside for now, as I'm up to my neck with a gazillion little To-do tasks...

Randoms

2009-11-29T23:27:00.006Z

I know I really should be blogging, but I just can't bring myself to do it. My motivation-generating-cells are on strike at the moment you see. Anyway, a couple of things that kept me interested over the week:

I met Marc Oberon! The new FISM World Champion of Parlour Magic. I was star struck to say the least, to be able to see him perform live, and be in his presence. *squeals*

Lady Gaga's Bad Romance

Something that started a little strange to me, and then it just grew on me. The oddness is so refreshing, I find myself attracted to the novelty of her art.

Mariah Carey's Languishing (The Interlude) / I Want to Know What Love Is

Surprisingly light and a little raspy, Languishing set you in the mood, leading to Mariah's fabulous take on "I Want to Know What Love Is." LOVE!

Mariah Carey's H.A.T.E. U

Another one of my favourite from Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel! I've fallen in love with the lyrics, and the simplicity of the melody. With a sprinkle of Mariah's phenomenal whistle register, it's perfect!

If you like what you're listening, check out Ribbon on Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel as well. Strip Mariah off her power notes, and you get a real proper singer. You don't get that a lot nowadays.

Other stuff:

America's Next Top Model is Nicole Fox. =( I was rooting for Laura.
Korean Soc's Countdown to Christmas @ Lizard Lounge on Friday Night.

I know right. Why do I only have pictures of Aaron and Shen. Don't ask me why. Don't know what happened. I'm sure I have more pictures somewhere but nevermind. There wasn't any good looking guys that I don't already know that night. Frankly I was disappointed, but the night wasn't exactly inexciting at all. So it's all good =P

About my date

2009-11-22T20:46:00.002Z

I simply cannot believe it. 31 comments + 5 'like's for me having a date.

Sorry to disappoint guys, it wasn't like a real date. I'm pretty sure that I won't be going on one for a long long time to come now. Time to embrace single-hood as my best friend!

And feed my heart to a whale.

The fact is, I'm so busy. So busy that I'm stressing, yeah, like for the gazillion-th time! I'm losing hair in the shower faster than I can grow them, and my arch nemesis Insomnia is back to haunt me for good! Been relying on alcohol for some shut eye a couple of days now. Any longer and I shall have to resort to desperate measures. Can't be bothered to date!

Boys out there will be very relieved to hear my official declaration to stop hunting. Yeah, you can all come out of your hiding places now.

Time to study! It's Week 10 now, and exams are set for January, my very last uni exams too. It's something I know I will not miss, but at the same time, it's my last chance to prove myself in written exams!

Screw you, bits of fibrous pulp with cheap ink. You, barely recycling bin worthy trash, has been making my life miserable long enough!

When this is over, I can feed my mind to a crocodile.

And just, think NOTHING.

Hectic semester

2009-11-15T22:25:00.002Z

I just realised that I have tonnes of work due at the end of Neverending November!

20th : Critical Appraisal
24th :Immunopharmacology Poster
26th : Patient Medication Review

*FAINTS*
Oh how am I gonna cope with this, I'm bloody stressed out! It's good to know that my poster is 90% complete, critical appraisal 80% and PMR 60%. But I can't help looking back, wondering if I missed anything. GAH.

If I keep getting bored, I will resort to camwhoring and doodling!
Please observe my very swollen & dark eye circles! Is there any hope left for me?

Can't wait to get November over and done with, so I can sink into Delightful December =D.

To Suet Wah, Penny, and others taking SPM this upcoming week, ALL THE BEST! I know it might seem to be the scariest thing in the whole wide world at the moment, but it really isn't. Uni courseworks are worse!

It's just a few pieces of processed pulp fibre with words printed on it in cheap ink! It should be afraid of your intellectual diarrhoea instead!

Give it your best shot, every last drop of brain juice you've got. After all, you wasted 5 years in high school preparing for this. This is the moment to make all that homework count for something at least. Remember to drink water, and sleep to keep those brain cells happy =)

The horizon is near, and I'm sure you can smell the freedom already.

A new way, a new day

2009-11-09T21:01:00.003Z

This morning, I woke up from that dream again. And I thought to myself,

"Oh fuck it. I'm fed up with having to deal with this every single day. Enough is enough. I'm going back to bed. Whether I'm going to dream again, I don't care! "

There. That helped me got over my misery. Sure, I may still dream again tonight. But whatever. I'm interested to know how many ways I can dream of the same thing.

Warning on my door. Monster was inspired from a google image.

Oh, and it was crazy chilly this morning, I checked and it was 4'C !!! It can only mean one thing ---> CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! *confetti rain*

In case you haven't heard, shit (plural form) happened to me over the weekend. Other than having to wake up from this disturbing dream, I had to deal with a broken table lamp, a collapsed shelf, and a set of ridiculously scented bedding.

My apologies to my housemates who had to put up with this. I am as guilty as I am grateful, they helped me sail through this thunderstorm of PMS + bad luck! Love them all. Mr.&Mrs. Jason, Big Bird, Mon, Daniel, and Chicken =)

Much love from,

M0n5t3r

2 weird dreams

2009-11-05T18:36:00.002Z

It's a landmark low in emotional stability. Although I'm PMS-ing now, it's still strangely disturbing.

Succumbing to my usual afternoon nap, has led to 2 different Dreams.

Dreams that struck straight to my core, both playing my deepest desires and fears.

The strange thing is, there's no right or wrong to it.

You know how there are times where you have to be unkind to yourself in order to be kind? When you have want certain things so badly, that you are afraid of it?

And my biggest fear, is that I lose control of myself by giving into it.

It's still not wrong. But somehow I don't want it to happen. Both of them.

Michael Buble

2009-10-30T16:01:00.007Z

I've almost forgotten how wonderful Michael Buble is, until I found him again on X-factor!

My latest obsession:

Michael Buble Haven't Met You Yet

The hot female you're probably drooling at right now, is Luisana Lopilato, Michael's real life girlfriend. Jealous......!!!

I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times,
I Stop Keeping Track.
Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up
And Then I Let Myself Down.

I Tried So Very Hard Not To Loose It
I Came Up With A Million Excuses
I Thought I Thought Of Every Possibility

And I Know Someday That It'll All Turn Out
You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Mmmmm ....

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

Mmmmm ......

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

They Say All's Fair
And In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We'll Get It Right
And We'll Be United

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility

Mmmm .....

And Someday I Know It'll All Turn Out
And I'll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I'll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get Than I Get Than I Get

Oh You Know It'll All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get

I Said Love Love Love Love Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

The music, the lyrics and the voice just melts me like I'm butter on fresh warm toast! Oh why am I such a shameless romantic. I'm almost disgusted at what a softie I really am.

Cheap laptop anybody?

2009-10-27T16:00:00.005Z

*** UPDATED below ***

Just very recently, 2 of my housemates were approached by dodgy men, offering a gorgeous Sony Vaio for £200, in Dunkirk.

Would you buy it?

A friend of mine hypothesized that if you paid, you might not get the laptop. Even if you did get the laptop, you might be beaten up later on further down the street, by the seller's "accomplice".

But let's just leave that issue aside for now. Assuming that's not going to happen. Would you buy a reduced price laptop from 2 dodgy men on the street?

Bargain hungry people.... YES??? It's your choice.

To me, I wouldn't. According to my friend's description, it looked like it was stolen. Most probably from another student, considering Dunkirk is such a student-dominated neighborhood.

If I bought this laptop, am I not giving these notorious criminals,

... a means for survive up till their next robbery?

... an encouragement to perform another robbery?

Someone out there, is without a laptop, lost all valuable data, unable to complete coursework, needing to fork out a few hundred quid for a new machine. Do you have the heart to buy this laptop and let these men get away happily from inflicting misery on another individual?

I can't.

As with the story I heard from yet another friend, who bought 2 (possibly stolen) iPhones for about 100 quid or so from some men on the street, were given empty boxes after handing over the cash. Karma is everywhere.

If you think about it, wouldn't it be quite stupid to buy such expensive gadgets without warranty, tech support, and receipts from a legitimate store? What if there is something wrong with it? You ain't getting any refund or free parts replacement, that's for sure.

Moral of the story, don't buy from dodgy men off the street! You don't know if YOUR laptop is the one they're selling off next.

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

On a completely unrelated note, YouTube video of the day!

Namewee fucks TNB!!! Watch & Favourite =)

Free Nandos 2009

2009-10-19T16:15:00.002+01:00

To my fellow Nando's fans,

I wish to praise you for your good taste!
.
.
.
.
And GOOD FORTUNE !!! Get your Free Nando's 1/2 Chicken!

Here's how:

Click this link: http://www.peri-perichallenge.co.uk/challenge/CHAL/Challenge.html

Enter your details, and answer a few random questions about yourself. And hey presto! You get you 1/2 chicken for FREE!

Things you need to note:

Try to do it where you have access to a printer, so you can print off the voucher immediately!
If you don't have access to one, save the page / the URL. So you can print in again, and again, and again =)

You can only get the free 1/2 chicken if you make a small purchase of:
- 1 bottomless soft drink
- 1 regular side dish
The total costs you slightly less than £ 4.00. But hey, you still get 1/2 chicken free!

