:-:- In the shoes of a Podiatry student -:-:

To do a Post-graduate MSc studies.

2011-12-06T20:03:00.003Z

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.

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 =)

HI ,

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

Research methods - i need this as a basis for my research and dissertation writing.

Anatomy for podiatrists - because all podiatrists need to be good with anatomy, and as a foundation to understanding pathomechanics and rheumatologic pathologies

Rheumatology for the lower limb - this is the area of interest and I need to understand rheumatological conditions in the lower limb

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

Analysis of function - as rheumatologic foot highly associated with biomechanical disorders, how would I use equipments to quantify it?

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.

So once you have those questions, it would help you to choose your modules nicely and then to formulate your research ideas.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have anymore questions.

Kind regards and best wishes

A.Sani Kamis

Revival! 2011

2011-10-26T19:50:00.002Z

All I'd say... this is my life for now. =)

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.

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.

Signing off!
A.Sani Kamis

Carrot cake

2010-08-14T12:40:00.002Z

Heya, 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.

Here it goes.

Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil
2-3 eggs
1 cup of castor sugar
Shredded carrots just enough to cover the batter
Flour just enough to make it into a cake batter consistency
1 tbsp bicarbonate soda
Pinch of cinnamon powder
Chopped walnuts

Methods:
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).
Then bake in a oven just to brown it slightly. Let it cool in the oven slowly.

Iced it with cream cheese icing.

Chicken rice.

2010-06-21T23:50:00.002Z

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!

Summer is back again!

2010-05-24T13:16:00.003Z

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.

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!!

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

Lost a kilo over the week, and stuffed myself up making it 2kgs in minutes!

Then met up halfway with Kak Nora and the rest (finally) after long waiting for them

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...

Look at them! The blue waters and sky = so beautiful!

Random shots.

A bit of me own shot and ice-cream!

Beach walking

2010-05-19T14:07:00.003Z

Just 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!!!

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.

Took a picture with Trevor.

From there we continued walking and stopped at the Fisherman's hut for a quick cold ready-to-eat seafoods. Yum Yum...

Found a 10p coin in the bowl!

After that, we continued walking and made our way back into town, and eventually home knackered!!

Chicken curry - always be home at heart

2010-05-17T19:11:00.002Z

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.

Shortcrust Chicken Pie

2010-05-16T18:55:00.002Z

I 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.

First, the pastry.

Then baked, and served! ehhe

The re-birth once again, a new camera.

2010-05-13T20:43:00.004Z

It was exactly a year that I posted an entry similar to this here. 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.

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!

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!

Here's another sample of an untouched close up photo using the Lumix TZ10

Never ending cravings - Kueh Lenggang.

2010-04-05T17:52:00.004Z

For the past few weeks, my life has been filled with foods foods and foods but less energy diverted towards work. Bummer!

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.

And, my neighbour and I also made ambuyat to show her Malaysian landlord how it is done. ehehhe. Good ey!

Had to improvise "chandas" with the use of modified chopsticks.

My vegetarian day.

2010-03-15T12:16:00.003Z

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.

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.

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!

Sushi Day

2010-03-13T11:35:00.002Z

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.

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! hehe

Analysis of Function and Proposal

2010-03-13T11:17:00.002Z

It 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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

Simplistic - Comforting

2010-03-07T17:30:00.003Z

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.

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!

Gulab jamun

2010-03-06T14:23:00.002Z

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.

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!

Promoting the profession - Podiatry.

2010-03-06T14:09:00.003Z

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.

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?

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.

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.

Revived! 2010

2010-03-04T13:00:00.004Z

Hey, what a sinful break it was! I hadn't been able to update this blog due to time and simply being lazy too!

Perhaps I could just do a summary of things happened for the last few months (well almost a year).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking turns driving. Me getting bored driving on a slow pace on the M6 towards Manchester.

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.

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!

Life after being an undergraduate

2009-07-18T06:22:00.010Z

Here 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.

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.

Tons of shoes that gave me headaches!

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.

Scary ducks?

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

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.

Up on the Singapore Flyer

Me eating the Nasi Lemak at Adam Road... ehheh (overrated indeed!!)

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

At the Clinic Bar

Day view at Clarke Quay

View from outside the hotel room.. stunning view of Clarke Quay eh! Night vs Day

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.

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.

Taken from the website...

If only a day equals to 40 hours! - The end of the beginning

2009-06-15T17:56:00.003Z

Exams off, now what's next?

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.

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

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.

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.

I'll leave you with some pictures here...

A cake with our group picture on it.

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!

I shall now look forward to the future, and hope all the best to come!! Amin.

Same but different?

2009-06-09T22:01:00.000Z

The picture on the right was taken about a year ago. HAHAHAHA

Tunic - Grey to Graffitti?

2009-06-09T17:48:00.001Z

Any Winehouse says Back to Black, but I say Grey to Graffitti! ahah The final state of my tunic!

Us, altogether pose with our happy faces in tunic! The very last time ever gonna wear them!

Exams exams!!! Podiatry Final Exams.

2009-06-09T14:31:00.008Z

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!!

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).

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!?!?!?!?!?

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!!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Milan's recital - St. Andrew's Cathedral.

2009-06-06T20:22:00.004Z

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.

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.

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!!

Horrible thing to say! Arrgh!

2009-05-14T20:54:00.005Z

Alright, to my fellow colleagues out there, read investigation results to yourself and analyse them before blurting it out to a patient! Arrgh!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

Work work work - life is so much occupied!

2009-05-14T20:42:00.002Z

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".

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

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!

Look at that!

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

May Bank Holiday II - Brighton

2009-05-14T20:38:00.002Z

Since the weather was nice on that Saturday, thought it would be fab to spend time in Brighton. Plus I never had the chance to spend time with Shumba in Brighton before, although the last time we went was just for lunch get together.

Unfortunately, the weather went horrible and cold! Then, the bus wasn't helpful either as we took the via Beachy Head route which took ages to arrive Brighton! Traffic was madness too! When we arrived Brighton, shops were almost ready to close. Shumba also had to shop for her Ball dress. Went shopping instead and spent the rest of the day at Wendy's.

Great day nevertheless! ehhe

May Bank Holiday - French Eastbourne Market

2009-05-14T20:19:00.003Z

Apologies for the long lag of entries. I have been very much occupied with tons of work on my shoulder at the moment. Will talk about that later, shall we?

Alright, it was May Bank holiday. So basically a long weekend for me, from Friday till Monday. Spent time in library on the Friday and Saturday, so didn't get the chance to use it towards leisure. On Sunday, asked Shumba if she wanted to come down to Eastbourne and spend the day at the Eastbourne French Market. Apparently, it's a yearly thing which I had missed for the past few years. Shumba agreed, and we went to spend some time there before having lunch.

The weather was excellent too. Had fish and chips at Harry Ramsdens bumped onto Megan, Jon and Tristan. We joined them later and finally they managed to drag me to join them on this horrible bouncy ride! I just had a full lunch, and yet being bounced up and down this spinning machine. Luckily I held my tummy quite well!

Some of the interesting stuffs for sale and antique car show too.

Couldn't resist the temptation no matter how expensive they were, bought tons of these and few yummy macaroons!

Akramin's visit

2009-04-16T19:21:00.005Z

Akramin @ PS is here for a 2 week stay. He's here for a friend's wedding in London, and I offered him a place to stay rather than spending quids on B&B's in London. He's also visiting all the places where he used to spend time as a student in London. On the day of his arrival, I told him to text me once he got into Hampden Park as that would give me right time to arrive at the station in Eastbourne to meet up with him. Too bad, he didn't get my message quite right. He then called me from the public phone at the station whilst I was having my breakfast!!! I jumped and laughed. hehehe. Took him for lunch at Yummy Noodle, then for a photo shoot along the pier before he went off to London for a reunion.

So, he's been making return trips to London, and he's in London at the moment. Yesterday, I decided to come along with him and meet up with Shahin as I didn't have anything to do. Plus, it's only £8.90 return, might as well make the best use of my railcard. I also wanted to look for something for mom's coming up birthday. We split up at Paddington, and London transport was still horrible. Few lines were still closed.

Had a quick breakfast from Puccino's...my usual work-time breakfast. Look what Puccino's has done to him!

I had lunch at Harrods for the second time, and the pizza is still a wow! Went there for a 3-course meal and simply worth every penny. The £90 lunch certainly kept me filled up the whole day! hahhaa Although I must say, my tiramisu presents and tastes much better! ahahhaha

My Pizza as main course filled with tons of fresh seafoods!!

Then had a look around at Harrods for the right stuff for mom. There were so many good handbags that I perfectly knew mom would love it, but they're just too big for PS to bring it home for me. At the same time, I can't afford to have it posted as it's too risky to lose it. Then we moved to Selfridges and House of Fraser. Did I get anything? NOPE! arrgh... I gave up and decided to go to Leicester Square. End up watching Too Fast Too Furious. It was good, but not as good as the previous versions of the movie. Had dinner at Nando's before I head back to Victoria for Eastbourne.

As it is spring already, take a look at those bloomed flowers.

It's a nice weather too, and people were just basking in the sun almost on any green space available.

I hate Nando's this time. One it was full. Secondly, the drinks dispenser were broken and all you get were thick sweet syrup of lemonade, fanta or coke. You end up having to get your bottomless drinks from the counter, but stupidly the people are just lazy and non-helpful! One of the counterman had the Sprite splashed on me, and he didn't even apologise!!!! How rude, luckily the manager apologised.

My mozzarella and tomato croissant

2009-04-13T13:00:00.002Z

A success!!

Ingredients:
Ready rolled puff pastry
Ripe tomatoes - cut and salted
Grated Mozzarella
Thyme

Gosh, could I be missing home?

2009-04-13T12:20:00.002Z

Well... today I made nasi katok for lunch. Simply because I had too much running in my head on what to eat. Made this nasi katok whilst my mozzarella and tomato croissant baking in the oven.

These are my mozzarella and tomato croissant before it is baked. Will put up the baked picture later once it's ready. This is my attempt to overcome my craving for the ones made by Pret A Manger. Hope it tastes alright.

Udang Salai

2009-04-12T18:55:00.003Z

I just had my dinner. Took me about 5mins to prepare. Since I got those fresh king prawns from Bayswater, my ideas for preparing prawns are just endless. Up to an exhaustion, I decided to make a simple dish, Udang Salai. Simply translates, grilled prawns. No seasoning needed just a hot pan! But the trick is the cooking technique making sure it's not overcooked, nor undercooked. If it's too overcooked, the skin won't peel off and you get manky prawns to eat. And I got it just perfect. Not sure if this is a Bruneian dish, or a Chinese dish. Perhaps a mix of both. My dipping sauce is of course kicap lada (siya sauce with chilli).

This dish has always been my favourite since I was a kid. This is my recipe when I first started cooking! eheheh

Monopoly tour.

2009-04-12T15:18:00.004Z

Shahin once again had this crazy idea, and this time Monopoly tour. Since Shumba was also in London, we thought of doing it together with her. Bought my ticket to London a day earlier which cost me only £8.90! Should have known all these tricks of getting cheap tickets to London. You know you could get £5 single and £8.90 return?? Hmmph.. wish I knew this earlier. hhahah nevermind.

Alright, the day started with me taking the 6.57am train to London and meeting up with Shahin at Paddington, before King's Cross to meet up Shumba. Had breakfast at King's Cross to fill up our ever so hungry tummies at Pret A Manger. Gosh I am still craving for those lovely mozzarella and tomato croissant. Then, the journey began!! We started off just after 10am, and finished at round about 9pm. Just the right time for me to head back to Victoria and got on the 9.17pm train back to Eastbourne.

Time well spent indeed! It was very tiring, and what made it worse was there were many tube lines closure due to engineering works and signal failure. We had to walk to most of these places and hop on and off the London buses. We had the advantage of Shahin knowing central London whilst I kinda know the way round South London as I worked there. Shumba, well.. she just joined the ride! ahhaha She even finally said in the end "I know London now in one day" in her cute accent and tired tone.

Kolo mee

2009-04-09T21:07:00.003Z

Yay!! Finally overcame my craving for kolo mee. Although it is still nice to have it served, and made for you rather than having to do everything yourself until to a point of exhaustion.

Got all the stuffs from London. In this, the key is the noodle itself. Previously I had to use some dried packed egg noodles to replace the fresh egg noodles specifically for kolo mee. But I got the fresh one this time from Bayswater.. woohoo!!

So there you go. Hard work indeed. Started off by making the fried onions for the oil. Shed loads of tears slicing the horrible onion. I couldn't stand it any longer, I ended up just processing it in a food processor! Then made the sauce, then blanch the noodle the kolomee proper style (hot and cold blanching). Even the chicken breast meat was actually from a whole chicken cut by yours truly! Trulu homemade this one!

Result = worth it!

Recipe:

Fresh egg noodles
Boneless chicken fillets - minced
Chinese mushrooms
Red onion - thinly sliced or shallots
Dark soya sauce
Light soya sauce
salt
pepper
fishballs
spring onions
corn starch
some sugar
sesame oil
egg

Step 1: the oil

Deep fry the red onion or shallots until golden brown. Save the oil and salt the onions. Let the onions cool down to crisp.

Step 2: the sauce

Saute the chicken meat and mushrooms with some onion oil and add the dark soya sauce. Add water / chicken stock. Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Let the sauce be slightly salty and sweet as the noodle will take these taste away. Thicken the sauce with some cornstarch.

Step 3: Preparing the noodle

Prepare a bowl of cold water. In a pot get ready a boiling water. Blanch the noodle in cold water and alternate in boiling water. Do this several times until noodle is nice and light.

Step 4: Mixing the noodle

In a serving bowl - mix the pre-made onion oil (be generous), light soy sauce and salt. Toss the blanched noodle in this bowl. Mix well.

Step 5: serving

Top the mixed noodle with the chicken meat sauce, garnish with cut fishballs/fishcake, egg omellette, spring onion and fried onions.

Done!

London for a day - burp!

2009-04-09T14:13:00.003Z

Excuse my manners! I was in London yesterday to pay Shahin's parents a visit. I hadn't seen them for quite a while. The first thing that Shahin's mom noticed was "you looked skinny!". I was like.. "no no... I've gained a lot over the weeks". So I was at Shahin's place all day playing Wii with his sisters and brother. I didn't even win any! hmmphh..

Came lunch time, his mom fed me with my favourite dishes. Her homemade chicken curry. I could already smell the aroma whilst playing the wii. She specially prepared it for me which everyone was complaining about as it caused a delay for lunch. We finally got lunch at 2pm. But before hand I had again my favourite as starters, I had puri with deep fried breadcrumbed prawns. Heaven!! Came main course, my goodness! Shaon, Shahin's brother was there literally sitting infront of me making sure I eat! I had what's equivalent to 3 servings! I went all bloated that I could hardly walk. They were saying that they wanted me to crawl out of the house. Too bad I couldn't stay long as I had to take the 4pm train to make it to Eastbourne on time for Megan's birthday do. But before that, I had to go to Bayswater to get all the good food supplies.

Got into Bayswater, got all the ingredients I needed to make Kolomee, and couldn't resist but also to get those cheap fresh uncooked king prawns. For a huge bag only 5.99!! You can't get it here in Eastbourne. From there, took the tube back to Victoria and couldn't find my train! Bummer! Tried online on my phone and the website was down. Then it finally showed up and next train was 5.36pm train. Platform number showed up about 2 mins before the train left. There was a huge crowd waiting under the screen proximal to the barrier. I had to literally stand under the screen as I didn't have my glasses with me and I couldn't see the screen properly.

