A thousand times good night...

Seeking Never Never Land

2011-01-02T03:26:00.002Z

It's officially 2011 and I'm about half-way through my Pre-Registration Training as a Pharmacist. I know it's been a long while since I last wrote but so much has happened. Graduating with a Masters in Pharmacy and entering the working world has not been an easy transition. It's ironic that when we were kids we all look forward to growing up, but once we get here...we try so hard to hold on to our childhood. Adulthood means independence and freedom, but also responsibility.

Life is all about balance.

Since I've stepped into the working world and pushed myself to try some new things, take up some hobbies I use to only dream of, I've made many new friends but lost an old beloved companion along the way. I've left the comfort of Academia where the only worry then was to hand in the next assignment on time and passing the next exam (truth be told we all hated it at the time) and now that we're working and moving along in our careers, I sometimes can't help but think..."Is this it?". Don't get me wrong, Pharmacy is not easy and a year to learn EVERYTHING medical or health related while juggling work is honestly not enough time. The career itself is very demanding, but I have no doubt that I can do it because I've come too far to fail now. Also, stereotypically, failure is not an option in my culture. Like all parents, mine has never given up on me and have made me believe that there is nothing I can't do if I set my mind to it. But it has come to a point where it's more about whether this is really what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Deep down I feel that I am meant to accomplish so much more and that there is something big out there just waiting for me.

I've taken up dancing since I last wrote. Dance has always been something I loved but never took up professionally. When I'm in class, I feel free and far away from reality. There, I have found someone who truly loves what they do. My dance teacher. If only you could all see her when she dances. It is most mesmerizing and powerful! I've never met someone more meant for what they are doing. Just watching her dance you can physically see and feel her passion for her art and her career. She has found what she's meant to do in life. I'm not going to hide it or lie...I truly envy her.

One day I asked my best friend (you know who you are ;] ) how we would know what we were meant to be doing with our lives. Her answer was straight forward and simple, "We would just know, you can feel it".

Still seeking my very own fairy tale and happy ending.

-Tina xoxox

P.S.
I hope you have all the Apples you can eat where you are now. Till we meet again, I love you forever and always (My Angel, 2000-3rd December 2010).

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Life as a Pre-registration Pharmacist Student...

2010-08-30T01:25:00.003+01:00

A month of pre-reg has flown by without warning and on a fortunate bank holiday weekend (3 cheers for the 3 day weekend!) I find myself back in one of my favourite spots watching the sun set, the clouds rolling by, the wind in my hair as music plays softly in the background. It's a place I come to to get away from the world. To clear my mind and just enjoy the moment.

So how is pre-reg? I am honestly really enjoying myself. I'm working with a great team and we share many laughs. Sadly it also means less me time and less friendly faces you have gotten use to seeing in your 4 years at University. But a new era calls for new traditions don't you agree? :) At the end of my Uni days, me and some close friends made a pact to meet at least once every week and recently a new tradition was established with a weekly stay over.

A year sounds like a long time...but when you're under a timer to complete and perfect all your knowledge and practice within a year...time is your enemy.

-Tina x
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Masters in Pharmacy

2010-07-04T09:59:00.001+01:00

As of 1st of July 2010 ~6pm (GMT), I received official confirmation that I am now an official Graduate with a Masters in Pharmacy! 4 years have flown by so fast, often taking things for granted whilst we're enjoying ourselves...but once it comes to an end, you realise how much you would miss it.

We have come to the end of an era...now it's time to live another.

Congratulations to all the Graduates, Class of 2010, we did it!!!

-Tina xoxox

Long gone but not forgotten...

2010-06-25T18:33:00.003+01:00

Can you believe it? It's been a year since the death of the King of Pop. Time flies by so fast when we're not paying attention. As a tribute to his death last year...I vowed that I would keep his music playing on my blog and the date I was meant to be attending his concert on my "Upcoming events..." list for a year.

- Michael Joseph Jackson -

A True Legend

Gone but Never Forgotten

Forever in our Hearts

-Tina xoxox

Mobile Blogging @ Heathrow Airport?

