Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Want to know me more?

4 jobs I have had in my life: student, student, student and forever a student...

4 movies I've watched more than once: Titanic (I've never any other movie more than once) episodes from TV shows- yes

4 places I've lived in my life: Kuching-Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur- Malaysia, Cardiff-Wales

4 TV shows I watch: Survivor, LOST, American Idol, Heroes

4 places I've been: Thailand, Paris, Venice, Barcelona

4 people who email me regularly: my cousin Bibi- and some junk mails from Facebook, Friendster and others

4 of my favourite foods: potato chips, chocolate icecream, KFC, kolok mee

4 places I would rather be right now: back home in Kuching, back in Cardiff, LA- USA, New York, USA

4 people that I think will respond: none :P

Sunday, April 27, 2008

An eventful week (extended version)

So this week is the last week of Endocrine. Tomorrow, we are going to start on the reproductive system.

Because we only had 2 days of lectures this week, gosh did we enjoy ourselves to the max!

On Tuesday night, watched two movies- one for cell group on the origin of the song 'Amazing Grace'. Then later in the night, me and my housemates watched 'Game Plan' at home. To my pleasant surprise, I actually enjoyed the movie! It was about a famous professional football player (played by 'The Rock') whose life suddenly turned upside down when the daughter he had never known existed suddenly turned up on his doorstep. The little girl was adorable!


On Wednesday, about 10 of us went to MidValley to catch a movie. But before that, I decided to join another group of batchmates to celebrate Adeline's birthday. The birthday lunch was at an Italian Restaurant at Gardens. That was the first time I've been to the Gardens! We had pizza and spaghetti- which wasn't really filling- but it's ok. I was just glad to be able to be part of Adeline's birthday celebrations.





After that, I rushed back to MidValley to meet up with the group of friends I was travelling with. We decided to split up to watch different movies. The girls ended up watching 'Definitely, Maybe'. I do not recommend this movie! It's so confusing.....and doesn't teach us what is morally right. You see, this movie is basically about a guy who fell in love with 3 women....and he was telling his daughter the story about his past love life, and which one ended up being her mother.


That night, my housemates and I watched '27 dresses'. Well, although it's yet another chick flick, but I enjoyed this one so much more than 'Definitely, Maybe!' I could really identify with the older sister, Jane (played by Grey's Anatomy actress Katherine Heigl. Always casted aside and overlooked....always feeling underappreciated no matter what. Well, of course the story has a happy ending- I'm still waiting for my happy ending to come! lol



Then it was my housemate Rachel's 21st birthday. So on Thursday night her boyfriend was planning to pay her a surprise visit. The catch is- he was supposed to appear at her door at exactly midnight on Friday. So housemate Fang Han and I had to plan this surprise- and cover up for him. He arrived at 11:30 pm and I beckoned him to come in quietly and hide in my room like we planned. But he decided to stay outside our house main door until almost midnight.

Then I quietly let him in. Well, Rachel did indeed seem surprised, because she didn't expect him to turn up! She got a jewellery holder in the shape of a ballerina from us, and liked it a lot. Throw in the necklace her bf gave her, and the earrings I bought for her on Friday, she was pleased. We camwhored with the presents she got. :p




On Friday- Rachel's actual birthday, we all took two taxis to 1 utama. We planned to treat Rachel for a buffet lunch at the Shogan restaurant there. After much difficulty, we finally found the restaurant. It is a Japanese buffet restaurant- but they do serve other stuff as well. I ate until my stomach couldn't take it anymore :p I helped myself to as much Sushi as possible- since during normal occasions- they are rather expensive. And helped myself to green tea icecream as well. The entire buffet lunch cost RM50 per person, which I think was worth it.






After lunch- we went shopping for a while- and I bought myself a pair of white shoes.

Then, we decided to attend another movie. This time, it's 'Forbidden Kingdom' a Jackie Chan and Jet Li movie. The action is great, but the plot not so.




So yep, that basically sums up my week :)







Friday, April 25, 2008

An eventful week...

Wow, what an amazing week I had!
The last week of Endocrine, a few days rest before Repro starts.

And I made full use of the long weekend I had to.....
a) watch movies
b) go shopping
c) celebrate birthdays!
d) umm....trying to finish up Endocrine notes before next week.

Will elaborate more on this post tomorrow, or the next couple of days....

Monday, April 21, 2008

IMU Ball 2008







Here are some photos from the IMU Ball, which was held on Saturday night.
It was the very first Ball that I attended! It was held at the Park Royal Hotel.

I did enjoy myself that night, I never camwhored so much before in my life!!

