Bear with me

Having the time in the world (at the moment), causes loads of madness. Since I had nothing important to do now, the internet is my playground!
What I would kinda love to have! (or more like what my sis would love to have)...just for fun..

1. The Goober Bear












2. The NICI bear













3. The Christmas Slacker











4. Peter Polar Snoozer (this bear looks totally weird compared to the cute NICI one!)











5. With Love Bear











6. Bubba Remus











7. Bubba Griz











8. My First Pooh Bear

Need a change

I need a change. Wanna throw away the old & bring in the new. Wanna leave the past (although there're loads of great memories) & move on into the future (although it's so uncertain). Yet... there are too many obstacles, too many hurdles to jump over, too many issues to settle. *sigh*

Current situation: on the verge of going crazy

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is a clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) or free triiodothyronine (T3), or both.

Major causes

• Graves' disease (the most common etiology with 70-80%)
• Toxic thyroid adenoma
• Toxic multinodular goitre

Other Causes

Other causes of hyperthyroxinemia (high blood levels of thyroid hormones) are not to be confused with true hyperthyroidism and include subacute and other forms of thyroiditis (inflammation). Thyrotoxicosis (symptoms caused by hyperthyroxinemia) can occur in both hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. When it causes acutely increased metabolism, it is sometimes called "thyroid storm".

• Delayed food allergies
• extreme stress
• a variety of other hormonal imbalances
• bowel infections and digestive problems, especially leaky gut syndrome.

Possible symptoms

• weight loss (despite ravenous appetite)
• nervousness
• hair loss
  
• trembling hands
• fatigue
• weakness
• hyperactivity
• sleeplessness
  
• irritability
• apathy
  
• depression
• polyuria
• heat intolerance
• sweating
• palpitations
• arrrythmias
• dyspnea
• loss of libido
• nausea
• diarrhea
• increase in bowel movement
• decrease in menstrual periods
• eye irritation
  
• tremor
  
• chorea
• myopathy
• muscle pain
  
• periodic paralysis
• mental impairment, memory lapses, diminished attention span
• goiter
• skin rashes
• protruding eyeballs (in Grave's disease only)
  

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

A diagnosis is suspected through blood tests, by measuring the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the blood. If TSH is low, there is likely to be increased production of T4 and/or T3. Measuring specific antibodies, such as anti-TSH-receptor antibodies in Graves' disease, may contribute to the diagnosis. In all patients with hyperthyroxinemia, scintigraphy is required in order to distinguish true hyperthyroidism from thyroiditis.

Treatment

• Drug therapy: methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) pills which are antithyroid agents
  
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Surgery: thyroidectomy

*****
The information above is taken from:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthyroidism
• http://www.healthscout.com
• http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
• http://www.alive.com/2950a9a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=332

Which is better? Or are there any better ones within this price range??

Canon PowerShot A530 Specification
5 megapixels, 4x optical zoom , auto focus, auto and manual exposure, ISO 80-800, JPEG file format, movie mode w/sound, 2 AA batteries, 1.8 inch LCD, SD/MMC card storage (16MB included). RM 589.00















Canon Powershot A540 Specification
6 megapixels, 4x optical zoom , auto focus, auto and manual exposure, ISO 80-800, JPEG file format, movie mode w/sound, 2 AA batteries, 2 inch LCD, SD/MMC card storage (16MB included). RM 775.20













Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7S Specification
5-megapixels, includes panasonic SD viewer for DSC, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, and ArcSoft PhotoBase software, 2.5 inch viewscreen, which is larger than some similarly priced digital cameras, 4.8 ounces weight. RM 759.81















Sony Cybershot DSC-S600 Specification
6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, auto focus, Auto Exposure, Exposure Bracketing, Multiple Program Modes, ISO 80-1000, JPEG file format, movie mode w/sound, 2 AA batteries, 2 inch LCD, Memory Stick Duo, 32 MB internal. RM 627.00

Dealing with disappointments

People will never fail to disappoint us every now & then. I dislike it most when those who are close to me get on my nerves without even knowing that it would irritate me should they do so. *sigh*

The SRC has 'failed' my expectations too many times. Why am I called back to uni if there is nothing that important for me to do?? It's ridiculous to say that because we are the SRC members, we would not have the usual semester breaks that other students have- we are different. Rubbish!

