tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115113302024-03-14T07:50:57.181+00:00:-:- In the shoes of a Podiatry student -:-:Hi! I'm Sani also known as "xhu" by many users of BruneiStudent.com. Currently residing in the sunshine coast of Eastboure, East Sussex, UK and reading Podiatry (po-die-atry). It is a medical profession devoted to the study of human lower limbs and in simple English, a foot doctor. I am glad to welcoming you aboard my blog, and please feel free to lead the way comfortably. Cheers folks!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-38442190019527463932011-12-06T20:03:00.003+00:002011-12-06T20:09:16.510+00:00To do a Post-graduate MSc studies.Often people have asked me how to go about doing an MSc, specifically in Podiatry and especially straight after an undergraduate degree. More often that not, I would encourage them to do it but with kind warning. Also to make them realise, there are other options. Minutes ago, another new graduate asked me on how to go about doing the course as she struggled getting a place. It was different in my case =) Afterall, it just reflects that universities are not running after your money alone, they will also look at realistic issues and being fair to the student themselves.<br /><br />Here's a sample of an email sent to a student who asked me about doing the Masters. I generally tend to say what I experienced rather than saying what should be done etc. So perhaps, this could give an idea to anyone out there thinking of embarking to this path of the journey. There are many out there, MSc isn't the only option =)<br /><br /><blockquote>HI , <div><br /></div> <div>First of all, congratulations for making the brave decision to proceed to the MSc. It is a worthwhile journey indeed. So far, I personally do not see much difference between doing the MSc full-time and paoprt-time as the modules are laid out such that it suits for the part-timers. The only difference probably, you have 15-18/24 months to complete 6 modules and a dissertation, compred to 3-6yrs part-time. As long as you choose your modules carefully (timetabling wise), then you're ok.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>So far, the transition from the BSc to the MSc is such a huge jump. Although very subtle as you get through it, you will only realise the big jump once you have progressed and apply some of your knowledge in the clinical settings. With the MSc and even as you get through it, you will be like having new pair of eyes, seeing things in different perspective. Research wise, you'd be able to critique it better and appreciate research (no matter how much we dread it).</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Biting off more than you can chew? Well, where have I heard that before? Yes, from me! =) I used to say that, but I think it's all different now. It's all a challenge/gamble we have to take anyway. We'll never know until we try it. </div> <div><br /></div> <div>Although, I wouldn't recommend a specific course per se, a more general MSc would be the best option. That's the beauty of the course at Brighton, as you have the option to create your own "course" by choosing your own modules. Like myself, I chose to do MSc Podiatry, but I chose modules similar to MSc Podiatry (Rheumatology). The only difference would be, with the latter, you'd have to stick all your assignments and dissertation with reference to rheumatology. With the former, you can write your assignments in much of a flexible way without having to worry whether or not to write rheumatology.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>It is also gives you the advantage if you choose to do the general one as you may not necessarily have enough experience to narrow it down. It's good to be general at this point. In fact, with any MSc you'd choose, you will still be good at almost everything cos that's what the MSc is about. To prepare you to understand and appreciate research. You'd be doing the inquisition and researching yourself. Lecturers are only facilitators at this stage.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Here's a suggestion. Perhaps you'd wanna do MSc Podiatry, and look for modules which are of your interest and shape it the way you think it would help you with your research (dissertation). Try to reason out the modules you choose. Here's mine when I chose my modules</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Research methods - i need this as a basis for my research and dissertation writing.</div> <div>Anatomy for podiatrists - because all podiatrists need to be good with anatomy, and as a foundation to understanding pathomechanics and rheumatologic pathologies</div> <div>Rheumatology for the lower limb - this is the area of interest and I need to understand rheumatological conditions in the lower limb</div> <div>Offloading the high risk foot - this would help me to understand what is the high risk foot, how is it applicable to the rheumatologic foot and what ofloading strategies could I offer in the future</div> <div>Analysis of function - as rheumatologic foot highly associated with biomechanical disorders, how would I use equipments to quantify it?</div> <div>Surgical management of the lower limb - what else could I offer besides conservative, I need to be able to advise my patients should they need surgery for their rheumatologic foot.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>So once you have those questions, it would help you to choose your modules nicely and then to formulate your research ideas.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Completing assignments, well... most case studies at MSc are around 3000 words. Not much compared to our undergraduate. But the amount of work and effort you need is probably equivalent to the final year portfolio. You'll need good amount of time formulating questions as a planning point for your case study, then researching for materials. Cos, at this stage it's all literature review. But you will develop that skill as you go through the modules.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Each module generally runs for an intensive week long. And you have like 3 months gap to finish any submission. Within that 3 months, it would be busy times.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>It helps if you have a part-time job. Not only with the finance bit, but also helps you to take time away from just the MSc work. You'll need fresh new minds and ideas every time you start writing. Also, it helps you to apply that critical thinking in practice should your part-time job is related to podiatry. My recommendation would be, finish all the 6 modules in one year (or quicker) which entitles you a Pg-Dip. Then concentrate on your research, even as a part time student. </div> <div><br /></div> <div>In my case, I finished all the modules in one year and before concentrating on the research. However, as I'm an international student, I still have to keep my status as a full time student. However, in your case perhaps you could change that as a part-time student which means you can finish your research in two years, but just carry on working as if you're a full-time student in order to finish it within that 15-18mths time frame. But, start formulating your research proposal and do the ethics as soon as you're enrolled, cos it's time consuming!</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Sorry if it's a very long email, and I hope I have shed some light on your future path =) I wish you all the very best and hope to hear from you soon.</div> <div>Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have anymore questions.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Kind regards and best wishes</div> <div>A.Sani Kamis</div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div></blockquote>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-52550290532402086762011-10-26T19:50:00.002+00:002011-10-26T19:56:51.716+00:00Revival! 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m50n1iAy7ZM/Tqhl5rxGx_I/AAAAAAAAAN4/GqtBFixkq4U/s1600/320173_10150420261046195_510096194_10540255_1182091648_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m50n1iAy7ZM/Tqhl5rxGx_I/AAAAAAAAAN4/GqtBFixkq4U/s320/320173_10150420261046195_510096194_10540255_1182091648_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667892172721407986" border="0" /></a><br />All I'd say... this is my life for now. =)<br /><br /><br />Heya folks! And thanks to all that have been checking this blog every now and then. I am extremely sorry for the long pause in the entries. I still can't believe it has been more than a year since I last blogged here, and I'm gutted for that. Most of the things happened have slowly slipped off my mind.<br /><br />Anyhow, so much things happened over the absence period and was extremely busy completing the MSc. With that, lots of things happened, be it memorable, or rough times. Either way, I am where I am and ever grateful for that. I shall resume my blogging once I settle down with this new journey, or a commitment.<br /><br />Signing off!