And I had the rare chance to dressup, makeup, and look good :)

In the afternoon, about 7 of us went to the Belle shop in Sri Petaling to get our makeup and hair done. I am really satisfied with my makeup :)

That night, we just ate, talked and camwhored the night away. I thought the dance floor would be opened, but I didn't get to dance.

p.s. Check out my photo album in Facebook for more pictures!!












I haven't written an emo post for a long time, so here goes....

Sometimes I do feel like I am being ignored, brushed off or just underappreciated. I know I sound like such a social outcast or sore loser for stating this, but at times this is what I feel!

I know that this should be an entry from a personal diary and not a public blog post, but this is the only way I can express my feelings to others. Because I am not an openly expressive person and I get tongue tied if I try to express myself in speech. But I don't feel inhibited when I scribble away with my pen or type away on my laptop keyboard.

I just want someone to appreciate me and love me for who I am. I am tired of always being a third party, a third person. Maybe I am being selfish, but I just want someone who will always be there for me, to listen to all my worries, to comfort me....
Right now, all I have are superficial relationships. The 'Hi' 'Bye' friendships, conversations which last for a few minutes the most.

The main reason why I never bother to tell anyone this feeling I have, is because the very first retort I would get is.....'Why don't you open yourself up to people more?'
Well, hello, I do talk to people ok? It's not like I keep my damn mouth shut all the time. If I don't talk or smile or greet people at all, maybe you can say so. I speak for myself that my social skills have improved by leaps and bounds compared to primary and secondary school. I am still shy and quiet somewhat, but not like before. See, you people don't even know me!! And don't expect me to pour out all my worries and life story to someone whom I just have a superficial relationship with.

So stop saying that I am quiet when I already step out of my comfort zone everyday to try and talk to people. I am not the talkative type- sometimes I don't even know what to talk about to the other person. But I try my best, I really do. It's because nobody knows me at all, that's why quiet and serious are the only words that can be used to describe me.

I put on this 'happy' facade everyday, when deep down inside I'm hurting all the time. I don't know, there is this burden in my heart that just wouldn't go away.

People have said that God can be my best friend. Well, it's true, except that when I talk to Him, I can't hear any reply. :/

I know that it's impossible to get everyone to know me, but deep inside, I just wish to reach out to more people, and make an impact on more people's lives. I always wonder, when I die, what will people say about me? Because right now, I don't think much can be said about me.

But it's ok, I'll continue living my life....and maybe one day I'll find someone who really appreciates me for who I am. Maybe one day I'll make a positive impact on people lives, and be a living testimony.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

IMU Idol

Just attended the IMU Idol finals earlier in the night. I sacrificed watching American Idol on TV to watch this ;) Oklah.....it's not really a sacrifice....since if you have a choice to watch strangers perform on TV or go to watch people you actually know in person perform live and you get to support and vote for them....of course I'll go with the later!

Anyways.....to my batchmates Weilin, Ming Hui and Cheng Yee....you all did a great job!! *applauds* Cheng Yee....if you ever read this....I admire your courage to step up again despite the initial drawback. That's the spirit! Weilin, I know you did your very best, good job! :) I still hold on to my opinion (thanks for listening :D) that 'You Raise Me Up' is a very powerful song. Ming Hui....you were your usual jolly self. Love it!

The person who emerged the eventual winner was Jade, a semester 1 medic student. I'm happy for her, I think she did great! :) I loved her outfit and her gentle voice. She must be really grateful for all the support she got from her batchmates and her family members who were also there to see her perform.

And Kelvin, don't know whether you still read this, but glad to see you there and playing an important role in this event :) Hope all is well with you, and really hope to catch up with you sometime soon. We'll always be there for you if you need us.

Monday, April 14, 2008

CF camp











Sorry if this entry seems too formal- I am actually writing up a report for the university newsletter. This is just a rough draft.

On the 11th to 13th of April, about 100 plus IMU students from various batches attended a weekend camp organized by the IMU Christian Fellowship. The motto of the camp- ‘Designed To Connect’. The central topic of the camp- redeeming relationships- be it with family, friends, ourselves or God. The purpose of the camp…..to have a better understanding of the relationships we have, and also restore and redeem the broken relationships in our lives.

So many people signed up this year, even more than the previous year. As the weekend approached, those who signed up were filled with anticipation and excitement.

Finally the big day arrived. We reached the Port Dickson Methodist Church camp at around 7 pm in the evening.
After being shown to our respective dormitories and having dinner, we gathered at the main hall for some praise and worship and an icebreaking session.

We were divided into 10 groups of 10-12 people. All the groups are being named ‘Connect’ but in different languages. I was in Group 2, ‘Conecte’ which is ‘Connect’ in Spanish.