Soon the number showed up on screen, this whole crowd was running toward the barrier as if it was "now or never" kinda moment, or those moments you know when you're in nowhere out of shipwreck and suddenly after a month of hunger, you discovered food! Yeah, that's how it was. That feeling was no different to what I had experienced whilst working in London. Suddenly all those moments came back. Just that I wasn't in my working clothes that day like anyone else who was running for seats on the train. Nevertheless, that put a smile on my face.

Oh, I also saw few familiar faces on the train. Those people who I used to travel with when I used to commute Eastbourne to London and back. eehehe.

I slept on the train as I was so full and laziness was slowly creeping through my veins after all the food galore I shoved in my mouth. Luckily I managed to run for a seat anyway.

Later that evening, went to Cosmos and had another 3 rounds of buffet! Blimey! For a second, I thought, gosh.. am I going back to my old body??? Everyone was shocked to see the amount of foods I had. They were like "Sani.. where do you keep all those?". In the end, it was ubber difficult to walk. Luckily the pub we were heading to was just around the corner. We went to the pub near the pier for a karaoke. It was fun and I had a huge fan! ahahhhaa. It was after the Liverpool vs Chelsea game, and obviously loads of people were already drunk and deluded. Who cares...

Anyhow, thanks for the great day and great people yesterday. Such a day filled with foods!

Knock-knock...who's there?

2009-04-07T20:03:00.005Z

It's Shumba! Again, sneaky Shahin had arranged this. He was chatting to me online and asking if I had any plans. Obviously, I had no plans for the day other than stuffing myself with foods and sleep (well the one that I needed the most as sleep seems to be a luxury as a student). So at round about 1-ish, Shumba rang me and said she was at my door front. Shahin called her to see if she could come down to Eastbourne for a day out, for a meal or something. Off we went for a buffet lunch at Cosmos. Didn't want to be rude and as much as I couldn't resist food, I had the buffet although I already had lunch minutes prior to this. This time round though, Cosmos was friendly. No "30mins" time allowance and there were so many foods for lunch offerings compared than usual. Saw my favourite salt and pepper seafood = heaven! From there we strolled down the pier and had Movenpick ice-cream. It was a lvoely day although the breeze was slightly cold and I was in my flipflops. BUt really appreciated the company... =D Don't you just appreciate life to know that people around you really care... ehhee I am blessed.

Look at the tulips bloomed... ehhehe

And of course, the warm and caring Shumba. Thanks for the lunch!!

Meringue

2009-04-06T15:14:00.003Z

Not the dance, don't be silly. I was dead bored and craving for some nice sponge with my tea. But I couldn't be arsed to get out of the house although it's nice and sunny outside. And this came up, well being myself, I tend to try things out when I'm bored. So what I came up with? Yes, you guessed it, Meringue!!

Went to kitchen, boil the kettle for tea and heat the oven. Break an egg, separate the yolk and whisk with some vanilla and sugar. Voila! I got my egg wbite nice, fluffy and creamy. Pop it in the pre-heated oven for about 10mins... done!

Too bad I didn't have peaches to make it a pavlova. All I got is just longans. ahaha So meringue it is for tea.

I may not be home, but...

2009-04-06T10:44:00.002Z

Yes, I may not necessarily back at home in Brunei, but my fond of home cooked meals never fail to urge me to cook good food. They're simple to prepare and delish. Simply going back to my Chinese root where food is simply served hot and quick stir fry. I was craving for wongbok. As I went grocery shopping yesterday for my char kway teow, my basket was filled loads of Asians stuff, from oyster sauce to wongbok, etc. Today, I made myself egg fried rice with stir fry wongbok with prawns. The last time I had this was in London during my placement lunch. That was yummy. But nothing compares home cooked.

I miss eating foods like this which is staple for me back at home. But being a full-time student, meals always cosist of chips, chicken, pastas, and curries. *sigh*

Char Kway Teow

2009-04-05T11:50:00.004Z

I miss home char kway teow. Today I went into town and got some udon for substitute. Taste was the same, but the oomph was not all there. The smell was there, if only I could wrap it in newspaper to give that extra special taste.

I only finally found kway teow when I bought the soya sauce at the Pinoy shop.

Here it is....

and I had it with ice cold chrysanthemumtea.... phew

Easter Holidays 2009 - The Road Trip

2009-04-04T17:02:00.028Z

It started with the long awaited arrival of Cathy from Brunei. She took the coach from Heathrow and met up at Gatwick where we pick up the rented car. The day greeted us with nice blue skies. Just perfect to start the long and exciting week!

We arrived perfectly on time, simultaneously as Cathy. As we had another half an hour before picking up the car, we had breakfast at Costa and a quick chat to update each other. Mins later, we got the car, and ready to start the journey back to Eastbourne.

The trusted Toyota Yaris. Very cosy to drive.

As excited as we were like kids having a new toy, too bad I couldn't get the car started!!! That was so embarassing. Another blondeness!!! So I had to resort the manual and it wasn't helpful at all. After a while, I gave up and passed it over to Shahin which he ended up driving back to Eastbourne.

Shahin ended up driving back to Eastbourne

A quick stop in Eastbourne gave Cathy the time to freshen up after a long and tiring flight. Being cruel and mean, but again blame on her short time here, we packed our stuffs in the boot and set off staright to Brighton for lunch in no time. I drove to Brighton whilst Shahin tried to catch some sleep as he was so knackered and sleep deprived from the night before.

Lovely day just outside Eastbourne

On arrival at Brighton city centre.

After a late lunch, and bought some munchies in Brighton, we took off straight to Cardiff. It was a quiet 3 hour plus drive. It was just me and Tomtom. I just followed the audio instructions and everything went well, until it was time to find the hotel. hehe The sun started to set in as we approach Cardiff crossing the bridge. It was a beautiful scenery, and pictures were taken by Cathy and Shahin as I was driving.

View of the bridge from the car with the sun setting in.

Arrived in Cardiff, checked in to the hotel and we had dinner at Spice Root at Red Dragon Centre. It was very tiring and the roads in Cardiff were so confusing. We ended up going round and round the city centre. It was jam packed too. Luckily, dinner was good. There were so many Asians in Cardiff, especially the Malay community. Instantly saw Malaysians/Singaporean Malay diners. Didn't do much for the night as we were so knackered. Headed back to the hotel and had an early night.

Hungry faces waiting to be served.

Now filled up and satisfied with great foods, and foods were freshly cooked at the counter.

Started the day early morning. Had a slight confusion with the time change. We thought we had an hour extra, and it was the opposite. Tour around the Cardiff Bay, and had a quick look around at the Marina. It was very beautiful and quiet, but was very cold.

Then at 10am, we met up with Cathy's niece Lysa, and Nurul in the city centre for breakfast at the nearest pub. It was a good meeting although it was very short. They were very kind enough to show us around Cardiff. We had a quick look at the city centre, the town hall, the castle and the stadium.

From Cardiff, we drove to Swindon for shopping at McArther Glen. It only took less than an hour to drive. We spent for about 2-3hours or so to do some shopping before we head to Birmingham where we spent the night.

The bridge during day time.

Cows crossing the bridge. Brilliant!!

At Birmingham, we didn't do much that night. We went to the city centre and had a look around, and more so around Bullring. Then followed by dinner at Wagamama.

Birmingham at night.

The next day, we spent a few hours in Birmingham city centre and had lunch at Chinatown before we set off to Coventry.

In Coventry, we went to see the remains of the St. Michael's Cathedral which was bombed by the German Luftwaffe in the 1940's during the second world war. We went up the tower and had a good bird's eye view of Coventry. It was a narrow and spiral flight of stairs. It was making us all dizzy and gasp for air to breathe! From there we went to the Coventry Transport museum. That was the coolest part of all. We got to see all the British cars, bikes and also the cat's eyes. Brilliant displays and some of them were interactive too.

After Coventry, we drove off to Manchester to meet a friend. It was meant to be a surprise visit. Unfortunately, again my blondeness, I texted the wrong person for the address and told everything in it. I texted to the person who we meant to surprise. It was meant to be a short hop from Coventry to Manchester and esitmated to arrive at 6.30pm. Unfortunately, there was a diesel spillage on the M6 motorway and it was causing major delays and traffic. We were caught in traffic for about 3 hours!!!!

We finally arrived in Manchester at 10.30pm. Without delay, we headed for teh Curry Mile for dinner. It was a massive portion of kebabs, and we were to stuffed to fill in albeit being very hungry. The next day, we set off to Old Trafford, Theatre of Dreams as Cathy is a ManUtd fan. We went on the stadium tour, guided by a friendly chap. When asked what was the stadium called, Shahin shouted out "Anfield".. and jokingly he asked Shahin to get out. Then when he asked whether everyone could understand English, Shahin replied again and said "Si Senor". Hahhaa

After the stadium, we didn't know where to go. I decided just to pay a visit to Trafford centre for lunch and look around rather than the city centre. Dinner was at Lal-Qilla, as it was claimed to be the best for Indian food at Curry Mile.

After quick breakfast at Betty's, we took off to Liverpool. We headed straight to Anfield, and this time it's for Shahin as he's a Liverpool fan. Too bad, we missed the last tour as they didn't have it all day due to a memorial service. We only had a look around outside the stadium and the merchandise store before checking in to the hotel in the city centre. After lunch, Cathy took off to outside Liverpool to meet up an old friend whilst Shahin and I took the opportunity to look around Liverpool. We went to the Cathedral which was very scary and eary. We went through the wrong way which was from the backyard where it is a graveyard dating from the 1800's! All I could remember, it was cold, grey and quiet. *goosebumps* It was a long walk from the Albert Dock. From there, we walked back to the city centre to have a quick rest at the hotel, before meeting up with Cathy at the station for dinner. We had Mediteranean dinner at Kimos.

Upset for not being able to go for the tour. He was so much looking forward to this.

Sightseeing in the city centre, Albert Docks and the Cathedral.

Finally, we left Liverpool for Gatwick at 3.30am and arrived Gatwick at 9.30am to leave the car. From Gatwick we headed into Paddington and went straight for what we had to do. Had lunch at Westfield and met up with some friends at Leicester Square for coffee. The night ended with a dinner at Nandos with Cathy's friend from Huddersfield.

Then the last day... it was time to say goodbye to Cathy.

Patience has taken it's toll.

2009-03-26T22:11:00.003Z

I was so annoyed with the overfilled rubbish in this house. Worse, no one even bothered to dump it outside other than myself or Shahin. So I decided to put this note up!

Middlesex Hospital vs Thorpe park

2009-03-26T21:51:00.004Z

It's a Saturday. I planned to use the day working on my podopaed case study. At just about before 6am, Shahin came to my room and woke me up. Being disorientated from sleep, I could hardly comprehend what he was trying to say. All I could pick up was "... is in Hospital, AD called me at 5am and he was crying, and now made his way to Middlesex Hospital... do you wanna visit?". Immediately I just said, yeah why not. It sounded so serious, so I thought yeah.. why not?

Got ready, and fix a quick tea and toast for breakfast and we hit the road. Then he said, Shumba wanted to come along, so again... yeah... go on. Picked her up at Bexhill, then she said "Oh Emily just texted me that she wants to come along.. and she's waiting".. I was like... GOD! Can we stop messing about and wasting time already...! I was nervous, anticipating all the horrible news or stories at the hospital.

Hours later, we arrived... nope, not at Middlesex Hospital, but Thorpe Park!!! (Middlesex Hospital is no longer around, it has changed to UCLH now... how silly I was!). That's when they spilled the story. It was Shahin's surprise for me as a token of appreciation for what I did over the rough times he had gone through during the last few weeks.

Cut story short, it took me awhile to calm down. In the end, it was indeed a great day out. Oh, it was my first time ever being on those crazy rides. I had this philosophy of "I do not get on rides which involve head upside down"... and on that day... I overruled it!! Nevertheless, I enjoyed it very much. I wasn't nervous at all. Little did I know, SAW ride is actually the steepest roller coaster in the world! and one of the roller coasters we went on was actually on Guiness book of records for having the most loop! MY GOODNESS! If I knew all these earlier... I wouldn't have gone on any of them!!!

I smell holidays!

2009-03-26T21:21:00.003Z

Finally, sleep deprivation resulted from work has ended (temporarily) for the term. I managed to pull myself to finish the ever so dreading podopead case study for learning by objectives module. The moment i printed the work off, I could feel the huge block of weight being lifted off my shoulders. I finally slept at midnight after I got my stuffs packed into my bag for next day's clinic as I had to wake up early to submit the work.

The dateline was at 2pm, but I had patients coming in at 9.30am, and I had to sign in clinic at 9am and I would normally finish clinic at 1pm (and it's unpredictable too). The submission place was at uni, which is like 30-40mins walk from my home, and the hospital is about 50mins away walking from the uni.

Left home at 7.10am without breakfast, straight to uni. The weather was horrible. It was grey, windy and drizzling. I prayed that it wouldn't be pouring until I got to the hospital, and yes, it didn't rain until I actually got into the hospital. Strange enough, without even making effort to speed up walking up hill, I arrived at the uni at about 7.45am, and made my way back straight into town for breakfast. Got myself Tim Horton's yummy hot chocolate and bought cold pastie which I then heated it up at the hospital. Again, alhamdulillah, I made it to the hospital about 8.15am. Far too early... ehhehe But that gave me good time to chill and eat my breakfast peacefully whilst some still struggling to finish off work in the last minute.

And.... guess what?! My 9.30 patient was changed back to her initial Pod for her laser therapy as his 9.30 patient got cancelled. Was I happy? oh yes... LLLT is never my cuppa tea anyway. And, my 11.45am patient got cancelled to which appointment I have re-arranged. So I ended up seeing 1 patient only at 10.30am. It was a very quick one, just reviewing his orthotics (click if you wanna know which one).

Yes, the result? He was happy as he was never before! He is now pain-free!!! He was seen by previous year 3 student, and after long intervention, nothing had worked. And to be fair, I had several failures in treatment I offered him before, until this mega-difficult orthotics kicked in, which he was skeptical of. But now, he was so thankful, and he shook my hands more than once!! ehhe So that is one happy patient. Altogether, I have got several happy patients who I have discharged now... ehhehe I'm quite please... a good way to end the term really.

Went home at 11-ish... and made myself seafood tomyam.. and off to lala land to compensate all that sleep deprivation!! heheh

Now... I can smell the holidays!!! woot woot

P/s: if you're wondering how I managed to keep up staying awake in class and in clinic albeit the 2-3 hours of sleep only.... well the key is breakfast! And in class, I carry a carton of Tropicana juice (which would finish by the end of the lecture) that boost my Vit C and keep me awake and alert! Also, my trusted mp3 player streaming me with psychological stimulation that I would always need.

The wave is back high again...

2009-03-25T12:30:00.004Z

It's the final week before we break off for the Easter holidays. So much planned for the holidays and I'm looking forward to it.

I've been slacking with my blog entry, I know.. and I have been through so much over the past few weeks. I jsut don't know where to begin. They're not any dramatically devastating anyway. It's just the usual ups and downs of a final year student. Things happened.... *sigh*

For one, my laptop decided to crash on me. In just a simple snap, my laptop perhaps had given up on me after so long serving me processing thousands of words for my coursework. For a whole day.. literally whole 24 hours I spent on finding possible ways to revive it. It was as difficult to revive someone from a cardiac arrest! Finally it gave me either to reformat without back up or with the back up. Hell yeah, I ain't that stupid! Of course I chose the one with the back up. 6-7 hours later... my laptop was back as new. Cut long story short, the only data that were backed up were those useless factory pictures that came with this ever so annoying HP laptop. Apparently the problem is typical for all HP users with the *fbw file! arrgh! Thanks alot HP... you have just ruined all the memories I stored over the past 3 years! *sigh*.. but thanks to my other online album providers... at least I can still see those moments painted on pictures no matter how tiny they are.

