Short and Sweet

Fruitful year

2012-01-01T12:27:00.002+08:00

My year 2011 goes...

...chatting with a bunch of close friends about new year and resolution at college gazebo. Study for finals. Celebrates cny during study break. Continue study for finals. MBBS finals. Got a young petient with renal failure and hemiplegia for my exams. Passed MBBS. Collected results from college. Decided to go Europe for a month. Paris. Seville. Barcelona. Rome. Florence. Pisa. Venice. Discovered my favorite place in Europe. Salzburgh. Innsbruck. Vienna. Munich. Prague. London. Glasgow. Edinburg. London. induction letter arrived while walking along Thames river. Emo. Fear. Went for induction. Posted to Kuching. Arrived at Kuching. Attended EBC sunday service stat when arrived. No regrets being in Kuching. Tagging in Ortho. Rent a house in happy garden. Stay with Inn Shan. Met new people. Learn to function as houseman. Attends EBC saturday with the young people. Met uncle Kester. Angel came to Kuching too!! Met uncle Thomas as my patient. Got an iPad2. Finished Ortho posting. Decide to go Kota kinabalu. Missed my flight. Arrive KK at night. Met uncle Thomas for the last time. (a moment of silence in remembrance of a passionate youth leader who went home to be with the Lord after fighting cancer for 3months). Caught up with Wilkins in the mountains. Had fun. Started pediatrics posting. Inspired by bosses. Like pediatrics. Saddened by the death of two children on Christmas and boxing day. Venting alot to wilkins. Still in pediatrics posting. Uncle Kester leaving to Perth. Planning for my end of posting break to singapore. Counted down to year 2012 at pertanak market with the young people. Count down according to apple's standard timing.

Praise God for a fruitful year.

Working life

2011-07-28T22:46:00.002+08:00

Psalm 15 [The Message (MSG)]

A David Psalm

1 God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?

How do we get on your guest list?

2 "Walk straight,

act right,

tell the truth.

3-4 "Don't hurt your friend,

don't blame your neighbor;

despise the despicable.

5 "Keep your word even when it costs you,

make an honest living,

never take a bribe.

"You'll never get

blacklisted

if you live like this."

I was already told that working life is way much worse than a life of a student. True enough, now that I've just gotten my 2nd pay slip, I realize the working world out here is, for optimistic ones, an exciting journey and for the not so optimistic ones, a scary path. More so if my work deals with people, their feelings and their lives.

I really appreciate people who guided me through this really big transition period of my life starting few months back. There were people who actually sat down and teach me how to face "the real world", what to expect, and what could I do to not have a shock of my life. and of course my mom's working atitude that inspire me the most. She is the one that showed me hard work is the core attitude to success. Then comes how smart we are, and how much wisdom and knowledge we have.

But all in all, the ultimate aim and objective is still the same. God's will.

Growing up in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, I've seen enough how people can chase after their dreams and desires without knowing how and where they are heading towards ultimately. I call it the rat race that I have to constantly remind myself not to get into. What is the point of running aimlessly with all other people when I know well enough that I have my future planned and authored by the Almighty God? What is the point of winning the race, bringing everyone else down and in the end finding myself exhausted and achieving what everyone wants to see me achieving instead of arriving at where God wants me to go?

God's rule is simple, listen and obey. The favor from God and people, the blessings and the supply will come when we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

I would walk straight, act right, tell the truth, not hurting my friends, despise the despicable, keep my words and be honest because I want to be invited to the Lord's dinner.

The Little Bits That I Can Do

2011-07-24T14:54:00.004+08:00

" You are really a good Doctor" - Patient Ach. (SMS)

Deep down in me, I know how incompetent I am as a junior doctor. He did not know that I always get scolded for not being able to carry out orders, for not doing the right test for patients and many more scoldings that had happened earlier on.

I do not know what was the diagnosis, what was the problem, neither do I know how to treat him.

All I did was spending an extra 1.5 hours after office hour on my post call day listening to him, understanding his needs and giving him the support he might need, with a smile. In fact, we did not mention anything about the disease that he was having.

Then I realized, all he wanted was just someone to talk to, and someone who are willing to sit down and listen to him. But with the tedious working environment that we have, how many of us can afford to do so?

As a junior doctor, I cannot make much decisions on how to treat the patients. And with all the never ending job lists (and even PPK's joblists), reviews, rounds and assessment, I sometimes find it hard to even put a smile on my face. What more sitting down and talk to patients.

I have to always remind myself, by God's strength, to grab the opportunities to touch lives, to meet our patients needs and constantly improving ourselves in terms of my medical knowledge whenever time and strength allow.

Because that's the little bits that I can do for my patients, with a smile. =)

Life is short, so make it sweet.

happy birthday to me!~

2009-08-19T00:20:00.001+08:00

finally get to update my short and sweet.

happy brithday to me!

did i see.... o_O

2009-06-29T13:09:00.002+08:00

did i just see an angel flew into my life?!

hehehe...

for everything we do, may it glorify the Mighty God that knows it all.

never that anxious

2009-06-27T22:57:00.001+08:00

never that anxious,

was thinking of what to do,

niway, it's done!

o_O

mom

2009-05-20T14:53:00.002+08:00

whenever i go back to KL, i always ask myself "how to stop mummy from ironing my clothes?" since she is so busy and she has to iron my brother's and her own clothes. thanks to washing machine and the dryer so that she does not need to hand wash them like last time.

besides, she always wakes up early in the sunday morning to go to the market to buy raw material so that she can cook for me before i leave for melaka. and she always complains that Flippy need to take bath. etc etc things that she wanna do but she has no time for them.

that's how she always busy her whole sunday out just to make sure that i can go back to melaka with my clothes ironed, my tummy filled while the house is still in good order.

in order to help her a bit, i tell her that i'll iron my own clothes in melaka. well, not that it's gonna help because by the time i wake up, all my clothes are ready for supremo ball (huh?! O_o)

on the way back to melaka last sunday, i was thinking about the sermon that was preached that weekend. it was about us using the energy we have now to serve God and glorify Him.

suddenly i thought about mummy. same goes to our parents. they just wanna use all the energy they have while they still can move around to give provide the best for their children.

i did not understand why she wanna do that...

...but now i found out that it is her joy to iron my clothes and cook for me while she still can. she does not wanna wait till she's old and immobile to regret not giving her best for me.

same goes to all the parents, i believe.

thank you mummy!!!

i'll remember to bring more clothes back next time! aha!

blue or gray?

2009-05-18T12:28:00.001+08:00

hit by monday blues..

or it's just me?!

bah!

short and sweet, and blue

i'm melting

2009-05-14T13:09:00.002+08:00

was suppose to follow Inn Shan to hospital today. as he made sure that I woke up so that we won't be late for class, he gave me a morning "message" (instead of call)

my reply was this
"i don't wanna wake up. i know if i wake up now, i'll melt"

i don't know why i used the word "melt" but that's what came into my mind after i decide not to say "collapse" because collapse sounds like sudden cardiac death.

dang! i'm tired! dead tired.

Dr Wilkins!!! harlo! and bye!

oh no!!!

2009-04-25T14:40:00.003+08:00

cousin: "heard that you have a girlfriend wor..."

me: "huh?"

cousin: "my dad said you brought a girl to his office that day"

me: "oh!"

-_-

if all girls that i bring to bukit bintang are my girlfriend,i'll be super busy, man!

knocked some sense into my head

2009-04-05T02:09:00.002+08:00

talked to pastor foo and everything make sense to me.

thanks pastor! will try my best to focus on the big picture.

what the?!

2009-04-03T23:49:00.000+08:00

what kind of dream is that?!

ish!

Love Bug by Jonas Brothers

2009-03-26T15:55:00.004+08:00

Called you for the first time yesterday
Finally found the missing part of me
Felt so close, but you were so far away
Left me without anything to say

Now I'm speechless,over the egde just Breathless,
I never thought That I'd catch This love bug again
Hopeless, Head over heels,In the moment,
I'd never thought That I'd get hit by This love bug again

I can't get your smile out of my mind
(i can't get you out of my mind)
I think about your eyes all the time
Your beautiful, but you don't even try
(you don't even, don't even try)
Modesty is just so hard to find

Now I'm speechless,over the egde just Breathless,
I never thought That I'd catch This love bug again
Hopeless, Head over heels,In the moment,
I'd never thought That I'd get hit by This love bug again

Kissed her for the first time yesterday
Everything I wish that it would be
Suddenly, I forgot how to speak
Hopeless, Breathless, Baby can't you..see

Now I'm!

Now I'm speechless,over the egde just Breathless,
I never thought That I'd catch This love bug again
Hopeless, Head over heels,In the moment,
I'd never thought That I'd get hit by This love bug again

LOVE BUG, AGAIN

Nice song!!!

the opposite

2009-03-25T12:13:00.002+08:00

people always says when a girl says yes, it means no and no means yes.

aha!

like you ask "you want ice cream?"

"don't want!"

(an hour later)

"you should have bought me ice cream!"