Sadly, it is only valid from Monday- Thursdays. Don't try to go get your heart broken on a weekend okay?

Deadline for the promotion: 28th October 2009! So hurry!

Remember to bring your ID card!

Tip: Save the url for your voucher, so you can print it again, and take it to another Nandos for another Free 1/2 chicken!

GOOD LUCK!

Sick of being sick

2009-10-16T20:42:00.003+01:00

I am SICK of being SICK. It's been 2 bloody weeks of pure torture.

Fontain du Mucous

Cough ala Phlegm

So glamorous indeed. I have made more wantons than a wanton mee seller me thinks. Hugging a tissue roll to bed is not how I intended to pass my chilly autumn nights.

But. I still managed to do this.

Oriental Party @ Gatecrasher

I'll admit that I put this up to remind myself how much belly I've lost to poor appetite, due to me being sick for over a week. At least something good came out of being sick --> Flat Abdomen =)

It was pity that I was too lazy to bring my own camera. Plenty of people did turn up, and I'm glad that some even remembered me from the Welcome Programme back in September. SinYew turned up! Eventhough I asked him the night before. He never imagined that he would be clubbing with me one day, from the day we shared the same classroom back in my coconut-shell-hair days in primary school.

Work is piling up, as I struggle to regain health. I freaked out when my throat swelled very badly that it hurt when I swallow water, my sputum was thick and green. I dragged myself to the healthcare centre to get myself looked up by the doctor, who later on happily declared that it wasn't swine flu and that I was free to go =.="

I felt worse than when I first stepped into the health centre. Doctors these days are not reassuring at all. No wonder they need pharmacists here.

Irene's Farewell

2009-10-05T00:16:00.004+01:00

Last Monday, we had a farewell for Irene, my housemate-in-law, complimentary resident at No.63A. Dinner at Hooters... kindly graced by EeHow who came to visit, all the way from Southampton, with his 7-hour flattened arse....

BigBird, EeHow, and myself.
It's been awhile since everyone ate together at the same table. Especially to get all 6 of my very busy housemates to have dinner, together! Good times =)

Myself and 2 housemate-in-laws.

Yeah, I'm living with very lucky boys. No one's gonna stay home and eat lonely-single-housemate dinner with me on Valentines Day T__T

The Jubilee Girls + 1 Uni.Park extra.

Also met up with Penny before she left for her Europe Trip @ The Mooch. Picked up my free pint of beer and wedges, compliments of The Student Discount Book =) Funny how I never bothered to enter our friendly uni bar before. It's actually quite comfortable.

Okay lah. By now you would have noticed that I can't be arsed to write about anything interesting. There's too many good and bad news, that I'd be in front of my computer forever if I tried to write. Allow me to get away with posting pictures of so many pretty girls XD

Recorder Blues

2009-09-29T23:48:00.003+01:00

Just earlier today, I was trying to find and work my lecture recorder again. Poor thing has not seen the light since my last lecture in May. The following is a conversation that took place, in my frustration.

Me/ L-bert

Me: I'm trying to persuade my recorder to turn 'on'

L-bert: rub it

Me: should show it some porn, wtf.

L-bert: rub it and lick it

Me: i'll try hitting. maybe this sick recorder is SM.

Oh my goodness, what have I become. So in the end all it needs is a big fat green battery, stuffed up its back. The End.

I need a break. Like I seriously need a break. The last week has been crazy hectic, classes with Freshers Fayre, shopping, Ikea, Manchester, London. Everyday has been draining. This week is more taxing still. Someone tell me when to stop.

Week 0-1

2009-09-23T23:59:00.004+01:00

This is now Uni's official Week One of the spanking new academic year! It is the beginning of new courseworks, and also the dawn of my busy-ness...

Week 0: Student Assistant @ International Welcome Week 2009

Team Phil was in charged of keeping Lincoln Hall & Sherwood Hall standing till the end of the week. Tough job. Phil's flat caused a fire alarm when a student placed a tin can in the microwave, while the rest of us are drowning in a stampede of students, ton-heavy luggage, and never ending questions.

Jolie, myself, and Estella. Estella was my roomie for the week, and she was such a darling! Don't know how I'd pass my days without her company, retaining my sanity throughout. I have to point out though, that these freshers are so lucky to have females student helpers who wake up 10 minutes earlier to put on our 'face', just so that our dark eye circles dont' give away how miserable uni life can be. HUA HUA HUA!

Equipments Checklist:

Bright Yellow Polo Tee
Midnight Black Hoodie
Name Tag
Walkie-Talkie
Big Ass Smile

...and I'm ready to take on the day!

Team Phil!

Sam, Momo, BIG BOSS PHIL, myself, Estella, Alan, Zoe, Jawad, Eric
Helen and Tashya.

Best team in the house me thinks. Somehow I have the impression that we did plenty of OT, aside from what we were supposed to do. By the time it ended, every other team was absolutely lively, camwhoring, and socialising. But Team Phil was playing it cool, chilling on the sofa, enjoying the fresher-less atmosphere. I think our team was especially knackered.

Phil has been an awesome Senior to our team, being especially patient, and also making sure everyone is well taken care of, in terms of sleep and food. It was my pleasure to have worked with him. Everyone else on the team was also fantastic, the International Office have chosen well. They're all super capable, reliable, responsible individuals whom I have grown to be very fond of.

The Big Boys: Momo and Alan, towering over myself and Helen.
Helen is another amazing girl that I have grown a liking for, she's so funny sometimes, and yet she's so sensible. My source for logic and sense throughout the programme. Love her to bits!

We learnt, so much from each other, about courses, experiences, and also our backgrounds. Sam & Tashya is local to UK, and has been to the M'sia and China Campus respectively. Momo is from Jordan (exotic!), Phil is Singaporean+N'Zealander (messed up?!), Eric is from Kenya, Alan from Trinidad, Jawad from Kenya, Estella and Zoe from China, and Helen is from HongKong. A recipe for perfection, a team who beat last years efficiency record by 1 full hour!

And of course, let's not forget the perks of the job: ISB Club Night at Oceana + meeting new freshers. I was pleasantly surprised to see freshers coming up to me to say hi, share a few moves on the dancefloor, and actually bothered to have a decent conversation that did not involve asking for directions. My best moment? While I escaped to the Ladies for a breather, away from the International Student Bureau Help Desk, a fresher who just entered the toilet actually came up to thank me, for actually helping her solve her problem. She didn't have to, but she did, and I felt motivated. Some students are just rotten spoilt, being so rude and all.

My principle: I work for neither gratitude, nor attitude.
If you do not wish to thank me, that's fine. I will not hold it against you, because I'm supposed to do it as part of my job. If there's one thing I do not deserve, it would be your nasty attitude. I'm not hired to be your venting machine, and I do not have to hang around to absorb your negativity.

I'd be lying if I said the job was a piece of cake. However, my dear people, it was definitely worth my while. Sure, I had good meals, great pay, and even better company. At the end of the day, I made a difference to someone, and my colleagues made a difference to me.

I've met up with Helen for dimsum, and frequently bump into Alan and Chidi around Dunkirk, meeting Philip this weekend in London for yumchar. There are already blossoming friendships with other members of the ISB, such as Ankur, with whom I had fun helping at Freshers Fayre. Since our "legendary" Welcome Programme, I've been seeing Zoe, Dany, Melanie and Deniz ,as well plenty of freshers who remembered me. I am feeling extremely blessed to know them all, and uni is starting to feel like home when you bump into familiar faces frequently enough =)

I seem to be starting on the right foot there.

More on Week 1 and moving forward in the next post.

Stupid people

2009-09-15T23:54:00.002+01:00

When you think you've seen it all, you really haven't. If you think someone's giving away money for nothing in return, think again.

You'll probably find me quite the retard, however it still never fails to amaze me, how ANNOYING people can be. It's like you discover a whole new level of stupidity each time, only it gets worse each time.

Annoying people is stemmed from stupidity. Like, you would really expect someone of this age to be at least minimally sensible, or at least be able to take orders. But no. People going to university these days, are not what they use to be in the good old days. They often leave me wondering, how is it possible to get here at all ?

I'm stumped, I really am. But only with the few bad apples. Most of the other apples are nearly ripe for picking. And my only consolation is that I'm with good company. Thanks you guys.

busy bee

2009-09-11T13:07:00.003+01:00

I've got no internet connection available at home at the moment. Don't ask why. Losing my marbles due to Internet-less syndrome. Please don't tell Big Bird.

Quick updates:

TESCO DEAL!

If you spend > £50 on your first online transaction at Tesco.co.uk, Tesco will knock £10 off your bill! All you need is the code: XX4GZF. Simple as that!

Perfect opportunity for you to order & stock up on the heavy stuff you don't want to carry, eg: Milk, Rice, Pasta, Canned food! My house ordered 6 kilos of pasta and 10 litres of milk, among others =.=" We will never die of starvation!

The fine print: Offer valid for deliveries on or before 13th September 2009 ONLY. HURRY! Does not apply to alcohol, infant formulas, blah, blah, but normal groceries are unaffected!