I traveled at least 250 km from home to uni, just because I was called back to 'do some stuff'. I have to travel back to KL next week for the debate competition. *sigh* Tiring man...the most disappointing thing is that the committee planning retreat, scheduled on the 1-4 June is called off (nobody informed me!!!)! *fuming with anger* Waste of time, waste of cash, waste of energy....bah. Thankfully I only have 4 more months to endure....ergh...

I noticed that when things run off my schedule, I'll get totally annoyed. Hmm...some annonymous fella posted a comment asking if life is all about a well-planned schedule. Well, it ain't. However, a well-planned schedule keeps us on the right track as to what to do next (if there is any)... at least, that's what I think...

I miss Abigail!! (Part 1)

“I am in KL now u know. U don’t miss me ah?”

Aaaahhhhh!!!! I MISS MY ABIGAIL TAN!!!!! How can I not miss her?? She’s like my precious jewel! My little friend! The one child whom I LOVE ever so dearly!

It’s too interesting and exciting that a child, age 9 this year, would send me an sms to ask me if I miss her or not. *screams with excitement* faints* Oh, I wanna get back to Kuantan! Not just anywhere in Kuantan, but my Kuantan home! Pah. I really miss being around the family. *sigh*

Just 2 days ago, I had a strange dream, where the Tan family was in it. I have never had such a dream before! *scratches head in wonder* I can’t recall what that dream was about, but all that I know is that I saw Uncle Francis so clearly in that dream. Oh… I reckon I miss Uncle Francis too much that I had a dream with him inside. Bummer.

The only reason why I love Kuantan is the people whom I met & connected well with since I got there. Every other factor, such as the beach, the waterfalls, and the hills to climb, shall be secondary.

Thanks be to God for placing these people in my life (those whom I met in Kuantan; that made a difference in my life there):

Kin Hup, Uncle Francis, Abigail, Aunty Rosalind, Aunty Evelyn, Uncle Jeff, Aunty Helen, Abishua, Rebecca, Mr & Mrs Chew, Phoebe, Tiffanie, Nichol, Phoebe Ng, Kuan, Uncle Peter, Aunty Alline, Edmund, Uncle Eric, Aunty Joyce, Alicia, Javen, Jeremiah, Uncle Andy, Aunty Alis, Kelvin Goh, Huei Chen, Joey, Kew, Hooi Yeoh, Huoy Thing, Kah Kah, Kelvin K, Doz, Voon, Aunty Lay Wah, Ti,…

the list is endless… there’re too many to name!

All in all, being back in PJ made me realize how great a role each of these people played in my life, while I was there. I will definitely miss those whom I am closer to when I finally graduate and leave Kuantan.

Inevitably, I will miss Abigail greatly, for she is my one friend whom I can relax & unwind with; have interesting chats with, enjoy a stick of ice-cream together, do craftwork together, watch cartoons with each other, and go for haircuts together.

Di Sebalik Tabir

Di sebalik tabir
Ku terlihat hidupku
Dari penjuru lain

Rupa-rupanya aku
Bertopeng 22 tahun
“Sejak bila?” aku bertanya
Adakah aku disembunyikan
Di sebalik tabir?
Di mana aku sekarang?

Hidupku merana
Salah siapa? Salah sendiri
Ku menutup pintu hati
Takut dimasuk
Takut diculik
Khuatir hatiku menjadi milik lain
Jiwaku diseludup masuk, didiami
Rahsiaku diketahui

Di sebalik tabir
Ku serempak jiwa yang cuak
Semangat tuk menyelamat
Hati yang sepi dan sunyi
Yang terluka
Adakah ini penyelamat ku?
Putera penyelamat puteri
Yang terperangkap hatinya
Menanti dengan sabar
Inikah penyelamatku?

Berbaloikah aku
Menggadaikan hatiku?
Tuk diselamatkan
Tuk merasai kebebasan sebenar
“Alihkan tabir tu!”
Ku bertekad menerima cabaran

Inilah jiwaku
Inilah hatiku
Yang sebenar
Yang dilukai
Yang dihampakan
Yang disembuhkan
Hanyalah kau yang berjasa
Ku takkan melupakan
Jasamu yang mulia
Kesabaranmu yang tak terhingga
Kesudianmu tuk memasuki hidupku
Yang sunyi sepi terluka ni

The Battle Within (Thursday, May 25, 2006@ 6pm)

“Why me? Why now?”