Now, I'm taking my tiny little break *guilty* from writing my reflection due for tomorrow. I'm currently finishing my Podopaediatric coursework (about children's lower limb). Here's my draft.

And I haven't got the time to tidy up my room meticulously... put OCD aside, I have priorities. This is how my room typically looks like when my life pretty much occupied with work anyway...

Oh well... that's it for now. I promise I will put more exciting extry(ies) in short time! ta!!

Back to the comfort zone.

2009-02-15T15:57:00.003Z

I'm finally back in Eastbourne after two weeks spent working in busy London for the NHS. Having said that, I was only able to stay at Brunei Hall for a period of one week as I couldn't stand the idea of seclusion and isolation from friends and people to talk to. Although I had my own room, good food served for dinner, but it's just not right. I didn't get my proper night sleep and my tummy didn't feel right albeit everything was adequate. Alright, put that aside, but commuting wasn't really that bad either. You get to see the same people almost everyday on the train and bus.

On Monday, the train service was horrendous! The weather suddenly had gone bad enroute to Eastbourne as the driver could not see the train track. It was Shahin's 21st birthday, had to meet everyone at home and go out for dinner by 8.30pm. Made it just on time, and made a move to Zizzi for a night meal before we head out for the night. I said to myself and made it out loud that I would not stay up late as I got work the next day. Did it happen? Of course not!! The music was great, and didn't wanna miss it. Still end up going home at 3am! hmmph!! Got my 2 hours of sleep, got up at 5 to catch my 6.24am train to London that morning. And true enough, as it was my bed and I had a good time etc, I woke up fresh, and I didn't even have the fatigue feeling and yawning at work! So that just proved something innit? That's when I decided to commute daily... although it had cost me a fortune. 30quid a day!! So Shahin's b'day was a blast. Had good time at Zizzi, and we headed off the dance floor at FunktionRooms.

Work wise, it was all good last week. Spent quite a lot of time with fellow students from other universities as well. We shared quite a lot of things, looking at different ideas on what they have learnt etc. On overall, working in South London was excellent. Looking at the multi-cultural and socio-economic differences. I reckon it's a good place for research purposes too. Having to listen to good feedback also made my work placement there worthwhile.

Then on Friday, as it's a pre-valentine's night, I went out again. arrgh.. ahhaha I didn't plan it and I was just about to head to bed when Shahin pop in and said... "you sure you're not coming!?... In the end, I jumped into the bandwagon, and off again to Funktionrooms! ahhaha. I almost got denied to enter this time to FunktionRooms as they couldn't take my NUS care... damn it, had to show my Brunei High-Com card, and entry granted. Met everyone there including Emma and the rest and everyone was just happy to see that I could make it. It was fun... ehhe *Pics will come later* Oh oh, I think it's the cheapest night ever! 90p for drinks! 99p for entry!!!! hahha You can't be wrong.

Same thing happened again last night. Nothing to do with Valentine's at all, but it was some friend's farewell at The Loft. Again, I was just about to head to bed, and Shahin persuaded me to come. He even persuaded me by saying.. "your fav gal will be there u know...." hahahah LOL! Oh well, the Loft, how could I say no to the Loft, great drinks and ambience. I just like that place, hang around in the plush sofa, and chat through the night over a great stream of music. Anyway, now it's time to get back to my busy final year student's life. I can't believe it's only months left!! YITES!!!!!

Day 2 - The beginning.

2009-02-03T22:20:00.006Z

Having doubts and worried about being delayed with the slow resumption of London Transport, I set off to work early today. I decided to leave 20mins earlier than the usual time as normally it would take an hour or so. Surprisingly, it was the opposite. Arrived an hour earlier than the supposed time! Arrgh... it was extremely cold, and I had to endure it with patience outside the building. And this notice put me into further doubts, so to other staffs and patients.

So I called Megan to say whether I should stay or leave. 45mins through the endurance, I could feel my toes had gone numb, and I knew that my shoes were not meant for this kind of weather. Afraid of getting frostbite, I decided to drop into one of the convenient stores nearby to get some heat. But anyhow, I managed to snap few pictures around whilst waiting for Megan and Susan to arrive.

Here are the pictures, brought personally to you by me... ehhehe These were taken around 8am. These are pictures surrounding the clinic, and the park behind the clinic.

Icy Plant?

At work, I must say I've done quite a lot for a first day. Met another fellow student from UEL, and we had a great chat and exchange of ideas on similarities and differences in curriculum between universities. Saw few juicy stuffs and I got to treat as well.

And this is me after work! Yites!!! Dreadful and tired looking me...

Oh yeah, and not surprisingly, most of the cases seen were frostbite, chilblains and all the weather related conditions. So.... keep warm people!

London Placement - Part Two.

2009-02-02T08:42:00.003Z

Arrived on Sunday afternoon, and London greeted me with extremely cold weather. It was snowing enroute to London Victoria as the train passed through Gatwick airport. Made it safe to Brunei Hall, and glad enough I got my own room. I also got my 3G internet with me, hence this entry from the comfort of my room at Brunei Hall. Bless mobile internet!

Anyway, I was wandering about at Paddington Station after a long walk to Edgware Road. I was walking aimlessly, but at the same time trying to get in tune with the hustle and bustle of busy London. I was at Boots, and guess who I met!? It was Fayyadh (hope I spelled his name right), Hazim's cousin I've met in New York. He was in London since Friday visiting his sister and he went back to Notts that night. It was a pleasant surprise indeed. So we chatted a bit, and off we went for a cuppa. Not long whilst in the queue, the sis (Baz) called and we made that Starbucks trip a quick one. We met Baz at Brunei Hall, before we made our way to Westfield ( a new huge mall opened at Shepherd's Bush).

We made it to dinner at BHall, before sending Fayyadh off the train station. It then started snowing... heavily...then even more throughout the night until this morning.

Woke up before 6am, got ready for placement etc. The moment I stepped off BHall entrance, the reception said "all transport shut! you can't go anywhere..." I was like... NO! This is not happening... not on my first day... *sigh*. Nothing could be done..... I end up having breakfast of spicy fried rice (endurance here...) and now blogging. I didn't have my camera with me, so I had to use my old crappy phone to snaps the pix below. All the way from London, just for you... enjoy you loads!

I'm gonna give my supervisor a call to say we're not in. The whole London Transport is shut, Gatwick and London City airports are closed, and most of the train service in the Southeast are all being affected. Even poor ol Shahin was stranded at Bexhill on his way back from work, and a friend pick him up where he spent the night.

That's the UK weather for you. Apparently, it's the worst ever recorded in 15 years!

The ever so demanding essay - Diabetes!

2009-01-26T21:57:00.002Z

I have a 2500-word case study which is due this coming Wednesday. The case study is on a 63 year old widowed man, presented with ulcer, and has not been prescribed with antibiotics by the GP... and the story continues.... up until the lab results, and diagnostic findings. Sigh... all I have to do is to plan out a holistic assessment, management plan, so on and so forth! But the problem is, it's bloody broad! I'm at the moment stuck at the assessment of his Neurological status as he's neuropathic! I've been reading one of the papers and it's 34 pages long, talking about Aldose reductase, the c-reactive proteins, the TNF's, and other inflammatory markers! Ouch! yes.... why must this bloody essay so ever difficult! I had a chat with few other colleagues on this, and everyone seems to be put off by this essay. What's making it worse, there's no specific criteria or guidelines. Hence, how much detail should we venture... Only Alistair knows!

And so, to supplement my needs of clever ideas, I have to feed my brains with sugar! That's why the chocolate pudding! Bless!!! I'm up and running now like a headless chicken trying to get it done!

Oh a short entry on this one. I was in bed as it was Sunday - the usual lazy me. Just before noon got a text from Haslina. A Malaysian friend of her's invited me over for a get together. Without hesitation, I jumped, agreed and got ready. Without breakfast, I headed town (it was terribly raining and windy), got myself a latte to keep me warm. Met up with them in town, and soon we got to this lovely house not far away from town. Apparently, she's a Malaysian whom I saw on my few weeks of stay here in Eastbourne. So my guess was right indeed.

She served us with Laksa (yummy), nasi goreng... and dessert! Phew... my tummy went all bloated. I didn't even think of dinner. So it was all good. Guilty as charged for not doing work, but it was all worth it. Thanks to them all. I had a good time with the kids too. I made them to sit still and actively listening to my story telling. Hahaha...

Anyhow, gotta get back to work! tick tock tick tock... placement soon! Accommodation sorted, Day 1 rota sorted. What else?

End of Semester 1 - Year 3 / Orthotics error!

2009-01-24T02:38:00.004Z

As always, I struggled again in making this particular casted insoles. They were so complicated (well, it was then) but I made it in the end with perfection and everyone was impressed including the tutors. However, as a good clinician, one should never ever be complacent. Hence, at 2am, I realised something was not right. I remember palpating and concentrated so much on the patient's left foot rather than the right as that was the problem. I looked for my picture files, the temporary insoles I had given the patient earlier. DAMN ! I said to myself. I got it the other way round!! Made my night sleepless and I rushed to the Leaf 2 hours earlier before my rota so I could get it rectified and sorted. Here they are...

This is the wrongly manufactured! Gosh, I can't even differentiate left and right!?? This orthotics are made to put the rearfoot into neutral at the subtalar joint and which should help with the patient's forefoot varus which caused him to pronate. With the forefoot extension 2nd to 5th post to sulci, this helps to reduce the functional pain that the patient experiences on the lesser MTPJ's during gait as a result of hallux limitus. Hence the 1st MTPJ cut out.

Took ages to think, prescribe and understand the biomechanics.

Now this is the correct one!

Today's my last day of the semester. Next semester will be our very last semester. I have exams coming up and essays to submit. Currently working on a ever so difficult case study that requires so much thinking. Anyway, clinic caseload was great this afternoon and it went smoothly. In the evening, we gathered at the student common room for Irish coffee at Maura's farewell. She was with us for a semester for re-registration as a Podiatrist after she left the profession for quite sometime, and now she's returning to practice. She's from Ireland, and such a lovely lady. Her presence will certainly be missed.

My Irish coffee and cupcake.

Chinese New Year tomorrow, year of the Ox! ehehe... Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!

Oh oh... placement soon!! yites..

Hibernating.... NOT!

2009-01-17T01:58:00.004Z

Wish it was summer already!! Sorry... can't help it, I'm a podiatrist, hence the pictures of shoes everywhere!

I've been away and people have been complaining that I did not reply their MSN messages and all. Well, don't be disheartened people. I've been up and running about. Blame those busy assignments and essay that have kept me occupied since USA.

Last week was dreadful. My life only evolved around work, the Literature Review for my research proposal. Alhamdulillah, got the email today to say that the Ethics approval has been approved but needs some minor changes. So no biggie, will proceed with the data collection soon!

I think my life is all over the place (mind the exaggeration), but literally I sometimes can't even remember my schedule and all. Like today, I was supposed to be in orthotics, and I thought I was in surgery. Luckily I didn't prepare early and change into scrub suit. And I have so many things to think - patients' appointment, patients' orthotics.. arrgh! Time is so limited! And don't know if I had mentioned this before, I HATE ORTHOTICS MANUFACTURING!

For the past 2 weeks, I fed myself with loads of..... not food (well I had good food to be fair) but research papers. If those papers were the sea, I probably could cross the English channel already! I was in the library in an attempt to escape the comfort of my bed and the distractions at home. Thanks to Shahin who kept me company and making sure I work as I tend to get distracted by myself quite easily.

Shahin sneaking donuts into the library!

Photography wise, I have not taken much pictures lately. Instead, my camera has been my very best friend in the library taking pictures of journals rather than photocopying them. Hehhe.

On the way to the library - The Meads town. Very quiet innit? And this is on a Wednesday morning.

Me busy working, critiquing and typing my work.

Stress has taken its toll - and this happens!

My food highlight for the week I reckon?
Honey curry glazed chicken drumsticks with sweetcorn, french beans, wedges and onion rings.

And this is what I had hours ago (12.40am) - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rice, boiled sausage, cucumber sticks and crabsticks - dip with wasabi and soy! ahah

I am so in need of Caffeine fix!

2009-01-03T03:30:00.002Z

I just wanna hang out and sink in a couch and not thinking about work! A nice frappa would be nice!! Sigh...

This was taken in New York after a long tiring day.

I'm craving for a good salmon fillet.

2009-01-03T01:20:00.003Z

I'm craving for panfried salmon fillet with simple preparation, and sauteed or braised vegetables.

I'll probably make it one of these days.

Christmas 2008 Holidays - New York

2009-01-02T22:15:00.000Z

The beginning.

It all started when the three (Nurul, Hazim and myself) of us met for the taklimat with the Permanent Secretary of MOE in Brunei. It was random that the three of us had the same idea -USA for X'mas holidays!! Then, the plan went on until the real day came!

On the 22/12/2008 we all set to meet up in Paddington, each from Cardiff, Manchester and Eastbourne. It was ironic that Nurul and I stepped foot at Paddington station same time same spot! That's what I call -A PLAN! We arrived far earlier than Hazim, so we wasted the time over lunch and roam around London. The delays were all due to signal failure with the underground. Hours later, Hazim appeared and we took off for 2nd round of lunch, although it was a good time for tea already. After that, we spent few hours in London showing Hazim's friends around London.

The London Eye at night.

The start of the journey, on the train to Heathrow.

Our flight to New York JFK was on the early flight the next day, and the crazy idea was to stay up and hang around at Heathrow. Gosh, I had never imagined such a situation! It was such a wreck that we were so desperate to find any edible things for sale! Arriving at Terminal 4 was such a funny feeling. The check-in area was so small, and few seating places only available. Based on my depleting knowledge on flying, Terminal 3 should have more to offer and more people in comparison as it's a major terminal for international flights and airlines. Off we went to Terminal 3 without a second thought. There, we loiter around the arrival area, and took a nap for a bit. Hazim was dozing off and slept away comfrotably already and he didn't even realise that there were police roaming around questioning people. Nurul and I stayed wide awake, and perhaps we got so used to it from working night shifts. The feeling, environment and sigh-ness were all the same when we had to do our night shifts as nurses back then. I guess that's when experience comes handy!

Look at them..

Back to the desperation of foods, we were so dead bored that Nurul and I decided to walk around outside to breathe some fresh air. We followed our instincts. The moment we stepped into Terminal 3 Departures, there were more people there. We could sniff aroma of coffee brewing, and our thoughts ran wild. However, the cafe we thought was open, was actually closed. We wander about somemore and slowly we saw light at the end of the tunnel!!! COSTA was open!!! We bought tons of foods and hot drinks! We went back to Hazim immediately to tell him we got food! Now you tell me, don't you think that was desperate?!?! Such a wreck right!? After we had our tummy filled, little did we know, there was also another cafe open just few steps away from us, BUGGER! But we spreaded the love as people nearby could smell our coffee too and they asked us with such interest.

our looks after the coffee boost!

At 4am, we proceeded to Terminal 4 after a long wait for the transfer bus in the extreme cold weather. We checked in on time, and proceeded to the departure hall. Nurul and I now had gone weak and we slept until there was the flight call that made us literally jump! On board, we slept all the way through, and 8 hours later.... WELCOME TO NEW YORK!!!!
The New York experience.