<br />A.Sani Kamissani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-28741674700595546122010-08-14T12:40:00.002+00:002010-08-14T12:45:24.314+00:00Carrot cakeHeya, sorry for the long absence. Been extremely busy and now busy packing and getting ready to go home. It's fasting month, and I had always been craving for carrot cake. The thing is that, I don't eat raisins and most carrot cakes available in shops/cafes come with raisins. So I had to sort my cravings out by making it myself. Didn't have a recipe and just blob everything in a bowl and pop in the microwave.<br /><br />Here it goes.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img802.imageshack.us/i/carrotcake9563364.jpg/"><img src="http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/9491/carrotcake9563364.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><ul><li>1 cup olive oil</li><li>2-3 eggs</li><li>1 cup of castor sugar</li><li>Shredded carrots just enough to cover the batter</li><li>Flour just enough to make it into a cake batter consistency</li><li>1 tbsp bicarbonate soda</li><li>Pinch of cinnamon powder</li><li>Chopped walnuts<br /></li></ul>Methods:<br />Just mix everything. And since I like it moist, I steamed it with microwave (microwave on high for 15 mins with water in a mig at the side).<br />Then bake in a oven just to brown it slightly. Let it cool in the oven slowly.<br /><br />Iced it with cream cheese icing.sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-90989897510742336662010-06-21T23:50:00.002+00:002010-06-21T23:51:42.065+00:00Chicken rice.<a target='_blank' href='http://img121.imageshack.us/i/p1020272edt4200666.jpg/'><img src='http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2195/p1020272edt4200666.jpg' border='0'/></a><br /><br />Been craving this for quite some time now. Only today had the chance to make it and eat it. It's easy to make and such a healthy comfort food I must say. Just simply slow cooked boiled chicken with fragrant rice and chilli sauce. YUM!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-60607671215473105992010-05-24T13:16:00.003+00:002010-05-24T13:26:18.293+00:00Summer is back again!<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img517.imageshack.us/i/p1000768bw7443666.jpg/'><img src='http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4792/p1000768bw7443666.jpg' border='0'/></a><br /><br />It was scorching hot yesterday in Eastbourne. Although I was busy with my presentation assessment preparation, I couldn't resist from going out enjoying the nice sunny day. Where else could be better when it's nice HOT sunny weather in Eastbourne if not the beach. Hehe plus, it was Shahin's first day off from Sunday work in 2010. He has been studying and preparing lots for his exams. I've been through that period myself, so I told him to chill up a bit and go out. Had lunch at the Balti's but he didn't join the beach as he had to return home to finish his printing. But he joined us back for tea in the evening.<br /><br />The town centre was not that pack as people were flocking to the beach. 2nd picture, my old street where I used to live. Convenient place for food!!<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img443.imageshack.us/i/p10005676008029.jpg/"><img src="http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1990/p10005676008029.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://img690.imageshack.us/i/p10005696019906.jpg/"><img src="http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/7026/p10005696019906.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img706.imageshack.us/i/p10005686015230.jpg/"><img src="http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3856/p10005686015230.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then went to the Balti's for their great curry and people. They always gives us discount without even having the loyalty card =D The bajis<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img440.imageshack.us/i/p10005876038854.jpg/"><img src="http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9885/p10005876038854.jpg" border="0" /></a><a target="_blank" href="http://img12.imageshack.us/i/p10005866031462.jpg/"> <img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4485/p10005866031462.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lost a kilo over the week, and stuffed myself up making it 2kgs in minutes!<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img130.imageshack.us/i/p10005856026009.jpg/"><img src="http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8678/p10005856026009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then met up halfway with Kak Nora and the rest (finally) after long waiting for them<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img265.imageshack.us/i/p10005906044644.jpg/"><img src="http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8636/p10005906044644.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Didn't do much at the beach, just spending the time and took pictures really. And we found dead crab! It stank so badly but Kak Nora insisted of taking it home just to see things more closely...<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img412.imageshack.us/i/p10008266660119.jpg/"><img src="http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7136/p10008266660119.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img687.imageshack.us/i/p10008156655293.jpg/"><img src="http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2964/p10008156655293.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Look at them! The blue waters and sky = so beautiful!<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/i/p1000813edt6651314.jpg/"><img src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9753/p1000813edt6651314.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img132.imageshack.us/i/p1000804edt6645800.jpg/"><img src="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6835/p1000804edt6645800.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Random shots.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/i/p1000795edt6629119.jpg/"><img src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3112/p1000795edt6629119.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img715.imageshack.us/i/p1000794edt6625497.jpg/"><img src="http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7893/p1000794edt6625497.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A bit of me own shot and ice-cream!<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img39.imageshack.us/i/p10007226604429.jpg/"><img src="http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4723/p10007226604429.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img27.imageshack.us/i/p10006326597761.jpg/"><img src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3564/p10006326597761.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img715.imageshack.us/i/p10006146588942.jpg/"><img src="http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/6688/p10006146588942.jpg" border="0" /></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-36061459928138100312010-05-19T14:07:00.003+00:002010-05-19T14:41:40.862+00:00Beach walkingJust got back after a 3 hour walk along the seafront with Kak Nora. We thought of going for a jog, but ended up going just for a leisure walk. It was indeed a good time out, although it was planned at around 1am!!!<br /><br />Along the way, we found this old military museum, and there we bumped into a Yorkshire couple who came to Eastbourne for a short holiday visit. The husband Trevor, started chatting when I said I'm from Brunei. He recalled his 3 years living in Brunei during the late 70's in Labi!! So I told how my family associated with Labi as my family used to live there for few years for work. This was way before I was even born, so I obviously wouldn't know anything about it other than from stories told by my parents. He recalled how Labi used to be flooded etc, stories that tallied to my mum's stories. He used to work for Shell and worked on the seismic evaluation. He was eventually made redundant in the 80's after working all over the world including Nigeria, Peru, Irian Jaya and many more.<br /><br />Took a picture with Trevor.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img230.imageshack.us/i/p10004648511706.jpg/"><img src="http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6488/p10004648511706.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img62.imageshack.us/i/p10004598506573.jpg/"><img src="http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3575/p10004598506573.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img179.imageshack.us/i/p10004588501543.jpg/"><img src="http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6185/p10004588501543.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img214.imageshack.us/i/p10004538497195.jpg/"><img src="http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/589/p10004538497195.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img175.imageshack.us/i/p10004528491797.jpg/"><img src="http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2117/p10004528491797.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img697.imageshack.us/i/p10004458487819.jpg/"><img src="http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/4397/p10004458487819.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img197.imageshack.us/i/p10004438483108.jpg/"><img src="http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1172/p10004438483108.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img197.imageshack.us/i/p10004428478887.jpg/"><img src="http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5995/p10004428478887.