BUT!!!

what if a girl says "dont' know"??

something to think about...

pain

2009-03-25T12:07:00.002+08:00

got kicked on my wound today during posting...

niway, reminded that whenever there's a wound, we should remove the plaster fast so the pain is just for once.

i can't afford to play the long lasting painful game that other people can.

self control is cruel... to me, and to you.

how good if certain things can be short and sweet...

MC

2009-03-22T11:46:00.001+08:00

i need to lie down more!!! otherwise i think my wound is not gonna heal

one stupid thing!! WHY didn't i get MC from the doctor?! ish!

either or

2009-03-20T22:37:00.003+08:00

I should...

...either have self control...

or do it the cruel way.

self control!

so weird

2009-03-18T18:35:00.001+08:00

feeling so weird.

so scared also.

how will i feel?
ya, down there.

hmm... another scar on my abdomen tomorrow

emo ness

2009-03-17T14:06:00.003+08:00

God never fail to amaze and amuse me. Or maybe I’m the one making fool of myself for taking everything in my hands and never seek Him first in everything that I do.

And He speaks in weird hours too. This time was when me doing my laundry.

I still remember I asked God the same questions over and over again for the past few months. Ever since I’m back from India, to be exact.

“WHY?!”;

“What is it that you wanna show me?!”

“If you’re there, stop it!!!”

“What is this that I’m feeling?!”

and all I got was silence

Many things happened. And I just cannot describe the feelings in me towards my friends and whatever that took place between us. And of course, I’m confused and maybe reacted inappropriately. Or maybe I’m going towards getting a psychiatric illness that I’m just lost. Don’t know. But I know I cannot give up on God.

The thing about human being is, we think that we are smarter than God. And God always proves that wrong.

This go back to long long time ago when niCk was still an ah beng who heard about committing to God in the area of relationship. I made a decision. I was to dedicate my teenage to serve and seek God before I get involve in a relationship with a girl at the age of 21. That was my commitment to God. It was all “amen!” “I’m gonna keep the promise” all passionate!

And I kept it! I told people bout it and made sure that I keep it. And I should say, it was a fruitful effort. Ok, I’m not saying this to condemn those who are in a relationship cannot serve God or not godly as such. I was just letting God to prepare me especially in the area of BGR. Somehow I knew that it’s more that just a guy and a girl. It darn complicated.

Yes it DARN complicated!

I fell in love with a girl in the process. It’s more of a love-at-first-sight thingie. But I knew that I cannot doing anything until I’m ‘free’ and ready. It wasn’t easy. It was even harder when I get to know that the girl was leaving to another country. That’s when I get my first lesson.

And that’s the year I turn 21. (talking about God’s timing, it’s like, “uwah, so ngam one?!”)

First and most importantly! It’s God’s plan that matters.

When I realized my feeling to the girl, I literally mind-mapped a plan from how to go after her till building our own family. I wonder why I could think that far… and puff. Everything was gone when things just don’t seem to go according to my plan. At that time, I tried to fit my plans into my prayers, praying that things will work out the way I wanted. But that simply doesn’t work if that’s not what God wants. And you ask me how do I know if it’s God?! Try talking to Him and you’ll know.

Now I know why, why I could have such strong feelings for a girl and simply let it go. Just because He wants me to surrender to His ultimate plan, have faith in Him and sacrifice.

(oh!!!)

Next was the effect of BGR on friendship.

OMG!!! Tell me about it man!!! @#$@%$

Ok ok cool down.

One sentence: “BGR can spoil any friendship badly.”

God actually let me go through the worst case scenario in terms of friendship in the midst of BGR. It’s very true that in most of BGR, friends are no longer important to the person because they thinks that they found a world of their own with the person they like, so there’s no need to care about friends that use to support them, laugh with them, correct them and, yes, CARE for them.

Still remember one of the hurtful situations I went through was my best friend telling me that I was too demanding as a friend, putting too high expectations and indirectly telling me off so that I do not disturb him impressing the girl that he likes.

Friends can amaze you with things that they do.

Well, of course, those are last time.

One day Yew Kong talked to me about people who don’t care about their friends once they are in a BGR.

and he asked me “will you become like that when you get a girlfriend?!”

“what do you think?”

“I think you won’t lo…”

Yes I won’t! because I know friends are important. If you can’t be good to your friends, how can you be good to your partner?

You may say “well that’s the person I like what?”

Isn’t that putting on a mask then? A mask that you put to impress him/her and to win his/her heart at the expense of friendship. That’s when all your friends are invisible to you because friends are just not so important at the stage. How fake.

Now I know how it feels and I don’t think I can do that to my friends.

Going through the ups and downs, I understand how depression feels like, how jealousy can blind people’s eyes, how anger can burn the things around me, how is it to feel lonely and being left out, how is it to soak my pillow with tears (oh man! Damn sissy… (true man cries!!!)).

And how stupid I am if I were to have a girlfriend.

Thank God that I didn’t have to go get involved in a BGR to go through all these or else I think I won’t be able to handle it well.

Now, when I ‘m ready to get into a BGR, He even gave me a guidebook. An awesome book written about BGR in Christianity.

The question is, who is the one? Who shall I go through that book together with?

One thing that I always regret.

or we should say, it’s God’s timing.

When I was not ready back in Manipal, I missed an opportunity

and I’ve even looked too far not knowing that somewhere near there’s someone.

But now when I’m ready, nobody is available…

God, help me.

omg

2009-02-28T00:35:00.000+08:00

omg omg omg

study!!!!

now i know

2009-02-21T10:50:00.003+08:00

now i know what a timing belt is.

wait, don't really know how it works, but i know how much it cost.

it's EXPENSIVE!

talk about driving Hyundai car.

i knew it!

2009-02-21T01:04:00.003+08:00

yes! I knew it!

I seriously have bipolar!

I'm gonna make October this year a Euthymic month for me... please...

one of my new year resolution.

whatever again -_-"

good to be at home.

I have a TM too!

2009-02-17T15:51:00.001+08:00

was talking to wilkins the other day and out of a sudden this came

"Life Is Colourful, If Not Shitty" (TM)

L.I.C.I.N.S. (TM)

that's mine now!

i think so

2009-02-17T15:38:00.001+08:00

i think i'm having bipolar...

since i'm saying this, my insight is good!

whatever

2009-01-25T12:23:00.001+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

eh! wrong colour for CNY

again, Happy Chinese New Year!!!

-_-" whatever

Stress-nya

2009-01-12T15:09:00.006+08:00

RM 269 for
RM 129 for
RM 299 for

Had mid posting examination for surgery on Saturday. A week before that, I was studying like a medical student. So I decided that after the examination, it should be my non-academic day.

Exam went well and *hip hip hurray! there was no more class for surgery posting students after that. So I immediately went back to the hostel, got changed and "here I come! town!"

I went to Mahkota Parade alone.

First I went to the ATM. Then I was in Starbucks. Then I went to Adidas Shop, World of Sports Shop and some other sports shop. The I passed by Croc's shop. and before going back, I stopped at a stall in Sony Promotion Fair which sells Walkman.

*grin

Since it's I was not suppose to study, I went back and sleep before going to the gym. Met Jun Han at sports complex and we ended up having dinner together.

Right after dinner, Jun Han didn't wanna join me for shopping, so I dropped him back at the hostel and then off to Jusco I went. Yes, alone.

Got "rubbed-in" by Li Jian when he asked me with a one-kind face when he saw me "why you alone one?"

-_-"

RM 26 for
Niway, I went over to Melaka Mall Parkson, dropped by at the toys section and then went to the cashier counter before heading back to Jusco.

Continued shopping till I got claudication pain (self diagnosed) which was aggravated by walking through the frozen section of the supermarket.

Oh no! that's so academic.

hmmm...

Was back in the hostel de-stressed at around 11pm with my Rubik's cube ONLY.

If I had more money, I would buy the Adidas Campus Shoe, a Croc shoe and a Sony Walkman.

*grin

mom, are you reading this post? hello?!

OMG!!!

2009-01-10T12:05:00.002+08:00

OMG!!! now i seriously feel like a medical student.

First, I buy books. medical books. like you know, I don't go shop for new clothings no matter how much mom beg me to since it's cny. I'm just too lazy to think what looks nice on me.

Then I eat books. yes, medical books. hmm... anybody going for a nice meal this weekend count me in. sick of eating for the sake of eating.

Then I shit books. hmm. Need to eat more fruits and try to wake up early and shit.

Then I sleep books. OK. there's no way that a medical student can get enough of sleep. or maybe it's just me. I'm slow in studying and easily get distracted. (shouldn't have changed my guitar strings!!!)

AND!!

Now I'm scare of books.
but I still read notes.
oh it rhymes like, you know? it rhymes...

ish!!! study, study, and study!

But I enjoy it la. Cause they say if you're not enjoying what you're doing, better don't do it.

Well, I'm stuck in medical school for five years.

Hope I don't come out a "bloody stupid donkey"

Now you know what posting I'm in.

Bye to everything

2009-01-09T10:09:00.002+08:00

year 2008 was not a good year for me to reflect on. in fact, i've stopped journaling altogether cause i just don't wanna look back at it anymore.

so no point elaborating in here all those disappointments, loneliness and friendships (one thing that i thought i should treasure) that i have to let go.