We landed safely at JFK airport with anxiety and anticipation of the interrogation that people had been telling us. Fortunately, none of those scary stories we heard had happened. We went through immigration and customs breezely, in fact, we were welcomed and bid off with nice happy holiday greetings. Off customs, a tall man stood before us asking where we heading to. We replied Manhattan, and he made us wait in with another group of people. We were clueless, but I saw in his hands were leaflets of taxi service of some sort. Being anxious and puzzled, we didn't know if he was an official there, or was he working for someone, or worst, a MAFIA?!?! We were then led to the open car park where it was cold and ice from the snow storm the night before was still around in bulk. There were 2 limos waiting, one was a hummer and the other was the usual limo. It turned out to be a limo taxi service! our anxiety immediately gone and we captured the moments of joy! Off we went to Manhattan in a limo!

An hour journey later, we arrived at the UN plaza where we stayed for the week. Hazim's aunt and uncle were very kind enough to offer us a place to stay for the three of us. We were literally at the Brunei Embassy as it's just next door and opposite the United Nations building. A very convenient place to stay as it's in the heart of Manhattan, within walking distance to Times Square, the Grand Central station, 5th Avenue and of course the UN headquarters. But the best has to be the hospitality offered by Auntie Wan and Uncle Karim. They were the most kind-hearted people and very accommodating and they made us feel so home. Upon arrival onwards, they never failed to make sure that we've eaten, and we have our needs catered for. We could never thank them enough, may Allah bless them and family, Amin. To start the New York experience, Hazim's cousins took us out to Bryant park for ice skating. That was so much fun!! hehehe We also went to Grand Central station, Times Square and the National library (the main focus of Day after tomorrow). It was so magical and felt like a dream!

At Grand Central Station

National library and ice skating.

The first night at Times Square.

Billboards..

DAY 2.

We got up not too early as we had to overcome the jetlag and the fatigue after having to through such a long journey. The plan for the day was to go to the Empire State building and try our luck to go to the Statue of Liberty. Weather wise, it was foggy and cold but lucky enough it wasn't raining. The queue to the Empire State was surprisingly almost none, and the security check was very quick. Got our tickets, mins later, we were on what used to be the tallest building in New York until the late Twin Towers were built. It was such an indescribable feeling on the top, and the winds were very strong, strong enough to push us forward. I was so scared of losing my camera!!! But for the sake of sharing, I took the chance of taking pictures.. ehhehe Here's the bird's eyes view of Manhattan from the Empire State Building.

After the Empire State building, we decided to go to Ground Zero, where it used to be the Twin Tower until the September 11 attack. The place is now nothing but what looks like a construction site. However, there was such an indescribable emotion as we walked through the sites. It was more of a development piece of land after a war destruction in a third world country. To get there, we took the subway for the very first time. I was not as easy the tube, but we finally managed it! eheh I feel so proud that I could figure it out! ehhe

The views whilst walking towards a subway station.

On the subway train, me trying to figure out the route.

At Ground Zero and Wall Street financial district with New York Stock Exchange X'mas Tree.

Tribute and well-wishers outside the New York Fire Department.

After a quick meal, the journey continued. We had to decide between places to go, Brooklyn Bridge, NYSE, Statue of Liberty? We ended up goin to NYSE then followed by the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

The famous Wall St.

After that, we tried our luck if we could cross over to the Statue of Liberty, and too bad the ferry service was already closed. We walked around and continued our way to Times Square. This time, to Rockefeller Centre where they displayed a famous large christmas tree and ice skating rink, the Plaza where Home Alone was filmed and along the way we saw Trump tower and all the designers stores.

Staten Island Ferry, next to the immigrant entry point during the history period.

At Rockefeller

Trying out the ubiquitous trolley service selling pretzels, meat skewers (lamb/chicken), hot dogs and many more. There were also many Halal and Kosher ones to be found, they're everywhere. It's impossible to go hungry in NYC as long you have the Kaching's in your wallet.

As you can tell from this entry alone, I had seen quite alot in just 2 days of my stay, and I am so excited to share the stories. Perhaps I've bored you enough, will continue in the next entry.

New York - Continuation.

2009-01-02T21:17:00.011Z

Day 3.

It was christmas day. I've been to London on Chirstmas Day where everything was shut closed, but not New York. There were still traffic, and millions of people buzzing the city centre and Times Square. The weather was beautifully sunny. We headed to the city earlier before hazim as he was still asleep. We thought of walking around enjoying the weather and meet up later during the day. Although the main aim was still to get to Statue of Liberty, and we were told by the tourist info that it's open.

Views of the UN building, Times Square and sights of Manhattan on a lovely sunny day.

The Brunei Embassy and the UN Headquaters.

If you love ER, Scrubs, Friends and many American series, this is the place!

Times Square during the day.

We finally met up with Hazim later that day and we headed off straight to Battery Park for the ferry to Statue of Liberty. However, to our disappointment, it was closed. Thanks to the wrong info the tourist info had given us! Not wasting the time and energy, we diverted our journey to Staten Island instead where there's a free ferry service across.

My happy face on the lovely day.

At Battery park and Maritime Museum.

Statue of Liberty from a far.

On arrival at the Staten Island, we didn't know what to do and it was very quiet. The Island itself is close by to neighbouring places like Brooklyn and Jersey, accessible by major transports and bridges, including the Brooklyn bridge. We only spent about 20mins to see things around, and it was more of a shipping place it seems.

Brooklyn Bridge.

New York skyline.

We ended the day back at Times Square spending time at MTV store, and Madamme Tussaud's.

Day 4.

The plan : Statue of Liberty (3rd attempt) and the United Nations.

The sight that is very familiar to many of you, the UN main conference room!

Bruneian flag at the UN.

We arrived at Battery Park about 2pm, and the queue was very looooooooong!!!! It was announced that it will take 2 hours at least to wait. Very eager, we decided to wait in line. Too bad, an hour later, we realised we were in the line of ticket holders! Persevere, we split, I joined another queue, whilst Nurul went to get the tickets. Again, tickets alone will get about 2-3 hours! We thought, there's no way we'll make it on time before sunset. We declined, and decided to start mini shopping, and perhaps a theatre at Broadway.

Since we arrived at Times Square slightly earlier before the sunset, we took the chance to push ourselves forward to the Central Park. The park is so Huge! We only managed to cover half way through the park, but not even half of the attraction sites around Central Park.

Boxing Day Sale scenery! Teeth to teeth pack along 5th Avenue!

Central Park.

Frozen lake.

Metropolitan Museum of Art.

My first American Hot Dog.

Day 4.

Finally made it to the Statue of Liberty. The day was extremely cold and foggy. We had to endure all these just for the fact that it's the STATUE OF LIBERTY and this was the 4th attempt!

Me eating churros, a spanish doughnut and even yummier eaten with chocolate dip! Too bad I didn't get to eat as much as my tummy was always full!!! It's US$3 per stick by the way. ahaha

Tribute to the Maritime Museum.

The ferry that took us to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Close encounter with Statue of Liberty.

Ellis Island, the entry point for Immigrants before entering New York, USA. This museum was once a quarantine place and immigration point.

Day 5 and 6 was filled with shopping and of course, back to UK on the 7th day.

I tried this aquamassage at Queens for only $12 for 10mins. Simply lied down on my tummy, and this coffin like machine will blast jet powered water to mimic massaging hands.

The White Castle burger restaurant. Remember Harold and Kumar the White Castle?

More Hot Dog with mustard and ketchup.

In the Trump Tower.

Me acting crazy packing for UK... maybe the effects of empty pockets!

Sunrise at JFK Runway.

Boredom strikes trial!

2008-12-16T03:34:00.004Z

Oh well, I've been looking at some old pictures and I thought I might try making them looking lomo-ish. Heheh here are my attempts! ahhaha

X'mas dinner.

2008-12-15T20:34:00.001Z

We had a dinner together with my pod-mates and along with AD and his family. It was a good meal together indeed. The buffet was excellent, and I guess it wasn't even buffet. It was an eat all you can, but served personally to the table. Great innit!? And all less than a tenor!!

Here are some pix of those who attended and of course, Fathema! ehhe

Me carrying Fathema.... build that muscles sani!

Final End Year Pod-Do

2008-12-13T02:24:00.004Z

It's almost the end of the year now. As a tradition, we had a usual xmas and end of year pod-do. This year it was held at the Greenhouse, where for two consecutive years it was at Wetherspoon. Anyhow, it was a great night as usual, and we had the initiation for the 1st years too. Although not many had turned up, but it was still a good night to end the year of 2008 (academic wise). I think it was a well deserved night out, although I managed to break about 4 glasses this time round! ahahha We end up at BASSMent before we decided to go home. Anyhow, have fun and enjoy the holidays everyone!!

The drinking game was won by the 2nd years, although the prize had to be given to the first, as they were cheating! ahahha And I lost my voice and my hearing, all due to the shouting of the oath and the thumping sounds from loud speakers. But I must say, the drinking game was much better and organised last year than this time round. Blame the tiny space at Greenhouse.

Stress will end soon! Really,,,?

2008-12-06T22:42:00.005Z

I've had a 3-4 weeks of stress, all devoted to my current work. My group have now refused of even saying it as a word - The Portfolio. It is now known as the "P" word! Well, last week I was this walking zombie, but now I'm a happy bunny again snapping my camera away in thirst of shots which hadn't been able to do. Although I have not completed my work as yet, but I'm good per se as I have foundation laid out, and 4000 words done! So that's about 2-3000 words more to go in 4 days? I even had to sacrifice from going out to the Holly Ball last night.... =(

Just an update about the tunic...

Well, it's grey that's for sure. But they're now not as grey as it was before. Been washing it and soaking it over and over in vanish. Now it's fading away on the road to whitening again. Although, I must admit, damage has been done. Rectification will only leave a scar!

At the moment, it has been a good laugh. I've been called the smurf, blondie, and many more. Just because I wear grey tunic in clinic! ahhaha Even the lecturers had a good laugh. But the thing is, no one would noticed it unless I stand next to other colleagues of mine (thanks Megan for the contrast!) ahaha. And I assume there is no end to this as it keeps on going everytime I put it on!

oh oh! My patient was happy when I issued the orthotics I prescribed. Many good comments about the finesse of it! I'm jolly happy! At first, patient was hesitant and he even commented that they looked like things from the medieval times! ahhaha As soon as he put it on, it was perfect! Glad! Although I had to alter some due to wrong markings on my positive cast. That's just minor. But I had to confess to him that it took me good 4 weeks just to complete it! Ain't a simple task to do.

Oh, it's nice and sunny today. Nice Winter sunny, which means I had to wrap myself albeit the sun. Shahin came along and he was my protege in photography. I'm no pro myself, but I could handle few bits and pieces on a compact digital cam. So I showed him how to use those features on his new camera. I must say, the camera is good! Way good from what I had expected earlier. The macro shots are excellent, low light shots are just nice with less grainy noise. Anyhow, I'll leave you a picture taken today to end this entry. I'm back to the P word now!

And was lazy to cook, bought myself calamari and chips for lunch from Odyssey!! Woot Woot! Nothing beats eating English fat cut chips from a chippy with the cold breeze blowing! It has never failed to blow me away....

DOOMED! Grey tunics?

2008-11-29T12:23:00.004Z

Yes, it's weekend again. Double the horror this time. Not only the dateline is just a pinch away, my tunics turned bluish grey!

My tunics which were previously white in colour is now bluish grey!

Before

After

Well, it's not that I'm stupid enough to put both tops and bottoms in together, cos I;ve done it fine, but... I was stupid to put it in 90 deg!! The first day of clinic, we were warned that the tunics should not be washed in temp more than 40 deg! Now that I'm in year 3, I had forgotten all those basics!

So, had no one to turn to, I've told Phil what happened. He gave me tons of remedies. Now my tunics are in the machine. Just wish me for the best!

Problem is, both my tunics are in there. Not unless they're just plain white, I could get it from any uniform shop. But this has the uni and school logo. This is doomed indeed!

Wish me luck already!

UPDATE!

Well.... it didnt work! arrgh!!!! I even tried Vanish... I'm so mentally exhausted and my pocket has got a big hole now.

Just look at that tunics compared to the white lab coat!

Finally... orthotics off my chest!

2008-11-28T00:12:00.003Z

Alhamdulillah, the prayers had been granted. I finally got it done, although I managed to cheat. I finally able to complete a pair or mega-difficult casted orthotics out of polypropylene material. Considering the times I had failed, and the amount of materials I had wasted, I am pleased to say I'm happy and proud! Many didn't even think they were the same piece from what I started with, until the final result. Everyone was just so impressed. Not to brag here, but hey... I need that energy and motivational boost here... ehhehe.. so I need to find ways to do that.. eheh

Anyway, reflecting on this hard task, it was actually beneficial. It has paid off the perseverance. C'mon, orthotics and biomechanics are the bread and butter of today's Podiatry world. they're the money making bit of Podiatry. At the hospital I'm working musculoskeletal consultation alone costs around £60-120 and these orthotics would normally cost up to £200-600 a pair!! How and why should I mess it up? It's my bread and butter soon.

Talking about the cheat, well, it was because I skipped a step, Which was to put expansions to the positive cast. Which resulted the orthotic material to float on the 1st ray upon inversion to put subtalar joint into neutral. But I could have used forefoot expansion which meant I would have to bevel more and looking at angles etc. Too much work! Then I thought I would try the cheeky way to cheat by heating the ends and press it hard by using hairdryer at home. So I brought it back and tried it. I was pessimistic towards this however as the polypropylene hardly moulded in temperature below 200 deg, let alone the heat from a home hairdryer!! But hey, never say never. It worked! AD the orthotics guru, who is my bestmate couldn't believe it himself. He kept on saying "oh my days!" to his disbelief! On that note, I am happy!

Cheating in the action

The result

To the curious peeps out there, these were made from just plain flat sheets of materials, into what you have just seen above!!

On top of this, the notion that made me proud is that, I did it all by myself with no input from lecturers!

It's actually fun to see people's faces in orthotics. It is always filled with drama! Broken foot casts, things falling apart, tears, fights, accidents... and not to forget, burns! yes I burnt myself before!

The day resembles how I feel.

2008-11-26T12:54:00.005Z

It's been gloomy and sad in Eastbourne. The weather I mean....
But again, it somehow empathising the way I'm feeling at the moment. Just gloomy and dark. I just wanna sink in my duvet in bed all the time, trying to escape from the idea of datelines entailing me! But I had a remedy to calm me down. Today, albeit the workload and datelines with a snap of my fingers, I took the long journey home from uni. I took the seafront way as I had my camera with me. I took pictures of gloomy Eastbourne. So here we are...

The Pier from a far.

Wishing an identical clone!

2008-11-23T14:56:00.008Z

I know that I'm slacking with the updates, and as the title says, I wish I could just clone myself as many as I could to multi-task. I have so much to do in so little time within my capabilities. I have been on placements all over the Southeast and tons of essays for the portfolio to be handed in before x'mas! Placement wise, it has been great experience so far although there were few hiccups along the way. But put that aside, and I loved the experience at Epsom for Podiatric Surgery placement with Dr Pabari. It was an excellent opportunity. Rheumatology was not bad either and really learnt alot. And tomorrow, I'm off to King's College Hospital in London for Diabetes placement. Gosh, there goes the money on tickets...

Currently, I'm struggling to finish a pair of orthotics to be issued to a patient in 2 weeks. I've been working on it for 4 weeks now! It's very hard. I've been wasting so much expensive materials just to get it right. I tend to be good in orthotics, but it'sn just not my cuppa tea! Especially these casted ones! And I have 2 more pairs to do! Arrrgh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a fair share of the story, I've had good times too, although not as much as I used to. For the last few weeks, I've been to a halloween party, a Malaysian do at Sussex Uni, and a meal get together with the pod-mates. So, let's just share that... shall we?