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img30.imageshack.us/i/p10004388472352.jpg/"><img src="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6350/p10004388472352.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img4.imageshack.us/i/p10004378466251.jpg/"><img src="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/419/p10004378466251.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From there we continued walking and stopped at the Fisherman's hut for a quick cold ready-to-eat seafoods. Yum Yum...<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img3.imageshack.us/i/p10005029638503.jpg/"><img src="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7360/p10005029638503.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img139.imageshack.us/i/p1000499bw9634285.jpg/"><img src="http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/580/p1000499bw9634285.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img297.imageshack.us/i/p10004949627310.jpg/"><img src="http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/363/p10004949627310.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img708.imageshack.us/i/p10004799572652.jpg/"><img src="http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2457/p10004799572652.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img29.imageshack.us/i/p10004779563015.jpg/"><img src="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9077/p10004779563015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img52.imageshack.us/i/p10004789568189.jpg/"><img src="http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4950/p10004789568189.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Found a 10p coin in the bowl!<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img138.imageshack.us/i/p10004909623277.jpg/"><img src="http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1993/p10004909623277.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img514.imageshack.us/i/p10004899616408.jpg/"><img src="http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3937/p10004899616408.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img139.imageshack.us/i/p10004889611675.jpg/"><img src="http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/144/p10004889611675.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img69.imageshack.us/i/p10004879605964.jpg/"><img src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2972/p10004879605964.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img96.imageshack.us/i/p10004869601347.jpg/"><img src="http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9021/p10004869601347.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img52.imageshack.us/i/p10004859597061.jpg/"><img src="http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3005/p10004859597061.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img522.imageshack.us/i/p10004849591849.jpg/"><img src="http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7540/p10004849591849.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img84.imageshack.us/i/p10004819581449.jpg/"><img src="http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6688/p10004819581449.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img688.imageshack.us/i/p10004809577119.jpg/"><img src="http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/5200/p10004809577119.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img143.imageshack.us/i/p10004839585681.jpg/"><img src="http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4089/p10004839585681.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After that, we continued walking and made our way back into town, and eventually home knackered!!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-81165458585324648172010-05-17T19:11:00.002+00:002010-05-17T19:15:06.921+00:00Chicken curry - always be home at heart<a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/i/p10003813605959.jpg/"><img src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6999/p10003813605959.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img72.imageshack.us/i/p10003823555265.jpg/"><img src="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8638/p10003823555265.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Regardless where you are, nothing beats comfort food that reminds you of home-cooked meal. Made my usual chicken curry and for the first time that I actually took a picture of it. Had it with stir-fried bean sprouts with oyster sauce.sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-34013409201118347762010-05-16T18:55:00.002+00:002010-05-16T18:58:41.509+00:00Shortcrust Chicken PieI tend to make my chicken pie with puff pastry, like pot pie. Today I thought I would give a try making with shortcrust pastry, the traditional way. Oh well, I'd say I personally prefer the puff pastry pie.<br /><br />First, the pastry.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img6.imageshack.us/i/p10003716042325.jpg/"><img src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9236/p10003716042325.jpg" border="0" /></a><a target="_blank" href="http://img121.imageshack.us/i/p10003676018689.jpg/"> <img src="http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7736/p10003676018689.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then baked, and served! ehhe<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img14.imageshack.us/i/p10003766050518.jpg/"><img src="http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5508/p10003766050518.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img9.imageshack.us/i/p10003776056321.jpg/"><img src="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5143/p10003776056321.jpg" border="0" /></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-70006892575458495802010-05-13T20:43:00.004+00:002010-05-13T22:23:06.514+00:00The re-birth once again, a new camera.<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img80.imageshack.us/i/p10001654577327.jpg/'><img src='http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/227/p10001654577327.jpg' border='0'/></a><br /><br />It was exactly a year that I posted an entry similar to this <a href="http://sanixhu.blogspot.com/2008/04/i-got-my-new-toy-canon-powershot-g9.html">here</a>. It was about me getting a new camera, the Canon G9. I bought it after a permanent lens damage due to the extreme condition over the snowing period. Today, I'm posting in regards to me getting a new camera once again. This time it's a Lumix TZ10. Bought it after a long hard thought as I was torn between an SLR or a high powered compact. Obviously, the compact-ness and portability of the Lumix compelled me towards buying it. So far, I enjoy bits of it, but not as excited when I got the G9.<br /><br />All I say, the G9 is still the best, and it served me well. I could replace the lens, but don't think it would worth it. With the Lumix, it's light, compact and the 12X zoom is certainly something handy to have but not an essential. Battery is a little bit on the down side when compared with the G9, but not sure if I'm gonna buy an extra for the time being. Picture quality wise, it's much sharper on the G9 but again in the age of photoediting softwares being ubiquitous, not a major problem. The wide angle lens is another cool feature about it and speed is impressive too. In terms of practicality of use, I find the switching modes between viewing picture and shooting is still making me bite my lips! Focusing can be tricky too as it's fully automatic. There's also a useless GPS feature on this camera... which simply put a hole in my bank account for useless reason!<br /><br />On overall, it's a great and sleek point and shoot, but an excellent HD video camera. Nevertheless, Canon G9, you're being missed greatly!<br /><br />Here's another sample of an untouched close up photo using the Lumix TZ10<br /><a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img638.imageshack.us/i/p10002174668955.jpg/'><img src='http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/205/p10002174668955.jpg' border='0'/></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-82275752775098893962010-04-05T17:52:00.004+00:002010-04-05T18:00:21.305+00:00Never ending cravings - Kueh Lenggang.<a target="_blank" href="http://img163.imageshack.us/i/img04149949023.jpg/"><img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4729/img04149949023.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img04189957608.jpg/"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4734/img04189957608.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img709.imageshack.us/i/img04179953742.jpg/"><img src="http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/7225/img04179953742.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />For the past few weeks, my life has been filled with foods foods and foods but less energy diverted towards work. Bummer!<br /><br />Well today, I made myself kueh lenggang. A simple malay snack of pandan (screwpine leaves) flavoured crepe with dessicated coconut and palm sugar filling. I made it as my sweet to be served with my tagliatelle with prawns and chilli. So, I let the pictures speak for itself.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img688.imageshack.us/i/img04119934451.jpg/"><img src="http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/4113/img04119934451.