2010-06-15T21:42:00.001+01:00

This is my 3rd attempt in trying to write this blogpost! So much has happened since my last post! I'm now officially done with my Masters Degree! Results aren't out till July 1st! But let's hope it's smooth sailing on clear water!

It's been an amazing 4 years! I know it has had it's ups and downs but we've all pulled through! So much has happened in 4 years which I can't describe in a blogpost but a picture is worth 1000 words right? Just looking at the numerous pictures I've taken over the years brings back so much memories!

After the Crystal Ball which played as a tribute to the end of an era...I've fallen into a complicated slump. One should feel happy that they are going home on a long carefree holiday to be with family and friends but instead my excitement is mixed with a sense of panic, abandonment and a feeling of loss. I feel that I'm leaving an important part of me behind. I'm saying goodbye to what took me 4 years to build...moving out of my comfort zone. I knew that it would all come to this...but somehow I still feel unprepared for the truth.

One of my closest and most trusted friends, K. W., said to me "Life goes on". I know we all have to eventually walk our separate ways...but somehow I don't feel ready. Would I ever be?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends whom have made these 4 years unforgettable. Without you guys I would never had made it this far in life. Always being there through thick and thin. Loving you always!

Tina x

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The final mile...

2010-04-29T13:38:00.003+01:00

Just over a month...the final mile...till I walk out those glass doors of the building that has sheltered me for the past 4 years, free.

Every year we come to this point...point of panic, stress and ultimate depression. Hoping it would all just blow over like a cool summer's breeze. Hoping that it would be the last. The last we would ever have to sit in silence while regurgitating all the knowledge we have forced ourselves to memorise. Now that it truly is going to be the last time...I don't want it to be. I'm not ready...I don't feel ready...not ready to take someone else's life into my own hands. As students we were allowed to make mistakes...but now we've played all our cards. No more mistakes.

It's funny how we all wish for certain things to happen...and when they do...we wish for the reverse. Wanting to grow up faster, wanting to finish our studies and move on into the working world...not wanting to grow old, not wanting to leave the comfort of student life and the freedom that comes with it.

Exams are just around the corner, yet the pile of assignments seem not to be lessening. I'm taking one step at a time. Maybe we should all stop thinking of it as "I only have a month left"...but instead think "I still have a month left".

It's time.

Tina xoxox

Am I at "The End"?

2010-02-25T00:10:00.001Z

Has it really been nearly 4 years since I set foot in London? 4 years since I walked through those doors of my University? In just over 3 months...my academic/student life will all come to an end. I don't know how I feel about that. Am I happy that I no longer have to endure hour after hour of sitting in lecture theatres listening to the seemingly endless drone of lecturers (with the odd few that really capture your attention - physically and mentally ;D) as well as those life-threatening exams (stress, insomnia, mental breakdowns, panic attacks the whole "shebang")? But what about all the fun times? The hanging out with friends? Long talks on the phone? Is that all going to end too?

I know its been a while since I've written. What has happened since? Wow...so much I don't even know where to begin. Well...during the 1st semester of my 4th year (October 2009 ~ February 2010) I've chosen to carry out my research project as part of my Masters course. I've always had a preference/liking for Pharmaceutics (design of medicines) and was given the opportunity to work within that field. Amphotericin B, a commonly used antifungal drug due to its limited solubility is currently only able to be administered by injections. However, several side effects exist. To overcome this and targeting fungal infections of the lungs. I attempted to formulate Amphotericin B in such a way as to successfully administer the drug through aerosols into the deep lung with improved solubility and thus overall more advantageous as a form of drug therapy with greater drug bioavailability and decrease dose requirements with a potential decrease in drug toxicity. I was able to do so fairly successfully, however due to severe time limitations (my 3 months as compared to a PhD students' 3 years) I was unable to take my project to the extent that I would like to have. I was able to make several friends along the way, make many unforgettable memories and overall really enjoyed the experience. The experience did however pull me away from other activities, hence my lack of blogging activity.

So...what more does the future hold for me? We'll just have to wait and see don't we? :)

In memory of "Hush"...