Bye 2008! Bye everything!

the man!

2008-12-28T16:13:00.002+08:00

He's a good leader.
He plays the guitar and leads worship.
He inspires me.
He's now a missionary.

Seeing him again reminds me of the advices he gave me. Reminds me of the passion I had and still having.

Seeing him reminds me that i need to practise my guitar more often.

Seeing him reminds me about what is in God's heart - mission, to touch hearts.

Seeing him reminds me about the need of drawing boundaries in relationship with girls.

He's not I.P. Man (most of the people I know call Ip Man I.P. Man. Somehow.)

He's H. Man then.

Good that you're back bro!

unforgettable Christmas

2008-12-25T02:49:00.002+08:00

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

With all the disappointment, confusion, broken promises and heartache, I was so scare to look back, reflect and move on. I neither wanna speak out my problems and solve it (cause nobody wants to anyway) nor I wanna move on.

I thought "die lo!" how can I carry all my 2008 burdens into 2009?!

But never knew that God can use simple things to remind me that He is bigger that any problems that I'm facing.

One thing that Wilkins told me helped me hit some sense in me. One thing that keeps people from moving on is dwelling in the past. If you keep looking at the past, you'll reflect on the good things that has happened, things that you treasure. Then it will add more to the bitterness you feel when you think about what went wrong.
The best way is to stop thinking about what was behind no matter how sweet the memory was and think about the future, what should be the focus and what should be done.

Word of wisdom huh?! but many a times, wisdom is very hard to put into action. Maybe because I'm dumb la.

God strengthened me again to put down the past and to move on, to LOVE HIM more.

Was in Auntie Sow Kuen's house just now for a Christmas Eve party and when the carols are being sung, God's love just flow through my heart and all I could say at that moment was "I LOVE YOU, GOD"

I know for sure, this is not just an ordinary Christmas for me. He showed me greater things that I couldn't see.

unforgettable Christmas...

angel

2008-12-15T15:38:00.002+08:00

God sent you to listen to me, to give me advice and to make sure that i'm doing fine when i'm in need.

Thanks!

seems like the time for us to part will soon arrive.

i wonder what life would be when you leave...

thanks bro!

drive safely! aha!

sien

2008-12-01T15:41:00.003+08:00

*sigh

sien

very sien...

-_-"

randomness of me.

i want this:

word of wisdom

2008-11-29T15:08:00.000+08:00

do not leave your retainer at home because it will cause pain when you try to put it on after two weeks of not wearing it.

i always thought

2008-11-27T15:06:00.003+08:00

i always thought a a friend will be there with you supporting you when you are in need because i was taught that a friend in need, a friend in need.

two words: "yeah right"

people whom you trust so much will think that you're weird and turn away from you pretending that nothing has ever happened.

damn it!

Ohana?!

2008-11-24T15:39:00.001+08:00

From Lilo and Stitch:

"Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten"

-_-" (sigh...)

hmmmph

2008-11-24T15:20:00.003+08:00

adivce from a friend who cares

"if you think it is bringing you more hurt (than comfort and security), just let it go."

if ever letting go is that easy...

it's damn hard

damn it!

I've Decided

2008-11-15T23:02:00.003+08:00

Talked to one of XYZ leaders just now. Really glad to know that DUMC is one of the church in the world holding the highest standards when it comes to BGR. Thanks to the boldness of the leaders in church to address such issues in order that the members develop a proper BGR and to ensure an everlasting marriage.

Knowing this, I've decided:

To hold on to whatever that XYZ has taught me and

Not to expect that others, even christians, to follow the same standards that I follow.

For all you know, when you try to help, people might think that you're weird or misunderstands you for doing it with other motives. So, no point burdening myself with other people's problem.

Enough is enough.

Move on, niCk.

word of the season

2008-11-08T17:14:00.001+08:00

Word of the season: "Yeah Right!"

in BM it is "kononnya"

don't ask me what is it in Chinese, I don't know.

well, who cares...

give me a break

2008-10-24T14:04:00.000+08:00

I'm so tired.

Need a break, like the Deepavali Break which is starting tomorrow.

I want to sleep and just do nothing at all.

In 7 hours time I'll be lying on the couch in my house online-ing.

I wonder how life's gonna be after Deepavali break cause the next break is gonna be Chinese New Year.

hmmph...

I am "what are you doing right now?"

2008-10-03T12:47:00.002+08:00

you know in Facebook you have this "what are you doing right now?" column. I feel like doing it here.

nickson is emoing but not showing it
nickson is wondering
nickson is hosting sanjeev and kok in his house
nickson is updating his blog with nonsense
nickson is "what are you doing right now?"

bah!

Bentong

2008-09-19T02:20:00.006+08:00

Went back to Bentong with my uncle last Thursday. Got permission to use 7th auntie's camera, so did some photo shooting when I was there. Tried to learn about the effects of different shutter speed and aperture - Some photography jargon that I heard over and over again from Vincent.

My grandpa house number is really weird. It doesn't go according to numeric order along with houses in that street. Our house number is 254 but both out neighbour's house number is neither 255 or 253 or anything near 254. maybe 798 or 364 . I always wonder how does the postmen send letter to our house and why is it so.

This flower is known as Dancing Lady for the shape of its flower which resembles a lady dancing in a yellow dress. The first time I saw this type of flower was during out trip I Sikkim while they were having an International Flower Exhibition.

I was like, "uwah so cool! seriously look like a lady dancing."

Didn't know that popo has them too.

popo also plants a lot of fruits like,
Custard Apple
Pineapple
There's once 4 pineapples combined together as one in one of popo's pineapple tree (do we call them trees?) It was a gigantic one, seriously.
Rambutan which is duper sweet.

Really love going back to Bentong. To see my grandparents or simply just enjoy the quietness and peace in that place.

Reflection time. Dunno why I love taking photos of reflection. Probablye it is simply nice without much skills needed to take those shots.

Photos brought to you by niCk!

So cool

2008-09-05T18:21:00.001+08:00

I am udating from a iPod touch in gardens, mid valley city. So cool

Primary School gathering

2008-09-04T12:30:00.007+08:00

It's been 8 years I left my SRJK(C) Naam Kheung. And 8 years is like, so the LONG! Since each of us went on our own way after leaving the school, only some of us managed to keep in touch with one another.

Until recently Edwin Seah initiated to collect our new contact numbers, update the directory and finally have a reunion.

Still remember the biggest reunion we had before this was in 2002 at my house. Initially it was suppose to be my brithday party which I intended to invite some of my primary school friends along. The planning was very early, hence the news spred to so many people and it turn out to be a reunion party instead. Some didn't even know that it was my birthday. We had a great time catching up with one another.

Then comes another reunion in the month of May this year which I'd missed.

And here comes another gathering in Wong Kok, Leisure Mall:

Kuan Koon
See Hooi and Edwin
Zhi Wei and Pearline
Chooi Yee
Hon Kan
Wye Liong and Shang Yi
Jia Hong and Xiu Pei
Kah Yee
Mei Sia (hope I got the spelling right?!) and Li Mun

Out of 50 in our class (6B) only 15 turn up. But small groups like this good to catch up with one another. I don't think we'll get the chance to talk to everybody if 50 of us were there.

What made the reunion more meaningful was that Chooi Yee brough out class photos and her biodata book (or whatever it is known as) - those days we love doing that especially during finaly year.

Some of us talked about the past, interesting things that happened in the class last time, who got punished by teacher, funny teachers etc, while another side of the table talked about the future, who is getting married, whe is planning to get married etc.

Gathering ended when one person left the place. Like what Kuan Koon said, "It's a chain reaction, one leaves, everybody leaves"

Well, I was in a hurry le... aha!

Nice to catch up with you guys! Let's have another one with our teachers together?!

Thank You!!!

2008-08-29T01:08:00.005+08:00

Hey people! Just to let you all know my mom is doing fine. When I left the hospital, she was a bit febrile. Hope it'll subside with paracetamol.

Thanks for all the prayers and support. Special thanks to those who made an effort to come and visit mummy, the flowers, the fruits, the whatever that you all think is good for her...

Big thank you!!!

Here are some flowers that mummy received today. From her company and 8th auntie & family.

When Lai Yin saw the amount of flower mummy has, she said, "now you got work to do. go dry all the flowers and make something out of it."

I replied, "any other more manly things for me to do?!"

niway, the nurse suggested us to bring those flower back to prevent pollen from flying around and cause allergic reaction. So I had to carry all those flower-cum-fruit-basket hamper back home.

After separating those flowers and fruits, I found out that the amount of fruits is so a lot. Never in my life I've seen so much apple in my house fridge. Since my mom cannot eat solid food currently, so I think me and my brother have to eat fruit salad for every meal these few days.

And come back to the flower. They are real and look so nice. So i decided to dry it like how all my aunties instructed me. hmmph... girls stuff.

BUT!

I did it in a manly way:

K la. I can't really find a books heavy enough to to that. So I use the dumbbell instead. So I can put it back after I work out.

OK whatever it is, I'm very tired. Please pray for me that I'll get enough strength until mummy is much better. Running around since morning till midnight is really tiring.

Mummy, Get Well Soon

done!