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And, my neighbour and I also made ambuyat to show her Malaysian landlord how it is done. ehehhe. Good ey!<br /><br />Had to improvise "chandas" with the use of modified chopsticks.<br /><a target='_blank' href='http://img704.imageshack.us/i/img04220262188.jpg/'><img src='http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5366/img04220262188.jpg' border='0'/></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-42822861326520284752010-03-15T12:16:00.003+00:002010-03-15T12:21:10.102+00:00My vegetarian day.<a target="_blank" href="http://img706.imageshack.us/i/img24185618121.jpg/"><img src="http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9669/img24185618121.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img690.imageshack.us/i/img24175614121.jpg/"><img src="http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9950/img24175614121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thinking back, I survived my vegetarian weeks being a student living in halls when I first came. That was because the halal shop was far away, and really I didn't know there were many of them around! ehhee So, during that period, I had to overcome my cravings with meat substitutes mainly from Quorn.<br /><br />Today, I had the craving again. So I made myself a vegetable pie served with Quorn bangers and mushy peas. I'd say, chicken pie taste by many miles tastier. Nevertheless, it's kinda healthy in a way as I'm trying to detox my body for a bit.<br /><br />I'm trying to lose weight. Not drastically, but to an ideal weight for myself. I was overjoyed when I thot I lost few kilos after fasting. Too bad that night only to realise the scale was not set to zero, it was at -5kgs! Bummer!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-43048011646499264242010-03-13T11:35:00.002+00:002010-03-13T11:40:35.435+00:00Sushi Day<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img59.imageshack.us/i/25906388003661194510096.jpg/'><img src='http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6849/25906388003661194510096.jpg' border='0'/></a><br />Arrived home after a very tiring day. Continued working at home as I didn't want to fall asleep (nothing unusual really). So I emailed few lecturers in regards to my research proposal, and another lecturer to arrange on the use of the F-Scan analysis machine for my mini project. Then later, Kak Nora texted Shahin and I to come over her place. She needed help to make sushi.<br /><br />I wasn't sure if it was going to turn ok (to say the least) as I don't normally (only made once) make sushi. It was a gathering for Kak Nora's friend's farewell as they're leaving today back to Malaysia. Nevertheless, the sushi turned out good actually, considering it was Shahin's attempt to make sushi for the first time! hehesani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-37582018492891940862010-03-13T11:17:00.002+00:002010-03-13T11:33:02.528+00:00Analysis of Function and ProposalIt has been a tiring week. I just had one week of intensive module on Analysis of Function. It's mainly targeted for the MSc Physiotherapy, but I guess I took the chance of taking this module. The module is interesting and the delivery of the lectures were excellent. It's just some of the lingo were a bit off from my day-to-day practice as a podiatrist. This was more like an engineering course and we had an engineer onsite to help us out. It sounded more like experimenting rockets! lol. For the whole week, we put human physiology and abnormal conditions aside, it was more of the fundamentals of physics integrated into the human movement like force, moment, torque etc in relation to the human joints and soft tissues. There were also elements of critical evaluation of research within the subjects. On a fair note, I appreciate reading human movement related articles more now than before, that I have actually able to see the bias in many papers published.<br /><br />For the whole week, I was able to operate and critically analyse the benefits and pitfalls of many equipments which some cost hundreds of thousand pounds! I looked and operated on the force plate, the vicon and coda 3D analysis, EMG (electromyography), the ultrasound machine, the biodex and improved my skills on the use of F-scan pressure measurement. Below are some of the sights and situations that I had to endure over the week.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img13.imageshack.us/i/img02579535353.jpg/"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7989/img02579535353.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img16.imageshack.us/i/img02239503260.jpg/"><img src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6545/img02239503260.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img3.imageshack.us/i/img02539520377.jpg/"><img src="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/725/img02539520377.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img13.imageshack.us/i/img02499517073.jpg/"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5016/img02499517073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img16.imageshack.us/i/img02489513617.jpg/"><img src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4232/img02489513617.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img11.imageshack.us/i/img02369510108.jpg/"><img src="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1773/img02369510108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img718.imageshack.us/i/img02339506819.jpg/"><img src="http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6286/img02339506819.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img02549530557.jpg/"><img src="http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7808/img02549530557.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And those machines are not just for trial. We had to experiment it on almost a real scale! You can just imagine that I came home everyday knackered!!! Running on a treadmill after lunch, with strappings and without proper pre and post exercises measure, NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!<br /><br />Yesterday, I had my dissertation meeting day. It was difficult but surely an eye opening to making sure we were on the right track. My research plan was somehow all over the place partly because they knew nothing what I was talking about. I then turned my my own personal tutor and he was enthusiastic about it. He even gave me his recent publication (which kind of similar study)to look at.<br /><br />I'm hoping it will run smoothly. I'll be looking at the prevalence of foot pain among rheumatoid patients in Brunei as we have not got a rheumatology specialist podiatrist (hint hint!!) ahahha.sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-60209457570887266772010-03-07T17:30:00.003+00:002010-03-07T17:43:40.241+00:00Simplistic - Comforting<a target="_blank" href="http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img24103670966.jpg/"><img src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6379/img24103670966.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img696.imageshack.us/i/img2407edt3686018.jpg/"><img src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7766/img2407edt3686018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What can be more comforting in a stressful and cold condition other than simple food. Just simply quick to prepare, healthy (well almost) and yummy! I blame it on my piling load of work and the stress of keeping up with the demand. Demand, and yes, that goes along with my tummy's demands too! I've been telling myself about my weight, but again it's simply unavoidable to some extent.<br /><br />Got home today and thinking what can I make, as I was craving for good spud - either a cheesy chips or jacket potato. Luckily I had one baking spud left. Popped it in the microwave for about 8mins and in goes the butter and baked beans. The result? A SCORE!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-12856489430154332122010-03-06T14:23:00.002+00:002010-03-06T14:30:12.906+00:00Gulab jamun<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img717.imageshack.us/i/img2399edt5772099.jpg/'><img src='http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4783/img2399edt5772099.jpg' border='0'/></a><br /><br />Made one of my favourite Indian desserts, Gulab Jamun. It's like a doughnut soaked in sugar syrup. It's easy and quick to prepare.<br /><br />All you need is powdered milk, self raising flour, milk and make. Make it like a texture between a dough and a paste, then make into tiny little balls as it will double the size when deep fried. Once fried into golden balls, soak them in sugar syrup. Chill and serve!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-58710736753170188002010-03-06T14:09:00.003+00:002010-03-06T14:22:01.808+00:00Promoting the profession - Podiatry.Whilst I was back in Brunei, one of the tasks was to man the career fair at ICC organised by the Ministry of Health. On summary, it could have been better with better publicity. Nevertheless, there were many enthusiastic students attended the almost a week long fair.