2009-10-29T13:01:00.009Z

What many people might know is that I have four dogs. In order of decreasing age...Lucky (Dachshund), Batman (English Cocker Spaniel), Thumper (English Cocker Spaniel) and Angel (English Springer Spaniel). I love them to bits.

What many people might not know is that there was a 5th member...technically the 4th (before Angel arrived)...but if they were all together right now...there would have been 5.

His name was "Hush"

He was a beautiful white Springer Spaniel with brown markings. He wasn't ours to start off with. The story goes...that he was previously owned by the brother of the dog breeder (a family friend who gave us our 3 spaniels). But unlike his dog breeder brother, a dog to him was nothing more than a piece of equipment...another piece of furniture. In other words, they treated him appallingly. I do not know the exact details...but it caused so much outrage among the brothers that Hush was taken out of their care and placed in ours. I could only imagine what horrors the dog was subjected to. He lived up to his name...he made no sound...he sat like a statue...and he cowered when anyone held anything in their hand...regardless if it were a mobile phone, a book, the remote control. He did however...bring in the newspaper each morning.

I love dogs...and he was no exception. I loved him from the first moment I set my eyes on him sitting in the car park of our home when I got home from school. Honestly I thought he was a statue...a new ornament someone bought for the house...till he tilted his head and gave me a questioning look. I am proud to say he learnt to live life...he opened up, he ran, he barked, he played with the other dogs (Lucky, Batman, Thumper), he gained weight and muscle. The dog house he claimed as his territory.

A few months later...he fell sick, very sick. The vet (at the time) wasn't the most professional nor passionate (I wonder if I can still sue for malpractice?). We discovered that his previous owners neglected his health and refused to take him for his required vaccinations. Hush's condition worsened, till one Saturday morning he was pronounced. I remember the previous night, at around 10pm at night...my remaining 3 dogs gathered around and barked/howled at the dog house. I should have known. Dogs are very sensitive to these situations. I should have known. From that day I've often thought back with regret..."What if we changed vets like we discussed? But would Hush's condition have held up for the transfer?".

Hush never made it for his 1st birthday.

Chinese believe that when someone close to us passes and that they have moved on to a better place, they come back as a butterfly to thank us, tell us that they are now in a better place and that they are happy (or so my mom said). Soon after Hush's death, a butterfly appeared in my home and situated itself on the ceiling in the corner of the living room. It was in the exact same shade of brown as Hush's spots. It didn't leave the position for days...maybe even over a week! It just stayed there.

So why am I talking about this now? My cousin lost her dog about 3 months ago...and I stumbled across her blog and read what she's going through. It brought back painful memories. My heart goes out to her.

I miss you Hush

Loving you always...

Tina xoxox

The Crispy Duck & New Home Series...

2009-09-17T18:18:00.014+01:00

It's been a long long while since my last post and so much has happened! I'm now back in bustling London and moving into my new flat! I totally love it there! Finally a place that is truly ours! No more rent to pay, no more regular "reviews/check-ups" from the agents, no more unsupervised entries for whatever reason (as found to be a "norm" in this country...I admit my Asian side kinda dominates during these situations) and best of all...no more waiting around for deliveries that are way too big to fit in your letter box or needed to be signed for! [Thank you Mr. Concierge(s)!]

Moving into my new flat does have its "ups & downs", ups when new furniture and accessories arrive...and downs when tempers run high among the family as the stress of moving catches on. But overall...it's getting somewhere! I admit I find excitement in flipping through catalogue after catalogue for new furniture and accessories for the new flat or even dream of all the things I would buy for my new flat if I had all the money in the world! Hehehe It's a one of a kind experience and I'm definitely looking forward to the day everything is finally settled! Met some really nice people too since I've moved in...in particular Moses (no joke) one of the concierge's whom even stood up for me against a very flustered foreign delivery driver with a broken down van on a rainy day and having to walk a fair distance to deliver the items. I personally hate confrontations, abuse and violence of any sort, let it be verbal or physical, I'm not one to particularly voice my opinions. But its nice to always know there is someone who has got my back.