2008-08-27T11:31:00.003+08:00

operation was successful!

Thank You Jesus!

Thanks for all the prayers and support.

gotta go up and see mummy now.

Hospital

2008-08-27T08:54:00.001+08:00

Mom just went into the OT. Op is gonna take one to two hours.

God, be with Mummy. Thank You! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Updating from the hospital

Get well soon

2008-08-27T00:32:00.002+08:00

Mom admitted to Bangsar Pantai for hysterectomy scheduled at 9am tomorrow.

Get well soon mom! Will pray for you!

Do uphold my mummy in prayers, friends. Thanks!

Happy 21st Birthday, niCk!

2008-08-26T17:29:00.008+08:00

Ok, I need to post this up before August ends.

Happy Birthday, niCk!

This year's birthday was real simple and in fact, non-celebrative. Most people even forget about it. Nothing was done, no party, no nothing...

...but with a special meaning.

19th August marks my last day in India which also marks the beginning or my adulthood. Oh man, so serious!

I could say that my stay in India changed my life a lot. As I end this chapter of my life, both my stay in India as well as my childhood/teenage/whatever you name a non-adult person, I'm really excited to move on and see what God is going to do with me.

Usually 21st birthday would be some really big hurray, party all night, booze all night things like that, but I chosed to spend this special moment with special people. And that's my birthday wish: to spend time with 3 person who changed my life the most in Manipal and to tell them "thank you and I love you all!"

Moreover on 19th itself we'll be travelling in Bangalore and making out way back to Malaysia, so no time for some big celebration also.

What happened on 18th night was...
I was alone in my hotel room in Bangalore. I took out my guitar and started to worship God with a very special song called "I Am Your Miracle". And tears started to flow from my eyes and volume was going higher and higher till Juh Han told me that Yin Yee and Lai Yin could hear me singing from upstairs.

God's presence was so real and I kept praying and crying, committing my life again to His hands and ask God to guide me through as I move on.

Yeap! I spend that moment with a Special Person - God!

I almost fell asleep when Jun Han, Yin Yee and Lai Yin came knocking on my door and wished my Happy Birthday. I was like, "yeap! My birthday wish! But I'm very very tired..." We talked a bit and then everybody was tired and went back to sleep not long after.

Thanks guys! I appreciate it!

(We didn't take photos that night. Here's their photos on out batch prize giving ceremony)

Thank you guys not just for the birthday wishes, but also for the times you all have spent with me in Manipal, the lessons that you all have taught me, the tolerance you guys had for me and accepting me as I am.

BIG thank you!

and of course, I got to spend time with Mummy and Mummy no.2 (7th auntie)

Ok. They flew all the way to India and wished my Happy Birthday. Now I don't dare to ask for any birthday present dy...

Thanks Mom and 7th auntie!!!

Actually the main purpose of them going to India was to help me to carry my excess luggage back to Malaysia. aha! Still, that made my 21st birthday special!

Bye childhood, here I come adulthood. (ok sounds really really lame)

God, take me and use me. In Jesus name, Amen!

popo's love

2008-08-25T10:55:00.002+08:00

On the morning when I reached KL, I call popo in Bentong and let her know that I'm back. And the first thing she said was, "I have some durians for you in condo (where my aunties stay), go take it. Very nice one ya!"

For all I know popo did this:

My aunties told me that NOBODY dared to touch that container cause it has my name on it.

aha! thanks popo!

no matter what type of durian is in it, they all taste the same... SWEET from the heart.

lesson: go study in a place where there's no durian.

Heya!!!

2008-08-23T12:19:00.003+08:00

OMG

I'm so back in Malaysia!

India has made me into, one word, JAKUN

Will update soon!!!

Going home!!!

2008-08-03T16:38:00.003+08:00

ok, I'm gonna miss Manipal so so so much. Still I need to move on.

I never hated Manipal as such. Not at all even from the beginning.

Knowing that I won't be coming back to this place that I've spent 2.5 years of my life gives me some funny feelings...

but I can't wait to go home though!

Supremo pics

2008-07-28T20:31:00.007+08:00

A photo post. Very tired after medicine posting. Moreover I think i should start studying now for comprehensive.

Entering my final month in Manipal!!! seriously very happy. and busy. Busy enjoying the last bits of Manipal life.

cannot dy. @_@ very berry tired. enjoy the pictures

Joon Keat, Su, Lai Yin and niCk

Tyng Sam and niCk

niCk and Xiong Khee

Jun Han, Yin Yee, Josephine, Yee Lin, Lai Yin, Ezyana and niCk

Lai Yin and niCk

Kok and niCk

niCk and Josephine

niCk and Yin Yee

niCk and Ken

Sofia and niCk

One word to describe niCk that night.

SHINY

Supremo Ball

2008-07-20T23:53:00.003+08:00

Manage to do some updates using library computer. (it's free!!!)

We our college had our annual prom night yesterday. Being a jakun me, it was my very first prom I my life. (I don't consider my school grad night as a proper one... no no no)

Kinda enjoy le.

Will update more with photos someday after my surgery end posting, which is either tomorrow of day after tomorrow.

Chiaos...

How blur

2008-07-13T17:37:00.002+08:00

We were observing a hemorrhoidectomy in the OT last Friday.

Dr Shenoy (pointing at Hilton's white line in the anal canal): "What line is this?"

niCk: "Line of Paris" (oh no!!!! it's Hilton)

Dr Shenoy: "Line of Hilton, no?!"

(silence)

niCk (to Inn Shan): "Phew... I said line of Paris just now. Why am I thinking about Paris Hilton here?"

Inn Shan: -_-"

Goodbye

2008-07-09T02:25:00.001+08:00

Goodbye To You - Michelle Branch

Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by

I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light
But it's not right

And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time
I want what's yours and I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time

And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star

Bye!
-end-

To all ma fwens...

2008-07-03T20:09:00.002+08:00

Suppose to dedicate this song to someone special that had spent most of the time with me in Manipal. But it no longer has any meaning. So might as well dedicate this to all my friends. Those who love me as me, those who corrected me, those who can tolerate me, those who help me in times of need...

...and those who really treat me as friend. Thank You!

Thanks for making my stay in Manipal so 'life-chaning' and fun!

分享-伍思凯
时间已作了选择
什么人叫做朋友
偶尔碰头
心情却能一点就通

因为我们曾有过
理想类似的生活
太多感受
绝非三言两语能形容

可能有时我们顾虑太多
太多决定需要我们去选择
担心会犯错
难免会受挫
幸好一路上有你陪我

与你分享的快乐
胜过独自拥有
至今我仍深深感动
好友如同一扇窗能让视野不同

与你分享的快乐
胜过独自拥有
至今我仍深深感动
好友如同一扇门
让世界开阔
让世界变开阔

Why care?!

2008-07-01T21:23:00.003+08:00

Saw this in Psychiatry Department, KMC:

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centred
Love them anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives
Do good anyway
If you are successful you win false friends and true enemies
Succeed anyway
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow
Do good anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable
Be honest and frank anyway
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs
Fight for some underdogs anyway
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight
Build anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them
Help people anyway
Give the world the best you have and you'll ket kicked in the teeth
Give the world the best you've got anyway!

No matter how sincere you are, you may be accused for doing things wrongly just because it doesn't fit into how other people think it should be. The worst is that you don't even know what other people think.

But will that stop you from doing good?!

So do good and make the world a happier place!

Rainy season and grown up puppies

2008-07-01T21:05:00.003+08:00

Few weeks back Lai Yin saw me disciplining the puppies in Acharya compound for biting people's shoes and she labeled me as 'cruel to animal'.

I love dogs, k?!

The puppy was shivering at night especially when it rains. So I offered her this:

See! Now she can sleep in the comfy paper thingie that keeps her warm all night.

I want food...

You call this cute:

But not anymore in two days time:

WHAT?!

Books!

2008-07-01T20:39:00.003+08:00

Few weeks back, YY asked me about things that I'll miss the most in Manipal when I go back for good this time.

and it has to be this!

Nope, Manipal is not magic-al.

But the books are!
One set of Harry Potter please...

One thing I thank my mom for sending me to study in Manipal is that when I buy books, unlike in Malaysia, I just need to ask for the price and how much discount I'll get and DEAL! Even without any discount.

I Malaysia, when I pick up a book, I'll look at the epilogue and then I'll look at the price to see if I should read it there in the bookshop or buy it. Then I'll say something like this, "Ma, you see, such a small book but so expensive!"

Books in Manipal is considerably more affordable compare to books in Malaysia. That is why you can see students in Manipal has their own textbooks as well as reference book. Come on, who would be reference book in Malaysia?!

In the view of my leaving Manipal for good in a month time, I had a story-book-buying spree. and I didn't know buying books itself can make me broke!

ma books

Of course, when we talk about reading books, we must talk about Kok. He reads tones of books while I only read grams of them.

That's why his English is a million times better than my England.
(Why am I promoting Kok here by the way?!)

more books. not ma books

Now, how do I bring them back to Malaysia?!

Rainy days

2008-06-26T00:50:00.003+08:00

Woke up as late as class starts this morning. Damn panic but manage to dress up and cycle to class plus going to toilet in 10 minutes time. (phew!)