<br /><br />However, students should eradicate the naiveity of "I want to be this and that, and I refuse to hear anything else but that, and I know what that is all about". Most of the chances, you don't actually know until you actually experienced it. On many instances students just walked pass and only stopped to a certain booth of their interest. Fair enough when interest is concerned, but how mouch would you gain for doing such? Speaking of interest, those who attended seemed to be compelled by the idea of job popularity and money. Have they even considered a realistic approach to that? Have they even questioned themselves, have I got what it takes to be that?<br /><br />Anyway, enough of those rant. It was indeed a fun time spent promoting the profession in particular and working for the public as a whole. The best part has to be educating and correcting the public.<br /><br />I leave you to some pictures below. So folks, the next time you attend a fair especially an educational one, be diplomatic and intelligent. Pose your questions in a learned manner as it reflects on yourselves, and not to be judgemental.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img715.imageshack.us/i/img19605154006.jpg/"><img src="http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2987/img19605154006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img27.imageshack.us/i/img19445149985.jpg/"><img src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4332/img19445149985.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img94.imageshack.us/i/23607344073770986755980.jpg/"><img src="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5946/23607344073770986755980.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/i/23607344065135986755980.jpg/"><img src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8265/23607344065135986755980.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img94.imageshack.us/i/23607344065155986755980.jpg/"><img src="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1364/23607344065155986755980.jpg" border="0" /></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-36001218429435311752010-03-04T13:00:00.004+00:002010-03-04T13:28:00.151+00:00Revived! 2010Hey, what a sinful break it was! I hadn't been able to update this blog due to time and simply being lazy too!<br /><br />Perhaps I could just do a summary of things happened for the last few months (well almost a year).<br /><br />In July (28th July 2009), it was an auspicious day of my life. I graduated for the second time with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Podiatry / Podiatric Medicine. At the same time I was named the recipient of the Podiatry award. I was so nervous on stage but didn't fail to pose and smile for the cameras.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img535.imageshack.us/i/img50587905726.jpg/"><img src="http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1253/img50587905726.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img4931edt7898450.jpg/"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1516/img4931edt7898450.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img3.imageshack.us/i/img50567933341.jpg/"><img src="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9839/img50567933341.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img188.imageshack.us/i/img50757909473.jpg/"><img src="http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5108/img50757909473.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Attending the ceremony were my beloved mom, and two of my sidekicks - Shahin and Shumba. It was certainly a smooth going ceremony and would certainly be a memorable moment in my life.<br /><br />Whilst mom was in the UK, I rented a car (pretty much a usual thing innit?) and we toured Cardiff, Oxford, Bath and Manchester to meet up Kolin's granma. Although it was a short trip, indeed it was a fun thing and time well spent with mom. Whilst in London, took mom to Greenwich just to see things around. I also managed to book seats for a theatre at the Westend, Sister Act.<br /><br />So much happenings and took tons of pictures, but I'll only share some here. Mom obviously couldn't stop shopping. We had to buy an extra luggage just to fit in those extras, yet it was just about! She definitely enjoyed the trip, that what matters the most anyway.<br /><br />As with the rented car, initially I was given a 7 seater family car. Fortunately (Yes), the car airconditioning system failed and would be dangerous to drive as it would start to fog during cold conditions. I went in to get a car change and the lady asked if I drive automatic. Of course, the answer was a yes and that would be a bonus! So instead of the 7-seater Touran, I had a Mercedes A-Class. Not a big deal, but it was certainly helpful in terms of comfort and being small in size, easy to manouvre around in the city.<br /><br />Taking turns driving. Me getting bored driving on a slow pace on the M6 towards Manchester.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img56828475472.jpg/"><img src="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9666/img56828475472.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img716.imageshack.us/i/img52098439822.jpg/"><img src="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2408/img52098439822.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img10.imageshack.us/i/img54598471759.jpg/"><img src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7899/img54598471759.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img54258466125.jpg/"><img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2469/img54258466125.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img716.imageshack.us/i/img52508462467.jpg/"><img src="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4209/img52508462467.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img52308458927.jpg/"><img src="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/682/img52308458927.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img10.imageshack.us/i/img52278443601.jpg/"><img src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1136/img52278443601.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img51478435980.jpg/"><img src="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3261/img51478435980.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Came September, I had to return back to UK as a student. But this time, as a Post-graduate student. I was also awarded scholarship for that, DOUBLE WHAMMY!! Yay! Moved in to a new 2 bedroom flat, shared with Shahin.<br /><br />So there you go. Nothing much interesting going on. Although there are a few, but they were just minor stuffs. hehehe. Hopefully I will be updating this blog as much as I used to. Alrighty then!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-68182926290030720002009-07-18T06:22:00.010+00:002009-07-19T03:31:26.503+00:00Life after being an undergraduateHere I am sitting in my room not knowing what to do. Reflecting to series of episodes of ups and downs in life, it is indeed a great journey. This is my 4th week in my lovely country, Brunei Darussalam. Although I haven't been up to much, but it's certainly a time well spent with family and friends.<br /><br />Right after the graduation ball, I was so busy packing my stuff before heading back to Brunei. I underestimated how much junk I had collected over the years. But I managed in the end.<br /><br />Tons of shoes that gave me headaches!<a target="_blank" href="http://img221.imageshack.us/i/img39370875367.jpg/"><br /></a><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img141.imageshack.us/i/img31578601777.jpg/"><img src="http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9383/img31578601777.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Arrived in Brunei about 4 weeks ago. I was welcomed with a shocking environment of swine flu. It would have been better if an announcement was made onboard before everyone disembarked the plane to avoid any unnecessary anxiety. I was no exception amongst other anxious passengers. For one, we had been on a very long and tiring journey, and suddenly a group of people in spacesuits welcomed us at the end of the tunnel (aerobridge). I knew there's a big outbreak of swine flu in Brunei, but they could have told that a standard procedure of screening is taking place. I thought someone had been infected that was onboard and the reason why such strict screening took place. Luckily, there was none, and it was only a random check. We had to wait until everyone disembarked, whilst waiting at a designated area before being cleared to go.<br /><br />Scary ducks?<br /><a href="http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img31868815798n.jpg/"><img src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5614/img31868815798n.