Baby Girl Scott..who?

Dear Blog,

Today, was hilarious (not literally, more like silly I guess). I had a few "less critical" lectures and a PPD video session about this movie titled 'Baby Girl Scott' yesterday (Monday 24/11). Now, that video session is supposed to be discussed on Tuesday (TODAY!) about whatever it was that happened in that movie. No Biggie, yes? Here's the best part...

.I did not attend any of the lectures that Monday.

I totally forgot about that video session AND forgot that it was to be discussed the day after. How irresponsible of me. However, don't go all narrow-eyes on me now y'hear? This time, I didn't intend to cut the lectures in the first place. This is how it went...

As usual, I go back home during the weekends (Friday afternoon to be exact). Having fun and spending quality time with the family, play RO, yada-yada-yada. And I'd usually go back to UKM Monday morning (What do I mean by 'morning'? Try waking up at 5.45am, if I'm over at Toks' to make sure I leave the house before 6.30am and beat the traffic jam at Federal) just in time to catch the bus to the faculty. Unfortunately, that Monday morning Leanna had to finish reading the book 'Twilight' so she can hand it over to our sis Jenna, our next of kin (LOL). Leanna was SO determined to finish that book before Jenna went back to her college in Melaka at 5.00am++ that morning, til she forgot to sleep. She did finish the book btw, too bad Jenna told her she'd borrow her friend's book instead... at THE VERY LAST MINUTE.

FYI : it is always important to communicate with peers, otherwise someone might miss their beauty sleep.

Due to this lil miscommunication, Leanna ended up sleeping at 6.00am++. And since she is my designated driver to and fro UKM, how was I to go back? I was pretty thankful for there were no "important" lectures that day (Hey, I made a mistake OK?)

Well, I didn't want to disturb Leanna's sleep. She looked really tired. I guess I was doing us both a favor. So when Temoh called that afternoon asking where I was, I knew something was up. She told me about that video session, and I totally freaked. But, being the loser that I am I just kept 'cool' and told Temoh that I couldn't go (which was true anyway because of the traffic jam. If I did go, I'd be stuck in it for hours and end up wasting 'cheap 2.00' fuel and precious time). Therefore, I made up my mind to not go right then, on the spot, during our telephone conversation. How about that? PPD taught us well. I'm able to think critically AND make quick decisions now. YAY! haha.

Speaking of PPD, today's activity was sort of a big Snore. Why? Because us 12 people in PBL 13 had to divide into 4 groups and had to elect a speaker to debate about the movie. At that instant, knowing that it was a debate session I felt a rush of different emotions.

Relief - because each group is only allowed one speaker (who else but Christina? haha..thanks gal.)
'Uh-oh'ed - because I didn't watch the movie, so I didn't know what to do, say or think.
Nervous - if the facilitator found out I didn't watch the movie, she'll cut my head off, unwind my brain and eat 'em like noodles.
Grateful - for not many of us talked a lot just now. Phew!

Well, there you have it. Another day at UKM Medical Faculty that makes me regret doing the things that I do, which is what I do because I enjoy regretting the things that I do. Get the picture? Awesome! Anyway, gotta ciao now. l e n a out!~

You Caught Me Off Guard, *sigh*

Dear Blog,

I'm definitely confused right now. MyV asked me out, as in asked asked me out. I really, really don't understand right now. It's usually just an informal date between the two of us, let's say for example :

l e n a : ...Yeah I like those types of movies too
MyV : Really? But the other one is better, don't you think?
l e n a : I definitely agree. Maybe we could catch a movie next time
MyV : I don't mind. What movie did you have in mind?

...and there goes the informal date. So it has always been me, the initiator for our dates. Embarassing? Not really for I never actually thought he'd accept the offer in the first place. Then there was the n.b. incident.

l e n a : ...Nope, I don't really eat rice often.
MyV : You sure? I know this great n.b. place near my office.
l e n a : Really? Hmm, I guess I'll try that one day.
MyV : Do you know where I work?
l e n a : No. haha
MyV : I'll buy you one bungkus the next time I go eat there.
l e n a : and how is it that you're gonna bring it to me?...

...and that's how we made the n.b. date that never really took place yet. So he told me he still owes me that.

Again, the initiator. Should I be embarassed? I don't think so, coz he totally told me, like, straight forward that we were only friends, despite the fact that I think he knows how I feel (Notice the 'feel' and not 'felt'? It's not past tense anymore) about him.