“He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13b)

“What wrong have I done to deserve this??”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
(John 9:3)

“I feel troubled, weak, ill, and unclean; I am physically, spiritually, and mentally dry. I am going to give up on life soon…”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7)


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
(John 3:16)

“…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
(John 4:14)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
(Philippians 1:21)

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)

"I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
(Luke 1:38)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

New Toy

Thanks to Sook Theng & Yee Ling, I now have a new addition to my NICI toy collection! Here's Jolly Mah, the NICI sheep! (commonly called 'Meh-meh!')














The NICI-craze was the 'effort' of Kin Hup. He owns a NICI polar bear too (named it Paul)...one that lies on its belly...I can't find a picture of it in the internet although it's easily available at 1Utama. This is the only one I could get...a standing one...

Interesting clip on the Da Vinci Code

Haha. Found this interesting clip that I would like to share with everyone. Enjoy!

Upcoming Events & Whereabouts

Tuesday, 23 May 2006, 10:25am

May (19-28: In KL)

Fri/Sat 19-20: KH in town

Sun 21: Meet up with ST, YL, PY & AK

Mon 22: Mother’s & Aunty’s day

Tues 23: My day; visit TRAC & have dinner with CQ & KK

Wed 24: Lunch with Sunwayians & Monashians; supper with LC, NJ, HH…

Thurs 25: Movie with ST

Fri 26: Bumming around

Sat 27: Dinner at aunt’s

Sun 28: Church & cousin’s wedding lunch

Mon 29: Back to uni at 2pm

June

Thurs/Sun 1-4: SRC planning retreat in Johor

Tues 6: Send ST off to Scotland

Fri 23: MINDS’06 in uni

A Dedication to All Friends

"As we go down life’s lonesome highways
Seems the hardest thing to do
Is to find a friend or two
That helping hand, someone who understands
When you feel you’ve lost your way
There’s someone there to say:
I’ll show you…"

~Annonymous

Details on KB trip

Saturday, 20 May 2006

Traveling+ early mornings+ late nights+ movies+ shopping+ meals with friends = awesome weekend

It’s her first time, I reckon. She does not recall starting her journey at midnight. There were loads of preparations before driving down to Kuala Lumpur; most importantly, they had to ensure that they have enough rest before leaving. I would sleep for a couple of hours if I were to do such traveling.

She & KH left Kota Bahru at 12.45am, Friday. The idea of traveling EARLY in the morning was exciting...teehee. There was no highway from KB to KL, so they had to travel in the dark trunk road. Bummer. Keeping each other awake was highly essential, since the path was dark, straight and sometimes VERY windy, and totally boring! There weren’t many cars, but still, it felt pretty dangerous to travel on that ‘highway’. I would be looking out for stray cows, especially at the estate areas!

When they approach Raub, they switched places & she had the opportunity to drive! (He was getting sleepy & claims that his reflexes are slowing down. On the other hand, she was pretty much awake…must be the excitement & the ego to stay awake for the entire night) How exciting!

1. She does not drive automatic cars, & it was her 2^nd time doing so.
2. She has never driven long distance.
3. She has never driven on a trunk road at 3 in the morning.
4. She has never driven a Honda!!!

*claps hands & dances with glee* He took the wheel again when they were halfway through the Karak highway.

KL- Day 1
They arrived in KL around 6.15am. Super early man; earlier than they expected! There weren’t much to do except to hunt for food to fill the hungry stomachs. What else but Bah Kut Teh! The fact that it’s difficult to get pork in KB drove both of them, or more like KH, to have that for breakfast. I might be pork deprived if I were in his situation.

After breakfast, she dropped him at KLGH for a Neurosurgery talk, and headed home to get some rest. Seriously speaking, she was extremely tired to the point of blacking-out. The talk was to last for 4 hours, so she had about 3 hours to rest before heading back to KL to pick him up. His talk ended earlier than scheduled, so she kinda had to rush down town to pick him up. Poor thing…*shrugs*

Despite being tired and all, they planned to meet up with KH’s friend, Ho, for dinner at Midvalley, & catch a movie at night. 1 Utama was the ‘in’ place for movies, and in any case, it was KH’s favourite hang-out place & 2^nd home. They bought the movie tickets & had an extremely good lunch at Dave’s (too expensive for her taste, but the ambience and food were beyond words!) before getting home for a rest.