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Came the 2nd week of my stay here in Brunei, the day finally came. My results! Due to the time difference and typical postal service, I had to call the university for my results at midnight, although I could check my results online and not my degree classification. I only got the results pack yesterday, and that's like 2 weeks after the results have been published. Anyway, it was a good news and now looking forward to my graduation. Got my graduation kit ready... and just looking forward to the day!! The wait was definitely nerve wrecking. My coursemates and I gathered online over a chat platform expressing our anxiety. Everyone agreed that the exam was very difficult and that the results would be shocking. Unlike our previous exam results, the anxiety weren't as bad as this one. Simply because, the previous exams were alright. In the end, alhamdulillah it's all good although no one got a 1st! Funny how everyone expected me to get a 1st! ahahhaha<br /><br />With the results and all done, I celebrated the moment by treating myself with friends in Sngapore. And I bought myself a new pair of Tag watch, which was a last minute decision at the airport! ahahha Oh well.. ehehe Again, the highlight would certainly be the time spent together with my friends in Singapore, Cathy and Pinqy. Whilst there, we spent time on the hunt for great foods which included the so claimed best Nasi lemak in Singapore which was told that was eaten by His Majesty, went on the Singapore Flyer (the biggest ferries wheel in the world), and a night out at the Clinic Bar.<br /><br />Up on the Singapore Flyer<br /><a href="http://img107.imageshack.us/i/img42539575296.jpg/"><img src="http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5294/img42539575296.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Me eating the Nasi Lemak at Adam Road... ehheh (overrated indeed!!)<br /><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img269.imageshack.us/i/img43469539436.jpg/"><img src="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4084/img43469539436.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First night food hunt, the famous Singapore Chilli crab at Clarke Quay and a dessert at Coffee Club at past midnight! ahahha. Well spent 3 digits $$! ahha<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img38780069033y.jpg/"><img src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2792/img38780069033y.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://img139.imageshack.us/i/img39210155944.jpg/"><img src="http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8659/img39210155944.jpg" border="0" /></a><a target="_blank" href="http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img38780069033y.jpg/"><br /></a><br />At the Clinic Bar<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img169.imageshack.us/i/img38950140021.jpg/"><img src="http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/2848/img38950140021.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://img169.imageshack.us/i/img40240217523.jpg/"><img src="http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8076/img40240217523.jpg" border="0" /></a><a target="_blank" href="http://img169.imageshack.us/i/img38950140021.jpg/"><br /></a><a target="_blank" href="http://img139.imageshack.us/i/img39210155944.jpg/"><br /></a>Day view at Clarke Quay<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img39780191435.jpg/"><img src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/448/img39780191435.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />View from outside the hotel room.. stunning view of Clarke Quay eh! Night vs Day<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img38010824863.jpg/"><img src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5176/img38010824863.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://img221.imageshack.us/i/img39370875367.jpg/"><img src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5779/img39370875367.jpg" border="0" /></a><a target="'_blank'" href="http://www.blogger.com/%27http://img220.imageshack.us/i/img38010824863.jpg/%27"><br /></a><br />Now, I look forward to graduate and enjoy the graduation. Can't believe I have been in tertiary education for 7 years including my nursing years! Having said that, I still have tons of paperworks to complete to legalise me to practise and my professional membership.<br /><br />To commemorate and as a token of my achievement, I treated myself to a new Tag watch hehehe. It's a Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic and was a last minute decision at the airport and finally bought it with satisfaction.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img140.imageshack.us/i/img43761505573.jpg/"><img src="http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9969/img43761505573.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br />Taken from the website...<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://img140.imageshack.us/i/mytag1515704.jpg/"><img src="http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8351/mytag1515704.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-6305819237591767672009-06-15T17:56:00.003+00:002009-06-15T18:08:48.326+00:00If only a day equals to 40 hours! - The end of the beginningExams off, now what's next?<br /><br />Right after the exams, I wanted to take a day off. However, considering time was very short, I had to juggle many things at the same time. I am still sleep deprived. I hope I'll be able to catch those sleep at home.<br /><br />Right the next day after the exams, I had to return all the library books that I had been hugging on to for the past 2-3 years! ahhaha Paid a visit to the nurse who was very helpful throughout my stay here in the UK arranging my health needs. She was surprised.. ehehe<br /><br />I was also contemplating whether to pack and ship my stuff back home, or wait until I get my final results. Finally I decided to ship them back. Luckily I fouund a company who could handle the shipment within 24 hour notice. So far, the service have been brilliant and smooth going. Hope things will run smoothly till the things arrive in my hands, Insya Allah.<br /><br />Then, the graduation ball on the 12th June 2009. It was smashing!! It was great, and everyone looked stunning!!!! We had a surprise show of drag queen performing. It was hilarious and very entertaining. S/he sang brilliantly and very spontaneous when engaging with the audience.<br /><br />I'll leave you with some pictures here...<br /><br /><a href="http://img37.imageshack.us/i/img27338575086.jpg/"><img src="http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3797/img27338575086.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img27358582324.jpg/"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4138/img27358582324.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img27388589079.jpg/"><img src="http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7083/img27388589079.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img25.imageshack.us/i/img27428601079.jpg/"><img src="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/227/img27428601079.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img27528618924.jpg/"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3401/img27528618924.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img19.imageshack.us/i/img27878623707.jpg/"><img src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1274/img27878623707.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://img37.imageshack.us/i/img27898632389.jpg/"><img src="http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6596/img27898632389.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img20.imageshack.us/i/img28798638018.jpg/"><img src="http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7228/img28798638018.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img29118643490.jpg/"><img src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5779/img29118643490.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img19.imageshack.us/i/img29198648615.jpg/"><img src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2747/img29198648615.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A cake with our group picture on it.<br /><br /><a href="http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img27448607925.jpg/"><img src="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2259/img27448607925.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then got invited to the Malaysian family for a mini get together, and today was a busy busy day. The landlord was here to carry out a house inspection making sure we get the deposit back. Then had a final monopoly game with Emily and Shahin. Now, it feels weird that the room is empty! Although, in the wardrobe are hidden clutters of things that I collected over the years!<br /><br />I shall now look forward to the future, and hope all the best to come!! Amin.sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-57505316795024138742009-06-09T22:01:00.000+00:002009-06-09T22:02:10.859+00:00Same but different?The picture on the right was taken about a year ago. HAHAHAHA <br /><br /><a href='http://img198.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suit4865568.jpg'><img src='http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6803/suit4865568.jpg' border='0' alt='Image Hosted by ImageShack.us'/></a><br/>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-6857040545615981022009-06-09T17:48:00.001+00:002009-06-09T17:50:17.216+00:00Tunic - Grey to Graffitti?Any Winehouse says Back to Black, but I say Grey to Graffitti! ahah The final state of my tunic!<br /><a href='http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img25089662567.jpg'><img src='http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9236/img25089662567.jpg' border='0' alt='Image Hosted by ImageShack.us'/></a><br/><br /><br />Us, altogether pose with our happy faces in tunic! The very last time ever gonna wear them!<br /><a href='http://img38.