And suddenly, HE asked me out during a YM chatting session. A movie date. I mean, maybe when you read this you'd go like "Heh? That's all you're worked up about? It's just a movie date. Friends movie date all the time" BUT! for me, it's the first time ever that he was the one that asked. He told me that he's a really straightforward guy, and that he's totally not observant haha. (That's really the opposite of what I am) So why bother asking me out, when it can totally lead me on? And in a long run, it will always be me with the broken corazon. Sometimes I wished I never went out on a date with him. Better yet, maybe it was better if we never met at all. I know he never meant to lead me on, he's a really nice guy. But, my heart wants to believe what it wants to believe. My heart tells me that, maybe he'd suddenly have a change of heart, maybe one day he'll learn to feel the same way too. The way I feel about him, closes mi corazon. You melt my heart to stone.

Dear MyV :

You caught me by surprise when you showed your family photo when you didn't have to.
You caught me by surprise when you asked me out.

I wish I knew what goes on in your mind, when we chat.
I wish I knew what it is you're thinking, especially when we chat.

When you told me "now you know the real MyV", I told you that I didn't really know you. That's what confuses me sometimes. If I don't really know him, why do I like him so? Am I that shallow? To fall in-like with a really good looking guy without knowing the real HIM?

I need answers. I wish I had the guts to ask you. But I don't.

What's it Got To Do With Me?

Dear Blog,

It has EVERYTHING to do with me! LOL. No, just crapping. Sorry.

Alright, so I just, like, started my 4th semester on Monday (17/11 if I'm not mistaken) So the story here is, my new sem started without me! Haha. (How hilarious is that?) You don't understand what I'm talking about? Let me lay it out for you.

.I did not go to class that Monday.

Is that explanation enough? Yeah, pretty awful of me for doing that. I mean, I'm kinda sure everyone went for the lecture that day (which, btw was just an Anatomy lecture. For me, this is meant to be read, not listened to) So, I totally cut class that day. We (I'm sorry, 'they') had a briefing before the lecture though. About the... something. (I didn't go, how am I supposed to know what it was about?)

THIS is a terrible way to start the new sem. BUT! I will totally explain to you why I didn't go. Will that sorta justify my end of the story? Prolly not. Anywho~
THE REASON(s) I DID NOT ATTEND MY FIRST DAY OF LECTURE

1. I did not feel like going (Not much 'justification' there)
2. I started playing Ragnarok Online (RO) again during the hols. So, I played RO like til 4-5am the morning I had to go back to UKM. (Whoops!)
3. My interest in Medicine is like an unstable depolarizing and repolarizing graph. (usually it hyperpolarizes, *sniff2*)
4. I wanted to spend more time with my family. (Hmm, this should be the first reason. Ha Ha)

So, I tell YOU, as the Judge and Jury in the case of Farah VS UKM Medical Faculty ,that I plead not guilty for being absent on the first day of lecture. LOL~

Anyway, I can never get enough of holidays eventhough I always go back home every weekend. (Gosh, I really pity those who live far away. Kesian.) I love my family to death! (and I hope it's mutual laa, hehe)

Let's get a lil sidetracked for awhile. MyV is still at K____, and he still owes me n.b. I wish I could chat with him more often ={( what's with the moustache? haha

Ok, back on track. During hols, as usual I spent a lot of em Mullahs. Especially on the Twilight Saga! Bought all 4 now, waiting for the 5th. Awesome as hell! Or Forks, same-O same-O. Other than that, me and my sibs are actually planning on buying 'Rock Band'!! Too bad there wasn't any stock in stores that time because we have to order them first so the stores aren't at a loss. If we bought and got it there and then, I'd definitely NOT go back to UKM ever! haha. Good thing, good thing. Alritey, Rock Band would have to wait I guess.

Tomorrow's schedule :
9.00am - Embryology lecture with Dr. Israa (she's from the mid-east, understanding her lecture proved to be difficult at times.)
10.30am - Dissection Hall! (time to meet our dear friends, the cadaver)
2.00pm - PPD : Clinical Decision Making and Ethics. (better start recharging my MP3 now, hehe)

Darn, I dislike classes during the evening. I get so sleepy! and hungry!
Nevermind, I'm sure I'll live through tomorrow, to live through another tomorrow. B-O-R-I-N-G. OK now, it ends here I guess. After solat Isyak, us good, kind seniors will have a small get-2-gether with our Juniors a.k.a Buddies. My buddy, Nabilah will be attending so of course I should set an example and go, Right? If it were the REAL me, I prolly wouldn't go. Like I said before, I'm such a mean, inconsiderate lil fool. =( It's no wonder I have no boyfriend like, since, FOREVER! haha. (Null hypothesis time).