Goal for next time? Learn the names of the other Site Managers & Concierge's! :-) My mom insists I "talk to much" but I personally believe its nice to get to know people that you're going to see everyday and that are always helping you out (posts, enquiries etc. etc.). I don't want to be just another ignorant Asian girl (I'm being racist against my own people...HAHAHA) that lives upstairs, which honestly I've seen way too many.

Right...in other news...which I have failed to mention previously due to reasons such as...my parents not approving (since they read my blog), is that I have a pet duck...well..had a pet duck. Her name is "Crispy", and she's a female mallard (from what I could conclude from her feather patterns). Long story short, on the 17th of July, the morning after another stormy night (as often seen in London), on her way to work, my sister discovered a little furry ball on the side-walk. What she initially thought as road-kill turned out to be a cutesy baby duckling! Homeless and Family-less (my sister looked around for its kin), my sister whom was possibly on the verge of being late (as she often is...hehehe) picked her up and rode with her in hand on the underground to work and which she later brings home hence...I have a pet duck.

At first deducing the gender of the duck was difficult (they all look the same!!!)...but I've always more or less had male pets (except fishes) so I found it easier to refer to her as "him". I was soon proved wrong however when she began to shed her "baby feathers". She was a definite cutie...a bit annoying at times...but still oh-so-cute! My sister broke the news to my parents one day over our weekly skype calls...to which my reaction when sitting there was "OH MY GOD ARE YOU MAD?!?!?! THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A FIT!!!!"...was soon turned into pure confusion...then surprise. My parents actually accepted the news quite graciously! They actually seemed more excited than we were about having a pet duck! Well what d'ya know...parents never cease to surprise their kids eh? Anyhoos...though both my sister and I would have loved to continue caring for Crispy...we knew that there would come a day where we couldn't cater for her needs...she was a wild animal afterall. So we sadly yet lovingly gave her up to a place where we knew she would receive the care she needs, keeping in mind that we can always visit! But not a day goes by that I don't think about and miss her...she brought me some valuable and extraordinary experiences as well as some irreplaceable memories. This is for you Crispy!

-Tina xoxo

"You know my methods, Watson" (Sherlock Holmes)...

2009-08-29T19:17:00.024+01:00

Me: I want to blog but I don't know where to start...

A.M.: Ummm...just start randomly?

Me: Hehehe...I'm going to go blow dry my hair...maybe if I warm my brain something will come to me ;-)

A.M.: Hahaha...Let me know how that works out!

(...10 minutes later...)

Me: :-D I'm back...and I have an idea! ;-)

Random enough for you A.? ;-) Apologies for the lag of updates! I have been meaning to write...but I never know where to start! Well...where should I begin? Now that my summer placement is over, I've taken 2 weeks off work and flown back "Home" to Penang, also known as "The Pearl of the Orient". Though I am not FROM Penang (nationality-wise and all), I have spent most of my childhood here and thus this is where I refer to as "home". A short holiday away from bustling London can really do a person good and I strongly recommend it to long-term residents of busy cities. Think of it as time for you to recharge, re-energise and revitalise oneself. Plus...it's great to spend time catching up with old friends and being pampered by your parents is it not? ;-)

Some of you may know (or not) that there has been a recent natural disaster in my home country, Taiwan (also formerly known as Formosa). On the 8th of August 2009 (ironically, Fathers Day) Taiwan was hit by Typhoon Morakot which resulted in severe floods and later triggered landslides covering several independent villages located South of the country. Up to date there has been 160 confirmed deaths and a further 500 (minimum) still missing. Typhoon Morakot has been described as the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in over 50 years. Thankfully, my family is all located further North of the country (Taipei) however I would still like to send all the victims of this unfortunate event my regards, wish them the best of luck and to not lose faith.