In fact when i woke up this morning, I saw the sky was still dark thinking that it's still early. One thing about rainy days, it make you sleepy and lazy.

But I like the weather! I like the coolness in the air. I like cycling in the rain. Every where seems so fresh and cool.

Rainy days...

and flowers are blooming everywhere

I Wonder

2008-06-21T02:32:00.004+08:00

People, I'm much better now. Less irritated and trying my best to cope with psychiatry posting.

Actually, psychiatry posting is not as serious as making you psycho. It is in fact a very interesting field of medicine. We learn about people being depressed, psycho, bipolar, maniac etc... and i really wonder what is in their mind when they are having those disorders.

I used to see myself being a psychiatrist or a psychologist. But I changed my mind after knowing much about this field. well, who knows that's what God wants?! dunno...

Like yesterday, we met a patient with psychosis and mania. He's only 20 years old and he speaks good english. In fact I found him reading Scientific American this morning. Well he treat that as an English newspaper. So not very sure he IS reading it or not.

We were observing the doctors discussing about this case before they asked the patient to come into the class to be examined. As he came into the class, I can't help but to check if I'm dreaming or that guy is just acting silly. For all you know, he IS silly. The things that he said, the hallucinations, the funny actions, they are so fake yet they are real. Or course, certain things that he did made us laugh but sometimes he is really scary.

He calls himself God, he is a soldier, he was finding for his tree, sun and moon in the class things like that.

I seriously wonder,

What is in his mind?! How the will the society treat him?! What about the rest of his life?!

We went to talk to him this morning again. I was so scared when he asked me why I was wearing my glasses cause I seriously didn't know what to answer him in order that his symptom doesn't get aggravated.

and he calls a girl in our class Ashwarya Rai.

Interesting...

They are in their own world

When you are sick!

2008-06-19T00:22:00.004+08:00

I thought I'm fine, no more coughing, no more flu. BUT I'm easily irritated

"When you are sick, you'll get irritated easily" - Lai Yin

So I'm sick

I get irritated by those bus driver, auto driver, motorcyclist who honk just to let people know that thet are coming. Come on la, the road is so damn big and my bicycle is just, well, a bicycle. and it's in front of the hospital some more.

Stop honk-ing la!

I get irritated when I wake up forcing myself to get prepared for class. Can't help it. too bad

I get irritated when someone gets irritated by me. That just tells me to stop being irritating.

I get irritated by the bank lady who gave me one whole chunk of cash after telling them three times, or more, that I wanna deposit the cheque.

I get irritated sitting in the psychiatry OPD looking at irritated people doing irritating stuff. No la, they are not irritating but I just can't stand it sitting there seeing psychotic patients coming in one by one being consulted by the doctor. It is interesting but irritating. I nearly jumped up from my chair and be like one of the patients.

I get irritated when there is people hanging out in my room when I'm suppose to do my quiet time. Self explanatory.
and i get irritated when I don't do my quiet time.

I get irritated when I message home to get some encouragement and mom replies me some other things or doesn't reply at all.

I get irritated...

...easily

I AM IRRITATED!!!

And just as I wanna post this post, the wifi connection went offline!!! twice!! or maybe more to come, who cares...

IRRITATING-nya!!!

Congrats!

2008-06-17T02:27:00.002+08:00

Congratulations!!!

Congrats dude!

really happpy for you, and most of all, sharing your happiness with us!

keep it up!

Rainy days

2008-06-16T03:21:00.002+08:00

During monsoon season in Manipal, Yin Yee will jump up and down screaming like Josephine because...

...creatures like this will come to everybody's room every night.

Happy rainy day!!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T03:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Father's Day!

The Heart of Worship

2008-06-14T02:07:00.004+08:00

(Drum roll...)

I hereby announcing to everybody who reads "Short and Sweet" that niCk is...

starting A NEW BLOG!!!

(clap hands!!!)

It is called the "Heart of worship"

Just a brief introduction about this new thingie from niCk.
Nope, niCk is not starting a guitar class nor learning how to play a sitar. niCk is gonna start a blog exclusively on niCk's heart of worship.

Worship had always been my passion not forgetting to be grounded in the word of God, fervent in prayer as well as compassionate in caring. I enjoy worshipping God, in church, at home, with music, without music...

To know more about this blog, click here or type nicktheworshipper.blogspot.com

btw, "Short and Sweet" will still be alive to entertain you guys!

cheers!

coming up soon from niCk!!!

2008-06-11T01:11:00.003+08:00

Coming up soon from niCk!

What can that be?!
guitar lesson?!
guitar sales?!
guitar smashing?!

or it's a violin?!

It's banana CRUMBLE!!!

2008-06-08T03:42:00.005+08:00

ok! jakun me!

Yin Yee just told me the banana thing that Lai Yin made was banana crumble.

no wonder banana crumple sounds so funny to me

Fattening myself

2008-06-08T03:12:00.004+08:00

Imagine, one cold monsoon night you're studying (and cursing) for the end of posting examination which was postponed for one whole month. Suddenly you feel like junking. And in India with Lay's selling at Rm2, you just cannot resist the temptation to get to get hold some of them to chew the night off.

But, like everybody says, junking is not healthy, especially with Lay's.

So you just sit there staring at your book thinking should-I-should-I-not while flipping the pages.

AND!

You heard someone stomping up your stairs that you thought that Stomp is in the town. And you heard your name.

"You can finish this. It's cold. since you like it cold"

Banana Crumple!!!!

I went OMG OMG when Lai Yin delivered her final piece of banana crumple to my doorstep. Like I said, I felt like junking.

Remember last time told you all that I have an auntie who loves baking, and here in Manipal, I have a friend who loves baking too! and she's my neighbour. It's good to have a neighbour who likes to make food.

Two days back Lai Yin told me that she wanted to make banana crumple.

I'm like, "ok!"

Cause I have no idea what is a banana crumple. At first I thought we have to eat the banana with some crumpled stuff, for example, crumpled paper, crumpled tissue paper, crumpled newspaper.

Never knew what's banana crumple till Lai Yin made it on Thurday. and it tasted like nothing you can find in Manipal. and it was found that day.

It's nice!!!

That's all I can say other that "should add some raisin" "should eat it cold"

(told ya I don't know what is banana crumple)

In no time, I finished the little piece of banana crumple.

and I went out to buy Lay's

------------------------------------------------------

By the way, Lai Yin knows how to make Shanghai Mooncake which was, like, OMG awesome!!!

and I kinda did my endposting exam badly today. bad me!!!

Terrorist attack

2008-06-04T00:13:00.004+08:00

niCk to NIS (sms) "Terrorist attack com med department. End Posting exam in my house"

NIS to niCk (sms) " @#%#@ come fast la, don't be late"

niCk to NIS (sms) " why would terrorist attack com med department?"

NIS to niCk (sms) " because nick tai has bush in his pants and rice in his tunmmy"

niCk to NIS (sms) "no no. because even if they can't kill medicine, they can kill the community"

"Hands up!"

"Community Service" done!!!

2008-06-02T23:13:00.004+08:00

Our compulsory "community sevice" in Manipal is over. All the "offenders" need to report back to Udupi "prison" on Wednesday to finish the 3-month "sentence".

Ha ha! that's lame.

Community Medicine posting over. Psycho posting coming up next!

Will disappear for one night tomorrow. Try finding me in my room.

By the way, Here in my Home is cool. Makes me feel proud being a Malaysian again.

Final attempt

2008-06-01T16:46:00.005+08:00

I never knew how to cook and never really take the initiative to learn until one fine day I suddenly craved for mummy's fried spaghetti. Instead of cooking some canggih sauce to pour on it, she stir fry it with oyster sauce. Simple and nice. And you know, leaving the Land of Beng-Lian to the Land of Tempe-s, anything that's home-y will be nice.

Ya, so I decided to cook it by myself.

My very first exposure to spaghetti was some years back where my 3rd auntie cooked it. In my family we address our aunties by numbers, eg: 3 auntie, 6 auntie and 7 auntie. So here's this 3rd auntie of ours who loves baking and cooking western food (my 2nd auntie cooks chinese food. ok it's complicated). So one fine day, she said that she wanna cook spaghetti. Coming from a chinese background, that sounded English to me.

Her whole preparation was complicated to me. If I'm not wrong, 3 auntie cooked the sauce by herself instead of using those ready-made paste like 5th auntie, which is my mummy. It was my first experience eating "mee" by pouring sauce on top of it. How jakun.

And it was awesome!!!! Still remember the mushrooms that I chewed that day. I'm serious!!

So from that time onwards, 3 auntie's spaghetti is the standard for all the spaghetti I eat. I'll just compare them with 3 aunties spaghetti. And till now that was the first and last time she cooked spaghetti for us. (3 auntie, can cook spaghetti for us when I go back this time?!)

Ok, that's 3 auntie for you. Now mummy also cooks well. Just that mummy doesn't cook complicated stuff. All her cooking is simple, healthy and I-love-it. The very first thing that I remember mummy cooking for me is what she called it omelette. It's basically omelette with fish past in it. And I love it so much. That was the first time I hear the word "omelette". I was 3 years old then.