The next couple of days were filled with sermons and other activities.
Sister Annette was is a very powerful preacher. She related her past experiences of dealing with all types of young people to us. It was heartbreaking but at the same time encouraging to hear all these stories about how some young people had to go through so much in life. She told stories about youngsters coming from broken families, youngsters dealing with drugs and rebellion, a young teenage girl dealing with abortion. The story that touched me the most was about a young boy who migrated to Australia at a very young age with his parents, but simply couldn’t fit into the society there, as he was mistreated and being abused on racist grounds. When he became clinically depressed, his parents finally brought him back to Malaysia, where he was again isolated. When he finally met with some nice people, and they brought him to church, it took him a while to realize that these group of people were worshippers of Satan.
Sister Annette also related some stories from the Bible, particularly the stories about Naomi, Moses and David.
All these stories made me realize that I can consider myself lucky compared to other youngsters. And it made me ask myself: ‘Would I be a Survivor? Would I be able to handle all the curveballs that life might throw at me?’ Her sermons also made me reflect on my relationship with myself, my family, and with God.

Besides the sermons, we had other fun activities- such as ‘The Appointment Clock’ game on the first night, whereby we had to ‘make appointments’ with strangers and then retrace them.
The ‘Missing In Action’ activity was held in Saturday afternoon, whereby we had to select one picture from a choice of 12, which we think attracts us the most. The two people from the box with the most occupants were asked to come up front to unravel a smelly and rotten piece of meat. This activity taught us how sometimes we get too caught up in all the materialistic things of the world, that our heart becomes hardened and toxic.

Probably the best activity of all was the ‘Viral Attack’ game. This game resembles the Treasure Hunt event during orientation, whereby we had to go to various stations and compete with another group in a variety of tasks. The catch- there are ‘viruses’ wandering about! The viruses, which were divided into the ‘H’ and ‘T’ virus, would try to catch the group members making their way to a station. In order to protect themselves from the viruses, group members would form a ‘bond’ and move in a group huddle, which protects them from being attacked by the viruses. In the end, the group with the most station wins and the most antiviral capsules left would win the game.

On Saturday night, we sang songs in front of the campfire, and some of us played Mafia.

On the whole, I really enjoyed myself in the camp. We all learnt a lot from the camp- from the sermons, from the activities. We got to interact with each other- form new relationships, rekindle old ones, and we got to meet people from other batches. And at the end of the day, we would take back fond memories from the camp- and the powerful message that Sister Annette preached- of love, family, and relationships which need to be healed.

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the camp Committee for putting in so much effort to make this camp a huge success. It wouldn’t have been so smooth sailing had it not been for their hard work and dedication.






Thursday, April 10, 2008

I got tagged....

Here's a tag from Joon Heng....

1. At what age do you wish to be married?
I don't dare set a target age to get married, because I would be disappointed if I don't reach the target. So....I'll just.....let it be.... When he comes, he comes :yup

2. If you would be stranded on a deserted island with 3 blog buddies, who will they be, and why?
Lynn Wei, Lynn Xuan and Zi Yun- simply because they comment the most on my blog. ;)(although others do read too, I know)

3. Where is the place that you want to go to the most?
America!!! My dream place :D

4. If you can have 1 dream come true, what will it be?
To publish a book

5. Do you believe you can survive without money?
Nope. Nothing in this world is free. But....we shouldn't let money control our lives!

6. What are you afraid to lose the most?
My loved ones.

7. If you win 1 million dollars, what would you spend it on?
A trip to America and several other places around the world. Then I would invest the rest.

8. If you meet someone you love, would you confess to him/her?
No. I'm too shy a person :p

9. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Gosh, do I really have to answer this? Ok lah .....
He is
a) charming - according to him
b) nice
c) seemingly quiet, but not quite
Hahah!

10. What requirement do you wish from your other half?
A Christian. kind and caring. Respect's women.

11. What kind of person do you hate the most?
Arrogant people.

12. If you are given the chance to go back and change the past and make a difference, would you?
My first instinct was yes, but then again, I now think that there is no point in doing so... let bygones be bygones. There is a reason for everything that happens in our lives.

13. Unconditonal love- what does it mean to you?
Loving someone for who they are.

14. If you had a pet orang utan, what would you call him and why?
Harry. Because he would be hairy.

15. If there is a war happening in your place, would you move to a safer place or fight?
Fight or flight response, huh? ;) Anyways, I would move to a safer place.

16. If you had a chance, which part of your character would you like to change?
The introvert part who keeps everything to herself. Also the part who likes to blow things out of porpotion.

17. Who is the person you can share all your problems with?
My mother. My housemate Rachel too.

18. What is your weakest point?
Being shy and quiet.

19. What is the thing you're most proud of?
Graduating with a degree in Neuroscience? Studying medicine?

20. Why do you blog?
To express myself more freely. To let other people get to know the real me.


Ok, I'm not tagging anyone in particular. Just feel free to do this tag if you want to.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Amazing Love



I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You
In all I do, To honor You

You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

In all I do, To honor You,
In all I do, Let me honor You.