(BBC - Taiwan mourns for Morakot victims)

In other news, over the past year we've been looking for a flat to buy and call our own within London. Renting is alright for short-term residents whom move constantly and seeing that both my sister and I would be around for some time, it seemed more practicle to buy a property rather than rent. We found our ideal property and area and have been, over the past few months, battling to buy this property...dealing with several estate agents (a horrible experience honestly leading to my strong hatred for them)...we've finally reached our goal and are now in the final stages of finalising this sale. Fingers crossed & touching wood that all goes well and as planned...I would be moving within the next week or so! My parents are even flying to London with me to help us settle in! I'm so excited!!! A place to finally call our own...and BRING ON THE SHOPPING & DECORATING!!! ;-)

Finally...51 years ago today...a true legend was born. Though his life was short-lived, and unrightfully cut short, he managed to make something big of himself. Touching many lives within such a short space of time, he is one of the sole founders and creators of what we now know as Music, Dance & Pop Culture.

Happy Birthday Michael J. Jackson
"King of Pop"

Your legacy will forever live on, and you will forever be in our hearts.

-Tina xoxo

The End...

2009-08-08T22:13:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, on friday 7th of August 2009...it was officially the final day of the 3rd year Pharmacy Summer Placement for all students chosen to participate in this Programme. I left all my 3.5 days of holidays till the end however and so finished slightly earlier. I can't believe 8 weeks have flown by so fast! I would definitely say I've learnt alot from this 8 week experience and now feel more integrated within the Pharmacy team of my company (which I already work for). I've also made some fantastic friends!!! In particular...P.G., R.K. (whom I've mentioned previously) & C.M. a trainee dispenser whom definitely gives me a good laugh or two.

To mark the end of the Placement, a Celebration day was held on the 3rd of August where all students within my division (Central & City) gathered together once again to share stories of our successes and any difficulties we ran into. It was a great time to catch up with other students and hear about their memorable experiences.

In other news...the Pre-Registration offer letters were released on Wednesday. I wasn't there when it arrived for I have already finished my placement on Tuesday, however I received a very freaky text message from my tutor which read something along the lines of "Tina, I've received your pre-reg letter, can you please come in on friday so we can discuss everything?". My first reaction was "Oh My God! What does that mean?!?!?! Did I get it? Whats happening? Go in to discuss what?!?!?!" after much freaking out, I finally calmed down enough to ring one of my other Pharmacist Friend, N. V., to ask her opinion where she urged me to ring my tutor and set things straight.

I finally did...and found out that...I HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRE-REGISTRATION PLACE!!! It was only until much later that I realised the secrecy was due to the fact that everyone at my store wanted to give me a surprise! Well...thats one less thing I no longer have to worry about. Now...I just need to complete my Masters degree this coming academic year. Wish me luck!

-Tina xoxo

If...

2009-07-26T19:37:00.007+01:00

Michael Jackson were still alive...I would be sitting on my floor seat (or not) and screaming my head off at MJ whilst he busts out his god-like dance moves and sings his famous songs with that angelic voice of his.

I wonder how he would have started the concert...a surprise? Come out with a big "bang"? Fireworks? Flash of lights? A story-line type thing?

Getting those tickets were just a dream come true...I guess some dreams are just "too good to be true" eh?

Well...please excuse me while I go overdose myself on some MJ classics!

May you,

Michael Joseph Jackson

(August 29th 1958 - June 25th 2009)

forever rest in peace and may your legacy forever live on!

-Tina xoxo

AWOL...

2009-07-12T00:32:00.010+01:00

...Absent Without Leave. That just about sums up my recent inactivity on my blog.

So much has happened since I last blogged that its almost hard to keep track but from what I remember...

My current summer placement is the biggest factor to my AWOL-ness. Working Mondays to Fridays (Late shifts: 11am - 7:30pm) as well as my usual Saturday job really just about kills my social life as well as any free "me time". I'm tired...physically and mentally. If I'm lucky I'm home around 8pm...dinner...chillax for a bit and then my conscience starts gnawing at me and I start to do some work (Student workbook modules, Business & Clinical Projects, CPD cycles, 30 minute tutors, e-tests, calculations etc. etc.) and sleeping no earlier than 3-4am is common and having to wake at 9am. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my summer placement (most of the time) in the sense that I'm learning alot more and is starting to feel more integrated within the pharmacy team (e.g. dispensing, repeat prescription handling etc.) but what job/placement does not have its ups and downs? I've recently found out how some people (ok..one person in particular) can just be the biggest (excuse my language) dicks in the world and loves the feeling of having power over you and being right. Verbally and mentally attacking me at work in an attempt to making me look bad for your benefit is just low (or like P. G. likes to say..."below the belt")...acting all nice later when you need a favour from me is worse...how you ever got to become a manager...f*ck knows.

