Conversations with Mel

"No I'm not crazy, I'm just delightfully eccentric."

- Lejia Melanie Gideon
01 April 2009

Reflections: 2008

Howdy folks!

It's the time of the year again; where I humbly reflect upon the ups and downs of 2008 and offer thanks and gratitude for the good times bestowed upon me.

Now, let's begin.

1. Passing CLP
- CLP was one helluva emotional roller coaster for me.

One can only imagine the amount of relief I felt when I found out that I passed the mother of all exams. Thank God!

2. Raleigh International: Borneo 08G

- Embarked on a 5 week expedition, had a wonderful time. Built a kindergarten in 19 days; an achievement that I'm tremendously proud of. *Lols* Can't imagine myself lugging those huge belian poles ever again!

And yes, I bear some 'war scars' to tell the tale. Maybe to my kids and grandkids perhaps... ;)

3. Climbed Mt. K!
- YES!!!!!! However, the achievement was marred by bad weather. A bit potong steam that we had to miss the sunrise due to bad weather.

4. White Water Rafting!

- Did Sg. Kiulu (Sabah), and then conquered Sg. Kampar (Perak) 2 weeks later with Ju Vern. Had a very enjoyable time.
Planning to conquer Sg. Padas next, any takers?



5. Settled down to a proper full-time job.

- Financial freedom, need I say more?

This has had its ups and downs. Well, 3 months into it, I'll wait and see. Tempted to embark on a more enticing placement, but Mum has her reservations though its only for another 9 months (minimum). Shall see how the transfer orders go.

But frankly speaking, I do have my fears of hitman and hired assassins.

6. Mika
- This is perhaps one of the best things that has happened to me this year. We got a dog, which I dutifully christened Mika.
The parents reckon that I'm crazy over him. Despite my infamous fear of dogs, I've shown none of such fear towards him. He He.... I really really sayang this 'lil critter.

7. Travelling

- Frolicking round Sabah post-expedition was probably one of the greatest things I've done. The road trip, together with 3 great companions was enjoyable. And yes, not forgetting the 2 biji of 5kg watermelons we had in the span of 3 days!

We shall return for diving one day mates! ;) Sabah's definitely one of the beautiful-est places around!

And yes, travelled further down South of East M'sia to meet up with the boy. Didn't do much, yet enjoyable and relaxing to the max! Damai beach, Damai beach, Damai beach!!!!!!

And I guess, that pretty much sums up my wonderful year of 2008!

Adios!

-LV-

Resolution 2007 Revisited

The boy asked me recently, "So have you kept to your resolutions for 2007?"

Now, lets revisit those resolutions...

http://livyen.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-promises-for-2008.html

1. To relax and be less uptight
Still trying to, and working on it. It's hard trying to change my inborn nature.

2. To eat less junk
This required quite a bit of effort. But overall, did so-so on this resolution. Too busy to stuff myself with junk anyway... Lols!
Managed to lose some weight in 2007 at least... FINALLY!!!!!!!

3. To study more (for the sake of CLP)
Done and over with it!!!!! Thank God!!!!!! Need I say more? *phew*

As for this... Madam Zorra's prediction.
http://livyen.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-year-heralds-new-beginnings.html

"... This is a wonderful year for the Virgo especially in love, marriage and personal relationships. Let go and you will see new beginnings flow through you like the life-reviving rays of the Sun. The year brings renewed courage to face adversities especially in money matters and health..."

Hmmm...

I'm still not married and as poor as a church mouse...

But she's probably true as letting go and easing up a bit certainly brought the best returns...

-LV-

What Women Want???

I've come across many guys whom I consider very gentlemanly, very polite, very nice and in short, too good to be true.

I met K (an eternal bachelor) again recently; to discover (without much surprise) that he's still very much available.

K is simply one of the nicest, sweetest and most considerate guys around. Oh yes, he's got a well-established career, and is 150% financially secure.

Well-mannered and articulate as well.

And no, he doesn't play the field.

He's certainly one of those who deserve a nice happy little family to call his own. And I've got no qualms that he'll be one of the best husbands and fathers around.

He's not a bed-hopper too! Neither does he have any commitment problems.

It does make me wonder, why is he still single?

Nice guys DO finish last perhaps???

-LV-

A Reflection of My Daily Routine

I came upon an entry on XT's blog recently on her daily routine, which sounds eeriely similar to mine.

A typical day for me....

5.30am: 1st alarm rings (Snooze - Grab my phone, check for text messages, reply - Go back to sleep)

5.39am: 2nd alarm rings (Snooze)

5.48am: 3rd alarm rings (Grab my phone for our daily Good Morning call)

6.02am: Alarm clock rings (Hang up - Shower and get dressed)

6.35am: Breakfast

6.45am: Put my heels on, begin my 45km commute to work.