The Halloween party:

It was held in conjunction with my housemate's birthday party and which was a halloween theme. I dressed as a psycho-surgeon, but in the end it ended up more like a Dr rather than a surgeon. Oh well... We also had Malaysian friend, Haslina and family who came over to our little crib and just to see what it's like during this so called crazy horrible halloween. ehehe. Later that night, we went out to the club nearby which was fairly new - BassMent. It was alright, but personally I still prefer Atlantis as they have bigger floor space. But anyhow, we enjoyed ourselves that night.

Malaysian Do:

It was held on the following Sunday after the Halloween party. It was a great experience too as I hadn't had the chance to meet fellow Malays here for the last 2 years I've been here. But there it goes, and that was like a "Raya" for me although it was belated and few days after Syawal. And I stuffed myself with excellent foods!! Picture this - lemang, rendang, and nasi ayam!!! What else more could I ask for! Besides, I had the chance to appreciate and hear the differences about the Malaysian scholarship and student arrangements to that for Bruneians.

The meal get-together:

Shahin had organised a get together amongst us pod-mates. So we decided to try out this new Indian restaurant. It was good, and it was less than £10 per person for all you can eat buffet. Food was great, people were fun to be with and the night was just amazing! And we ended the night the Greek way by breaking a plate for good luck. Anastacia went to ask the restaurant owner if she could break a plate. Bizzare enough, they let her do it!!!! So we had a plate breaking session in the end.

Bachelor's Satay - My style!

2008-11-16T13:06:00.002Z

Been craving for satay and brahims was too "chemical-ish" taste to my liking. Well, I can't believe I'm doing this which in the past I never thought of doing, satay sauce from peanut butter!!!

Here it goes. Warning: this is not the original satay recipe. This is purely modified to suit a bachelor's capability.

The chicken satay:
Ingredients:

Boneless chicken
Tumeric powder
Cumin Powder
Salt
Sugar

Add everything together and leave to marinade for an hour before deep frying.

The sauce:

Oil
Sliced onions
peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
Tamarind (replace with either lime or lemon)
Brown sugar (I used damerara)
Cumin powder
Wee bit of corriander powder
Salt and pepper
*optional chilli powder / flakes

Brighton, Grey and Mates.

2008-10-24T13:53:00.005Z

I'm having a few days off from uni as there's society's conference going on at Bournemouth which I declined to go. I've experienced it before, and I don't really see much benefit of going unless I'm a registered practitioner. Simply because, it doesn't really impact my practice as a student. Moreover, information or updates will eventually be informed. Plus, I will have tons of opportunities to go once I'm in the practice soon!!

So, instead, I had a great day yesterday with few mates from uni. Therese picked me up from home and we drove all the way to Brighton Marina to meet the rest. The day was cold and grey! We waited the rest at the carpark and they were late! ahahha Blame Shumba for that. So there were me, Therese, Howard, Wendy and Shumba. 2 couldn't make it for unknown reasons. Whilst waiting we kept ourselves warm in the pub nearby with few drinks rather than waiting outside freezing!

After about an hour of no signs of showing up, we then moved to
for our lunch! They were excellent!!! The pastas were all great, and the dessert... yaww!!! I had fresh warm brownies with ice cream. Didn't take me long to finish them all! price was good too, for 3 course meal it was less than 20quid! good eh!!?

Calamari for starter

My Spaghetti Marinara (Main)

and... Dessert

After lunch, we had coffee at Wendy's. Had a good time with Henry the cat. He's such a lovely and lucky cat!! He's the first cat ever to have sat on my lap, and got pat and stroking from me! He's such a therapeutic cat, and he's 18 years old? Such a lovely one I must say. It's owned by Wendy's mate, Marie.

All and all, it was a great day as a final year student so far!

My new toy version 2!!!

2008-10-23T14:09:00.000Z

I finally made up my mind and got a new replacement for my previous mp4 player. I finally got the Sony walkman bluetooth!! woohoo! I'm happy although cost me a fortune I must say. But again, it's a Sony, never upsets anyone!

Raya at Manchester.

2008-10-18T14:13:00.000Z

I finally had my "first day" of raya. Thanks to Hazim and Betty for hosting such a great gathering. We had loads of good foods and wonderful people.

Shahin and I arrrived Manchester at 1.10am. Took the taxi to Rusholme, and the taxi driver didn't have a clue where exactly it was! Oh bugger I thought.Luckily I wasn't alone. After 3 times going to and forth and ending up no where, we decided to just pull over and drop us anywhere and we'll take it from there walking. He stopped us at around no. 102 of Claremont Road, where we then walked towards 493! Yes... about 300 doors away!!!! It was dark and cold! Wasn't really scared, but that place is indeed scary when walking alone. We bumped into quite a few chavs on the way, but thank God, we then finally arrived at the doorstep. Minutes later that we realised, that place wasn't even safe! Hazim and Betty was like... "WHAT?!.. we wouldn't even dare to go near that place! That's where the shooting and stabbing normally are!"... "Oh well...." we sighed!

Well.... before the long walk.....
A BRUNEIAN... with BRUNEIAN-ied Bengali! ahaha

Here are some pictures from Manchester. Since we only spend few hours in Manchester, we took an opportunity early that morning to look around Manchester. Went to the uni's museum and got myself a book I needed from the Medical school.

Hhahah funny looking me on the train!

The organisation structure in the ktichen.

Host and Hostess.

Helping hand.. candid!

Beachy Head and gone loopy!

2008-10-12T14:23:00.003Z

Juliana and Santie came down to Eastbourne for a day trip last Saturday. They wanted to see Beachy Head. Juliana was kind enough to treat all of us at the Yummy Noodle bar. Had a long chat, but too bad the weather was extremely cold and gloomy. Beachy Head was very windy and extremely cold. But I went loopy running around topless!!! ahahaha But it was all fun. We ended the day at Via for a nice cuppa. They had milkshake, as Via is famous for its milkshake anyway. I missed one of the waitress, she's very friendly and haven't seen her for quite some time. Even Juliana was looking for her.

We chilled out for a while and had my kek batik!! woot woot!! Music was as good as usual.. hehe

The weekend in London.

2008-10-12T13:54:00.003Z

It was Saturday, tried hard not to get up early. I was recharging myself from the long week of work and some sleepless nights. Blame those stupid monsters that I shared the room with! Razie once again called if I wanted to go to Portobello and Camden. Who would say no to Portobello and Camden!?!?! I jumped, but unfortunately, I had to wait as there was a long queue for the shower. In the end to find out, there was no one in the shower. The jeans that I thought belonged to someone, lying on the floor was actually bin liner! How dumb could I be?!?!?

Need not to say more, Portobello and Camden were still as amazing as ever. There's music, crowd of cool people, and of course, tons of good foods from all over the world. Had a great time, and certainly the companion by them friends were highly appreciated!! I'll leave you to some pictures below. By the way, there was a modelling photoshoot, and I was ever so proud. The camera lady was using a Canon G9!!!! WAHHAHA

Selamat Hari Raya - Eid Mubarak

2008-10-12T13:30:00.003Z

It's my first time away from family for Hari Raya. It's even far more different this year, as I didn't get to celebrate it yet, until today. On the first day of eid, I was still on placement. I arrived the night before at Brunei Hall from work and heard raya songs streamed on the PA system. Everyone was in a raya mood, except the yours truly. I was already knackered after work, all I wanted to do was sleep. Contemplating between joining the crowd for takbir, or the bed? I chose the bed in the end as my priority was to conserve as much energy as I could after a long day at the hospital. Juliana called whether if I wanted to meet her for her home-made kek batik. Again, I decided not to go out as it wouldn't look nice, me loitering around not joining the takbir.

Early that morning, I woke up earlier than usual just to skip the anticipated crowd, making beeline for the shower. In addition, I wanted to escape from the raya mode that people would be hustling and bustling with in the early morning for prayers. Just before I left, I could smell the aroma from the kitchen. It simply made me mellow, thinking about the fun I would have if I was at home, sniffing mom's morning raya food being prepared. Rather on that day, I left walking in the dark, alone and cold towards the train station to catch my 7.40am train.

As I arrived at the station, it didn't feel eid at all. The usual noises and looking at the crowds of people running around trying to make it for the train suddenly swept away my feelings of being sad. Called the family home, and they were not celebrating it yet until 2 days time. The usual raya breakfast which usually consist of kelupis, satay, nasi minyak and all the good food you could imagine were then replaced with Caramel Macchiato and Mediterranean Pesto panini. Thanks to Starbucks for at least making me a good but not at par of food replacement.

The day went by, and Razie a friend from Brunei who's on holiday in the UK and and his GF had kindly phoned me up and asked if I wanted to join them to watch a Grease play at the West End. I thought, why not? I bought the ticket online and met them at Piccadilly circus. As I was still in my work clothes, and no time to head "home", I decided just to pop into the clothes store somewhere to get something more appropriate. Looked in Gap, then finally Zara had something to offer me. I bought them and changed that instant. Plus, it's raya, time to treat myself. The play was all good.

On a brighter note, I'll spend the next weekend to a Raya open house, hosted by Hazim in Manchester. Yippie!

Buttermilk Chicken.

2008-09-20T18:00:00.000Z

Ingredients:

Boneless chicken cut into strips
Butter or margarine. I used Bertolli Olive oil spread
Flour (any will do)
Cornstarch
Milk
Salt and pepper
Some sugar
Fresh Milk
Curry leaves (dry or fresh)

Method:

Prepare the chicken by mixing salt, pepper and cornstarch. Then deep fry till it turns golden brown and crisp.
Melt generous amount of butter. Make it 3/4 the amount of chicken you have.
Add curry leaves, and let it frying until fragrant.
Dash some flour and let it sizzle. Make sure it's not sticky (meaning too much).
Add milk, and season. (omit sugar if you're using sweetened condensed milk)
*optional - cut bird's eye chillies.
Add chicken, mix well and serve.

Tom Yam Seafood served with Tang Hoon (Glass Vermicelli)

2008-09-19T17:22:00.003Z

Today, I thought of making something simple to eat, quick and considerably healthy. So I decided to make Seafood Tomyam with TangHoon.

Ingredients:

Tang Hoon - Washed and soaked in hot water
Some seafood medley - mussels, prawns, squid, etc.
Some spring onions cut diagonally
1 Knorr Tom Yam cube. You can use any tomyam paste
Some oil
and water

Method:

Add some oil to a pot, and stir fry the mussels.
Add boiling water, enough to make a broth for the soup.
Add the tomyam cube, and let it boil.
Add the seafood, the spring onions and lastly the tanghoon.
Season to taste if necessary as the paste are normally readily salty.
Garnish with extra spring onions and I served with poached egg.

Craving number 2 - Kolo mee

2008-09-16T09:53:00.004Z

I crave, I work it out, I make, I eat = I'm content!

Kolo mee:

Here's my list of things I bought at Sainsbury's and local store.

Blue Dragon flat egg noodles - to substitute wantan noodles
Red onion
Scalion / spring onion
Mushroom (the first time I bought just 1 mushroom and cost me 12p! ahahh)
Free range egg
Fishballs
Organic large king prawns

Ingredients:

Flat dry egg noodles (BlueDragin brand)
1 Big red onion
Boneless chicken - minced
Scalion / spring onions
Soya Sauce
Oyster Sauce
Sesame oil
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Cornstarch
Egg - omellette
Some prawns, fishballs/fishcakes for garnish
Mushrooms

1. Cut the onions thinly and deep fry until golden brown and put aside. Keep the oil.
2. Make the sauce. To make, take some onion oil into a saucepan, add in mushrooms then chicken, followed by the sauces.
3. Season it, and thicken it with cornstarch.
4. Blanch the noodles.
5. On a serving plate, put some onion oil, soya sauce and a dash of salt. Add the blanched noodle and mix well.
6. Pour some minced chicken sauce.
7 Garnish with egg omellette, fishcakes, fishballs, fried onions, spring onions.

p/s: be sure make the sauce salty and slightly sweet, as the taste will diffuse when mixed with the noodles.

Chendol

2008-09-15T18:52:00.004Z

Yes, I'm finally back in the Bourne but not quite as I'll be away on placements.

So, cendol is really a good thirst quencher especially on Fasting month like now. Being in the UK and Eastbourne especially, finding Asian foods are not as easy as elsewhere. But nothing could stop me! I ventured out to town, and hey! Not only I found the ingredients for cendol, I found curry leaves, cincau, wantan wrappers, fishballs, sotong balls!! Gosh, these were the foods that I had been craving for the last 2 years! If only I knew they existed here previously, I wouldn't have to suffer!! And even more, they're just opposite my house!

So, cendol is no exception being hard to find, worst explaining them to the retailer! Couldn't stand any longer, I decided to make it my own!!! Heheh I even had to buy the utensil (potato ricer) for bloody 10quid!!! Back home would be like 1/10th of that price perhaps? Anyway, today, I made it. Tired and overwhelmed with the placement and arrival arrangements with the Brunei Students unit in London, I finally made it!

Oh, I didn't even use exact measurement. It was all based on instinct, taste and fun of trying. Didn't work at first as I thought the texture was a little raw. Then I put it back into the pot and add more water and let it simmer even further. Great ending indeed!!

Don't have gula melaka, I had to substitute it with Damerara brown sugar, and it tastes the same!!

voila!!

Marhaban Ya Ramadhan al-Mubarak

2008-09-02T09:16:00.002Z

It's our first day of Ramadhan today. Was excited to get up and had my pre-fasting dinner or sahur (late supper) as I was so excited to fast. The meal was not exaggerated, very minimal but hopefully it's healthy. Now waiting for the break of fast (in 1 hour time). Whilst waiting, I'm posting this entry. I didn't want to go to tamu today as we have a lot of food on the table already.

I also made these this afternoon. It's glutinous balls in red bean soup. Initially I wanted to make glutinous balls with red bean paste fillings, but somehow I changed my mind. There were also some extra balls, so I decided to make putri mandi too, although it's not the usual green. hehe

The glutinous balls in red bean soup

The white version of the usual putri mandi

I CANT WAIT NOW!!!

Dinner at Empire + Car gone kaput.

2008-09-02T07:52:00.003Z

The moon was not sighted on Sunday, so fasting was not until Tuesday. That Monday, Brian gave me a call if it's ok to go to Empire and a stop at the Mall. I agreed as I needed to get some stuffs at the Mall too.

On arrival at Gadong, just at the traffic light towards The Mall, my car steering wheel suddenly had gone stiff and hard to manouvre, and the battery warning indicator showed. Fortunately, I was still able to drive, albeit the stiff steering wheel. I managed to get the car safely parked. Not panicking at all, I called my sister to ask her what to do and checked the bonnet it was the belting. Then "Aunty May" from 247-assist came to my mind. I called Alan and asked for his opinion. He then arranged for towing etc. Having to wait for the insurance people to arrange a towing pick up, I simply couldn't stand the wait any longer or $50 could have been gone towards the towing. I then decided to drive the car to the workshop.

Safely arrived at the workshop, then they thought that it was a simple failure and nothing serious. They were able to get it fixed in just an hour. Altogether the wait and all, it took me about 4 hours at least. Traffic was horrible, and my speedometer barely moved! But I am glad everything was fine, although Brian and his GF had to wait for that long at the mall. On arrival, I ran straight to Coffee Bean for some caffeine fix!

From Gadong, we headed to Empire for dinner. Contemplating between Atrium and Pantai, we finally then decided to go to Pantai as it's outdoor. The Empire is still nice as always. The dinner at Pantai was a steamboat with great selection of fresh meat and seafoods. Yum yum!!

View of The Empire main lobby building from the beach.

The steamboat, and I called it the Asian Fondue!