There is no relation between personality and total amount of boyfriends.

Let's see, personality would be a Qualitative Dichotomus variable (Good or Bad)
Total amount of boyfriends is a Discrete Quantitative variable.

So hey, let's do a Student's t-Test and see whether my null hypothesis is rejected or not.

...Calculating...............p<0.05, null hypothesis is rejected.
Therefore, there is a significant relation between personality and total amount of boyfriends. OK, I'm getting more 'lenacat' (me being cacat) by the minute. I wanna go solat now, ciao!

l e n a out~

To and Fro Kg. Kuala Sentul, Pahang

Dear Reader(s)

A few days ago, went for OPKIM at Kg. Kuala Sentul, Maran, Pahang. I'll tell you this, it was SOME experience. I'd like to inform you awal-awal that I have never slept at a kampung kampung area before. For hari raya, be it Johor (Tok mum's side) or Penang (Tok wan's side) we visit family members at their so-called kampung house, but not really kampung cause it's already modernized with brick walls and stuff. Plus! We sleep at hotels, LOL.

OPKIM 7-9 Nov '08, a 3-day event. Exco Pengangkutan & Perhubungan (hmm, who could that be? hehe) provided 2 buses for the trip to Pahang, one bus for gals and the other for boys (due to religious circumstances I guess) Hitched the bus in the morning from K1, we lift-off at 8-ish if I remember correctly. Stopped at the R&R on the way and arrived at the Maran Mosque around 11.30am. Both buses parked there until it was like 3pm++, solat Jumaat. While waiting, I slept like a babe in the bus. (not to mention, had a picture of me sleeping snapped by none other than my dearest friends..grrr..haha. and no, I don't have it so I can't upload it here..sorry.heee)

Upon our arrival to Kg. Kuala Sentul, there was an opening ceremony at the Balai Raya. We were all allocated to our respective keluarga angkat after the ceremony and went back to their homes a.k.a. our home. Most families get anak angkat muhibah (different races, mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian) however, due to limited Indian medical students, some families might get Malay + Chinese or just Malay students. My housemate for those 3 days was Lau Li Kin. So it was just the both of us. Our foster parents, Pok Cik Aziz, Mok Cik Zowariah and family were, you might say, the ideal kampung family. Very, very welcoming, friendly and overall very adorable. Here's the family tree =D

The question mark indicates me, not knowing their names. (whoops!)

Here's our home, 3rd house on the right at Jln Keranji.

The family is used to sleeping together on the living room floor, while Li Kin and I slept in one of the bedrooms. I don't have a picture of the bedroom, but i'll describe it a lil bit. There was no ceiling fan, but they brought in a standing fan for us. (How thoughtful, we appreciate the gesture) As you can see the roof is made of zink, so it's supported by a bunch of woods that was inhabited by spiders, its web and dusts. Other than that, it was pretty OK for a kampung house.

After Li Kin and I checked out the bedroom, of course the next vital accommodation was the toilet/bathroom. You wanna see it?

Interesting eh? It's rather clean though. The only problem I faced during my buang air session was the absence of flushing the toilet and the countless mosquitoes flying here and there and biting my arse. LOL!


This here is the water reservoir, for bathing. There was no shower head, so we had to use the blue thingy and ladle water. Notice that the water isn't clear? Yeah, I bathed 2-3 times a day with that. Imagine how clean I felt. Thanks to Jabatan Bekalan Air a.k.a JBA, this is the source of water my foster family and the rest of the villagers receive everyday. They bathe, drink, cook and wash with this.

So, ok. The next day, our program started at 10am++, but prep began at 8am. Li Kin and I arrived a bit late because Mok Cik insisted on us eating breakfast first. After cleaning and washing the plates, we went to the Balai Raya for the prep. Turns out, many peepz were even LATER than we were. Talk about, janji melayu haha.