On the bright side...I've made some really good friends. In particular...P. G. and R. K.

I love P. G. and that is a fact. I've never gone from total strangers to like best buds with someone in such a short space of time (literally 2-3 days). With him, I find I have nothing to hide...I can say whatever the hell I want, have a laugh and confide in him when need be and vice versa. He often tells me I'm the "Female Version of Him" which I always reply with "I really don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult". I hate to admit it...but we are alike in so many ways...all the way down to our favourite flavour of ice cream. I have way too many "OMG ME TOO!/YOU TOO?!?!" moments with him. The amazing thing is how he just understands me...just one look and he knows what I'm thinking never missing a cue and me rarely having to explain myself. He loves to bite and I have many bruises as evidence. He has a hair fetish...he loves messing up long hair (which I am often a victim) but hates long hair on himself because it "irritates [his] forehead" HAHAHAHA. He loves cuddles. He is strong-willed and opinionated and he never ceases to amaze me.

R. K. is an amazing dispenser. She's smart and funny and entirely honest with me. We've grown closer over the past few weeks and had many laughs. She's strong and stands up for herself which I truly admire. She's an amazing teacher and seems to always have my back, picking up on the verbal attacks the dick of a manager was throwing at me and with just one word dismissed him as well as teaching me things involving other peoples mistakes which she says she wants me to know because she didn't want other people "moaning" about me behind my back like what they are doing with others making the mistake.

As part of my summer placement I am required to complete a number of tasks. This includes two projects, a business project and a clinical project. For my business project I was assigned "Clearing the Clutter" where I implement some changes within the dispensary to promote a more friendly and efficient work environment to decrease stress levels especially during peak hours and in turn decrease any errors that could be made. For my clinical project, I have chosen to focus on diabetes and as a requirement I must identify and interview one patient with the chosen condition. Identifying a patient was hard. I didn't really know which way was the best way to approach someone and ask if they were willing to be interviewed. I admit I hovered over the idea of identifying a patient for a while...but after I was able to identify a few patients...I plucked up the courage and rang the first person I could contact. Many of my friends who are doing the same summer placement has had difficulties getting patients to agree to be interviewed...and honestly I didn't hold much hope myself. BUT...it must have been my lucky day for the patient accepted and arranged a date to come down and see me. My patient was the nicest man possible! He was such a sweetheart and openly talked about his condition with me. We had quite a relaxed conversation and before he left we shook hands and he said to "contact [him] anytime" if I ever needed anything. I'm definitely going Thank-You-Card shopping!

This coming week is my 5th week review. It's really already been 5 weeks?!?!?! Time truly flies when you're busy. However the 5th week review is the one of utmost importance! It is during this review that they decide if they would like to have me as a pre-registration student (the compulsory one year training before I am able to sit my Pharmacist Licence exam) after I receive my masters degree next year. Fingers crossed/touch wood things go well!!!

On other more devastating news...Michael Jackson's recent death has really put me in shock. Just 4 months or so ago I was still happily waking up at odd hours to try and be the first few in line to get his tickets (as mentioned here) and now...everything is shattered. My dream of seeing MJ live in concert has come to an abrupt end...broken along with my heart. I spent the days following his death over dosing on his songs from his compilation album "Michael Jackson - King of Pop", watching any clips I could find of him in concert and reading any news regarding him. Now the question is upon me...should I refund the money I paid for his tickets or should I opt to be sent his "Lenticular Tickets" inspired by the King of Pop himself?

R.I.P. the King of Pop...