Taken by a tourist couple on the way to Pantai

Me and Brian taken "at the mosque" ?? eheh

A group pose at the lobby

On the way home around 11pm, Rolande another best friend called and hoped to meet everyone in Seria. So, we met up at WyWy Seria, well there's no other place around that time! He came with his new scooter!!

Our attempt of the "2008" era pose!! Macam Mat Rempit lah.. ahah

Mini Reunion.

2008-09-02T07:43:00.002Z

Had a mini reunion with an old childhood friend, Brian Lim. We have been best of friends since kindy and all the way through A-Levels. Now he's residing in Canada, and have not met him for more than 2 years! Alan, Brian's brother and Brian's GF also joined us.

The first reunion was held on Sunday at the Sports Cafe along the KB River bank. A nice time spent until sunset with rainbow shining too.

Us, meeting again after more than 2 years of separation. Brian, me and Alan.

The sunset, with the sounds of boats ocassionally crusing along the river.

The rainbow

The Special Olympics.

2008-08-26T09:45:00.007Z

My life is getting even more busier as the time for me to leave Brunei for the UK as a final year Podiatry student is nearer. I am especially busy with placement preparation, and at the same time battling between anxiety and time constraints. The anxiety contitutes with liasing arrangements, placement documents (whether they will arrive on time here in Brunei, cos otherwise, I won't be able to get it as it takes a while for documents to arrive here from the UK and vice versa) and also being away from my comfort zone in Eastbourne. So today alone, I had to do quite a lot. Had my usual medical appointment which I decided to include the placement Occupational health check. With this I can save my time from having to see different doctors. With that, I will need to forward the documents to the UK ASAP!! I also got my white coat ready for the placement. With some time remaining today, I had an impromtu decision to get a haircut and visit to the dentist. I should have gone to the dentist early this month. Too bad, I missed the appointment due to other things that I've had to do. *sracthing... adui ma... bubus baju ku ani*

Back to the Special Olympics story. The Special Olympics was started in the USA for people with special needs. More information can be found at SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA website. Brunei is part of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific, and for this I was involved in the event as a clinical group volunteer, serving the Fit Feet team. There are 4 main teams altogether, although internationally there about 2 more health care teams under the Athletes' screening programme group. They are namely:

Fit Feet - by Podiatrists and Lower limb professionals including Orthotists, Prosthetists, Orthopaedic surgeons, and footcare assistants.
Special Smile - by Dentists and Oral Health Professionals.
Fun Fitness - by Physiotherapists.
Opening Eyes - by Eye / Opthalmology Professionals.
Others that was not part of the screening in Brunei - Nutrition and (I can't remember).

Back of the Polo shirt showing the clinical screening groups invovled - Polo Shirts were sponsored by GTE Yellow pages Brunei and FedEx.

Here's my account of what I had done on those days.

It was a 3-day event, started off a day before the event itself for preparation of venue at the RIPAS Hospital Sports Complex. Many Health and Safety considerations had to be taken into account as there's a big swimming pool nearby, and kids including below 2 years old were involved. That's why the volunteers played a vital role in ensuring top health and safety measures are maintained at all times.

Some of the volunteers at our station - well that's not exactly in their job description. Maybe they're just warming up before tough job comes. The volunteers are mostly students from the UK on their summer holidays, and some are from UBD.

The RIPAS Hospital Sports Complex - Swimming pool view.

Pre-Day 1 - started with preparing the place, such as making foot prints. Such a "tough" job indeed!!

Woops! Not quite the right picture, but again, this took a lot of pain to push!! Violation of equipment alert! Bad health and safety measures. Perhaps, no play makes us all a dull person?

Here's the cut footprints. We got a little excited until we mass-produced over than we needed!

And this is what they're for. It's making a runway well not for models, but for the athlete's gait analysis.

Here's a close up view of an individual footprint on the runway.

And of course, our station's banner!! Fit Feet!! Do you have a fit feet?

Day 2 and 3 - Screening day of all athletes from Brunei, Bangladesh, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Pakistan. Too bad China couldn't make it as their visa arrangements was not granted. I wonder if that was karma?

*Disclaimer - as pictures involved real athletes/patients, no faces of them are shown here to protect that individuals' privacy. Thank you.

Me assessing an athlete's range of motion, skin integrity and overall health of the lower limb.

Then, looking at the foot in Relax calcaneal stance position (RCSP) to determine their foot shape (high arch, flat, pronated, supinated) and in relation to their tibia.

Followed by looking at the athlete's gait.

Giving one to one consultation and whenever possible, some words of motivation before sending them off to the final fit feet consultation. By this time, we will be able to know wthether they're fit for sports or otherwise.

After 3 days, that wrapped up the screening events. Here are some shots of us being random and in a group.

A pose of a proud Fit Feet for Special Olympics Volunteer.

A group pose - The RIPAS team of Podiatrists and Assistants.

WILL CONTINIUE LATER... I GO MAKAN DULU

Life After SMSA.

2008-08-17T13:17:00.002Z

I came across Life after SMSA blog last few days, and I left some comments on one of my friend's entry. Soon later, this alarmed the blog owner (Mrs Imelda Yapp, a career officer at the school) and she emailed me and asked if I could drop an entry as well about my life after SMSA. SMSA stands for Sekolah Menengan Sayyidina Ali, where I studied my A-Levels for 2 years. I am still in touch with some of my tutors there. I will probably pay a visit next time. Perhaps not during a school break where it's empty again!

Most of the entries are very motivating and inspiring. That's what the blog is aiming for. Here's my entry, perhaps it's not very inspiring as the rest. Click Here for the actual entry. But here's the exact thingy, just in case you're lazy over the techy stuffs. Plus, this is going to be my reference.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

SMSA KB Scholars conquer the world (15): Hj Abdullah Sani Hj Kamis, Bachelor of Science in Podiatry, University of Brighton, UK

Paintballing at Cosford in conjunction with the Brunei’s 23rd National Day.

Mrs Imelda's prelude on Sani: Although I did not know Sani personally during his time at SMSA, I have exchanged enough emails with this sweet faced Podiatrist in training to know that he is upbeat, well liked and adventurous. He tells me that "at the moment, there are only three podiatrists working with the Brunei Ministry of Health. And four are still in training including himself. The department is hoping to recruit more podiatry students, and career progression and satisfaction is certainly guaranteed." Sani has the honorable distinction of being the only podiatry student from SMSA. A SMSA legend in the making. "Hey Sani, Keep your feet on the ground!" [Pun intended!] Lurve Mrs Imelda GCY

Me on my placement in operating theater.

Prior to SMSA.
I was always an average student, who had nothing to proud of other than managed to get promoted to the next year without fail. In 2000 a batch of 7 St. Michael’s School students including myself enrolled to SMSA Pre-University. Having educated from an all boys private school for 11 years, coming to a Government co-ed learning institution was a whole new world to me. Being a shy, introvert and a person with low self-esteem, it was very difficult for me to cope with all these experiences. Due to that, I was not looking forward to studying at SMSA. Besides, the decision for undertaking A’levels was partly my sister’s rather than solely mine. However, I forced myself to attend the registration albeit it was late, and to give it a try. I am glad that I took that decision. Otherwise, I would not be the person who I am today.

SMSA – The Beginning.
Within the first few weeks, I slowly shed off the negative thoughts that had pre-occupied my mind prior to being a student at SMSA. Over the months, I felt sense of belonging and I gained the confidence interacting with the tutors and fellow school mates. All these would have not been possible without the comforting words of encouragement from all tutors at that time – Mrs Kamini (Registration/ GP Tutor), Mr Allistair Barr (Geography), Mr Robert Wardle (Business Studies) and Ms Tan (Economics). Often people questioned me, why this subject combination? What do you want to do? And the answer to that would always be, “I don’t know”. This is because I had no idea what I wanted to do and never once I envisioned myself having a proper Post-A level qualification, let alone a degree from a university.
Perhaps, teachers’ instinct could foresee the future of students? They untiringly help their students in whichever way they could in making them a useful person in the society. And, I am the result of this perseverance of teachers who were always there to give their fullest support. One of my achievements to be proud of has to be empowering the art of public speaking, coached by the GP department of SMSA. From a timid public speaker to a flawless speaker in public – evidenced by giving a successful talk to 500 people!! SMSA (2000-2002)

Skiing experience in Switzerland

Post SMSA
Another aimless decision I had to make was after the A’Levels results were released. I went through a denial state for getting such bad grades, and at the point of acceptance, I slowly crawled towards possibilities with such grades I obtained. The path ahead of me was as narrow as my mind. Jumping onto the band wagon of crowds, I enrolled to the Nursing College to do a Diploma in Nursing.

My learning tool – “Mr Footy”

Here, I was totally a different person from what I was. Once bitten, twice is shy. I never looked back into the life of being a lazy and complacent student again. I spat the word “failure” out of the vocabulary of my life. Optimistic is my principle of life now. This point I flourished even further, boost with high confidence and self-esteem which was once alien to me. Slowly, I became a risk taker and held many big roles and responsibilities such as being my intake’s representative for 3 consecutive years and a treasurer for the student council. In the end of my life as a nursing student, I graduated with a Diploma in Nursing with excellent grades in both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice for which I was awarded the “Best Student in Leadership 2006” award on my graduation day.

Outside Herne Bay Hospital, Kent with fellow podiatry mates on placement.

Being the new me, I was not satisfied with my achievement at that time and I knew I could go further and wanted to pursue my studies further. I decided to take a Degree in Podiatry at university as there were only 2 Bruneian qualified podiatrists at that time serving the whole country of 380,000 population. With nursing background that I already have, I had no problems getting “unconditional offers” from all the universities I had applied to. The process was a nerve wrecking experience, topped by time constraints. The interviews I had over the phone were tough and very demanding. Came September 2006, I set off to the UK for University of Brighton to read BSc (Hons) Podiatry.

On Bonfire night at Lewes – the biggest Bonfire event in the UK.

University Life.
From the experiences I picked up along the journey of coming to university, adapting to a new world has now becoming an easy task for me. The new university life, in a country of diverse culture and very different compared to Brunei was not much of an issue. Nevertheless, I had to overcome the usual challenges being a student abroad, and this perhaps is the catalyst of a young adult becoming a matured one.
Having the experience of studying both locally and abroad, the education environment is simply a contrast. Students in the UK are mostly independent and have no luxury of being “spoon-fed” by their professors and lecturers compared to what I had experienced back in Brunei.

Reading Podiatry simply exceeded my expectations. It was no easier than I had thought. Perspectives have changed, and this noble profession has now grown very close to my heart. Being a very demanding medical based course, I’ve had classes from 9am till 5pm everyday except weekends. As clinical practice is integrated in the course directly from Year 1, the timetable has to be shared between attending lectures at the campus, and seeing real patients at the hospital. Time scarcity does not hinder me from joining social clubs like the International Students’ Society, and I was a student Ambassador for the University in 2007.

Driving experience in the UK

The most memorable experience has to be learning the human Anatomy on cadavers (real dead human bodies). It has never failed to fascinate me how the human body is engineered in such a complicated manner. For a moment in the anatomy lab whilst dissecting the cadaver, I pretended to be one of those characters in CSI – hey no harm of having fantasies…at least that cast away the fears of facing the dead! And sometimes a character from the Grey’s Anatomy on my surgical rotas.

Like they normally say, make the best out of your university life. Plus, all work makes Sani a dull boy. I enjoy going out with my mates and colleagues on some nights, trying not to miss the excitement of UK social life but within my limits as a Muslim. From the outings, my circle of friends and whom I am acquainted with have grown tremendously. They comprise of people from all over the world like Africa, Europe, Canada, The Mediterranean, and fellow Asians. Where and when time permit, I will try to spare some time going to the mosque nearby for the usual Friday mass prayer at the local mosque.

Not to miss also travelling cheaply within a student’s budget exploring the neighbouring places within the UK and other parts of Europe. Whether it is with fellow Bruneians or International friends, I have ventured many parts of Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. One of the most memorable experiences has to be driving in the UK for the first time from Eastbourne of East Sussex County to the South West of Portsmouth and Southampton. It was indeed a good 12 hour drive experience.

Now, I am coming to my final year of being a Podiatry student. More is expected out of us especially when it comes to clinical knowledge and its safe practice. I shall now look forward to my success and will endeavour to lead this life in a meaningful way.

Taken with Betty Pang and Nicole Chan Suk Chin (both ex-SMSA).

From all these, I have learnt not to give up, and see failure as a point of awakening in life and never return to that dark tunnel ever again! When there’s a will, there’s a way. Never once I regretted what I’ve had done in life, without the past, there’s no future. It’s all about making good use of what we already have. So remember, always plan, act, reflect and ponder upon the things we do in life.

The Future.
The academic life expectancy is endless. After earning a registration and licensing to practice Podiatry, I am hoping to pursue a specialisation in Podopaediatric Biomechanics (children’s feet) at MSc or even PhD wherever opportunity takes me. And of course, working for the Brunei Ministry of Health to serve the nation in making Bruneians walking pain-free is my main aim. As a Bruneian and a Brunei MOE Scholar, it’s a big responsibility to carry as I represent the country, my religion and the society where I was brought up.

Let me take this opportunity to express my thanks to all the staffs of SMSA including the ex-principal Mr Koh Hong Puah who always took the pride of motivating the students during his reign. To all teachers, I am indebted of your time and effort for making the better me today!

Group picture after Paintballing featuring Noor Hidayah also from SMSA.
Posted by Imelda G. Christian-Yapp at 6:21 PM

Klassik Rafting - 17082008.

2008-08-17T12:37:00.005Z

Well well well, I wonder where's the time gone? I thought I just had another Sunday again within a blink on an eye.

At the moment I am extremely busy with things as I'm going back to the UK quite soon now. And, thinking that time flies extremely quicker than ever, it never fails to haunt me!!! I am battling my time between being a participant in the clinical group for the 2008 Special Olympics as well as preparing all the mandatory paperwork for my NHS placement in London. Hope things go well Insya Allah, Amin.

Today, I had a day out at KBBC & Menara (Tower) Cendera Kenangan for the Klassik Rafting 2008. It's an annual event main organised by Shell Petroleum Company(ies). Previous years, it used to be an event held at the KBBC ground, and is only opened to Shell and participating members. But slowly over the years, the doors were opened to public participants, and today they moved the venue out to the named place. This way, public is no where near to hesitant to come and join the fun. Stalls were also in operation catering the public needs, live band non-stop streaming good Live music (RBC), and guest of honour was the Belait District's officer, who officiated the event.

The rafts that were used, were made based on each groups' creativity to create a durable, reliable and safe raft. This certainly needs the creative ideas from engineers, designers and strategy planners' minds alike. They made their rafts mostly from empty plastic bottles, tree barks, and pedals which aimed to keep the raft afloat and able to propulse. Some didn't even make it to the race, as things fell apart even before starting.

Lion dance performace by Chung Hua School.

Curious kids (Joshua and Martin) escorted by my sister, taking a closer look at the lion's head.

Although it was a big event compared to the previous ones I've had experienced, this one is a little dull. Previously there used to be water balloon fights, flour bombs and all the messy things you could think of. And this year's, everyone is playing clean. No attacking fellow participants on the race. So not much of uproaring crowds to inject that moral support.

Some friends whom I've met at the event.

My sister's team, "Awang Paroah and Dayang Kliopatra"

RaD in action

Department outing - Tasek Merimbun.

2008-08-12T06:37:00.005Z

This was organised by the Podiatry team. It was aimed at knowing the fellow juniors as well as a good weekend outing. Tasek Merimbun was chosen for this. Initially about 10-12 people decided to come, but in the end, only 7 including the driver turned up!! But again, it was alright. Found this rare car on the way.