Thank you, Lord, for this timely reminder. And thank you Lord, for recently opening doors of opportunity for me to serve you. Finally I can use my personal experience and my passion in writing for a greater purpose :)

And when you hear a testimony about how a non-believer who questions everything about faith also came to accept him one day.....you know that Christ is working in their lives and ours as well. ;)

Friday, April 4, 2008

Semester 4....

So one week of lectures have passed.

After a long holiday (slightly more than a month), I'm now back in IMU, and back to face the daily grind of a medical student's life.

I am now a Semester 4 student. Semester 4 is....they say....a 'honeymoon' semester, as there is no big exam this semester. However, some seniors warned me to not slack too much and start studying for the End of Semester 5 exams this semester. Because EOS 5 will cover 10 systems- all that we learnt from sem 1 onwards.

Incidentally, the next two systems that I would be studying- Endocrine and Reproductive system- are the two that I am most interested in. So hopefully, fingers crossed, I would do much better this semester compared to the previous semester.

Lectures so far have been- ok- rather boring.....except for the Malaysian Studies lectures (more on that later). I find myself dozing off in lectures almost everyday now. :( My study mood is back though :)

At first I wasn't pleased that I had to take Malaysian studies. I certainly didn't see the whole point of medical students studying about Malaysian culture and history. But the lecturer- oh gosh- I forgot her name- was very funny. From her croaky voice during the beginning of the first lecture, to her bold criticisms of all the various races.....she is certainly different from the other lecturers! I mean- is there any other lecturer who would proclaim out loud in front of the class that Malays are slow, and have no freedom of religion, that Chinese are loud, rude and only have money in their minds?

As for PBL- my new PBL group is.....fine....my new PBL faci....Dr. Juriah is rather nice. Initially, I thought that she was the serious type. But it turned out that she loved to joke and to tease us and even to sidetrack from the discussion a little.

And last but not least.....outside activities....

I was flooded with information about the latest news and events from the moment I stepped foot onto the uni grounds. It seemed like so much had occurred while I was back in Kuching for my holidays.
I just learnt on Monday about the IMU Idol competition. To be honest, I'd rather watch American Idol on TV, thank you :p However, I am fully supporting my batchmates!! Go WeiLin, Cheng Yee and Ming Hui!! You guys can do it!!

Then, the Christian Fellowship camp....which would be held the following weekend. I have registered and paid the money already. This time around...I would be missing several seniors whom I gotten rather close to, such as EeLeen, Sarah, Ivy and Joanne. But many of my batchmates and juniors whom I know are going. And my housemate Rachel is going too :) The theme is.....reconnecting with God and also reestablishing relationships with your family, friends and people around you.

And......guess what.....I am going to the IMU Ball!! I wouldn't go into detail about the story of how my housemates and their group of friends initially wanted to go too- and we had booked a table for ourselves. But it turned out that there was only 5 of us, and we had to find another 5 people to join our table. They became discouraged- or rather just lazy to go.
But I myself still really wanted to go, because this would be my chance of a lifetime to go to a prom. Plus, I already have a dress ready ( although I didn't exactly buy it in preparation for the Ball). ;)

So yep, I booked myself a seat on another table (thanks Evelyn!), and transport ( thanks Ho Wai! ;) and yep, hopefully I'm on my way to this prestigious event.

I am just a normal girl who wants to attend proms and dress up nicely like any other girl!


p.s. Yep, this semester is my last chance of participating in all these activities. Next semester, clinical school and working life would be fully packed!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Movies I've watched recently...




1. Juno

What this movie lacks in action, it more than makes up for it in scriptwriting and acting.
No wonder Diablo Coby won the Academy Award for scripwriting, and Ellen Page was nominated for best actress award.
Ellen Page was very convincing as Juno, the young teenage girl who had to deal with some issues way beyond her age and maturity level.
This is a beautifully told tale about issues that modern teenagers have to face with...including unwanted teenage pregnancies.

Rating : 4 stars


2. Oliver Twist




Another beautifully told tale, set during the Victorian times in Britain. Adapted from a famous Charles Dickens novel, the movie gracefully transports us back to these times. It's a joy and heartwrenching at the same time, following the path of a young orphan boy and how he navigates the dangerous streets of London and ends up in bad company.

Rating : 3.5 stars


3. The Devil Wears Prada




Enter the world of a modern working -class woman. Where high heels and fashion and a job in an established company are the priorities. Makes me not want to enter the working world yet, especially not with a boss like Mirinda!

Rating : 4 stars