Day 1 in KL ended with the pleasant meet up with Ho at Mr Ho’s Fine Food in Midvalley, a short trip back to the house to meet her parents, and the action-packed movie, MI3. Both were knocked-out. What to do? They only arrived home at about 2am after the movie!

KL- Day 2
It’s just way too quick that one day passes after another. Both decided to sleep in till around 9a.m. There were too many disruptions and noise in the house (she slept in the living room while he slept on her bed…since he’s the guest) as the folks moved in and out to get ready for work, while the sister fussed about transportation to meet her friend at the LRT station.

She finally woke up around 8.30am after hearing KH’s hand-phone ringing in the room & KH’s voice talking to a friend on the phone. Thank goodness she had a pretty good sleep. They left for 1 Utama to meet 3 other friends for breakfast at San Francisco Coffee (poor KH had to foot the bill ‘cause he passed his exams, and his friends all ganged-up to get him to treat), and after that head to the cinema for ‘The Da Vinci Code’. The show was pretty good. Nothing much could shake one’s faith if he/ she is strong in her believe.

The final ‘activity’ was to meet with her friends for lunch at Wong Kok Char Chan Teng. This time around, she foots the bill. The amount ain’t little, but she can’t bear to have him pay again. The friends were hers anyways. It was a good lunch and fellowship. All of them were talking hospital stuff as both my friends are in MLT. Bah.

They went window shopping after lunch (looking high & low for the Barcelona jersey, but none at sight- totally disappointing.) and went home to pack & leave for KB again. *sigh* It wasn’t easy to part once again. Long-distance relationship is a challenge… what I would say as “berat hati nak berpisah sekali lagi” kind of situation. The look on both their faces was not a very comfortable sight; sad puppy eyes and a heavy heart. *sigh* when duty calls, we’ll have no choice but to leave for a while- just a while. KH left for KB around 5pm.

Kota Bahru

Date: 15-20 May 2006
Place: Kota Bahru, Kelantan
Staying at: Fadilah's house

Day 2 in KB- walking around town. Here are just a couple of pics taken on Day2.

Museums, palaces, memorial parks, & whatever else historical

Debat Piala DYMM Sultan Zainal Abidin

Date: 12-15 May 2006
Place: UiTM Dungun, Terengganu
Total teams participated: 10
Team: KUKTEM B
Team members: Ruth (1st speaker), Aravinathan (2nd speaker), Ashwin Charles (3rd speaker)
Position in competition: CHAMPION!!! (yes, we won the cup for this east coast debate competition!!!)

Photos:
Quarter finals (against UiTM Dungun B) -















Semi finals (against KUKTEM A) -















Finals (against UiTM Dungun A) -

Training

I'm bored. Bored stiff. Really bored. Despite being busy with training for the upcoming debate competition, I'm bored. There's practically nothing else to do besides practising for the debates! I start training at 9am (supposedly...but those jokers always come late...& make me wait for at least half an hour to an hour), have an hour lunch break, continue training from 2pm til bout 6pm, have a break til 9pm, and training continues til past 11pm! Bleagh. I'm SO tired... my brain is nearly dried up!

I've no close friends here with me in uni at this point of time, and I don't have my own room to shout about! Gah. I'm currently sleeping on someone else's bed until she gets back tomorrow...then I'll have to start to think where I have to move to. Sigh. It's yucky to be in uni during the term break! I didn't bring back my laptop cos I'll be doing quite some travelling after the competition, and I don't even have time for myself!

*complain, complain, complain* I can't wait til all this is over. I really need a break. A REAL break.

No privacy!

It's just yucky when people intrude into our privacy. Bah. There's nothing that we can do to stop those nosey people from doing so. Well lemmewageraguess!

Relax and Unwind

It's been too long since I've actually blogged. Been really busy with stuff. Well, I'm back in PJ now, but will be heading back to uni this coming Monday. I've been back for almost a week d.

Church camp was good :) For the first time, I actually had a relaxing time at camp. Haha. I did't attend ANY sessions, nor did I have any great responsibilities. I was more anti-social this year, if you want to put it that way. I had fun with the kids and the youths as I was asked to help out with the kids and youth activities. It was a change, really. Will write more about the camp later...haha.

I spent the week running errands and meeting up with friends. I'm pretty tired, but the week was good. At least i need not think about uni and work...teeheehee. Relax and unwind.

I'll blog more next week when I get back to uni. Ah. Til then!