7.35am: Arrive at C7 (Clock in - Grab the keys to my room - Put my stuff - Read the papers)

8.00am: Work

12.50pm: Naveena calls, makan time!!!!

*Makan!!!!!*

2.00pm: Back to work

Circa 5.20pm: Pack my bags - Clock out - Carpark here I come!!!

6.10pm: Arrive home

7.15pm: Dinner

8.30pm: Turn the idiot box on, Channel surf for a bit, Internet time, Call the parents...

Circa 10.00pm: 'Porridge' eating session!!!!! :P

11.30pm: ZZZZZzzzzzzz.......

And the routine is repeated the following day... Alas, how I 'love' my life!!!!

-LV-

A Sound Piece of Advice

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahvs/236480066/

One of the many advice Dad has given me, and perhaps the best so far...

"You'll meet many detractors along the way...

Brush them aside, get the job done and move on..."

-LV-

LDP

I drive along the LDP (Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong) and past this building - Plaza Perabot LDP during my daily commute to and from work...

AND

It never fails to remind me of my 'early days' living in KL.

I swear, that I used to hate life here with a vengeance and was one of the members of PBSM (Persatuan Balik Setiap Minggu). Social life in KL back then was practically next to zero. I never ventured out further than the college (I used to live only 3 doors away. Yes, I swear. I did!), and perhaps the ocassional banana leaf at Bangsar. Had practically no friends in KL apart from the gang (but we never did meet each other in KL back then - all PBSM fellas). And yes, the only time I probably went out was with XY with whom I used to be quite close to. And very often, we'd end up on the wrong end of the LDP, in front of this Furniture Mall. *lols* Hence, the 'nostalgia' everytime I drive past this 'structure' nowadays - the constant reminder of my 'miserable' life down south 5 years ago.

Anyway, things change, and people surely do.

We're no longer as close, and I no longer dread living in KL.

I no longer have a zero social life.

I'm no longer a student.

I no longer fear getting lost.

But yet, some things never change - I still suck at driving!

-LV-

Pondering

I know I could have and am capable of doing more within this period, and it's bothering me big time. When will I be unleashed? Or am I expecting too much in too short a time? Dear ol' idealistic me...

-LV-

First Week

And so, it's Friday today, which effectively marks my first week of fulltime employment. I've got nothing much to say about my week per se; as I didn't do much. But I do notice a significant change in my lifestyle. Something which needs time to get accustomed to.

Some changes in particular include my sleeping time. Those who know me best would know well enough that I'm not someone who sleeps early; 12am being my 'normal' time. I'm in bed by 11pm latest by now.

And perhaps, the most significant change would be the amount of time I spend online. I'm hardly online nowadays compared to my student days where I'd be stuck to the computer 24/7. This has taken a back seat now. And yes, my blog has to take a backseat too! Mainly because my blog is based on my daily life. And now that I'm governed by the Official Secrets Act (OSA), one must be prudent not to blog about work. And this includes not bitching too!

And yes, my wardrobe. It's all filled with workclothes now. And I just mentioned to KH that I have 10 shirts left unironed. Dang!!!!

Having said that, life without the constant 'need' and 'urge' to study feels strange. Especially when you've done it for the past 20 years of your life.

Oh well...

-LV-

New Phase, New Challenge

This little corner of mine has taken a backseat for the past 9 weeks. Have been away for 7 weeks, running around for another 2, and well I'm finally home and enjoying the very last week of my freedom.

I'll finally step into the real world aka work after 20 years of formal education. Thank God the first 5 years of my life was spent playing around at home, living a carefree life. Otherwise, it would have been 25 neat years of studying and learning.

A natural transition/progression.

Have been busy shopping around for some work wear and it just struck me, how much 'preparation' I needed to make. It was a total revamp of my wardrobe altogether. From t-shirts, shorts, jeans and blouses to a whole new wardrobe of suits (BLACK only) and neatly ironed and pressed shirts. And yes, I still need to shop for another pair of court shoes/pumps.