I've just got my deliveries yesterday, and it's the real deal. No catch involved.

I've been working, and will be working some more for the rest of next week. Hence this girl will be missing for quite awhile. Enjoy the peacefulness while you still can. My internet-less days have driven me to resort to newspapers, sudoku, and stupid thinking. The latest theory I'm enthused about: I work, I earn, I spend. Don't work, don't earn, won't spend. Yeah, so totally rocket science, I know.

Am extremely delighted to have met quite a number of really OLD friends over summer, like friends from 10 years ago (I'm so disgustingly OLD). The last I saw them was when they were pre-puberty, or having puberty. So nostalgic. Hahaha... I'm gonna max out my railcard this year for sure!

Funny how during summer, when everyone is supposedly gone, I still met SO MANY old and new people, also still drinking once a month minimum. Damn my liver is losing its lifespan. Must hold back with the drinking.

My new Trent Barton FRIO Record: 19 holes in 1! Try to break that =P I challenge you.

Looking for HOME SHOPPING KAKI! Ikea, Wilko, M&S, Hyperama anyone?! Call me, call me!

Okay, gotta go collect my cheque. Pa, Mee, I'm not dead don't worry. Growing fatter by the way.

Ramadhan not an excuse for leniency

2009-09-03T11:58:00.002+01:00

Is it just me? Or is every other Malaysian news sounding ridiculously absurd?

I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH:

"Be lenient, it’s Ramadan, says salesgirl who stole undies"

(click to go to TheStar.com article)
Before anyone judges me for being a racist or a religion discriminator, hear me out. You'll actually find me PRO-religion, somewhat.

Introduction:
Muslim young lady, has a decent job, no disabilities, or malnutrition. She stole multiple undergarments, among other clothes, that came up to nearly RM500 in retail price.

My argument:
One sentence sums it up.

For someone who commits such crimes, which I'm pretty sure are AGAINST the teachings of the religion, that person DOES NOT DESERVE to escape her crimes with the excuse of using a holy religious practice.

There are no excuses for lenient treatment. She is...
X elderly. She's 21 years old by the way.
X disabilities.
X unemployed.
X starving, else she would've stolen food.
X retarded. As a salesperson, she should know that theft is a crime.

Isn't it obvious that she did it out of PURE GREED, conveniently blamed it on peer influence, and then tried to manipulate the court to be lenient to her in the spirit of the holy month. How resourceful indeed.

In the news article, she claimed to be remorseful, and is willing to change. I say, BULLSHIT. She has not taken responsibility for her own actions, and that is why she blamed someone else for her wrongdoings. And for trying to escape her time in jail, she has also avoided punishment for her actions. She has gained the highest disrespect from me. Scum of the society, scum of her religion.

Not only has she embarrassed herself, but also others who share her religion. I have not gone through the Quran, but I'm positive that they do not encourage theft. Just because it's a holy occasion does not change the fact that it is STILL a crime, against religious teachings.

Shall we release all prisoners on Hari Raya then, just because they say "Maaf zahir dan batin"? The answer is no. Those who went against the religion, does not deserve to be saved by the religion. Only this will maintain the purity of the values of what the religion stands for. Hate people who make a fool out of their own religion.

Summer Travels

2009-08-31T20:34:00.002+01:00

Sorry I've been away! I've only just got back to Nottingham after a lengthy, well deserved getaway. Although I have intentions to blog extensively about my journeys, I'm afraid this plan has to be pushed aside for the moment, to make way for some MASSIVE CLEANING of the new house!

It did not help at all, with the luggages all in the way, and only 2 pairs of hands to work on it. I'll be back to blog if I survive!

In the mean time, I'm determined to deposit all the photos on Facebook, before I forget and get lazy about it. They are such lovely pictures this time around. Do check them on my Facebook!

As the summer holidays are drawing close to an end, take care everyone, and please do let me know when you are heading back!

Attention whore?

2009-08-19T09:56:00.003+01:00

Recently, I got to know of someone who was upset with her medical examination. According to her description, there were concerns about the examiner making contact with the upper portion of her breasts as well as going in between them under the claims of checking her breathing. Additional information were provided as well: the doctor was not wearing gloves.

The first impression I got was that I felt somewhat insulted. Although I must say I am confused as to whether I felt this negative because

1) another female was potentially sexually harassed,

or

2) because as a future member of the healthcare profession, our ethics have been undermined, and our actions misinterpreted.

Due to the relatively vague, and one-sided description, wouldn't it be really immature and insensible to make any accusations? A number of our youth today have reflected their rash judgment.

To make things clear, I am no medical practitioner, with limited knowledge of the body's anatomy. However I do know this much. That the lungs are safely and strategically positioned behind a pair of fat insulated breasts. The structure of the human lung also varies from the top, to the bottom, bronchus, alveoli and all. Access to any part of the human lung, without cutting up the body, will face the The Great Wall of Breast Tissue.

If there was any assessment that requires inspection on a specific part of the lung, naturally, it's better to go straight to the location of where it should be. However, I feel it should be with a stethoscope, and not with the hands alone.

Personally I do not feel that a pair of gloves will be necessary, although it's probably good practice and hygiene to wear them. There is a low risk of contamination, no open wounds and also nothing to do with a body cavity. Any risk of infection being contracted from the patient as a result of gloveless contact, would then be at the expense of the doctors own health.

If there was a stethoscope in hand, I would take it as a routine examination procedure, and not worry about it too much. It would then probably be a misunderstanding made by someone who is overly conscious of her breasts. This character is also suggested by an very detailed description of the breasts that was potentially harassed.

However, if there was no stethoscope in hand, it was most likely a lame attempt at harassment.

If that was the case, it will be an embarrassment to the professionalism of the healthcare profession. The best thing to do would to to question the doctor's actions, and challenge it, if necessary, on the spot. Who is it to blame, when the victim was aware of the situation, and yet allowed it to happen? Publicizing it later on, or any complaints seems to be gathering attention and pity. Channeling any relevant grievances through the right procedures, to have the situation properly investigated is the best course of action at this point. Should the medical practitioner be at fault, his medical license will be at stake as a result of his own actions. After all, responsibility comes with the job.

Just another case where I think it can be handled in another way, and viewed from another perspective. However, if I were the victim, I would probably overreact as well. After all, there aren't many females out there who deem their dignity as sacred anymore. If there was any good from all the attention that was received, perhaps attracting the attention of someone who can give advice would be more desirable, rather than someone who joins in a blind accussation with no substance. Well then, the advice is here and made available. Whether it is used, is no longer of any concern to me.

Girls too free

2009-08-18T12:13:00.005+01:00

There's been something on my mind.

Girls who ALWAYS look all fabulous, prancing around in the latest fashion, hardly ever repeating the same outfit.

Girls well groomed from top to toe, luscious treated + perfectly dyed + styled hair, shaved underarms and legs, amazingly well-kept body, perfectly done make up, and beautifully manicured nails.

Girls who are always (possibly every day) out and about, hanging out with friends, be it clubbing, yumchar, events, or movies. Enjoying food at top restaurants, and posh cafes. All well documented with regular photographic updates on social networking sites.

HOW ON EARTH DO THEY DO IT?!
I know I can't, despite my best efforts. My favourite "excuses " are:

1) NO TIME.
I haven't got all the time in the world to read the latest fashion magazines, go shopping, shave my legs, pluck my eyebrows, cleanse-tone-moisturize, go for facials, do my nails, pick out and outfit, style my hair everyday, put on make up every morning, take pictures of everything I do, waiting for them to upload or even to exercise to keep my bingo wings at bay. I need to sleep, over-sleep, and eating whenever I get the chance to. Although I am not the most dedicated student out there, I still spend a fair amount of my time studying for my degree. Despite sacrificing beauty sleep, and beauty treatment time, I am still as stupid as ever.

2) NO MONEY.
I cannot afford Clinique, L'occitane, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Louis Vuitton, Prada, digital cameras, hair treatments, french manicures, gym membership, clubbing entrance fee, Starbucks, car, phone bills, bikini waxing kits...etc. Style gone. Appearance gone. Social life gone.

3) NO BODY.
Aside from the fact that I cannot afford nice apparels, I don't good in them either. PERIOD. If I had a nice body, I could've seduced someone into buying them for me. Unfortunately in this world, NO BODY NO TALK!

4) OTHERS COME FIRST.
There is handwash laundry to be done, dishes to wash, fish and chicken to cut up, meals to cook, toilet to clean. I know for certain that I can't do all that and still have a gorgeous French Manicure, soft supple hands, time to go out, and energy to stay up late. Not to mention, the lectures, projects, assignments, reports... *faint* Forget waking up early to comb my hair or moisturize my face. Every second of extra sleep counts in the morning.

I guess my point is, I have no idea how I could've been able to do all the above, and still be able to perform my priorities, and maintain my studies. As it is, I am already struggling to keep up. How they can do all that, is the 8th wonder of the world to me.

No sex? No food.