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2492crp9496182.jpg'><img src='http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7282/img2492crp9496182.jpg' border='0' alt='Image Hosted by ImageShack.us'/></a><br/>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-29684140692515955132009-06-09T14:31:00.008+00:002009-06-09T17:48:52.079+00:00Exams exams!!! Podiatry Final Exams.Right, as promised, this is the entry dedicated towards my experience sitting for the final exams as a podiatry student. To start, let me run through what's the final year was all about. (glad I could use the word "was" at this stage. Strange but YAY!!<br /><br /><a href="http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=presentation21553682.jpg"><img src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4861/presentation21553682.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Right, this final year was all about application and clinical reasoning. It was more about, why would I do vascular assessment, why was it presented in such manner, why was it different from the book standard kind of presentation, what was the exception for this case? And the list just kept on adding. One of the reasons is that there is no similar patient. They're always different in many ways. They might be having same condition, but not necessarily same history and cases. Hence, differences in effects and management plans. That is why in clinical exams, one can never come prepared, simply because you don't know what's ahead of you. Clinical cases are simply like treasure hunting. It's about making learned decisions, based on clues and what you could gather from the patient. It's a skill that you learnt, as well as that factor that you were born with (hopefully).<br /><br />Alright now, in this final year, it was all (70-80%) on pharmacology and the rest was about patient-centered management. I can assure you, there was only little input or tests your podiatric knowledge. No doubt, the podiatry side of it all has been tested over the past 2 years of podiatric training. This final year was specifically about medicine, pharmacology and patient's psychosocial. We had 2 main modules, the clinical module and the applied medicine module. To the lay readers out there, Medicine in this context is all about health conditions like asthma, diabetes, so on and so forth rather than panadol for instance. In the medical lingo, those "medicine" we refer to in day to day language would be referred as "drugs".<br /><br />The clinical module consisted of a 10-15 thousand words portfolio, and clinical exams. The Applied medicine was divided into 2 written exams (1 mcq and 1 case based exams). Let me run through this as how I had sat it for.<br /><br />The first was the case based exam. It was a 3 hour written exam based on 2 case studies. The cases that we thought of ranged from Cardiovascular, Neurology, Nephrology, Endocrinology (esp Diabetes), Musculoskeletal, Rheumatology and even Dermatology. We had to prepare and study how these conditions take its action in the body up to the cellular level, and how pharmacological approach could change them to reduce the symptoms. Then, we had to relate that to podiatry. It could either be as a result of the condition, or as a result of the medications. The 2 big main concentrations were Rheumatology and Diabetes with incorporation of Cardiovascular as they're quite closely related as risk factors.<br /><br />The 3 hour exam felt like 20mins! It was all about Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Rheumatology. We had to prepare things like anti-TNF alpha stuffs etc, DMARDs and all. And frankly, we won't be dealing as much on these as a qualified podiatrists. Although, there are cases we need to raise the flag for changes. However, not unless you're a pod-consultant, yes this is crucial! Having said that, it was truly a brain draining exam!!!!!! I almost broke down into tears when I saw the questions! Never in my life I felt such for an exam. The 3 hours went by in a snap! Time ended just as I was running half way through the last question. The questions were basically based on a scenario which consisted of lab results, patient social, medical and drug history. Then we make our clinical judgements whether their treatment and medication regime are appropriate, and to justify they're yes or not.<br /><br />The next day I had to battle with the portfolio having me less time to prepare for my next exam. The portfolio consisted of a case study with reflection of own clinical skills and reasoning. Ideally, it should be aimed at 10-15 thousan words, including supporting evidence of learning and future planning. I had to sacrifice my life, sleep etc for this. Towards the end, I gave up and had to dive into my books in preparation to the other exam.<br /><br />The MCQ consisted of 150 questions (30 sections, 5 questions each). Similar to the case based exam, this exam tested us on medications, mainly on what they're for, side effects, and the cellular actions. The tricky bit, they tweaked the jargons!!! For instance, say in a statement like X causes hyperglycaemia. In the exam, the tweaked it and put it as "X antagonists the effects of hypoglycaemic drugs". In a wee time, one could simply overlook the word antagonist, and worse if you haven't got a clue what antagonists mean!!! And 2 hours was allocated for this. The horrible thing, it was also negatively marked. Meaning, 1 mistake, 1 mark deducted, and 2 marks for each correct answer! How horrible is that!?!?!?!?!?<br /><br />These 2 exams simply made me feel like shit!! None of us felt alright, everyone just felt like shit! They were the most horrible exams I had ever sat! No more again!!!!<br /><br />Then after the exam, I went straight home and started typing my portfolio. From 2pm that day, I continued working on my laptop until 6am the next day without even a short nap! Some of you might say, why last minute? In this case, it's not enitely a last minute thing. Simply because, it's based on a case I handled in clinic, which I had to follow through. So I had to finalise it once I finished managing the patient, which meant up until the last day. Also with the time constraints, I also had to finish my research project which taken a lot of my time. I may be a last minute person, but not up until to that very nick of time! However, I wasn't alone. My sleepless moments were shared by more than half of my group. All of us gathered on skype and kept each other company. The rest finished later than I did. I headed into bed at 7am, and woke up at 11 to submit it!!!!! *phew* That was more than 24 hours straight with no sleep!!!!!<br /><br />Then, came the clinical exam. The clinical exam (OSCE) was divided into 4 stations. Each station was allocated 20mins. The 2 stations were manned, which simply means with patients, and 2 unmanned, which is no patient. The 2 stations in the morning were also on pharmacology. The first one was gathering the patient's drug history, and trying to establish their health conditions, their beliefs on their medications and how they cope with it. Then to talk through to the patient about the drug side effects with using medical jargon. Then the second one was the same but we had to do a vascular assessment and talk to the patient regarding cardiovascular risk. My patient had 22 drugs in his list. The moment I saw that, I was like *EYES WIDE OPENED AS BIG AS THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS*! Blimey!!!!<br /><br />Then the 2 unmanned stations were not getting any better. We had to do essays as opposed to the promised short answer! We had 2 pictures on musculoskeletal and dermatology. The dermatology was on neuropathic ulcer (well I thought it was based on the scenario, history and assessment findings), then the MSK was on posterior tibial tendon stress. In 20 mins, reading the scenario, looking at the picture, making clinical judgement and writing things down isn't something funny! It was horrible!!!!! We simply couldn't diagnose a patient in 20mins without thoroughly looking at the clearer picture, let alone this! Making things worse, each question carries 50 marks, in total 200 marks!!!!!! *sigh* But to say the least, there wasn't any radiology of X-ray images or the worst, MRI scans. I'll probably be sulking if I had them on the table!! I'm sucks when it comes to radiology interpretation. Bless we would have x-ray reports! ahaha<br /><br />However, I couldn't feel any better than today! Not only it was the last, I enjoyed the entire experience of today's exam! I had a great time. Perhaps, clinic is where I best belong. I felt confident, calm and I offered the best of me. I didn't get questioned as I had justified myself all the way through. The moment I saw the word "excellent" on the criteria sheet when I peeked through as I was presenting the case, I simply felt so chuffed and thankful. I didn't even bother peeping for more. The patient also made a great effort to pull me through to get the excellent grades. Thanks to him!! But I am thankful. It was far much better even than an ordinary clinic.