Frankly speaking, this feels surreal, and 5 years have been a long, winding and at times trying journey. Having said that, I think that there are definitely moments during that period that I'll miss. Having endured the many ups and downs along the way, I could now proudly say that, "I'm almost there". And yes, the day of my long call (1 year down the road) is now 'virtual certainty'. I'm living my dream at the moment; having chosen the profession which I can now safely regard as my 'calling'. I can't say for sure that I'm born to do this. But the passion is there and I definitely know what I want from this 10 years down the road. Am grateful and lucky that I've secured my dream job, and hopefully be posted to the department of my choice. Fingers crossed. Otherwise, I won't hessitate to explore other avenues. Plan B kicks into action. :P

I anticipate that my life in the not too distant future (2 days from now) would be very different from that of a 'professional student'. Datelines to meet, boardroom politics, monetary woes,.... And perhaps, the most striking difference would be the feeling of returning home from work at night to face the 4 walls at my place, not having any studying to do. Just me and the TV/laptop accompanied by the whirring sound of the ceiling fan.

Solitude, loneliness or relaxation?

To be honest, I'm uncertain if the 5 years of training has equipped me well to face the music. I do wonder if I know enough about Medical Law to save the doctor's arses. Or whether I'll have the guts to face hardcore criminals in prison. And yes, I do wonder if I'll ever be a competent lawyer.

Either way, it's a conscious decision that I've made; to return to Malaysia, to do my CLP, and to close doors at the option of practicing overseas. For better or for worse, those are decisions that I'll have to live with. Hence, I'm determined to give it my very best.

Do keep your fingers crossed for me come Monday.

-LV-

Mika

27th Sept 2008 - The day I got over my phobia of dogs (have only gotten over phobia of small ones though).

We were walking along the streets of 31900, when we had a chance encounter with a slightly less than 30cm tall and 4kg heavy, one year old Miniature Pinscher at our 'friendly neighbourhood petshop'.

As we've been mulling over the thought of getting a dog for quite sometime, we decided to bring it home. And off home it went with us.

To greener pastures,

And bluer skies.... We hope...

After some deliberation, we decided to christen it Mika, after my favourite Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen.

He He...we shall get a Kimi and Heikki next?

PS: The author is still terrified at the sight of dogs which are more than 30cm in height and those that weigh more than 4kg.

-LV-

Turning 25

Timed post (Written 12th July 2008)

I turn 25 today

And I just got out of the jungle yesterday

I'll soon, in a couple of hours time, embark on a trip around Sabah, and conquer the highest peak in SEA
____

The past year had been great for me

For this, I'm thankful
____

From September 07 - September 08, I have

Resettled down nicely in Malaysia, and will likely be here for the next 5 years

Sat for my CLP exams (results soon to be announced)

Have just completed one of my 'unfulfilled dreams' i.e. Raleigh expedition

Gotten used to driving, and enjoy doing it now (except for the parking bit)

Got to know a lot of new friends

Come to realise my priorities in life

Have learned to loosen up a bit, and to let go at times
_____

And my hopes for this year

To pass the CLP (when results are announced later this month)

To find the right career path and a job that I'll love and enjoy

To take time out to enjoy the company of my loved ones

To learn to take disappointments

To criticise less

To be less cynical

To avoid judging books by its cover
____

AND
____

As always

To live life
____

Happy Birthday Babehhhhhh!!!!!!

-LV-

Happy Graduation!!!!

Timed post (Dated: 14th July 2008)

To my friends in UNIMAS!

Happy graduation!!!!

You all have worked hard for this. So savour the moment.

Work hard, play hard and strive to become the most kick-ass (i.e. good) doctors around!

Anyway folks,
This marks the beginning of our long journey...

Life long learning, to be slaves of hospitals and slaves of courts. Dang!

-LV-

Pondering

I was out for a drinks session (mamak that is) with the gang yesterday. It's a coincidence that everyone's got back this particular week. But nonetheless, great to meet up with everyone else.

Gossips, cuss words, profanities went round the table as usual (ok, ok exaggeration). But at times, I do feel that the type of conversation that we have certainly does not reflect our intelligence (if we do have any). :P Yup, we talk crap most of the time :)

Anyway, amidst the crap, I was asked which practice area I am eyeing. It's a pretty straight-forward question for me as I've decided upon Medical Law a couple of years ago: maybe 2+ years. Yup, that explains the MA thingy. So yup, IF I manage to get through the doors of CLP, there are a couple of firms which I've set my eyes on. So we shall see....

I was (and am STILL often asked) what is it that I see in this particular field. Potential's the word I'ld often answer.

Yup, I'd to admit that its a pretty low-profile field in Malaysia and sad to say, due to the Healthcare structure in Malaysia, practice is mostly confined to medico-legal cases i.e. negligence - patients suing doctors, and doctors trying to save their arses situations.

I love handling medical negligence cases. But, at the same time, I'd realised during my MA period and my CLP days, that I'm actually more intrigued with the policy making part of it. Or, as VCKY puts it,

I'ld like to do a Margot.