2009-08-17T11:23:00.001+01:00

Hello, this is the new Lepak King speaking.
( HAHAHA, lepak-ing becomes lepak KING. Get it? Why am I such a lame genius?! )

My days are spent loitering around Dunkirk, doing absolutely NOTHING. Even floating around on your Messenger "Online" List doesn't cut it anymore. When I want to do nothing, I will do nothing. Chatting online is something, so that defeats the purpose.

Eventually, I got tired of Dunkirk and decided to expand my Lepak Kingdom to University Park. That's how I stumbled across the papers, and read the article,

"NO FOOD FOR WIVES WHO DENY SEX"
(what the *censored*)

This is a new bill passed by President Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan. His past achievements also include "Women to have sex with their husbands every 4 days at a minimum".

How on earth could this have been allowed to happen? In the 21st century! I'm flabbergasted, gobsmacked, so shocked that I became instantly constipated.

The female race does not exist for men to have sex with, at their disposal. Even animals know that they have to deserve mating their rights, by fighting another suitor or by attracting the female. I am almost embarrassed to be genetically related to these people.

Imagine that, coming from THE PRESIDENT. Aren't presidents supposed to improve the welfare of people, and the image of the country? Why did the people of Afghanistan elect him to promote sexual slavery, starvation, and absurdity. With it follows death, large ill population, and worse, uncontrollable population growth that is beyond the economy's support. The reason why the people elected for a path of self-destruction, is beyond my comprehension.

Furthermore, who is to decide on other people's sex lives, people should be less of a nosy busybody! Every individual's intimate life is subject to their own privacy. Such ridiculous rules are almost implying rape. Getting married legally binds you to provide sex at demand to your husband. So then, what good is a marriage anyway when it's no different to being kidnapped by a rapist.

This is just so screwed up. But there's something worth pointing out though. It is possible that men have now evolved to be so unappealing to women, that they need to actually enforce a law in order to have someone to screw. Is that how gays started off? As an evolutionary measure to provide sexual satisfaction through same gender attraction, as opposite gender attraction seems to be failing one unfortunate gender?

For all you know, the bill was passed because someone's wife refused to have sex with him. For someone who disrespects women so much, I wonder why.

Boots Summertown 1848

2009-08-10T16:05:00.005+01:00

Alas, another summer placement with Boots has ended, with mixed feelings this time. Now that I'm not having anymore income, I've abandoned posh Oxford for good old Nottingham. Where life is more affordable.

To sum up the experience, it was enriching, but mostly enlightening. Fortunately for me, I remember the bulk of the stuff that I've learnt from my previous summer placement, so settling into work was not a problem. This allowed me more opportunities to polish up all the skills that I have, to develop my style of communication, and also to brush up clinically. It was a very pleasant surprise to know that 3 years into my degree, and I'm already pretty much equipped with most of the things I need to work in a pharmacy.

This is Nathalie, my tutor & a very experienced pharmacist.
Simply speaking, it was her dispensary, and she rules it with her Golden Rules. Hahaha, and believe or not, 2 weeks of telling off later, I was happily working within the comfort of the rules. I was trained with discipline and sensibility under her supervision. What we both have in common is our vertical challenges in reaching the top shelf.

For our top shelf woes, we had Toyosi, ex-Pre-Registration Pharmacist, current Post-Registration Pharmacist. So tall I never could peek at the crown of his head to see if he was bald over there, LOL. Talented bloke, and not one to go easy on the freshie summer student, he threw question after question in my direction. And I thank him for that, for I need the push. Now a freshly pharmacist, I wish him the best career.

Marjan, our part-time dispenser was really sweet, and funny. She's a friend of another summer student within the region, and that's how I got to know Ramak better. Hahaha... She left on holiday before I did. Hope she had a great holiday.

Monica, 18 and engaged. I am so jealous. For I have a bad feeling I'm going to be 81 and still be single. Loads of fun, and a talented dispenser in the making.

Alice, our sole solution to the Healthcare Counter, before I came by of course! A trainee Healthcare Advisor, she's nearly there, determined to take her last test before she goes on maternity leave. Baby David's gonna be out soon and I wish her all the best.

Meet my buddy, funky Renita from Estonia! Will miss her cheekiness everyday T__T

Lovely, sweet Kate from Poland, also very pregnant. (What is up with this store?) She's our permanent Trainee Dispenser, with only me and the pre-reg to help her out. I was lucky that she is a very patient woman, who tolerated well with my inability to locate items which I like to blame on my poor eyesight.

The latest addition to the Summertown family, Anne the new Pre-Reg! Oh, that girl's got attitude and Disney in her cells! Pity I hadn't met her sooner. But I know I will see her again, a qualified pharmacist!

Also, I will not forget Paul, Sarah, and Brigid who has been so kind to me throughout my placement.

As you can tell, everything at Summertown was awesome, except for the fact that Boots offerred me a position for after my graduation, in.... LOUTH. Ugh. Don't even get me started on that.

*rolls my eyes*

Last Minute Luck

2009-08-02T13:56:00.002+01:00

Sunday morning I was snoring...
Then my phone decided to ring...

I was sloppy when I picked up the phone, then every single cell of my body woke up when I heard that my friend lost her travel tickets and her debit card!!!

International student - Debit card = Powerless

And the worse thing was, she's due to catch a train, then a bus, and finally a FLIGHT.

Can it get any worse? In the end, I hastily scrambled out of the house, loaned her some cash, and helped her to the train. I'm not even sure if I did a good job as I was still tired. Fingers-crossed that she makes it back home without any more hiccups.

These last minute disasters are the worse kind. They catch you unaware, turn all your beautifully knitted plans upside down, making you feel absolutely hopeless.

It is in time like these, I think, that our survival instincts are tested. How well we cope in the face of adversities, how we build up our odds against the odds.

Keeping calm is not the best thing to do, because the brain will then be automatically be swarmed by a gazillion of horrible ordeals that are going to befall yourself. Isn't it strange that the human brain is designed to react to troubles in terms of "fear" rather than "solution". And that, is going to spell our extinction in times to come.

Or at least, that's what I think. The human mind is overrated, and is flawed. At least, I know that much.

Presentations

2009-07-30T21:46:00.002+01:00

I can't believe that my summer placement is coming to an end. 7 weeks of work flew by so fast. I can't believe I'm 7 weeks older already T___T It won't be long till I reach 30 and start worrying about my wrinkles...

Tuesday was Celebrate & Review Day, where all the summer students within a region gather, share, and celebrate their success. In other words, it is the dreaded Presentation Day. The day you "show off" your project, you brilliant light bulb ideas, and how "successful" it went.

Unprepared, I sent off my poster via email to the printers on Sunday, collected it at 9am Tuesday, only to attend the presentation at 9.30 am, the same morning. I was mighty impressed by how clinically knowledgeable everyone was. Frankly, I avoided the clinical project simply because I knew I would be rubbish at it. However, it seemed that I somehow did not do too bad with my business project, because I won Best Project in the region. Weee~~ Thorntons chocolates as the prize!

2 days later (today) I had to prepare for another interview with Lloyds Pharmacy. Frankly speaking, I was just drained from Tuesday, and really had no time to prepare for it. But since I got it, I might as well give it my best shot. Lloyds people were very very nice! And even that is an understatement. I was interviewed by the Area Manager, who really put me at ease, and patiently listened to what I had to say for a whole hour. I must say, although this was the day that I had to sell myself to him, he sold Lloyds Pharmacy to me.

At the same hotel where I had my Lloyds Interview, I met Ramak, another Boots Summer Student whom I met. He told me how upset he was that I missed out on the FRPS challenge. In case you're wondering, I was beaten by another candidate in my region by just 1 freaking sign-up, so I came up 2nd. He believed that the dude who beat me cheated somehow, and I could not believe my ears when he said he told his tutor about it, and even emailed our Pharmacy Area Manager about it. For justice's sake, as he called it.

I think he did that because he didn't think that dude deserved the prize:
An invitation to a Celebrate & Review Day at Boots Head Office, with other regional winners.

But honestly, I was secretly relieved that I did not win, because the prize sounded scary. It is awesome alright, but still scary.

For someone I have just met 7 weeks ago, he's one plucky fella who has made a very deep impression on me. He didn't have to care, but he did, and I appreciate it loads =) I don't know what I did to deserve his kindness, but I know he's gonna make a fine pharmacist one day.

Swine Flu

2009-07-19T17:19:00.002+01:00

I've had it! All the fuss and commotion about the Swine Flu has gotta stop! It is bringing out the worse in people to the surface, and it ain't pretty at all.

Boots the Chemist, Summertown branch have officially sold out of THERMOMETERS (digital, ear, forehead ones)! Just a few days ago, we were also sold out of PARACETAMOL tablets & caplets, and almost sold out of alcohol hand hygiene gels. And no, we don't sell FACE MASKS.

Today's society is mentally sick. Alcohol hand gels claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria, NOT VIRUSES. Innocent bacterias are dying by the gazillions, while the flu viruses are enjoying a killing spree.

The NHS has advised that face masks are not going to improve your chances of survival. Good hygiene, however, WILL! So can everyone please stop asking for it.

Paracetamol tablets will lower your fever, and help with aches and pains. But! It will hinder you from detecting the crucial temperature of 38'C that is needed for swine flu diagnosis. Also, can the regular paracetamol addicts please stop taking these pill as if they're sweets.