Like I said, mummy's cookings are simple.
Here's what happen at home.
We come back from school and, mummy, from work, we'll sleep all we want until 9pm, somebody will wake everybody up and say "hungry!!!"
Then mummy will wake up and say "let's have spaghetti"

And within half an hour, dinner is served. and everyone gets activated for the night.

Ok, that's an exaggeration. We don't usually do this but at times mummy gets really tired after work, so we'll have a nap first before dinner. And it's amazing seeing how mummy prepare and cook the spaghetti. She cooked it the way chinese cook "mee" and just that she's using spaghetti. What a great combination, I think.

So here's my attempt.

The very first time I tried cooking it with my housemate's oyster sauce, it turn out to be as black as Hokkien Mee and so salty that people thought that I cooked it in Dead Sea. It was a failure. Thanks to Lai Yin who gave criticism so gently in order that I could improvise a bit without feeling discouraged.

My second attempt was good! I came out with two flavours. Chinese BBQ (i curi Yew Kong's sauce) and Tomato. Lai Yin and YY was hungry that day. So it was apparently good. But I did enjoyed what I cooked.

My third attempt was with some chillies and tomatoes. Min Ming thought that I was joking about cooking and she was amazed when I brought her what I cooked. And she enjoyed it.

and yesterday I cooked one last time to finished off the spaghetti I bought.

the stuff that I used:

After so much of attempt, I'm pretty much know how much to put and how long to cook stuff like that. and most importantly, I feel like at home.

After much boiling, stirring, mixing, oil popping, frying, the outcome:

And it's awesome!!! I-like-it.

No matter what other people say. I enjoyed it, and I like what I cook! *grin

and what is more indulgent than having Indian Malika mango cut and waiting for me in the fridge while I'm eating my home-y spaghetti?!
Nothing!!!

hua-wer

2008-05-31T03:38:00.005+08:00

Thought of changing the outlook of my blog and this picture came into my mind. Was in Sikkim with JH and YK when Sikkimese had their first ever international flower competition.

Saw many funny looking flowers especially these ones:

At first I thought those were Willy Wonka's edible flower. It does look like candy.

Short and sweet candy-looking flower for my short and sweet blog.

Ending dy...

2008-05-31T01:50:00.009+08:00

"OMG! our com med posting ending dy. I super like this posting la. Like so
fun!!!" - Tyng Sam (after ComMed class)

Community Medicine generally made us lazy. Seriously lazy and unproductive. Unless you consider non stop watching movies, updating blog and change its outlook, reading Book Thief all night long and sleep in the class (Josephine!!!) is productive.

Compare to other clinical postings, com med theory is not hard to understand and more of a memorizing subject. Everything makes sense and related to our daily life. We get to visit a lot of places to see, well, the community. It's community medicine after all. It's fun going around looking at people's houses, finding our poo poo in the sewage treatment plant and see how the water is recycled back to the fountains where we used to had water fight during Holi. Yeap, water fight with poo poo water.

The most interesting part of the posting is, our morning classes end at around 1030 and our afternoon classed end at around 1530 to 1600. How can I not watch more movies and sleep more with the extra hours I got?!!!

Ok I think that would bring me on a guilt ride next week during End Posting examination. And that indicates that our Com Med posting is ending soon!

Besides going around Manipal like a traveller, we were also asked to organize an event for one of the orphanage here in Manipal. I've never been to an Orphanage before and orphanage sounds like Neverland where Peter Pan comes from. But this time were going to a Neverland which consist of only Wendy. Ok, Wendy was never an orphan.

The all-girl orphanage that we went was situated about 20mins bus ride away from Manipal. It consist of girls ages between 6 to 16 (something like that) coming from all around Karnataka. Being supported by the government, that place is considered well furnished and the children look happy.

We went there twice. First visit was to get ourselves familiarized with the people and the place so that we can plan for the real event during the second visit.

Neverland, here we come!!!

By the way, this is the very first time I'm visiting an orphanage. So kinda excited.

Once we reached the place, Mr Ashok, our guide from the Community Medicine department, gave the children instructions and at the same time doing translation for us since we can't speak Kanada and they can't speak English.

" you guys better prepare something good for us!"

When it comes to India culture, we all know that most Indians, if not all, loves singing and dancing. So few of the children tried to and did impress us with their talent in singing and dancing.

After that, we had a Q and A session so that we know what we were expected to prepare for them. Thought of stealing Jun Han's idea of showing them a movie, I asked them what kind of movies they like to watch.

And to my, and everybody's, surprise, they answered harmonizingly "Titanic!"

O_o

Planning started right after the first visit when Josephine who was in-charge of the gift packs got super semangat to do the paper bags. Lot's of cutting, folding, packing, repacking, counting, and repacking, and more repacking.

It's really funny to see our reactions when we found out that one of the gift bags doesn't have a comb or a pencil or whatever. We will go "oh no!" and start opening the gift bags one by one. cacat.

"where is my lollipop?!!!!"

It's really awesome by looking at how the whole process of making the gift bags came into place. All thanks to Jose (Pronounced by NIS as Jo-say)

The real day came and that's when all the excitement, frustration and OMG begins. There were food, games, performances and water bombs. By the way, we were asked to contributed some anti-lice (anti-kutu) shampoo for the orphanage. Yeap! and water bombs.

Kutu meet water bombs, water bombs meet kutu.

First of all, they were asked to draw a flag which represents each respective team. It's funny how they perceive what a flag is. There were sun, coconut trees and birds with some crocodile in the river in their flag.

c-o-c-o-n-u-t coconut tree!!!

"should i draw a smiling sun?!"

Next came the outdoor game. One word = CHAOS!
I was the one organizing the whole game and my whole planned was altered because we just simply couldn't give proper instructions to them. No matter how simple a game might sound, it could be quite confusing for them because we couldn't explaing it properly.

The food served after games was just awesome!!! Kuih Batik by Sofia. FUIYOH!!! and what made it nicer is the performance after that. We performed a Malay song - Belaian Jiwa (since they watch Titani before, so it's ok), and two english songs. Not sure how much the kid enjoyed it but we did really enjoyed the singing.

Narain came out with a dance after that before they, again, impressed us with some traditional dances and singing.

Charlie's angel

And the most exciting moment came. The kids were happy because we were giving out the gift bags (consist of anti-lice shampoo and stuff). We were happy because mission accomplished!

Really hope the kids were happy.

and oh no!!! com med posting is ending...

Real India

2008-05-20T02:34:00.004+08:00

If you want to see the real India, go Culcatta.
Congested, dirty, crowded, people and lots of people.
But, of course, India does has it's own beauty, just like Culcatta has some place that is worth visiti.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Three more months and I'll leave India for good...
Ok, should not get emo here first, let me enjoy the rest of my three months here. After all, it's a good place to spend two and a half years in.

the world

2008-05-17T00:05:00.002+08:00

Looking at this picture I took in Pondycherry, it reminds me that at least there is a place in the world that is peaceful. Or maybe it's not that peaceful in Pondycherry, but this is was the feeling I had when I took this picture.

But looking at the breaking news around, it's just sad.

Is there any good things happening around the world?

Matthew 24

Pray for the people...
and pray for ourselves

Happy Mummy's Day

2008-05-10T02:27:00.007+08:00

It's the day of the year again.

"uwah, the episiotomy is so painful. Tomorrow Mother's day somemore, really makes me think." - a friend of mine who witnessed a delivery today
(episiotomy = the incision made in a woman's perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery)

"don't you love your mom more after seeing how a woman delivers a baby?!" - Farah to niCk during OBG posting

after almost five weeks of OBG and Pediatrics posting Udupi and Karkala, it made me appriciate life more. We've taken and examined a few antenatal cases and I understood how hard it was when mummy had me in her womb (according to her, that was my little house). I've witnessed two labour and I understood how much pain and blood loss mummy went through when I came out from mummy's tummy. I've seen countless mother caring for the baby in the postnatal ward and a understood the love of mummy to me.

Now here is a post dedicated to my beloved mummy. love you always!!!

"Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"

My mom told me that I was small and pale when i was born so she and po po got quite worried and kept feeding me to a point where I became super fat.

as i was searching through the photo's my parents took when I was a kid, I found out that my parents actually brought me to a lot places before

like the waterfall:

some park:

the beach:

Mummy never missed my birthday. Well, no mother miss their kid's birthday I suppose.
This was my first birthday celebration in my uncle's house.

and this was my third birthday celebration at Bukit Bintang McDonald's

Mummy taught me how to swim

Mummy always brought me to her office so that I could kacau her when she worked.

and Mummy gave me a brother to play with. kekeke

Mummy loves travelling. She always travels and sometimes, she brings us along...

...but most of the time, she travels without us

"CHEERS!!! happy mother's day"

Of course I cannot forget those who were there supporting mummy to bring us up. They are:

My 7 auntie. We call her out guardian. since it's Mother's day, I'll call her mummy number two. She's the one who took care of me when mummy is not around. and she's the one who told me about God and the story about Snow White because she calls herself, well, Snow White.

and mummy's mummy. We call her popo. Well, she gave birth to Mummy and took care of her so that mummy can give birth to me and take care of me. popo loves small kids. so we can say the popo loves each and everyone of us very much.