After changing shifts at the clinical booths, from blood pressure to BMI, I went to kacau dodol! hehe, that was interesting. In the midst of kacau-ing, there was this commotion at the main road. Slowly, many people began to crowd there. I thought to myself, wonder what's up but not wanting to join the crowd. However, when I heard people yelling Anis's name, my heart started racing faster. I passed the big stirrer to a Makcik nearby and ran towards the road. There, I saw Farih at the roadside being treated with the first aid kit and further along the road at a Makcik's house an even thicker crowd gathered. On the floor of the front porch I saw a girl with a tudung full of smeared blood and a few of the kampung people kneeling beside her fanning her, some were even tearful. I frozed for awhile, not believing that it was my friend that was there, lying on the floor. Unconscious. It was horrific. Some say she was under shock due to the head trauma, others say she was out cold due to Hypovolemic shock. Either way, she seemed lifeless. When she suddenly awoke, she started crying in pain saying that it hurts. Just hearing her cries sends shivers down my spine and I felt the hurt, how I empathized. Our supervisor, Dr. Sharir was so upset for Anis and Farih rode the motorbike without helmets.(Note to self : either wear a helmet while riding the motorbike, or don't ride one at all) We were all thankful however because the MVA wasn't so serious. Doc brought Anis to the nearest health clinic and was later referred to a hospital in Temerloh for further investigations, x-ray and stuff.

This photo was taken after Anis's accident, when some of us carried her to Dr. Sharir's car. (I think that's Hafiz standing near the car door.LOL. Didn't mean to take a shot of his behind.)

That evening, went uphill to begin our clinical practice with the orang-orang asli nearby. Not many of 'em came down to their dewan where we assembled, so I thought it a waste of precious time..a bit, yeah. Most of us ended up sitting outside the dewan and cam whoring and chat and stuff. Again, a complete waste of precious time. Me and a few friends sat in a circle outside the dewan and chatted. I felt a bit mean for I totally lost interest in whatever it was they were talking about, not because it was boring but because I'm the type of person that gets bored easily. (Especially when I don't understand the topic)

After the orang asli program, Temoh and Fatin invited Ainul and I to go for a swim at Sg. Lubuk Jade. It was chilly but warm, peaceful but wild. Ainul didn't join us though, I'm not sure why but I think it had something to do with her being busy for that night's dinner prep and Anis's accident. So Temoh, Fatin and I went with their foster sis and bro, Mira and Umair. (please excuse the spelling, I just bantai LOL)

That night, the dinner was alrite. The food I heard was OK, I didn't eat though. Like I told the others, tak lalu nak makan.

The next day, woke up, solat, bathed, and packed a bit. Helped with breakfast, went late for the gotong royong (whoops!) The whole kampung and us Med students had a picnic by the sungai. It was cool, i've never experienced anything like it. Almost everyone had a swim, except me and a few other peepz. I know, what a spoilsport. But I didn't feel like bringing back wet clothes in my bag to KL. Ate a bit, had some food from my foster family and other families. There was bubur jagung, mee goreng, nasi lemak and even the dodol made the day before.

The kampung peepz call this Batu Meletup. It was believed to be exploded during the reign of Japanese by their soldiers. Believe it or not, it's just their belief.

Here's Ainul, her lil foster bro Baby and Kg. Kuala Sentul's Batman!

After that, went back with Mok Cik and family to our home and had a few minutes of nap.After waking up from my nap, had a shower and went to see what else was there that needed to be done. I asked Mok Cik if it was OK to check out the many, many chickens she had at her backyard. AWESOME!

I know, how cute...right?

Picture Perfect. Tam snapped it, while the rest of us posed for this family picture. After this, we all went to the Balai Raya. (except Pok Cik)

The closing ceremony was held at the Balai Raya. The day was disturbingly hot but, whatever you know. Each family received a token of appreciation from us and each foster family gave gifts to their foster students. Li Kin and I received ours at home, prior to the ceremony.Photo taken after the closing ceremony. Pok Cik was busy at the time, being the Imam at the Mosque for the Asar prayer. He joined us afterwards, few minutes before departure.

We all said our goodbyes at 5pm++. It was tough for we all felt attached to our foster families. I'm terrible at goodbyes, so I gave that task to Li Kin haha. Anyway, I was busy doing my duty as Exco for transportation. (Counting heads and stuff) Mok Cik had tears in her eyes. I felt sad too, but the urge to go home outweighed the sorrow.

All in all, this trip was definitely a good exposure for us medical students. This is what we will be facing in the near future, the people, their conditions, culture and lifestyle. Btw, did I mention that going there also exposed us to all sorts of medical illnesses? The house in front of mine recently had a case of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) and Chikungunya. Not only that, this place is considered endemic for Filariasis.Our bus trip back to KL. Goodbye Kg. Kuala Sentul! InsyaAllah, if the opportunity arises we will visit. Til then, take care!

p/s: myE text me today, said sorry for not being able to eat n.b with me and that I'd have to wait until he gets back from his home in K____. LOL. l e n a out~

It's a Trend, Can Somebody Shoot Me?

Hey,
When I say "shoot"..I meant.. with a GUN.