And no, having a second thermometer isn't going to give you a different reading for your body temperature. Stop buying them.

Everything you need to know about swine flu is in the papers, asking me or the pharmacists about it isn't going to give you a different answer.

Please give up on coming into pharmacies, if you think you have swine flu. Everyone in the pharmacy is not keen to catch your flu, thank you very much. No matter how many times you ask, we do not give out Tamiflu / Relenza, just because you want some. We don't have it! And I won't let you have it, even if I have some, unless I have orders from your doctor.

Unfortunately, panicking about the crisis isn't going to deter the virus from coming anywhere near you. Wake up!

Summer Sale Spree

2009-07-15T20:31:00.000+01:00

There will not be a single female that can resist the seduction of the notorious Summer Sales. I tried hard, in fact, I tried very very hard. I am embarrassed to admit that I succumbed, hopelessly to the evil sale.

I went on another spree at Jamie's Italian, French Connection, Accessorize, and Zara. The results were painful...

Tops, Coats, Hats.... OUCH!

Someone hold me back please!
But it was a very lovely weekend. I haven't had anything like it for nearly a year now, and I just know that days like this are hard to come by.

The sales in UK have been nothing short of exciting, incomparable to that of Paris, or KL. I wonder if Shanghai's gonna be any good at all?

When customers are not right

2009-07-07T21:47:00.002+01:00

Whoever that invented the phrase "The customer is always right" needs to be shot in the head a million times over.

It's a big fat lie, that makes no sense of all.

As you can already guess, I'm very dulan with customers now. This happened today. This girl came in with a list of drugs on her iPhone, written in a foreign language that I have no clue about. I could barely make out what they sound like and what they might be. She claimed that they were medication prescribed to her by her GP back in her home country. Fine. So I asked her what she was diagnose with, so as to help me get an idea of alternatives that I can get her in the UK instead.

She said Herpes. I reconfirmed it with her, and she nodded.

Of course I was shocked, she's very young. Among the drugs that I managed to work out with her previously, was one for Aciclovir, an antiviral. To me, Herpes = a nasty viral infection, and I know nothing more about it. At this rate it didn't seem impossible that she might have Herpes. So naturally, I would pass on this case to someone who might know it more than I do, the Pre-Reg Pharmacist, my pal Toyosi. And then I went on to serve other customers.

Minutes later, Toyosi asked me why I diagnosed her with Herpes. I was like "What the *beep* !!!" I DID NOT diagnose her with Herpes! Apparently that stupid girl told Toyosi that I diagnosed her with Herpes. That LIAR. How dare she accused me of such things!

Diagnosing someone with a viral infection as foul as Herpes would be the last thing on my mind! There's nothing available for sale that can be used for the treatment on Herpes anyway. I had no motive to diagnose her with something this horrible at all.

I believe I have not disclosed any details (physical description or nationality) that will lead to the identification of this customer. Hence, I have not breached any patient confidentiality here. I just need to vent out my annoyance at some customers.

That will go down as one of the worst ever customers that I have ever served!

To make matters worse on the same day, a customer picked up my pen, and put it in his bag, and left! He seemed very well-to-do, if not rich, well mannered and all that. It wasn't by accident, I'm 100% sure of that. I was missing a pen, and I stood there staring at his hand for minutes! But he ain't letting go of my poor pen. I turned my back for a second to serve a customer, and poof! He bloody stole my pen!!!

IT EVEN HAS "LING'S PEN" WRITTEN ON A STICKER, STUCK ON THE PEN!

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.... I am so frustrated I could throw pen darts at the customer if I wasn't paid a salary for this summer placement.

Cool down girl, cool...

Think:
Why are they our customers?
Because they're not smart enough to be the pharmacist.

My patience mantra, that will help me through this.

Guilty pleasures

2009-07-05T21:34:00.002+01:00

Everytime I get frustrated in something I will be spending! Ish. I really shouldn't get all worked up with those PCS quotas.

The results were disastrous:

Dirt Cheap Items on Clearance Prices
Head & Shoulders Conditioner 43p
Trevor Sorbie Leave in Conditioner Spray £ 1.22
Boots Skin Clear Facial Gel £ 1.22

Impulse Shopping
Zara denim shorts £ 14.99
Jamie's Italian £ 18.00

Total damage: almost £ 36.00 (this week)

Bad girl, Bad!!!

PCS my ass

2009-06-30T21:18:00.002+01:00

At the moment, I'm having a love-hate relationship with my work.

I love being put on the healthcare counter, catching people who takes the wrong medicines.
I enjoy being in dispensary, dispensing and going "AH, I know what this is!"
I like watching my pharmacist, and pre-reg's expression, when I manage to answer their questions,

(Oh, Nottingham, you are such a fine pharmacy school!)

The only thing I hate with a vengeance is...

having to fulfil my PCS quota, and doing FRPS.

PCS: Free Prescription Collection Service
FRPS: Free Repeat Prescription Collection Service.

These are some of Boot's evil strategies to retain and secure their customers, from the competitive clutches of Lloyds, Rowlands, Co-op and the like. These so called "Free" services, are meant to guarantee future businesses.

Don't get me wrong, these free services does come in handy to some people who really do need them. With these new initiatives, they can have a better life living with medication. However, there are also some which clearly do not need them, and also DO NOT WANT THEM.

Having a quota to fulfill, is sort of like forcing an employee to do something, for the sake of their job. I dislike having a quota to live up to everyday. What I hate even more, is having to shove these "services" to every single customer who is not on our program already.

You know, like a sales man, knocking on your door, trying to sell you some revolutionary product, because he has to fulfil his quota, else lose his job. The thought of it makes me feel constipated.

It is completely unethical, and unreasonable to me. The Pharmacist Code of Ethics No.1, clearly states, "make the care of your patients, your first concern", not your first business! I feel sorry for all the people that I met, for they had to listen to my lecture, and then figure out a way to decline my offer later on. It must've been more uncomfortable for them, than it is for me.

In my opinion, I would've been more supportive if it were left to my soon-to-be professional discretion, to promote the service to people who might need it. Instead of having to forcefeed everyone I meet, just so that I can fulfil my quota. Making my job or the business as my first concern is clearly in contradiction to the code of ethics.

If I stopped doing that, it would upset my tutor/ manager, as they are also under pressure from their superiors to push this service further. Eventually, it would also compromise my position as a candidate for employment upon graduation.

But then again, if this were kept on, I'm not sure if I wanted to work for an insufficiently ethical corporate organization who's more about making money out of the pharmacy, than running one for the people.

This is definitely pushing me to the brink of cutting off community pharmacy as a job prospect in my consideration. Tomorrow I will have to go out and face my quota again. My distaste for such practices, is making me struggle with my conscience, wondering if what I'm doing is the right thing to do...

Summer @ Summertown

2009-06-28T20:20:00.001+01:00

Work is definitely taking its toll on me.

Wake up, work, eat, bathe, sleep. Wake up, work, eat, bathe sleep.

There ain't a lot of difference between me and the farm animal. Except of course, I get paid in cash, hahahahaha!

As a quick update, everyone at Boots Summertown are very lovely. Nathalie, my pharmacist is half French, and has all the qualities that I need and lack at the moment. There will be much to learn, hopefully I don't drive her up the wall too much. But then again, we are both vertically challenged, petite individuals, we do climb the dispensary walls everyday! Ahahaha... for the record, I'm the taller one. Ahem.

Manager Paul is appreciated for his sense of humour. Lively, and well loved by the customers, he dominates the WOW reports every single week. Even I like him. My healthcare counter partner-in-crime Alice of Africa is my only company, enduring the torturous looping of cheesy Kodak music from the Kodak photo machine. Dispensers Kate of Poland, and Marjan of Iran were victims of my blunders and questionings in the dispensary, its a wonder how they can put up with me every single day, with smiles, and much patience. Fellow shopfloor colleagues include funky Monica, and bubbly Sarah, together they're a ball of fun!

At the moment, working takes out all the energy in me, driving me constantly hungry, and tired. Other than eating and bathing, I cannot be bothered to do anything else. In fact, at one point, I was contemplating not to bathe even. Not to worry people, I'm way past that phase now.

Now I'm just trying to build on my experience, and also do all my projects/learning/tests while I'm on it. It drives me tired just thinking about it =( Week 3 is coming to haunt me now. Everyone wish me luck.

Family Visit 2009 Part 2

2009-06-19T15:54:00.004+01:00

... Continuation

Sorry it had to be a long wait. Work was in the way. Work is in the way of everything, my sleep, my meals, my constipation. Like I said, everything. More about work later.

Wicked View @ Christ Church, Oxford.
Posing with daddy, sun getting in the eyes.

My butt is sitting on where they shot Harry Potter in the first movie, just before they were brought to the Sorting Hat!

The famous Dining Hall, where Hogwarts students have their first feast on arrival!
All ~~going to be~~ now taller than me =P

Suet Wah vs Suet Ling.
Lost kao kao to my sis in posing. I am short, and I can't pose, better suicide and die, rather than be a useless woman.