Journey was long. But fun and excitement were gushing through everyone's soul, making the journey an uneventful and a pleasant one. We left RIPAS Hospital at 7.30am on this cool Ford Transit. It has a mega loud sound system and with built-in big screen TV as well as karaoke enabled. One of us was singing too, and that amazed everyone how this car has this echo-ed microphone.

Suddenly, we went to a narrow strip, and unfamiliar route. we decided to stop at one of the houses and ask. We were astonished with the beauty of natural fauna, and the habitants around including the local occupants.

We asked this old lady where Tasek Merimbun was, and she kindly replied, "Itu di Tutong.. (that is in Tutong)". "So where are we..?" I asked. We were actually far in the rural of Ulu Tutong. So we had to make a turn.

Maybe because of the beauty that we actually missed the sign board for the exit to Tasek Merimbun. Again, maintenance was to be blamed. The signboard was covered in long bushes of grass and wild plants!

On our arrival, Mahady and I couldn't stop taking our gears shooting the scenery. We simply couldn't get out hands off the shutter the moment we arrived, and trying to capture every glimpse we could, and Alhamdulillah for the beautiful weather on that day. Just look at these beautiful sceneries. They're simply not the Amazon, this is Brunei we're talking about.

Some of the flowers growing wild fed with only natural rain, soil and sunlight.

And overall, it was a great outing indeed. We shall have a second next time and probably more. And hopefully, there will be more people that are able to come next time.

Joshua's Birthday - Spiderman

2008-08-12T06:23:00.004Z

Here I am sitting next to Joshua who is now 3 years old as of last Saturday, watching his favourite Power Rangers, while I type this entry. He had his birthday bash themed in Spiderman and was a success. Everyone had fun, well at least I know I did! Hehhe. Anyway, Congratulations to him on his birthday and all the best to him growing up in this ever crazy world. Go Spiderman.. save the world!!! Here are some of the pictures that I managed to witness when SpiderBoy came to rescue the world. It was hard to take his pictures uncovered, as he wants to remain annonymous!!

This is his energy stash... the Spiderman cake

This was either Spiderman showing his Spidey affection, or was he on a mission??

The covered Spiderman, no one has ever known the real him....

Spiderman on a second mission to locate the spider web!!

But.... he's human afterall and needs energy source from foods like you and me.

One month gone - Placement ends.

2008-08-05T05:13:00.003Z

My one month placement has just ended. It was fruitful and a very good one indeed. I have learnt a lot. From work politics, ethics as well as the Brunei clinical environment. During the one month, I had rotations between Tutong, KB and RIPAS, although I spent most times at RIPAS Hospital. Temburong was offered but I decided to stay in RIPAS to cover the shortage. Overall, I had a great time during my placement. This was taken on my last day, look at how "stressful" work life is?? aahhaha This was taken in between patients, whilst I was waiting for the next one to come.

So last few days, I just got back from Singapore. It was an excellent weekend breakway. I took my mom along as she hadn't been on holidays for quite a while now. As it is Singapore's 43rd National Day coming up this 09th August, there were many SALE tags everywhere, and as expected anyway. Things were from 50% to 80% off!!!! I didn't shop like mad, as things were mostly available in the UK. I only bought few jeans as I can get it altered here rather than getting them in the UK and sending it for alterations at GBP9 per trousers!

On overall, Singapore has changed tremendously!!!! The foods were excellent, and I liked most the newly opened VivoCity! It's a great one-stop shopping place and a place to chill. I bet it's going to be my work-life breakaway spot next time!! Woohoo!!! Oh, worth mentioning is the new Changi Terminal 3. It's HUUUGE!!! And Changi on Overall now has gone HUMONGOUS!!!! The new Terminal 3 which serves for destinations to Europe, America and Australia, is also a place seen not just as an airport. But rather, it's another place to take the family for a day out. It offers a variety of shops and a big food court that offers truly Singapore eating culture and with cheap price! It's just great to see the development that has taken place in every corner of Singapore. I just wish that with our young minds mushrooming here in Brunei, we hope to see one day we will replicate the good thinking of Singaporeans, otherwise better.

It's time of the year again - Silver??

2008-08-05T04:52:00.004Z

Heya folks! Entering this entry being 25 and silver. Has anything changed? I'd say, not much has changed. It's just a day turn over. Can't deny there are many things to think and plan. These include everything from career life and future commitments.

So how's my birthday you may ask? Well it's just the way I liked it to be. I was still on placement, and I didn't hint or boast around to say "hey it's my birthday.." kinda thing. However, caring people are always around who endlessly show that they care. This was evident when people at my placement actually celebrated my birthday. Fortunately, the fellow pod-juniors were there too. They got me a birthday cake with Mr Bean's face (I don't really know why or what they were trying to tell)!! ahha That did not end there. Here's a pix of me and ALL the girls!!! Yites!!! I actually demanded the rest of the team to turn up, but someone insisted me taking this shot first! whahah lantak lah!

The family celebrated my birthday too. All thanks to them for taking their precious time just to celebrate my day. We had a nice dinner and get together chill out. All I can say, just the way I like it, simple, low key and nothing huge.

Oh well, Alhamdulillah that I got to 25!!! ehhehe I will endeavour to make use and lead this life productively, and well, beneficial for the religion, society and the country, Amin!!

Miri Trip.

2008-07-15T08:19:00.004Z

It's His Majesty the Sultan's birthday today. Best wishes to His Majesty.

Since it's a public holiday and due to time constraints, I hadn't got the time to go across the river to Miri to get a new pair of reading/driving glasses. So today I went. I have noticed few changes, especially the formalities. Customs are getting stricter. But I guess it's for the better. Before, we would fill in customs car declaration and stuff. Now, all you need to do is hand over passport, bluecard and old customs permit. I only had my passport. The rest?? So, I just handed over the insurance certificate (expired one) as I couldn't find the current one. Although my car's insurance is valid through December 2008. ehhehe But things went well nevertheless.

So got what I wanted. All we did was eat, eat and eat!!! Hhehe so here... me looking scruffy in bed and my work look.

Scruffy - it's Ted Baker if you're wondering... ahhaha

Work

Oh my random observation also found that the roads in Brunei are getting more and more traffic due to the influx of road users and increase in cars registered. But it is still manageable. Kudos to the road traffic authorities for keeping the Brunei roads safe. KristalFM also has played a helpful role in notifying road users where there's traffic jam, and such. Very useful indeed. I also see that more than ever people are wearing seatbelts! It simply put a huge smile on my face. However, tailgaters are still on the loose!!! ARRGH!

Anyhow, happy holidays everyone!

The Highland Games, Brunei 2008.

2008-06-29T03:18:00.004Z

It was a good Saturday yesterday. With the sun shinning bright and sunny, the weather was perfect for outdoor events like the Highland Games 2008. Organised by many parties and of course in inclusion of the Scottish Community in Brunei. Through history, the Highland games was to find the strongest, fastest and bravest man in the community. But today, and especially yesterday, it was more of a family get together event, and creating a good camaraderie between communities in Brunei and Scotland, and also good relationship between Bruneians and the expatriates in Brunei.

With loads of booths set up selling different kinds of interesting items and articles, it attracted so many visitors, and on overall making the even a major success. Congratulations I must say to the organising committee. As announced, hopefully the highland games will be an official highland game outside Scotland, where in Asia, only in Indonesia that so far has been registered an official one. They proposed Brunei will be the next one.

So, what Highland games without the sounds of bagpipes, kilt wearing, tossing, dance performances and other games. So with that I leave you to some pictures below. Enjoy!! Too bad, I was only able to cover the tug of war as I had to leave early. way before the "highland games" itself started.

Bagpipes by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (again, a good example of collaboration between the two forces).

The Scotts team for Tug of War. They made a very interesting entry to the field, escorted by bagpipes. Too bad, their tug of war performance wasn't as good as the entry. They lost.

Speaking of gender equality here, women did not wanna miss the fun too.

Me at the event, where else would you find Sani, not other than food booths!

Mr Heinz from the UK, did not want to miss the event. Perhaps a good energy souce for the participants! Beans on toast anyone?

Last but not least.... who won? I wonder....

Proceed to Next Level.

2008-06-26T13:03:00.002Z

Yes yes, I got my final Year 2 results. Alhamdulillah. It's not something I expected, rather, it is more than I expected. Really grateful and the hardwork has finally paid off. My heart kept on skipping a beat today as I was anticipating my results. At home, I couldn't stop checking the studentweb (StudentCentral) over and over again, but no avail. Suddenly, I was just checking out of random... KABOOM! It was there!!!!!!!

My final results, I got A,B,B,C,C,C which makes me a 2-1. I got B for the hardest of all, Biomechanics. Like I said, maybe because I have started to grasp the understanding, and slowly, I have gained interest which I will probably pursue for my postgrad Insya Allah. And the A is for Pharmacology. If you readers remembered, the poster presentation, yes... for that one I got an A!! ehehhe I am happy because, the results are more than I expected, and overall I managed to prove the authorities that I deserve the scholarship =D That was my biggest anxiety, to live up to the authorities expectations.

Anyways, good luck to all my fellow colleagues and friends!!! Do tell me the good news!

So now.... Year 3 it is!!! Woo hoo

Car to the dentist?

2008-06-25T12:30:00.003Z

Had an early day today as the little one didn't go to school. He was having a slight fever, but active as ever. Took the opportunity to take my car for alignment as I need the car to be in good condition before I start my daily commuting between Bandar and KB everyday again. Had been struggling to keep the car on the lane as the car kept on pulling to the left, and that can be dangerous as well as not good for the tyres lifespan. After the alignment, it was alright... ehhe Here's some shots I took whilst waiting.

Don't you think they look like those braces for orthodontics?

To end, I'll leave you to this picture of sunset I shot this afternoon.

p/s: I will be reporting for duty this Monday at RIPAS Hospital Medical Education Centre. So if you happened to see me, do not hesitate to say hi!

Spending the days outside.

2008-06-23T13:33:00.004Z

The weather has been great so far. So hot but tolerable, and resulted in my skin tan already. The thing with me is that, I don't turn that bronze tan. Being a typical Asian skin, but perhaps due to my oriental mix, instead of turning dark, I turned awfully grey!!

Yesterday, I was online and suddenly Alan@Seng came up online and asked what I was up to. He invited me over to his place and spend some time at his family's vegetable farm. Took my mum along and we spent few hours at the farm with his family. They were harvesting the water spinach (KangKong) and Spring onions.

Look at these little baby kangkongs.

Ripe local oranges. Haven't had these for ages!

And of course, the price to pay.... mosquito bites!!

The sunset

And in the end, to quench the thirst after long day in the sun, a shot of Frappa.

First week of my summer break in Brunei.

2008-06-22T05:06:00.006Z

Departed Eastbourne around 3am, and Shahin drove me straight to Heathrow. Had awful coffee breakfast at Heathrow, but that simply made my eye wide opened as I didnt get to sleep for more than 24 hours as a preparation for the time change.

Arrived safely in the morning of Saturday. Landed safely without any problems throughout the flight. The flight wasn't really bad and it was light that I had both seats to myself. It felt so quick, maybe because I was overly excited to go home. I didn't get to watch the movies as I slept throughout the flight except on meal times. The crew were friendly too.

On arrival, saw my little Joshua outside the arrival hall. He gave me a HUGE hug and a big kiss. That alone has already made my Brunei trip this time a pleasant one. He couldn't stop saying "I miss you usu, I love you usu". Bless!!!

Just look at him now, how he has grown up so quickly!

So today is my first week in Brunei. I've arranged my placement for this July and I'm still waiting for the call from the Medical Education Centre at the hospital. Had a good chat with my ex-nursing friends and staffs at the hospital yesterday.

Brunei hasn't changed much except for few road widening, and new layout especially in the capital. The heat is bearable so far and loving it to the bits!! Been reunited with the foods and of course my lil car!!! hhehehe

Just look at the beach scenery here. Something I really missed whilst I was away.

My lil baby!!! Hehhehe

And my reunion with char kway teow

p/s: thanks to the newly introduced wireless internet connection. Thinking that I won't be staying long here, buying the modem and subscribing the internet wouldn't be worthwhile. So I thought I might just upgrade my phone simcard to a 3G, and connect to the laptop for internet connection. Indeed, made the right decision. It's very fast (broadband connection), cheap and reliable. heheh

First and the last?

2008-06-12T15:18:00.006Z

I was packing my stuffs, and at the same time clearing my room. Went downstairs, chucked the rubbish out to the main bin. *BOOM* slams the door. I swore at that moment as I didn't have the keys with me. I normally have the keys with me regardless if it is just going down for a cuppa. Top it off, I didn't have my phone with me. Hence, I couldn't recall anyone's phone number including the landlord.

Tried knocking, door bell, banging the door, etc. You name it, all done but failed. As I live in town, all passerby looked at me with suspicion. I even tried slipping in a card to unlock the door. But there was still hope, as I saw the first floor's window is up. Worse comes to worst, that could have been a resort. So I waited patiently, not moving anywhere hoping any housemates to return. My mind started thinking about the negativities. What if AD has gone off to London? What if the two girls had gone to Germany??? What do I do? I'm flying off tomorrow!!!! On the brighter note, I had my wallet with me. Suddenly, the rain came down pouring. That's when I started to move, and it was freezing cold. Moving away gave me the idea that I should go to one of my friends' house. Elizabeth or Therese? Well thinking that Elizabeth lives near the hospital and she's normally at home. Another problem? Which one is her house?

Finally got to her house hoping someone was in. Luck was on my side, she was in. Happily she opened the door for me offering me a cuppa thinking I was there to visit. I explained to her, and she immediately called Therese to ask for AD's (my hope / housemate). Therese didn't have AD's number, then Elizabeth decided to call the university's registry for phone number. Due to the privacy protection, she couldn't give us the number but she could call. Whilst waiting, I thought I might give the Leaf hospital a visit to see if AD was in. Elizabeth was also kind enough to offer me coat, but I said it's fine. As I walked up the hill, I saw the glimpse of Wendy's car. THERE's HOPE!!!

Checked every corridor of the department, no one. Last, the treatment areas. I met Wendy, she was so happy to see me. Suddenly this bitch (year 3) in authoritative manner saying "should be in clinical dress in clinic!" WTF!!! "Is AD here?" was my first question. "Yes" she replied. GOSH I WAS OVERJOYED!!!!!! Got the keys, and went back to Elizabeth's house to tell her. And now I'm here blogging this fresh, and I am still wet!!!!!

Something to ponder:
As I walked across town, I passed few homeless people and made me think, Gosh, how could they manage as I couldn't even manage without a phone and house key for few hours. Where as they got none!!!

I think it's a good "cobaan". Hehhe Alhamdulillah, everything is fine, and Insya Allah, all will be running smoothly albeit it's Friday 13th tomorrow!!!

And by the way, waiting outside the house for a long time wasn't the first time. It happened on the first day I arrived here when the landlord gave me the wrong key! And now, it happened again on my last day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One step, two step, HOME!!

2008-06-11T15:02:00.002Z

This is probably my last homecooked lunch this academic year before I announce my kitchen officially close. I was in a rush in town today, but not knowing why. Maybe because I was already so used to the hectic lifestyle in time constraints. Whilst I was browsing the aisles of M&S, I realised, why should I rush when there is nothing to rush about. Only then I started to calm down.

So here's my lunch of baked lightly dusted white fish fillets, with chips and gravy, with sausages. I need to clear off the foods in my fridge and cabinets.

Sunny day Brighton.