Tina xoxo

The forgotten feeling...

2009-06-15T00:17:00.005+01:00

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Exams are over...has been since 5:10pm GMT on Tuesday the 9th of June. :-)

But now that its all done...it feels weird to have NOTHING to do! It's been so long since I last had "True Freedom", so much free time...what to do? However do not fret! I found many events to fill the days...(regardless of the super inconvenient tube strike)...

Wednesday 10th June:
Dinner at Pizza Hut with J.K. & W.L.

Thursday 11th June:
A.M.'s birthday outing at C. Wharf which involved a girly lunch gathering at Nandos filled with endless gossip especially since the nature of the recent semester has kept most of us apart. Followed by a movie premier (The Hangover) and shopping. :-)

Friday 12th June:
A relaxing picnic at Hyde Park surrounded by alot of wildlife...in particular ducks and geese. Followed by a walk past Buckingham palace (the queen was present represented by the raised flag) and through Green Park. A strut through Camden Market ending atop Primrose Hill where we sat and just caught up on everything that we might have missed out on in each others lives whilst we were all busy cramming for exams and finishing off research projects. This ended with a big dinner at Giraffe Restaurant with wine and lots of chatter. It was an overall amazing and relaxing day!

Saturday 13th June:
Back to work after the previous week off to cram last minute for my exams. One of my colleague's is back after his 6 month long break for Uni! It was great having him back at work!

Sunday 14th June:
A day of true lazing...stayed in my PJ's all day and just surfed the internet, catch up on my reading and just truly did nothing that required over-exertion of energy!

Anyhoos...tomorrow (ok technically today because its past midnight) is my first day of my Summer Placement! As a Pharmacy Student, our Masters in Pharmacy degree (MPharm) is a length of 4 years where upon graduation a one year pre-registration training would take place and then our registration exams! Being in my 3rd year of University...this summer is VITAL to any Pharmacist-to-be's career! Every 3rd year MPharm student would have been fighting for the past academic year to secure a placement at any community or hospital pharmacy just to get even a toe into securing a pre-registration placement. I am one of the lucky ones to be a summer placement student at one of the top Pharmacy/healthcare/beauty companies within the UK and today is our "Welcome/Open Day"!!! Can't wait!!! Fingers crossed! :-)

-Tina xoxo

I'm in love AGAIN...

2009-06-04T09:22:00.008+01:00

The last time I expressed my love...it was for the upcoming new phone soon to be released by Sony Ericsson. Formerly known as "Idou", renamed to "Satio", and release is predicted around end of this year!

This morning, I came across...one of the finest pieces of gaming equipment I have EVER SEEN! It's still a "work in progress" but I'd definitely pre-order this!

I present to you...PROJECT NATAL!!!

Tell me what you think!

Right...back to studying for exams!!!

Lots of Love...
Tina xoxo

My Big 2 & 1...

2009-05-24T16:27:00.003+01:00

It's my big 2-1 today!

Will update after my exams!

:-)

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

I shouldn't really be writing this blog...

2009-05-21T15:44:00.011+01:00

...because my exams are just around the corner and I don't feel as prepared as I wish I could be. This semester is my Options semester, hence I got to choose 2 areas of Pharmacy (oh did I forget to mention I'm studying Pharmacy?) I would like to "dive deeper" into. From a variety of subjects to choose from there was always a chance that I would not get what I wanted and be stuck in some horrible option that I wondered why anyone would opt for in the first place! However, thank the lord, I received my top choices and am now just over 2 weeks away from the exams.

My first option is "Managing Drug Risks in Mental Health Patients".

Aye, I like crazy people. HAH! I kid. I just always had a liking for psychology and even majored in it in my sixth form. Got a good grade too mind you...but definitely no thanks to my psychology teacher in the 2nd year of sixth form whom resorted to telling us to go online and print the first result that pops up when you stick keywords into a search engine. She never finished the syllabus...but also decided to lie to the head of the humanities department that she did. He totally freaked out when he found out she didn't. Oh did I mention she also "forgot" to show up to class? She also preferred following the Geographers out for a cup of coffee rather than finishing off the syllabus. Good times...