SuetWah, SuetMun, SuetLing.
Young, younger, OLDEST =.="
I freaking look PREGNANT here!!!

Where I got my smile, and my height from, MuMMy!

Sama-sama camwhores. It's the genes. *Nods*

Candid on Uncle Bear and myself @ Selfridges!
I really wasn't concentrating on the bald patch on his head. Honest!

Suet Ling, Mom, Suet Wah @ Borough Market with Turkish Delight!
Stupid eyebags, 1 week after exams, but it ain't going away =(

SuetWah, SuetLing, SuetMun + Chunky Clinique Hunk @ Selfridges!
For the record, he asked if we wanted to take a picture with him!

Other randoms that I like:

Uncle Bear the Proper, Ling the "Cho Loh"
For some reason, I'm enjoying my awful randoms. They're ugly shots of me, but I like looking at them. So I'm force feeding them to you! I look like an alien with 3 fingers here =P

"Yes! MORE fish'n'chips for me to eat!"

Mannequins @ Selfridges imported from Malaysia!

Sombong Ling, SuetMun, SuetWah, and MuMMy! =)

-------End of Family Reunion Photo Gallery------

Back to more news about work.
I am so tired everyday I cannot afford to online after work! Rants on that coming very soon. Believe me, VERY SOON. I need to rant before I go insane.

Family Visit 2009.

2009-06-12T20:37:00.000+01:00

Apparently my parents couldn't let me go without nagging for over a year, they had to fly over just to nag me, conveniently lugging along 3 other rascals to turn my over upside down and more.

No, I'm lying. I enjoyed it. Nag me baby, nag me!

I finished my exams on the 28th, high-efficiency-summer-cleaned my room (The Mom is coming to inspect, so the room has gotta be SPECK-FREE) , and rushed down to London to meet the lot on the 30th! Conveniently, they have a free tour guide, or so they thought. In actual fact, I don't know London any more than they do. I'm no Londoner! Throw me in the streets of Nottingham, and maybe I can go around for abit. London? I faint at the sight of that horrible tube map that always seem to deceive you into taking lines that aren't actually working. Pfft!!!

Tube Station: Waterloo
The first attraction we tried, The London Eye, for a good view of the Big Ben on the historical day that it celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Lucky us had a clear blue, nearly cloudless sky that day.

The ones eating away at my dads bank account.

Mom, Myself, Dad, Sister.
No resemblance, na-daa.

Trying to act chio, so I don't look like I'm 5 years older than my sister.

Mom = Gorgeous
SuetWah = Radiant
Myself = Hopeless

Tube Station: Tower Hill
Next up, I visited The Tower of London, for the 3rd time. Believe me when I say I'm tired of the place. Nevertheless, the little ones still need to see it. So, oh well, how nice of me to beat with it again, hahaha.....

Everybody say Yeo!

Huge ass sundial with a larger story to tell.
I don't know why the English enjoys taking time to build this thing just to tell the time.

Next Stop: Baker Street for Madame Tussauds.

Daddy is more than happy to see J.Lo.
Who has the bigger bump?
My dad's lump on the front, or Lo's hump on the hind.

Real Productive Parents vs Unproductive Adoptive Parents

Ling, Margaret Thatcher, Sherene.

My sister works for The President of the United States.
Yeng mou.

Posing outside The Buckingham Palace for paparazzis.

Lunch at Wagamama.

Uncle Bear, whose home was infested by me and my family all week, telling us who Prince Michael really is, hehehehe...

We were also at Nottingham City Centre!
And I even wore my £24 Pink Uni Hoodie to boot!

Of course, we visited the famous Hooters of Nottingham.
A lil too happening for daddy, but he enjoyed it nonetheless =)

They also met my future housemate, professional "conman" Albert, my "half-brother" NgeeZheng, and my personal sweetheart Grace, all future successful pharmacists.

To be continued: Oxford.

3rd Bloggiversary

2009-06-05T21:40:00.005+01:00

It is the 3rd year anniversary of Ling-O-Logy, my blog. I can't bring myself to believe that I am not such a hangat-hangat tahi ayam kind of person!

I thought I was.

The last thing I was over zealously committed about didn't even make it past the 2 year mark. Perhaps objects ARE more reliable than men.

It all started right at the end of A Levels. I started with a blog, and no men. The man came and left. My solace became my blog.

Therefore, the only logical conclusion would be to love my blog rather than men! Yay me!

*claps*

For the record, Post Tally: 252

Next up:

Family Reunion in LondonBro, Sis, Moi, Dad, ~~Mum~~ Sis, Sis

Post is coming AFTER I return from Sheffield. Too many things to do, too little time. And you'd think you have all the time in the world after exams. So much for post exam hibernation. It'll have to be postponed until further notice.

End of 3rd year

2009-05-29T02:35:00.004+01:00

Relief and joy rushes through every single cell of my body, for I AM FREEEEEEE...

I'm done with studying day and night, insomnia, and diarrhoeas. I've been studying for TOO MANY YEARS. Am utterly sick and tired of it. YUCKS.

I must say, this exam season was beyond happening!
Professional Skills 3: Pharmacy Law & Dispensing was supposed to be on the 18th, my first paper. As I was about to step through my door, a friend told me that the EXAMINATION WAS CANCELLED, due to SYSTEM FAILURE. It's an online exam that requires the use of computers you see. To make things worse, it was postponed to most unbelievable date ever, 27th MAY, between 2 other papers of mine on 26th and 28th. GG liao.

Studying my lecture handouts and my ugly handwritten notes for DGT. People who are considering Pharmacy should take a good look at these babies. My bread and butter.

22th MAY, was my next paper, Diseases and Goals of Treatment, an Open 1 Book Test. You think it's easy? Think again. In some questions, you need to write 4 points, to earn 1 mark. We were given 3 hours to complete 100% worth of questions. And yet, somehow we ended up pretty shocked that 3 hours was just about enough time! Must be the book flipping...

26th MAY, Toxicology. Choose 2 questions from 5, each worth 50 marks. We had only 1 hour. I wrote and wrote and wrote for my dear life, from the first second till the last. Seriously how can you write 100 points within 60 minutes? This was a shocker paper as well. For the past 5 years, they ALWAYS had a "poisoning" question, until this year. Nice la, give everyone a heart attack.

27th MAY, the postponed Law paper. Did I mention mention it was a Open 2 books, and 4 handouts test? But get this, the passing mark is 60%. For every wrong answer you get -0.5%, yes a freaking NEGATIVE mark. So annoying. 1 and a half hours of True/False questions, 50% chances of getting it wrong, I was scared out of my wits.

Past Year Questions, 1 question = 100%.

28th MAY, Quality in Medicine Design and Usage. Now this is the most abandoned module in the entire year, as in, no one bothers to revise for it much. I guess I've underestimated it, it is a wicked one indeed. The format was, choose 1 question out of 3, the question is worth 100 marks. Tell me, how do you answer a 100% question? It is absolutely insane!

So that's a brief summary of my exams this semester. You thought Year 3 MPharm was easy aye? Think again.

Oh, now that I've officially finished my exams, I AM NOW A FINAL YEAR MPHARM STUDENT !!! I'm updating my template right there to show Year 4 =) -----> Go see!

Yes I am bragging. I've waited 3 years, lost so much hair, lost so much time to get there. It's the least that I deserve, bragging rights!

Special thanks to EeHow who helped me return my library books, and made me roast duck! Best meal I had in weeks!

To save time, I had resorted to salads, and smoked fish, or day old food. Salads are raw, and need no cooking haha! Smoked fishes are flavoured on its own, they only need heating up, or else I'll cook a few days worth of food in one go, and heat them in portions over the course of several days. Things I go through for my course. Sigh.

penis penis penis

2009-05-28T22:07:00.004+01:00

So I've been told I have under 18s reading my blog, and that I had better control my writing. But the thing is, I don't think there's anything wrong with it!

Among the more recent entries labeled as "inappropriate content", they are "Tofu Penis" and "The One with the Humping Turtle Video". However I'd like to highlight that both entries were inspired with content from U rated channels, The Star Online, and YouTube, respectively. These are readily available to them kids anyway. Besides, I don't think there's anything inappropriate about them! Call them Sex Education. In my time, it was called Sains Tingkatan 3 Bab 1.

It is nothing to be ashamed about. If anything, in the course of my profession I will have to discuss more 'disgusting' things with my patients! Emergency contraception, impotency and usage of Viagra and others, if required. As long as it's part of a mature conversation, it's alright!

For example,
Penis is a noun. Every other person on earth has it. Your dad has it. Your brother, boyfriend, grandfather and cousins have it. It's like saying every one has EYES. It's not a word that you should be ashamed of.

If you're not mature enough to handle this, you really need to go away and grow up some more. Stop bugging my family about it. I'm legally an adult, and these are my decisions. Besides I don't think I'm setting an awful example here.

My parents have no problem with it.
I'm completing my Masters in a years time.
I haven't done anything illegal.
I'm working over summer, probably earning more than your parents.
I go to church
I am a qualified first aider
I am a registered organ/blood donor in M'sia and UK.
I am 21.

I may not be excellent but I definitely don't see anything too terrible with myself really. In fact, these are things that young kids could actually learn from me.