<br /><br />Now, that's a journey I must say. It's all over. I got my suit and all, and ready to rumble for the ball night!!!! ehehhe Now that I have all the time in this world, I simply don't know what to do!!!!! HAHAHA<br /><br />I must also say my sincere thanks to my great family of friends here who have been my backbone of support. They been my great companion throughout the sleepless wee hours and pushing me all the way through. Megan who has been the best for the last 3 years, reminding each other, and also Shahin, who has been waking me up making sure I make it for the exams on time and keeping me company studying. Now that it is his turn for the exams, I'll be doing what he'd been doing for the last 2 weeks.<br /><br />Looking now that he's taking a nap before resuming revision, it was all a something to smile on reflecting what I was the last 2 weeks. HEHEHE.sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-7746796778135151522009-06-06T20:22:00.004+00:002009-06-09T15:34:39.492+00:00Milan's recital - St. Andrew's Cathedral.Been extremely busy with exams and all. Exams have been extremely difficult. It has been an overwhleming experience. It was the most hardest exam I have ever experienced. For that purpose, I will dedicate an extry on that once I get over with it.<br /><br />So today, I have been busy revising for my clinical exams. After dinner, went to St. Andrew's for my friend Milan's recital. He was the countertenor of the event. Very talented chap! I didn't expect him to have such a powerful tenor voice until he projected it to all of us. I'll leave you to some pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://img29.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26019782961.jpg"><img src="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8506/img26019782961.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26069793922.jpg"><img src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5895/img26069793922.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img25899776308.jpg"><img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7267/img25899776308.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26059788705.jpg"><img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4025/img26059788705.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26169810041.jpg"><img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1681/img26169810041.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://img29.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26109804993.jpg"><img src="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5936/img26109804993.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img26099800005.jpg"><img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2953/img26099800005.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the recital, went to the Arlington Arms pub nearby with the whole group for a quick farewell drink as it was the Swedish exchange students' final night. Now I'm back to my crate of brainy moments. Till then!!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-81031826728015356702009-05-14T20:54:00.005+00:002009-05-14T21:13:29.308+00:00Horrible thing to say! Arrgh!Alright, to my fellow colleagues out there, read investigation results to yourself and analyse them before blurting it out to a patient! Arrgh!<br /><br />Well, it was last Monday. I was in surgery, and few minutes late as I got my rota time wrong! I was still in the common room chatting to my mates until I said to them I'm in surgery. They were like... aren't you supposed to be up there and ready by 1.15? Sh*te! So took off, went in to theatre and got change quickly. We were the lucky ones to be in surgery that day as it was probably not to be seen again ever in our Podiatric career! It was a 57 year old man presented with nail protruding from the 1st toe sideways. If you imagine someone with extra toe or finger, that kind of thing but instead of finger or toe, it's nail. Plus, it was not there in the first place. It started with an infected abscess, and we thought it probably gave access to the nail matrix for nail to grow.<br /><br />Oh before that, whilst I was rushing through preparing myself for theatre, I was greeted by someone I had never seen before. A tall wide bodied gentleman. I was sheepish-ly smiling and made my way to the sink to do my social hand-washing. Whilst I was scrubbing, Matt was next to me.. as I asked him.. "Matt, is he the senior surgeon or something?" Matt replied "no no... he's the technician, he's replacing Lesley whilst she's in France". I said to Matt "Matt, you ruined it! I thought he's a surgeon and I was scared of him... and now you simply ruined that show!" hhahahah. And that reminds me of how I thought my Anatomy lectruer was the janitor on the first day! ahahha<br /><br />Surgery went fine. But what fascinated all of use was, the HUGE chunk of nail that was in there!!!!! We called it the triplets delivery! We were just shocked! If only I could put up the pictures to show, but that would breach my duty of confidentiality!<br /><br />In theatre, the phone kept on ringing. There were shortage of people in clinic to see patients. There were a few patients that had been waiting for at least 20 mins. After surgery, finished my notes and wrapped up, rushed down into clinic straight in my scrubs! Didn't bother to get changed. Plus I was in jeans if I hadn't worn the scrubs.<br /><br />Got the 1st patient's notes, without even looking and pre-read, I called the patient. Patient sat down and had a quick chat why she was there to see me. Established the history, she enquired for her previous X-ray results.<br /><br />Found it, and read the report. Within the first few lines, it stated that there was no signs of fracture.. bla bla... in response to the requested examination. However, as I read further, things just didn't go right. Worrying words to be heard by a 30 ish year old lady was really unpleasantly unexpected. First arthritis, which I justified, it said NO arthritis. Until the word "TUMOUR" came up!! I immediately went "WTH! and with a big bang in my head!". I had to reassure the patient that things were still under investigation and that the tumour was benign. Plus, I had to re-emphasise over and over again that medically we refer bumps and lumps as tumour. Had to call a senior lectruer to take over! Blimey!!! Never again that silly mistake!sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11511330.post-82207101540876398312009-05-14T20:42:00.002+00:002009-05-14T20:53:46.701+00:00Work work work - life is so much occupied!It's almost the end of my undergrad year now!! Barely a month before it ends. Every session at uni or hospital, it's all about exams and research project. We have this massive final year exams, and worse has to be the clinical exam! That's the time when they decide whether or not it's safe to let us out there in public to "DO NO HARM".<br /><br />At the moment, with my books everywhere as I type this entry, busy finishing my research project write up. This is the unique bit of my university. We do not write dissertation as such, but we write a research project to be published in the journal of our choice. As this is the case and due to copyright reasons, I won't be exposing much of my research project. Anyhow, it's about how reliable and accurate can a clinician interpret a particular assessment such as interpreting the Doppler sounds. Like in general medicine, doctors are very much particular when they auscultate the chest for heart beats with their stethoscope. Similarly, we use the Doppler to determine blood flow to the lower extremities to determine whether or not a patient has got a peripheral vascular disease. An such, our assessment warrants right diagnosis and decision making. Failure to make that call will jeopardise the patient's life. They could lose their limb with few hours or even die! I feel like being clever again, looking at my data collection and working out the statistical analysis!! ahah<br /><br /><a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img22692335952.jpg"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/6598/img22692335952.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img22682321932.jpg"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1023/img22682321932.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Apart of that, I'm happy that I managed to get my surgical quota fulfilled although I need to work a bit for the local anaesthetics administration. Insya Allah, should be fine. Hence, during the last two weeks, my room was in such a bad state that it had never been. Surely my room has seen better days I reckon. But I've cleared them immediately after I took the pix anyway. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do work. That's just me. Clutter dysfunctions my brains!<br /><br />Look at that!<br /><a href="http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img22662312478.jpg"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4465/img22662312478.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, I shall look forward to the ball soon! woot woot!! Oh went to Milla's birthday at the Loft, gosh I really love and miss that place a lot! Just chilling out and sipping my Bora Bora through the night... harhar<br /><br /><a href="http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img22504368008.jpg"><img src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2317/img22504368008.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0" /></a>sani@xhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604542144913773665noreply@blogger.com0