(Hmmm... I won't mind having a Rodney beside me too!)

But well, judging from the healthcare structure in our country, much remains to be seen. We won't be fighting for reproductive rights for homosexuals, a patient's right to euthanasia, refusal of treatment (ala Jehovah's witness - But, I've came across one such case in Malaysia thus far). Pro-abortion ideas would be shot down. Creation of Chimera embryos for research would definitely draw chaotic remarks.

Oh well, I think it will be neigh time before I could actually dream of getting involved in such issues and ideas. May years of change and evolution is required before such ideas are to be accepted in our society. Or maybe we need to be a member to the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) before such dreams of mine become reality. But the truth is right now, its more fiction than fact...

So yes, one has to be realistic. If at all I'd end up practicing in this area, medical negligence would be my bread and butter.

And I'm often asked which 'side' (if there's any) I'd be on in a medical negligence case. Patients, or doctors?

I often answer jokingly that I'd go whereever the money is. But this remark often draws flak from others. Hence, over the years I'd learnt not to make such 'daft' remarks to people who do not appreciate them.

So seriously, I'd initially aimed to fight for patients. Poor man, oppressed, subject to sub-standard treatment from a negligent doctor. Hence, sue sue sue!!!! Get some dosh i.e. $$$$ outta the pockets of such rich doctors. That's what this bird-brain of mine initially thought.

But upon further study, I'd come to realise that I do have a soft-spot for doctors. Humble ones that made a genuine mistake by no fault of their own. A medicial negligence suit is very damaging psychologically and reputation wise. So why not help defend them? They ought to be accorded due protection and not to be cast into a typical mould, which the society automatically cloaks them with,

Doctors make so much money, so who's the patient supposed to run to in event where injury's caused to them?

It's very true. But who's gonna protect such doctors who acted bona fide?

And I quote from the Hippocra(i)tes Oath;

"I SWEAR by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation...

I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous...

With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art...

Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves...

While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!"

And also the Physician's Oath from the Declaration of Geneva 1948 (amended in August 1968)

"At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession:
I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;

I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration;
I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession; my colleagues will be my brothers;
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception, even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor."

Yeah, I know these Oaths all seem wishy washy. But honestly speaking, no reasonable doctor, in accordance to the Bolam standard would act against the basic principles of medical practice (or should I say humanity?).

No sane doctor would have intentionally intended to cause any harm to their patients. So in a way, they need protection too!

Anyway, despite all this pondering that I've done. I am still undecided.

And yes, people often find it difficult to fathom why I take such an interest in such an unpopular pratice this area in Malaysia. I often tell them, that I see 'hope' and potential in this area. To which I am always encourage to think of corporate practice.

Well, yes, money is good in the corporate and commercial side of things. But I'll die looking through M&As everyday, JVAs, due dilligence... Shoot me!

I need something that puts me in touch with humanity. Criminal law might me my 2nd option, but I'm having problems convincing Mum about that. And at the same time, I don't think I have a heart of steel to betray my conscience at times. Though, one must hold on to the innocent until proven guilty mantra.

Oh well, decisions, decisions, decisions....

-LV-

Living the Good Life

Day 3 post-CLP and I'm not complaining. It feels good to be 'blank' and not having to worry about datelines, etc.

I've been rather busy these few days, meeting up with friends. There are just so many people that I've love to meet post-exams. Mostly friends that I've been neglecting for so long. Sorry people!!!

Day 0:

Met up with KH after I handed in what I hope would be the last exam paper of my life i.e. CLP Evidence and the poor guy got dragged along to KL's house and also on the first of my many rounds of expedition gear shopping.

Anyway, we managed to catch Hellboy and Dark Knight later on, which was good since I've always wanted to watch Heath Ledger's potrayal of the Joker, which has be applauded by many. Dozed off at some parts of the movie, but overall it was a good one by Ledger.

Still running high on adrenaline. Hence, took me sometime to unwind. Eventually crashed to bed at 430am.

Day 1:

Started the day early - 730am

Attended the Raleigh KL fundraising event at HELP Jalan Dungun. Stood around, sat down trying to look pretty throughout the event (ok ok kidding!) I was kinda tired tat morning though. Met up with some Raleigh friends, and some new people. Made myself useful and helped them sell doughnuts ocassionally. I must admit despite my ex-bancuh kopi and cake selling job at Druckers, I still have the phobia of dropping pieces of doughnuts and cakes.

Another round of expedition gear shopping which was sabotaged by the J-Card Day at Jusco Midvalley. Denied entry as I don't have a J-card. I requested for a temporary card and got one. But I gave up shopping when I saw the crowd in there. It's impossible to find anything there admist the sea of people.