If a little bit of drinking helps me achieve more, why not?
It's not illegal. In fact, there's a hormesis relationship with alcohol, meaning alcohol within limits are actually BENEFICIAL for your health.

Would you have kept the alcohol from me, if you knew that I wouldn't cope with stress as well without it?

Try being away from home for a year, dealing with a stressful Masters degree, having test/exams throughout your semester, and still have a load of exams at the end of the semester. Not to mention, summer job applications, post-graduation job applications, house hunting and such. Let's see how stressed will you get, smarty pants.

Bottom line, vices in moderation works in MY favour. As long as there are maturity and sensibility in judgements, I don't see anything wrong in drinking alcohol and saying the word PENIS.

Lazy Post of YouTube videos

2009-05-17T17:01:00.003+01:00

As most of you may have realised, my SPRING exams are here to haunt me again =( Expect less regular posting. As if I haven't been posting poorly already. BAH. Revision and stress started over 2 months ago, hence the poor postings.

Cue: Exam "Semangat" Song

Sent to me via Live Messenger by Big Bird, who received it from someone else.

Anyway, more YouTube to keep you all occupied while I'm gone.
(No new humping turtle video this time around, I think they've all gotten shy and went into hiding.)

1) Check out JUMBAFUND. *click*

In case you don't know who KevJumba is, it's time you do!
KevJumba is a prominent YouTube Comedian from the States. The amount of subscribers he has is legendary, he now endorses clothes, and also has his own website. His main channel can be found HERE.

Right now, KevJumba started a new channel to raise funds for charity. For every view, YouTube will contribute towards his account, and 100% of the profits will be going to charity. I feel strongly supportive of this, so I'm promoting it, especially to mean people who are in need of some good karma.

2) If you haven't caught the Britain's Got Talent 2009 bug, allow me to infect you. It's way cooler than Swine Flu.

It's extremely amusing, and they've got a whole variety of acts from miming to knitting to magic shows to stand up comedy, aside from the good old singing and dancing. You think you've seen all the crazy people on American Idol? Wait till you see this. *click*

3) My new favourite channel, COMMUNITY CHANNEL.

Natalie Tran is ethnic Vietnamese, born in Australia. You gotta love her humour, poking fun of stupid things we do everyday. Maturity is required to fully understand her videos. Small kids, go away. Come back when you've grown some armpit hair.

4) America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 (2009)

The name says it all. I have just watched the finale last night and I'm pretty disappointed with Tyra's choice of a winner. But hey, it still makes good TV. Young girls definitely have something to learn through this. It's not all glamour and beauty you see. CLICK.

This should be enough to keep you all occupied. I promise the next post is going to be something BIG. Don't say I didn't warn ya.

nasi lemak + arthritis index

2009-05-14T21:08:00.003+01:00

I'm not motivated to study at all. So here I am wasting some time, hoping that the guilt will kick in and make me a better person. Thanks to my friends, I managed to get hold of Nasi Lemak!

Dang-Dang-Dang-Dang!!!
Mempersembahkan... Nasi Lemak Nottingham!
Lebih hebat dari mamak punye Nasi Goreng USA!
Sedap tu, harga £2 boleh dapat paha goreng, 1/8 telur, 1/50 timun, beberapa biji kacang, sedikit nasi santan, dengan 2 sudu kecil sambal bawang.
Kat Malaysia jual berapa? RM1.50 kut...
Tapi takpe, perut aku mau jugak.

Sekian, terima kasih kerana cuba membaca bahasa saya yang teramat teruk.

Another problem that I'm struggling with, is my closest ~~friend~~ fiend, back ache.
On some days, it just gets especially bad! And today was unfortunately one of those days. The moment I woke up, I didn't want to get out of my bed at all! It feels like my back couldn't support me. Until I saw the above!

Apparently, IngChang claims that this website gives a more accurate weather forecast than BBC, so I've been trying it out. The arthritic index for today is "EXTREME". And then I wonder, if my back pain is related to it at all. If anything I do have a family member current suffering from arthritis, only that he's 52, not 20 =.="

Weather does have an effect on arthritic pain, I've heard people say it, I've read reports talking about it. It sucks to think that I might be feeling it =(

I'll wait and see...

Free-Free-Expensive

2009-05-11T12:03:00.003+01:00

This weekend was slightly more uplifting for the mood!

Having only 1 precious week left to my exams, I'm preparing myself for isolation and revision. I don't cope very well with distractions you see =P

I had a FREE fringe trim at Zullo and Holland, as promised with my haircut. Walk-in anytime + 15 minutes was all it took! No need for appointments, no need for amateur toilet attempts! I had Sue for my trim because my stylist was busy, but she was just ok. My preference still goes to Shireen, my stylist =P Next Gaga-inspired fringe trim after exams, heh heh heh. Free what?!

And then, I also enjoyed a FREE eye sight test at Dollond and Aitchison (D&A). All it took was an appointment made online at their website! They called me the very next day to confirm my appointment, and also called the day before to remind me of my appointment. With my NUS card, I get to enjoy the test for FREE! Wee...~! Goodness me, their tests were PRO-stuff! I had no idea what they were doing, but my Opthalmologist Charlotte was checking the back of my eye, the health of my eye, my eye sight, and even did a contact lens assessment! Definitely not your ordinary amateurish eye check in Malaysia.

The results? No myopic or astigmatism increment in both eyes for my glasses. However, my contact lens power has changed. I wondered how that happened, but I truly have been experiencing some trouble with my lenses. D&A offers contact lens by post, which is quite an awesome programme. Essentially, they will mail your contacts lens + fresh lens solution + fresh lens case to your door every month, being on the programme also includes free eye tests and big discounts off glasses/sunglasses. I might consider the programme, but it would cost me £20/ month, for the contact lenses that suits me. Gotta consider carefully. £20 is a lot of money!

That was just Saturday. On Sunday, I travelled to Oxford!

It was an essential trip to get my accommodation in Oxford settled, for I have not got time to worry about it after this. But it was unfortunate that it costs a whopping £48 for a return train ticket Nottingham-Oxford! Don't even get me started on the bus, it costs £50! Thank goodness I have got a 16-25 Railcard that took £16 off the £48 pricetag straightaway, leaving me just only £32.10 poorer =(

To make things worse, it was impossible to get a direct route to Oxford on that day. I ended up with the following route.

Nottingham -(train)- Birmingham -(train)- Banbury -(bus)- Oxford
10:23 13:55

and my return route was supposed to be,

Oxford -(bus)- Banbury -(train)- Birmingham -(train)- Leicester -(train)- Nottingham
16:53 19:51

BUT THEN!
There was a Birmingham-Nottingham direct train that was delayed for 15 minutes at Birmingham. I ran for my life, caught it, and managed to reach Nottingham at 19:05 instead! YAY ME! *claps*

It was expensive, but fruitful! I did manage to visit an accommodation, and we've both agreed to a tenancy agreement. I will now be staying with a family, at a price which is similar to what I'm paying in Nottingham. Awesome! I finished what I went there to do.

Butt is flat. Mood is stressed. Stomach is hungry. Body is tired. Exams are coming. Study now.

Kthx4readingbye.

Depression & Alcohol

2009-05-05T14:12:00.002+01:00

It took me a couple of shots to realise how depressed I was.

Sometimes, we need a wake up call every now and then. For me it's become quite a routine, to put on a facade after every wash of my face in the morning. Looking in the mirror, hoping to see a face that is not troubled by the thoughts in my mind.

I get upset easily. I really really do. You think you've seen it, but you really haven't.

Just because, no one really gives a damn if you're upset, and they can only "be nice" for so long. They all want to be around happy people. Why do you think humans invented Antidepressants, and not Antieuphorias?

Unfortunately, this world requires you to have "it". Not got "it" ? Fake "it", or face medication as society forces you to conform with their ridiculously imaginative ideals.

All the itty bitty bits and pieces get bottled up, and the pressure builds. At the same time, the inhibitions get stronger. It only takes some alcohol to start deactivating my inhibitions, liberating my emotions.

And then, it's like the theory of the shaken champagne bottle. Once you release the pressure, it spills out uncontrollably even before you can think of closing it. When all the pressure has been released, everything slows down leaving you a sparkling volume of champagne that sits obediently in the bottle until you decide to pour it out.

I hope the analogy made sense.

Alcohol, as a known depressant, somewhat liberates me. Confusingly contradictory? Me too. For something that some strive to avoid, I now have a newfound respect for it. Of course, there is always the quote:

"Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy. " Paracelsus.

At the moment, I'm just trying to cope with life, one bit at a time.
And hopefully, drinking one sip at a time too.

Raspberries and Laughing Gas

2009-04-30T22:44:00.003+01:00

Twas a rainy Saturday morning, I was out to run some personal errands, banking, posting, and all that are mundane. As I passed Fred Hallam, and they were selling raspberries at only £1 / box! Last summer, I remember them going for about £2-£3 for the same amount! Needless to say, the cheapo in me got the better of me. Joining the crowds, I was snatching a box for myself.

The raspberries that were selling like hot cakes.
Red, luscious, sweet and juicy raspberries <3
Can you see drops of raspberry juice around the box?