2008-06-10T16:35:00.005Z

Couldn't find few stuffs here in Eastbourne, so I thought of making a trip to Brighton to get them and I was pretty sure that I could rely on Brighton. Contemplating between London and Brighton, but since I am much more familiar with Brighton, so what the heck. Plus I still have one bus pass that Shahin gave me last two weeks as he had 2 left that he used to go to work. He didn't need it anymore, so he gave it to me. So I had used them wisely then! lol

It was nice and sunny, and even sunnier in Brighton. The bus was full and they even do special service "via Beachy Head" which is a norm on Sundays only. Got off Brighton, got my first coffee shot from Starbucks whilst deciding where I should go. I was walking aimlessly in the crowd of moving people and having the lists running through my head. Suddenly I remembered the whole purpose me being there, looking for my sis's Chanel stuff which I couldn't find in Eastbourne. Then, to Woolworths, Robert Dyas, Zara (twice), Aldo, TOPMAN, oh well... every corner I would say. Brighton is just huge come to think of it. Everywhere I walked, I discovered new interesting looking alley, which I decided to skip.

At 1.30, I thought I had everything I needed. Looking for this Chinese grocer, and it's no longer there. Wasted my energy up that hill!! argh! Then popped into M&S and got myself lunch. Left M&S and there, the bus to Eastbourne waiting. Then I decided to eat my lunch on the bus then, plus it was quite empty. But traffic was horrible. Worst than it was coming in.

So here's me with my "posh" lunch, overlooking magnificent views of the Sussex Downs and nice warm sunny weather... Bless!

Sandwich for main, and the Honduras King Prawns with Dip as starter.

For the "Champagne", it's Peach and Grape of 2008! =)

The scenery

My baby's heart is arrested!

2008-06-08T17:41:00.005Z

Well, who is Sani without his camera? Remember that time on last winter when the lens of my old Nikon went kaput? When I frantically impulsively bought this new camera that instant! Perhaps, everyone knows Sani with his camera wherever he goes.

Today, I was busy drenching my bank account on shopping. I bought myself new pairs of sandals, spring jacket (which I need for next year or when I come back during the fall season) to replace my lost GAP jacket, but still doesn't feel the same, some work clothes, and few other stuffs as well. Plus, my warm wears are all faded and worn out. Even the Zara is now has got holes, and the rubber bands are all loose which I still wear them.

My Jacket

And can't help myself but to get this cute little thing. Now you can get in kids size in what ever the adults wear! So, I am sure someone will be looking cute this summer!! If the uncle's cool, the lil nephew has to look extremely cool as well!!

I thought, why not take some pictures of what I have bought today. That's when the "memory card error" kept on flashing. I've tried re-formating from the camera and the laptop, it didn't work fully. Shots were still possible, but images were unidentified. Tried scanning it, and found virus detected in it. Cleaned and quarantined the virus, it didn't help at all. Instead, the memory card is now arrested!!!! Immediately I looked out for new memory card, but will it worth it? Remembering I still have the old memory card (256MB), but obviously, won't be able to take much photos as I previously could. Perhaps, some patience will be alright where I can buy it back home, and hopefully at a cheaper price.

So there goes, my baby's heart is arrested!!!!!!!! Goodbye.... Now I can only take 300+ pictures on "alright-ish" resolution.

So how do you like my brand new sandals?? Pretty suave eh!?!?

End of Year 2 mini gathering.

2008-06-07T20:33:00.002Z

We meant to have a get together event on the weekend of our last term. However due to many unforeseen circumstances, we had to change the plan. Cos initially, we wanted to go karting. But obviously that is impossible with Shahin's whiplash injury. Instead, we opted for a low key get together. The usual me, Emily, Shahin, Therese and this time Hannah joined us. We had dinner at Cosmo and then watch the picture before everyone said goodbye. =)

At Cosmo

Everyone being silly in the car!!

End of Year 2.

2008-06-07T20:13:00.009Z

Alhamdulillah and I am glad that year 2 is over now. Reflecting the journey, it was certainly not a path to return back to due to the challenges that everyone in my group including myself had to overcome. The term ended with my poster presentation on Diabetes. In important times like the presentation, time is certainly priceless. 10 minutes went by in a blink of an eye, but I managed to present it well, controlling my nerves, and that deserved a pat on my shoulder. Everyone did well. Everyone should be thankful to Megan for standing up to gather us altogether and discuss how we should "Act" during the presentation where we would prepare questions and as if it was a "pop" question during the presentation. Hence, we all came prepared and it was excellent! Everything was well organised, and the environment was certainly very conducive. Having said that, we certainly couldn't avoid the questions from the lecturer.

I prepared my question on how Diabetes may affect joints? Well, I had this idea whilst I was treating a patient in the consultant room (another proud moment I had) where Diabetes was discussed. It was Mr McInnes who introduced me to "the positive prayer sign", to see any joint stiffness in the joints resulted from process of glycation / glycosylation. The same principle to HbA1C which is the glycosylation of haemoglobin. In joints, it affects the joints cartilage. The second factor is where neuropathy occurs in the foot of diabetics, it disrupts the pain perception, hence, predispose the bone to weakness causing it vulnerable to breaking. Once broken in neuropathic condition, one would just continue weight bearing, progressing deformities and alteration of anatomical position such as declination of talus. This results in the rocking shape of the foot, predisposing / exacerbating ulcerations = neuropathic ulcers. Poor nourishment to the musculoskeletal structures may also predispose this breaking vulnerability. Such would be due to AV Shunting, causing haemostasis and hyperaemia which reduces oxygen level, and inreases the CO2 level = poor nourishment to tissues.

Whaha, well the above is kind of a synopsis on how I answered the lecturer's question!! Hence, me being happy.

After the presentation, we had a BBQ gathering arranged by Angie and Martin. I was knocked out to sleep after the presentation, and unable to make it. Many dropped me calls and texts where I was. Feeling guilty, I thought I would have to make it regardless if it means coming late. Angie called as I replied the text and I swooshed my way to Martin's crib on a taxi that instant. Weather was brilliant, and most made their way home already. There were few left and we had a good chat, reflecting our journey from Year 1 to 2. It was good indeed, and certainly deserves a "facebook moment". Well it used to be known as "KODAK moment" ahaha

So now I can look forward to go home!!!!

Finally the Poster is Done!!!

2008-06-01T20:24:00.002Z

Yeap, it's done!! Did it in 3 days, and didn't think I could manage it at first! Next, is to prepare the script and rehearse. Hehhe

Chippy shops in price war.

2008-06-01T17:49:00.002Z

Kebab and chips are part of the British diet, hence the ubiquitous chippy shops. Eastbourne is no exception to this mushrooming of new chippy shops. As a result prices competition to attract more customers and mostly students like myself. Chips and kebab are common foods especially late night after clubbing or after tons of pints in the belly.

I was craving for this kebab, and contemplating between chinese takeaway. Staying around takeway shops simply made decision making a difficult one. I initially wanted to cook, but my housemates have cleaned the house as in major transformation for the landlord to check, I thought I better not dirty the kitchen with grease etc. So, kebab it is. Here's the kebab!!

Exam Forthnight.

2008-06-01T02:10:00.005Z

It's the final week of the semester. Had my written exam that I had been worrying about. It went well I must say. All the hard work simply paid off I reckon. Perhaps right now, I'd like to think that way. Only result time will tell. Battling against limited time was the toughest thing to do. Thank God, I managed to scribble and quicken up towards the last question. I probably had good time management as I kept on looking at the time. I was already 10mins over with the first question, so I knew I had to attempt other questions quicker. I couldn't afford to jeopardise other questions that carry 20-30 marks each!

The questions were pretty much expected but not entirely. In terms of my preparation, yes I could attempt the questions. Again the problem was, directing the specific questions. The questions were mostly on assessments and the pathology itself rather than management. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and lesser toe deformities definitely came out. Was I comfortable? Well not entirely. I probably had the knowledge but, have I answered the question correctly? That's a big big question!!

Clinical exam is another hurdled I've had so far, and a poster presentation yet to be done. The clinical exam wasn't difficult as I had thought. Perhaps it all falls into what kind of patients and sort of problems you get. My patient was thankfully a very cooperative 82 year old man. On top of that, I was meant to be examined by an examiner who scares anyone in my group or any cohort for that matter. However, my prayers were granted on the right time! Instead, I had the examiner who I had wished for. How? Well, the reason was the rest of the group that I was with didn't turn up. One had an accident and 2 called sick. What a miracle? I'm not sure to call that a coincident? So rather than wasting resources, the examiner thought of me joining the rest of the group which made 6 of us altogether, and having different patients.

One of my colleagues had a difficult patient. Not only she was hard to manage, she also had to be referred to A&E that instant! ahhaa As for myself, I wouldn't call my patient an easy one. I had difficult time in my own way as well. The patients were meant to "act" to some point and they were instructed prior to the exam such as taking their medication list. I thought I was being lucky for being a nurse at the same time as I have prior knowledge in hand. This patient, did not have any clue to what specific condition he had as well as vaguely remembered the medications that he was taking. So I had to give him some prompts like, could you explain to me what was the problem to your lung? And i asked if it was asthma, COPD, etc until he agreed with joy when I mentioned the word "emphysema". It went on like that to other problems as well. I guess that really challenged my ability in thorough history taking. If only the examiners were there to witness. I carried on with other assessments and testings, it went well. I thought that was my very best clinical experience ever. I felt so clever!! ahahah Never I had done a thorough history and clinical assessment to a patient like that before. It was even evident in the notes as I ran out of space to write.

Oh, funny thing was, his phone kept on ringing form his wife until one point he said "could you stop calling me, I'm at the hospital and I'm with the doctor sitting infront of me now!" Hahhahah I thought... Dr? ahha I did enjoy myself throughout the session I must say. Convincing words of assurance from the examiners and other lecturers boost my self-esteem further. Excellent, great and "it went well" were all fed into my ears.

Now, I'm preparing for my poster presentation which I had underestimated the challenge. I thought it was an easy task. Diabetes, how could I have underestimated it!!! Silly Sani, if it was easy, it won't be as an option at Postgraduate level! But yes, thankfully it's a very interesting subject. By doing this also, it stimulates my learning towards the subject even more and this is one of the most significant condition in clinic. Brunei medical scene is no exception to see diabetics, infact, the biggest slice of the pie! The more I read around, the more information overload I tend to get. Like the saying of my colleague, Dr Liz - "we are in a condition of intellectual bulimia". Intellectual bulimic indeed is a good way to describe it. Ingesting as much information as we could, but somehow lost untraced!

To feed my brains, I need glucose. That is something I picked up regarding the link between glucose and brain activity. Hence, my supply of sugar in addition to my stash (which I haven't touched much).

Here's such a comforting dessert I had today prior to working on my poster - marble cake with vanilla ice cream!

And here's my crowd of books, which are mostly pharmacology and pathology.

Sugar rush.

2008-05-24T23:16:00.006Z

The time is ticking away. Exam time is getting closer. Nerves are just over powering. Went grocery shopping just to get some foods to sustain this life of mine as well as feed my cravings. But, at the same time, I have to start finishing what I have in the cabinets and fridge. It's 3 weeks before I go home to hometown!!!

So today, started revising properly. They were more like refreshing and visiting to areas where I was not really unsure about. It was easy to grasp now compared to when I first read things around. Like today, I actually got better and clearer understanding on the 3 principles of lesser toe pathologies - Flexor stabilitsation, Extensor Substitution and Extensor stabilisation after reading the 12 pages article!!!! My reading materials I must say are boring. But once you actually got into it, it's actually fun and you'll have this thirst of wanting to know more. And I even said this, I HATE BIOMECHANICS, but I think it is something that I should overcome. Maybe I should specialise in Biomechanics!!?!??!?! Yes I said it, maybe will do that for Postgrad!?! haha More money?? Well I think Biomechanics is the biggest area of Podiatry, especially in America. That's what Podiatry is mostly about, and the most money generating area. Imagine, making a pair of insoles and consulting someone who has walking/foot problems, that is £1000 in the making already for a single patient!!!!!!

Ok, enough of that. All these brains challenging set of activities, I could see that my crave for sugar is by far more than any days. I'm not a sugary person, nor I fond of chocolates. But I think it's just the psychological thing that makes me crave for sweet stuffs. I was at Sainsbury's doing my shopping, and I simply wanted everyhting!!

I bought a box of pre-cooked tiger prawns, something which I heart. On top of that, I bought myself different chocolate biccies, chcolate rolls, and today I thought of giving this Nestle Breakaway a try. I think it's a new product on the shelf. Like I said, I am not a chocolate fan, and I'm quite a fussy one when it comes to chocolate. Let alone trying new chocolate stuffs. But I bought it anyways. Eating one as I type this entry... hehehe.

In the end, I've finished that prawns which I had it with ketchup and mayonnaise. It was so succulent and crunchy.

Here's my stash of sugar supply - oh and the breakaway biccies has to be my favourite now. But won't be long before I say goodbye, cos by then the craving would have been gone. It's too sweet for my liking.

Exam stress?

2008-05-24T12:28:00.005Z

Yesterday was last day of clinic. Didn't feel anything unusual, just that it was more quiet and relax. Had 2 patients to see, all cases were light cases. They were the first years' patients. Since they won't be able be seen by the first years anytime soon, they were recalled to come earlier to our clinic instead. Since it was just simple chiropodial work, I thought of giving the patient some extra work than any other usual days. Both patients were so happy and delighted with the work done.

The first patient, who stayed in Malaysia for 7 years was happy to talk to someone from that area after several years now. So we chatted about food and she said she missed Kway Tiaw. She also missed "porridge" which then I taught her how to do it.

The second patient was so pleased with the treatment rendered as she was in agonising pain when she came into clinic. I tried to look for the problem and diagnosed it immediately. Here I realised how much knowledge and skills I have gained compared to the past years. It's just amazing to see how much you have changed intellectually and psycho-motor wise, well for the better of course. I was there with the patient one to one with no interruption from anyone else including tutors. The best thing was, when I asked a tutor for some advice and when she took over, the patient simply couldn't bear the pain. Tutor then said.. "you go for it Sani, I can't". Not to say that I am good or anything to brag about, it's just something I see as personal achievement in myself.

On the exam note, I kept on saying I AM NOT PREPARED. Maybe those are just my anxious statement, and not wanting to feel complacent on anything. I just don't want to miss anything. My philosophy is not just to get the work done, but make sure it is perfectly done into details and with satisfaction. Although I feel that I am still not prepared, it was apparent that I could already sit for the exam now! Haha. AD was questioning me from the Q&A book which I have not read before, and I managed to answer all the questions in first instance!!! Even the vague ones, I NAILED IT ON THE HEAD, as referred by AD.

As I was carrying on my revision last night, Shahin invited me to join his group night out. It's the first year's last day, hence their get together. Was a bit reluctant, but since it's going to be a long weekend, I thought, maybe I should de-stress myself a little bit. Met few of the first years that I know, and some whom are going to be future housemates. We talked about work and 2nd year experience. Well, I don't know whether they could retain the information or not, cos they had gone tipsy as I had to repeat the same answer again and again and again....

Overall, it was fun night. Made a few new friends and that is what it was all about anyways. Plus, I hadn't been out for quite a while now, if dinner night out doesn't count. hehe

Oh, been craving for Hainanese chicken rice for months, and now have made it!! See below!!

Wish me luck people!!!

Ta!!

Beef Ginger Spring Onion.

2008-05-18T12:04:00.003Z

Ingredients:

Sliced Beef
Few Stalks of Spring Onions
Sliced Ginger
Onion wedges
Light Soya Sauce
Oyster Sauce
Cooking oil
Dash of sesame oil

Method:

Stir fry some onions, add beef and let outer layer cooked.
Add soya sauce, oyster sauce and ginger until it's well done.
Add in spring onion and let all well mixed and cooked.
Before serving, add dash of sesame oil and mix a while.
Done!