Headed off to Vinci, got a pair of flipflops and a handbag.

Met up with VCKY later on for teatime. Ended up in the video arcade playing a round of jungle safari. Supposed to shoot the elephants, tarantulas and tigers on screen, but I somehow got distracted by the guy dancing like a madman on the dance machine nearby. But it was fun as its been ages since I last played such games at an arcade. Oh yes, our compatibility score is 85%, don't play play. *lols*

Met up with the Steph and MW for dinner. Ended up at foodcourt for its more conducive environment. No pressure from the waiters and waitresses and we could just sit down and yak away for however long we wanted. :) Got VCKY a greentea+redbean cake for his birthday and it was a nice desert. :P Light yet satisfying.

Said our goodbyes and I headed home. Met up with Boon for yumcha at Old Town. Yakked away and talked nonsense as usual. And he did comment that I seem happier now. Yes, I am. :P

Day 2:

Had to literally drag myself outta bed, as I was exhausted. Went for another round of shopping at 1U. Finally got all the stuff I wanted. Cargos, bikinis, shorts.... etc. Mission accomplished.

Felt crappy by lunch time. Have got this perpetual headache and my bones are aching. Met up with bro for lunch at Carl's Jr. And I can't understand why people are raving about their burgers. To me, it's more like paying for overpriced McDs and BurgerKing. Can't see the difference.

Anyway, proceeded to pick MW up after lunch and we headed back to our home-state.

Day 3:

Didn't do much today. Repacked all my stuff. Finished now. My poor rucksack's stuffed to the brim. Gosh!

Gonna meet up with the gang for yumcha tonight. Same time, same place. I just hope the sky holds up for us. Kalau hujan, kantoi!

Day 4:

Gonna head back down south again tomorrow in anticipation of my early flight on Monday. Oh well.

Meeting Tanya for dinner tomorrow and maybe some of the girls too?

Day 5:

28 July 2008. Heading off to Sabah.

Hhhhmmmm....

I think that my travel partner is correct when he said that I won't have the time to go to Thailand right after my exams.

Oh well...

-LV-

In Need of Some Zen

Note: 5 subjects rolled into 1 paper - Professional Practice. I'm going mad. Digress, digress, digress...

You used to worry about trivial matters...

Your height, weight, glasses, fashion sense,

cliche, best friend (or lack of it),

100% for Maths, A for your PMR project...

BUT

As you grow older

You learn to let go and say SCREW IT!

-LV-

Weirdly Interesting

I dreamt last night. And in my dreams, I was attending CLP classes. And we covered the topics "The Right to Life" and "Why and When It Is Wrong to Kill?" Yup, all during CLP CLASS! *lols* The side-effects of Clarinase and/or overload of CLP! Welcome to my world, folks!

Reasons Why I Love My Doctors

I went to the Dermatologist's as well today. (Was just there as a 'moral supporter' and not the patient btw).

Stepped into the room, plonked myself down onto the chair directly opposite Mr. Dermatologist. He proceeded to examine the patient and then turned his attention to me.

"Hey, I've treated you before! I recognise your face!", he exclaimed in an excited manner.

"Yeah, but that was ages ago! Man, you've got good memory!", I remarked.

And Mr. Dermatologist went (note: I'm not the patient for today!), "So did you do anything with your keloid scar?" (I've got a scar on my right wrist, due to a nasty fall during my athletics days.)

"Nah, I've just left it as it is, though it hurts at times. No point doing steroid injections and all for that...", I replied casually.

Mr. Dermatologist continued, "Yeah, cosmetic surgery is an option too, but I don't see the need for it. But you've just got to be really careful you know, no piercings, cuts and all. You're so prone to them."

"Yeah I know..."

And then came the cracker from Mr. Dermatologist...

"But they will love you when you go to Africa!"

And I went (a bit confused), "What?!?!?! They even more prone to keloids themselves!"

"Yeah, but they practice self-scarification. They use bamboo shoots to cut their face so that they get keloids on their face. Well, they think it makes them look more like warriors, you know..."

I was dumbfounded. Really kena cha dou!

PS: My apologies for taking the limelight away from the patient! :P

-LV-

The Dentist's Mantra

One thing my dentist never fails to tell me everytime I visit;

"You should seriously consider Orthodontic treatment".

And I'll never fail to dutifully nod my head and give him my sweet smile. *grins* Yeah, I know my vampire-like teeth look horrible! *grins again*

-LV-

Moving On

It came 5 years too late...

And I've moved on...

Sorry there!

-LV-
*smiles