Look how fresh and succulent they look!!!
I was happy for the rest of the day =)

Another happy story, was my first experience with the infamous,
LAUGHING GAS aka Nitrous Oxide
(BNF 56 Page 680)

The Gas and Aidan's hand.
One of the gases which can be administered by a trained first aider.
As a St John Ambulance member, we basically had a Play Day on Tuesday.
Commercially called Entonox, it is indicated for mild analgesia for anyone who is in acute pain. For example, a pregnant lady in labor, or someone who's just broken a bone.

Aidan, a medic student, having a go at Entonox.
But of course, we're not interested in pain relief, but what it can do to a normal person, like Aidan. After 30 second of huffing and puffing Entonox, Aidan got high. Light headed and really high, laughing and giggling all to himself. When prompted, he likened the feeling to having smoked plenty of weed.

Thankfully curiousity didn't kill me, miao...
I had a go at Entonox too. I didn't really understand what "weed high" was, so I was just puffing away waiting for something to happen. And then, it just hit me out of nowhere and I knew it when it happened!!! I felt light, and I could feel my pupil dilate, and this sudden euphoria, WOW! Good stuff and good times indeed! I want to do this again!

We also had a play in a real ambulance, pushing all the buttons, turning on the sirens, flashing the blue lights, opening all the compartments, rummaging through their stuff, and taking rides in their stretchers, and trolley beds.

We had more pictures in the ambulance, but unfortunately they're in the camera of this adorable Hungarian fellow whose name I can't pronounce.

Rare light moments a couple of weeks prior to exams. Sigh. Back to serious reality.
Wish me luck.

Prescription for self:

Pharmacy Lectures
2 lectures bd
Quantity:4 modules

The most spectacular hangover

2009-04-27T14:59:00.002+01:00

My definition of a hangover:
Any unusual symptoms that follow a night of drinking.
Something that would have never occurred if I had not been drinking, and which effect wears off after some time.

If you accept my definition, then please acknowledge that I have had the most amazing hangover that I can ever ask for.

No vomiting / headache / lethargy.
(Although I did have a slight headache just before I slept, I suspect it was due to the poor ventilation at the venue, and not due to the alcohol.)

It was 15 hours worth of pure study mood with top quality concentration! Surprisingly, I was wide awake by 9am, and had the willpower of a most kiasu nerd to study all the way till 12am.

Strangely, I didn't drink that much.It was only about 2 shots of vodka, and 1 shot of chivas. I went home walking in a straight line, dead sober I was. Having only a lobster red complexion and a racing pulse, that was all to my drinking.

How awesome is that?! I don't need to question how it happened, for I only cared that it happened! It's now Monday, and that effect has worn off. Back to being the lazy humbug that I am now.

I need to get "it" back! Drinking again anybody?

Karaoke Song Bird

2009-04-24T13:22:00.003+01:00

With my toxicology assignment, and the first of my dispensing assessments over and done, I was in the mood to blow off some steam. The Bird who had a tough week with multiple presentations trapped in a suit, decided that he needed a break as well!

We were such geniuses to come up with an impromptu Karaoke session!!! For a small room at Terracotta, it's £8/room/hour. A medium room goes for £10/room/hour. But the manager was so sweet to offer me a medium room at the cost of a small room. AWESOME!

Yes, its was just the 2 of us. Because the rest of them were MALAS.
I guess that just goes to show how enthusiastic we were.
2 hormonally imbalanced psychos.

The Bird hiding his "square" face but not his new haircut.

The Spanish Songbird and myself.
Tackled all the English songs we could find on their karaoke system.
We left behind a huge echo of our attempt at ZOMBIE, woohoohoooo!

2 mics, 2 hours, 1 night of insanity goes a long way,
to keep 2 university student's depression at bay.
More karaoke anybody?

Meeting Emma

2009-04-22T10:47:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Friends International, I was assigned to meet with a local family.

Tom, Baby Katie, Emma, and myself

On Good Friday,Emma invited me over to their cozy home for lunch. It was a great pleasure, meeting them, they're all such cool people. Especially young Katie. She's so adorable, and she looks like a doll!.... I just can't take my eyes off her. I bet Kimi Raikkonen must be so jealous now, hahahaa...

My taste buds met houmous, and goats cheese for the very first time. Goats cheese was so very strange, but it tastes better with every bite, how very peculiar! Gonna get me hands on somemore and see where it goes. This is really English hospitality, with REAL english diet =P

Emma is very lively and approachable, she enthusiastically showed me her recipes books, because I was obsessed with making bread and butter pudding at the time. It so happened that she was also a pharmacist, and I was able to share my thoughts about the course. Her husband Tom works with computers, and is a pretty cool guy, he somehow reminds me of Lilian, my ex-roommate. Miss Lilian so much :(

I did not know what to bring for our first meeting, so I brought some good o' Seri Kaya. Thank goodness they loved it! I don't have anything else that is Malaysian to offer them, other than my Manglish, teeheehee...

It was a short and sweet afternoon that I will not forget. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to get to know the family better soon.

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

My assessments start this week so it'll be very very busy. You can tell, I'm not very inspired to write. That's because I had to take pain killers to sleep last night, but my period pain is still bugging me badly now =( Hate the agony! *throw tantrum*

I'm going back to bed. Good night, world.

West Side Story

2009-04-19T19:32:00.001+01:00

West Side Story

Live at the Royal Theatre, Nottingham.

I meant to post this up ages ago, but I've just been procrastinating so badly. However I'll do a short write up for it just for the sake of it because this was strangely the highlight of my Easter Holidays. Getting the ticket was a mean feat on its own, due to a couple of hiccups. Lesson Learnt: Avoid trying to plan events for a crowd, of which only a couple of people are interested in. I guess some people just tend to overlook the fact that I do take this very seriously.

Against of all odds, two true blue fans of musicals forced their way against the currents to land their butts in the prestigious Royal Theatre. I am very proud to say we made it!

The intricate interior of the Royal Theatre, luxuriously decorated yet understated.

No mere mortal will have the pleasure of ruining our dreams, and for our hearts very desire, we had to strive!

You see the thing is, people didn't realise what a huge fuss West Side Story was. So much for trying to save them from missing out on this hit musical, wishful thinking now terminated. The tickets were nearly sold out even before the musical arrived in Nottingham, leaving only randomly scattered single seats of the poorest quality available. Obviously the pricier ones, or should I say the ones with the best view were snapped out long ago. I have to give it to the Britons for being so passionate about their hobby. That is the exact reason why the tickets for the June'09 British Grand Prix in Silverstone were long sold out by April'09.

Rubbing it in the faces of those who tried to hold me back!

As if a miracle, I somehow managed to secure 2 side by side seats for the musical in the Dress Circle for less than £40! It was meant to be =D Don't ask me how I got them at that price and at that time, its a secret! The Dress Circle waiting lounge was posh! A grand piano stood majestically in the corner, serenading the patrons who were invited to indulge in some wine and fine dining that was available at the lounge. Grace and I, both felt crazily "elite", and it was a privilege to be there =)

Showing off pose. I watched WSS and you didn't!
Naa-nee-naa-nee-boo-boo
*Insert choice villaneous laugh here*

Dear Grace my "Date of the Day" looking as sweet as ever.

We were this close to the stage, and we can hear each tap from the dancers feet.

Unfortunately I cannot contribute any photography of the performance as any photography or video recording was prohibited. But goodness me, the reviews weren't kidding when they were raving about them.
The musical wasn't just good, it was BRILLIANT, SPLENDID, MARVELLOUS, SPECTACULAR, BREATHTAKING! The songs haunted my head, and the poor people who lived in the flats around my room, for days!!!

I was swept off my feet by Daniel Koek, the lead actor who played Tony.

If anyone sees his album anywhere, can you please let me know?
Here's a sampling of a self titled tenor.

Bread & Butter Pudding

2009-04-15T23:30:00.001+01:00

I made Bread & Butter Pudding the other day, and it is edible!!!
OH YEAH BABY!!!

I googled some random recipe, and just used the most basic recipe I could find.
Bread, Eggs, Milk, Sugar, Raisins, Vanilla and taa-daa~~!

I know it ain't supposed to turn out like this. Haha, actually I don't. I have not tried the real Traditional English Bread and Butter Pudding before, so how would I know how it should look/taste like? And you know what, I have no measuring equipment at all. No weighing scales, and clueless about how much a pint of milk is. I don't even know what is the volume in my own baking tray. It was a guessing game all the way.

Really main hentam kao kao.

Considering the circumstances, I am more than happy with the way it turned out. I had some comments saying it wasn't sweet enough, and the texture could be better.

And so the kiasu me, made a New & Improved version a few days later. Still without any measuring equipment, and using a new container, I made a better version, somehow. Don't ask me how, don't ask me why. I'm just thankful =)

My last attempt, and someones last meal.
*Evil Laugh onset*

Next one coming up when I am in the mood again. If you're interested to be my guinea pig, please contact me. My previous guinea pigs died of diarrhoea.

No, I'm kidding really. Haha, they are very much fat and alive, or are they?
*Evil Laugh tails off here*