To all the mother's out there: Happy Mother's Day!!!

Round face

2008-05-10T01:44:00.002+08:00

Today in pediatric ward, i saw a 7 months old baby who look like Winnie the Pooh. so round and cute and playful.

and today, i found out that I've became rounder and fatter.

I'm round

p/s: yee en, this picture is taken with the stature as the background.

I'm out of my mind

2008-05-05T02:41:00.002+08:00

what am i thinking?!

i'm just out of my mind this few days. seems like my brian is just not working the way it should.

on the way to Mangalore today, i did a lot of thinking. and i found out that:

-i've not been studying at all for the past one week.

-today's worship session was a mess. i dropped my pick, said some funny comments in between songs, and intervened too much when Dorothy was leading two of the songs. she co-led with me and i was too dominating. (sorry dorothy. hehe)

-words come out from my mouth without going through my brain

i'm so out of my mind

am i a panda or a yak?!

by the way, IRON MAN is really good! go watch it!

Kanyacoumari (CAPEcoumari)

2008-04-28T22:34:00.002+08:00

welcome to the tip of India!!! Kanyacoumari is the most southern part of India. Which means, if you go futher from there, you'll reach south pole, by sea.

here are some photos taken when we were in Kanyacoumari:

big foot!
having the whole India behind us

and here, we found the one and only wax museum in India. don't expect to see Edison Chen's model in this tiny little wax museum situated at the tip of India.

since it's in India, you should know what to expect.
Amitha Bachan
Saddam Hussien

on the last day, we dropped by Mahatma Gandhi memorial.
ashes to ashes

the whole building is constructed in a way that every year on Gandhi's bday, the sun light will directly fall on the cup that helds the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi.

interesting...

Reflection

2008-04-27T20:50:00.003+08:00

Backwater of Kerala:

At times just feel like shut my world down, spend time seeking God's will and reflect.

How great!!!

2008-04-08T01:12:00.002+08:00

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin

VERSE(1):
The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all who sing
How great, How great
Is our God

VERSE(2):
Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

CHORUS(2)
Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God

By routine, i was suppose to play guitar for yesterday's worship but was physically too tired that i don't feel like playing, just wanna worship God alone.

and enjoy my sleep.

that's why when i was playing, i felt nothing but striking the right chords, strumming at the right beat.

there's no element of worship in my playing.

something is wrong!

i tried to worship, but the thought of what my friends did to me was dominating in my mind. things that happened, postings in the hospital, studies and so on.

until Dinesh sang the last song, How Great is Our God.

what is big when our God is great?

i didn't care, i knelt down and cried on the stage.

the song touched me like never before.

How Great!

the right place

2008-04-05T00:22:00.003+08:00

niCk...

Yee En gave this to me when i was still using Motorola E398. it was a perfect match, but ever since that phone spoilt, this cute little handphone ornament had been left isolated in my cupboard. and now...

the right place

i've found the right place to hang it.

but till now we weren't given any chance to use out stethoscope on the patient yet.

clinical postings are not fun. it is tiring. but i'm in pediatric and OBG posting now. looking at the babies and kids, that makes my day...

and looking at how the mothers carry their newborn babies, it simply reminds me of how I'm a child of a faithful God. God loves His children just as how a mother loves her baby. we always have a place in God's heart, and that's the right place for us.

more pictures from Kerala

2008-03-31T02:53:00.004+08:00

our 2008 south-to-north India trip started off with Kerala - God's own country. a place rich in culture and fish. yeap! sea food is not bad there.

anchor, near chinese fishing net area

Cochin is famous for their chinese fishing net which was introduced by chinese long time ago. people actually asked for money when we went to see the fishing net. so i suggested three of us to stand on the road side and collect money from the people there saying that "we're chinese"

my very first kite-flying experience in Cherai beach
ok la, i'm a bit jakun here. don't know, somehow i never played kite before. the beach is normal. polluted and i heard they stareted to build some pubs nearby. something like beaches in Goa.

after Cochin, we left for Allepey which is famous for their houseboat -> sampan-type cruise on a river. nothing much, we just stayed one night on the boat and look see look see at their backwater. and we did some fishing too... my first time fishing, another jakun-ness

dinner on board

early in the morning

couldn't enjoy much especially in Allepey because all of us were not feeling well. and we didn't go out much also. so didn't really see much. and it's not suppose to be the climax of our trip. so we all also lembap a bit, lazy a bit. kekeke, chill la... holiday ma

miss you

2008-03-30T04:11:00.002+08:00

suddenly miss mummy so much. wanna talk to her badly but she doesn't seem to be free nowadays. hope she's doing fine.

after OBG and Pediatrics classes, i realized how hard mummy had me in her womb when she's pregnant and how cute we were in our parents' eyes when we're still a baby...

thank you mummy...

reconcile

2008-03-30T03:41:00.004+08:00

it hurts when people offend you. worse still if the person is someone whom you respect. all you could do is to step back and keep quiet.

Matthew 5:23-24 says: therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. first go and be reconciled to you brother; then come and offer your gift.

i've meditated on this verse twice because of two different occasions. i just simply cannot serve God or worship God with something going wrong between me and my friends.

and of course, i must learn how to apologize and/or forgive.

sylvia once told me, "say the magic word: sorry"

so when you offended people, say the magic word; when people apologize, forgive.

one significant thing that i learned during the trip is from Jun Han when he said that "each person must have something good for us to learn from", so no matter what, try to learn from the good qualities of a person no matter how bad or how good the person is to us.

so forgive, and learn...

chill la! life goes on...

us in Cochin

thank God for friends.

my best!

2008-03-28T03:29:00.005+08:00

Wanting to update my blog since just now but i'm too tired dy.

my best shot in my trip:

taken in Kerala. it's a traditional dance in Kerala known as Kathakali. we were quite excited initially because they were suppose to do their make up in front of the audience and then present their short story taken from some Indian literature.

for all we know, the make up took 1 whole hour, and they presented the one-paragraph story for two whole hours. Jun Han fell asleep during the make up session, and i nearlly fell asleep during the climax of the story because they took almost two minutes to kill the bad guy.

the make up session

but it's really an art. the main idea of Kathakali is about the body language where they use facial expression and their sign language to convey the message to the audience.

we would have enjoyed it if we could memorise all the signs.

it takes almost 30seconds to say "goodbye!" in Kathakali. imagine...

back from backpacking

2008-03-22T14:47:00.004+08:00

Just came back from backpacking around india.
was a great trip. saw different things, broke many personal records, experience different wierd things, assaulted by an eunuch (GOSH!)...
will update photos soon. not the eunuch, oh please.
i mean, our photos.
stay tune

Happy Birthday, Fred

2008-02-22T17:54:00.000+08:00

hey bro,

happy birthday!

I'm back!!!

2008-02-15T17:29:00.000+08:00

I'm back i'm back i'm back!!!

ahem

2008-01-27T21:57:00.000+08:00

not bacause of exam stress
not because anybody challenged me to do so
not because it's too hot in India
not because the barber was sleeping

tada!!!

friends!

2008-01-06T18:43:00.000+08:00

Realized that friend can actually disappoint you. (OMG I’m back on blogging!)friend actually means - according to the dictionary

1. a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection
2. a familiar or helpful thing

kinda disagree with the second point cause recently I’m totally struck with the way friends can disappoint me. (why long time never blog dy?!)they are so unfamiliar and unhelpful to me.

Probably because I was the one who disappointed other people more, so I never had the feeling of being hurt by friends. (so your new year resolution is to blog everday ar?!)that I’ve been trying to change. I tried to stop doing things that I did, changed the way I talk and act just to be a good friend to others. Like what I always believe, friendship involves two parties. I have to be a good friend to have a good one. Duh! (why suddenly decide to blog again one?!)

But for the past few days, things are just not right. When I talked to a friend, I felt like I’m talking to myself. When I’m at home, people just pretend that I’m not around, or probably do not exist at all. When I missed my alarm and overslept, nobody even bothers to wake me up. When I’m not feeling well, nobody bothers to concern about that.

I always make a point to treat other people well. Part of my new year resolution. For example, I always wake my housemate up if he missed his alarm so that he can take his bath and groom himself for class. I always make a point to share any good movies I watched with friends. I always buy my housemate snacks when he’s stressed up. I always pray for my friends.

Well, of course I don’t expect other people will do what I do. That won’t stop me from being a good friend to others though.

And I won’t stop loving my friends even if I wake up late and feel miserable,
I won’t stop recommending movies to my friends even if I were to watch them alone,
I won’t stop sharing my snacks with my friends even if I were to eat them up alone.

For we don’t do good things just because we want others to treat us well. Right? (so when are you updating your blog next?! In a year time?! )

Of course I still have good friends who are there to support me here in Manipal.

I got a friend who fed me so well that I could gain back all the nutrients that I’ve lost when I’m sick.
I got a friend who gave me 101 tips on how to make friendship special.
I got a friend who teaches me music during worship session.
I got a friend who hijacks my bike-ky-ker to go library that I had to walk to church. Haha!

And I can turn to Jesus whenever I’m lonely, for He is my best friend.