I'm sorry, I just can't take it anymore. This Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera a.k.a DSLR trend is really, really painful to bear. Everywhere I go, I see all these people with their cameras hanging down from their necks and stuff. Like, what's up with that? Is everyone so rich nowadays that they think compact cams are so 5 minutes ago? I'm not saying that if you have the talent or interest that you shouldn't pursue this, all i'm saying is it's sooo overrated.

I used to find it interesting, how one captures a specific moment or scenery in one single snapshot. Capturing not only the people, objects or landscapes in it but also feelings, emotions or any sort of meaning just within that moment. It's totally awesome.

I often visit flickr, a website for all 'em talented rookies, experienced and professional photographers out there. They can sign up and upload all their pics there, and receive comments and advice from people all over the world.

The downside about all this is, there will always be a beginning of a new trend for posers. That's right, flaunt your cameras people. But, there's only a few of you people out there that really have the X factor and THAT, is what makes people want more from you.

Let the viewer not only see, but feel what you're capturing. Not only should you capture, but also portray what it is you're capturing in a very interesting perspective. Anyway, sure I can talk crap about all this but taking photos isn't really that easy. Trust me, I know. But I am indeed interested in knowing and learning about all this, what's a lil extra knowledge right?

Alritey, here's a piece from a friend of mine who's currently learning this stuff. His sifu (one of his sifu I think) is none other than the great Betirk! hehe. A professional photog.

Beautiful piece I might say. Btw, don't ask me what sorta flower this is cause I have no clue. LOL!

l e n a out~

It's Over

Dear peepz,

Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Obama for being the new and improved President for the US of A. This, is a historical event and I'm pretty it'll be in one of those history books for the next century or so.

Secondly, I'm FREE! yes, free of exams and also my heart. It is no longer shackled to him. I don't have the urge to text him no more. Eventhough I still felt a bit flutter-ish when he messaged me at YM today, but it was sorta weak and tready (characteristics of a pulse? lol)

I've always known myself to crush-hop quickly, especially when the crush crushes me back. But, this was totally unexpected for I thought that I really, really liked him. Guess NOT! lol. It's weird, but I feel great. And believe it or not, I'm sorta enjoying my single-to-mingle status coz I can socialize with anyone I want to. NO restrictions. NO strings attached.

I have no intent to be in a relationship for the time being, eventhough I did joke with Temoh that I was gonna have a boyfriend by Valentine's Day next year. Hah! What a joke.

Anyway, just to make it clear I ain't no player. I just date guys, and try not to cling to any one of 'em. It's safer that way I guess. Anywho, it's fun! You get texts from 'em when you're bored and stuff. Gosh, I sound like a jerk. But I did tell them that I just wanted to be friends. So, if they start hoping...is that MY problem? Not quite. If you don't like the way I play it, go buzz off.

l e n a out~

Good-bye 3, Hello 4

Dear reader(s),

Nothing fancy about today's entry.
Just wanted to drop-by and give a 'lil update on life.
So far, it sucks. However, dealing with that kinda makes you stronger.
Hence, the 'ol saying

"...if it don't kill ya, it only makes you stronger..."

Truth-be-told, i'd say that's about 50% correct.
It's correct because it don't kill you. But that does not necessarily mean it'll make you stronger.

I had my OSPE/OSCE examination today where us Med students at UKM are to run around in this maze-like table arrangement in our labs, answering questions from each module with a total of 27 tables (they call it stations. Table sounds so unprofessional, lol!)
In OSPE/OSCE, we will be tested on our knowledge of Anatomy (Gross and Histology), Physiology, Pathology (Gross and Histology), Clinical Science and Personal & Professional Development.

Damn difficult I tell ya! We are required to answer all questions at each station with only a minimal amount of time, which is only 4 minutes (wtf? btw, that means what the fudge. I don't swear often thank you.) 4 MINUTES?? Some people can even fart longer than 4 minutes. Sheeeshh! Am I PO-ed? Damn straight, I am!

This OSPE/OSCE is supposed to be a practical exam that aids our Theory based exam papers. If this is how it's gonna be through out my whole 5 years of medical school, I'm afraid I might not be so lucky.

In conclusion, OSPE/OSCE did not kill me nor did it make me feel stronger. In fact, I actually feel more vulnerable now thanks to the probability of re-sitting a few papers (pray to god that I don't)
If you're not a strong and hardworking person I recommend you to NOT take this course. I repeat, I would NOT recommend you to take medicine.
3rd Sem is finally over, and a new semester awaits! Let's see how that goes, eh? The End! l e n a out!