John 15:13 says, greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.

Jesus laid down his live for me!!!

Ps: nope, blogging is not my new year resolution. Will try to update as often as I can.

God is awesome!!!

2007-11-11T00:35:00.000+08:00

we have a looooooooong weekend here in India for Divali.

have been enjoying so far and "gosh! why am i not studying?!"

went to Jog Falls on thursday. it was awesome!
jakun me, cause in malaysia we can't find waterfalls like that.
you know? those tall tall one, with rainbow one.
yeah. so i was kinda amazed by what God created.

it's just awesome! cause God is awesome!

Goa

2007-11-02T20:25:00.000+08:00

before Goa
"i can't wait to go Goa!" - niCk (sun bathing in Redang)
after Goa
"gosh! this is the first and last time i come!" (sun bathing in
Goa)

12 of us preparing for paragliding

me flying!!!

church

and church

Great!

2007-10-29T21:24:00.000+08:00

last week's worship was great!
last last week's was also great (perasan!)

but seriously, leading worship in the new church building is great!

niway. everything is great except for catching up with studies.

after some ups and downs for the past weeks, it's time to catch up with my studies dy!

had fast and pray last sunday. and it was awesome! i was all charged up for my studies.
solution for i-cannot-study-lar: pray!

studies studies studies!!!

i miss her...

renew

2007-10-14T21:51:00.000+08:00

create in me a pure heart, O God
and renew a right spirit within me

cast me not away from thy presence, O God
and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
restore unto me, the joy of Your salvation
and renew and right spirit within me

i was crying and on my knees when the church sang this song today. but the service ended early. i had to quickly stood up and wipe away my tears.

-_-

2007-10-12T22:23:00.000+08:00

for once i feel like i'm a trash

for once i've lost all my confidence

for once i feel so negative

for once everything seems going against me

for once i feel lonely

for once i don't have people to talk to and i don't dare to talk to people.

hope she's here with me.

well, will she accept me is still a question.

the only way is to go back to God.

God, help me!

CHANGE

2007-09-18T11:45:00.000+08:00

This post is one of the posts that I wanted to post long time ago and I didn’t know how to put them in words cause it was a process, a process which took place since 4th of July this year until now. There was a beginning, and we’ll wait for the result.

“Please pray for me, ok, it’s not a problem, please don’t worry. I’m actually going through a change which I think it’s necessary. Something like to be a better man lah. So please pray that God will lead me and show me his way” – niCk (during a prayer meeting back in July)

I must CHANGE! I told myself then. How could I be so terrible? Hope it’s not late. Well, I think nothing is too late.

Ok, first things first, this was a personal issue of my life, I only shared this with those that I’m accountable with, those that I’m very very very close with. Now I’m posting it in my blog so that everyone knows what was going on in my life for the past few months.

09/07/2007 (my journal)
Have been struggling a lot about my life lately. Realized how terrible a person I can be. Sort of a wake up call to stop many thing that I do, from eating habits to social life.
It’s time for a change. Change for a better niCk. And remain to be the better niCk for good.

I still remember some thoughts hit me during that period of time that it made me thought about changing. That time, I remembered what Hock Man told me before which stuck in my head since then. He was saying that once we reach a certain age, our personality and character are pretty much set. What we are will be what people gonna see us. So “do it wanna be like how I am in the future?”

So that hit me, and I thought, gosh, I don’t want to see myself being myself in the future. I don’t want to be forever nine years old (I was 19 then) jumping around, talking nonsense, playing around like small kids.

Hello, I thought, I’m a going to be a doctor, it’s a professional thingie, how can I act the way I acted? A lot of ‘I should’ came out. Change change change!

The best thing is to start with seeking God’s help.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

I fell on my knees, and prayed to God. I still remember that day Lai Yin was in my room unconscious (nothing much ok?! It was her bed time and she was in my room), yin yee and jun han was studying outside. I just kneel down and spend time praying, worshipping and seek God. It was just awesome!!! Nobody knew, Lai Yin didn’t wake up, nobody knocked on my door. I prayed, I confessed my wrongs, and committed my plan to CHANGE to God and asked God to show me a way.

It was from that day onwards that I CHANGED drastically. I started to use my brain more, to evaluate my action, my speech and my thoughts. In fact, I found, among my friends, people whom I look up to, whom I should learn from. And of course those that I don’t want to be. No offence but as I said, I need to CHANGE. I even picked up some small habits like pray when I wake up in the morning.

Like I said, I only shared that with some of my friends. On 05/08/2007 I saw Maureen online, it was somewhat a divine meeting with her because she was free to talk to me. So I shared about what I was going through. She agreed with me for having that thought and she supported me by giving me some advice bout it. Besides, she encouraged me to press on, be strong in serving to Lord in church and in the area of BGR (boy-girl relationship).

05/08/2007 (my journal)
Today is day which is worth jotting down. Consider a stepping stone for my CHANGE.
After dinner in snack shack, I went online and I saw Maureen was on too. So I asked her if she wanted to layan me.
Found out that she’s leaving for Cambodia tomorrow, means not working, so she chatted with me. Many issues came out, BGR, spiritual life, serving in church.
After that, I felt pretty much relieved, partly knowing that … (BGR) …
After we offline, I did my quiet time straight and God touched me. God spoke to me and I was just in tears.
Thanks Maureen!
Move on...

I moved on. I tried to come out with a blueprint of my CHANGE. Big project huh?!

It was on my birthday that I ‘launched’ my project. Since I was turning 20, it was high time for me to CHANGE.

Character: to be honorable is better to be honored. I should keep reminding myself that I must be honorable instead of seeking attention of other people. People may not honor me but as long as I’m doing something which people cannot see, God sees it. That’s about integrity. The things that I say, is it edifying or nonsense? The things that I do, is it what God wants me to do or out of my selfishness?

Health: stop junking. I actually stop eating Lay’s and chocolate since July.

Attitude: my attitude towards the things that I do, serving God, studies and towards other people has to be set right. The way that I see things should be the way God sees them. Especially towards people, I must constantly be reminded that they are also God’s creation, so do not judge but help them if they are in need.

Nerdiness: second year medical school made me a nerd. But I think it’s worth it. It’s my calling, it’s from God. I have to study hard. Of course, please, I’m not being a total nerd here. Just wanna do my role as a student.

Godliness: this is really important. It is when I’m in tune with God that I could manage to stay strong in serving God as well as my studies. So I have to stay close with God.

Expenses: stop spending unnecessarily.

CHANGE

so do pray along with me and help me with this CHANGE. And I’m serious about it. I don’t want to see myself being my old self.

Can’t stay forever 19. I’m 20 now!

I shall be a God driven medical student for now!

i need to blog!

2007-09-13T05:12:00.000+08:00

gosh it's 5am now in malaysia. suppose to be dreaming.

but i have too much to blog about!!!

bought a new toy for myself. more toys to come hopefully. need to blog about it.
CHANGE. need to blog about it.
why no girlfriend. need to blog about it.
just finished cleaning my room, awesome!!!. need to blog about it
scanning my old photos into my computer. need to blog about it.

but i don't have time!!! i got a million thing to do, as usual

can blogspot link directly to my brain?!

seriously, i need to spend sometime blogging. which is not tomorrow and not friday... not this week.

going to singapore on friday. mom warned me not to buy anything.

what if iPhone is out there?!

hmmm....

good nig... morning

super saturday

2007-09-09T01:50:00.000+08:00

last time when we talked about super saturday, it's about the day, saturday, when all the XYZ (x-tra-ordinary youth zone) members would gather together, spending time with one another singing praise and worship to God and fellowship with one another

i'm not really sure if super saturday is still called as super saturday.

but today is indeed a super saturday for me.

when to church in the afternoon. joined PCG1 for their DBS lesson two which we discussed about the fatherhood of God.

seriously, XYZ is no long the same as what i saw last time (give me a "DUH") i see people rising up as leaders, i also see those who rose up falling. i found it pretty hard to blend into them. please don't tell me that i'm getting old. no!!!

i miss super saturday.

niway, had a great time in the CG. sylvia preached, jeremy led worship. worship was good. and poor sylvia. she was having sore throat and yet she had to strain her voice.

met poh chee and he was so sweet that he gave me a free GSC voucher. i was like, "aww..."

met mellisa ong too. she just came back from singapore. so we sort of tour around the church and check out the sanctuary.

met allan sia. he was holding Levinson Microbiology text book. i quickly jumped away from him.

after some hulla hulla, hello bye bye, i drove back to my aunties house and return the o-so-sacred-VIOS to my mom since she needed to go some where to pick up something. but before that she dropped me at sungai besi LRT station.

took a train to Sri Petaling. pass by Bukit Jalil and it was so OMGly crowded. met up with Lai Yin and Yin Yee at the station and Ken fetched us to Lester's house in USJ.

had a great makan time in Lester's house, seeing Lyvia packing for Manipal. yey! lyvia is going to Manipal!!!

after that, we went mamak at murni's. catch up with Lester abit. yeah. we don't catch up with one another in India one. somehow.

but it was good talking to him.

reached home at 2.

nite peeps! tomorrow need to wake up for church.