Anyhoos, unlike the first impression of the option name...we weren't really dealing with crazy people but instead focused more on the more common disorders such as anxiety and depression, bipolar, alcoholism etc. etc. but I must say it is a very interesting option and I do enjoy it alot. Got most of my coursework for this option back the other day and I was very surprised by the grades. My lecturer understands me :-)

My other options is "Intelligent Design of Medicines"

You never know...I might be the next big "Alexander Fleming"! Well the course is not focused on drug discovery but rather more on drug dosage form design but still maybe in the future if I ever decide to branch out to working for pharmaceutical companies... :-)
The lecturer for this course is excellent (and I might have a tiny crush on him...but who doesn't?!?!?!)! He's an amazing lecturer, keeps a regular upbeat tempo in his lectures, making the most boring things superbly interesting and the hardest subjects fantastically easy. What more can I say? I also like how he sneaks in little stories about himself in his lecture that makes you laugh so hard you just roll on the floor laughing! I am however writing a 3000 word literature review for his class right now...so close to exams that its killing me slowly.

I tried to make myself focus and do some proper work yesterday and had a can of energy caffeine drink in the evening (this was around 5pm) and apparently it works very well....so well that I couldn't sleep till about 5am the following morning! It's amazing how us humans can find ANYTHING ELSE besides what is truly important to us to do. My middle name is "Procrastination"...or so I think it is. See! I'm doing it again!!!

Right....back to essay-ing!

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

Morris Dance

2009-05-13T03:37:00.005+01:00

...a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords, and handkerchiefs may also be wielded by the dancers. (Morris Dance - Wikipedia)

I was very fortunate to have personally been able to witness such a tradition! Outside University halls and smack bang in the middle of central London of all places too! Thanx to my friend KDS whom insisted I drop everything I was doing and "come out and see Morris Men!!!"

You might want to turn up your speakers! ;-)

Lots of Love as always...
Tina xoxo

EXAMS

2009-05-11T00:09:00.004+01:00

...an "official exercise designed to evaluate knowledge and skills, and covering the contents of a course or a program of studies".

If only we, as students, were trusted to know our stuff without this "official exercise".

It is unfortunately that time of year again...and ONCE AGAIN...I'm truly amazed by the lack of time and never ending pile of work I have to do. I really hate last minute courseworks to be handed in like RIGHT BEFORE the exam. Really spices up my life in all the wrong ways!

Well a quick update of happier events...

1) I'm back to work and having lots of fun...though on the down side they have moved one of my regular pharmacist's M. away...I hope not for long...she had many big things planned for me!

2) Had a mini-uplanders reunion London night. Had an amazing time catching up and talking about the past, present and future. I can't believe so many of us are actually near graduation!

3) My 21st birthday is coming up! Well I'm a bit on the fence on that one...looking forward to celebrating my birthday...but then again...I'm getting older...Ah!

4) I have my 2 month summer placement coming up as well! Can't wait and really hope it goes well which would be a big help for my future in getting a pre-reg placement and possibly a job after that too.

It's around a month to exams...so I guess I really have to hang in there and just give it my all! Meaning I might be a rare sight for the next month. Finger's crossed things go well! Good luck to everyone doing exams as well...or their research projects! Will definitely have a celebratory event after! :-)

Lots of love as always...

Tina xoxo

Back in London Town~

2009-04-27T14:04:00.005+01:00

Arrived back on the morn of Thursday 23rd April, a mixture of feelings flooded me.

The familiarity of buzzing London mixed with relief and happiness of seeing the end of another long flight (which I thoroughly detest...why couldn't all flights be limited to a max. of 4 -5 hours?) and being back to a place filled with friends and a sense of control over oneself, there was a hint of homesickness.

The thought of going back home begins with a feeling of unwillingness. Unwilling to step onto that long flight that seems never ending. Confined in a small space (possibly at the brink of insanity) with the same strong nauseating "Airplane Smell", attempting to sleep in an upright position whilst avoiding physical contact with other passengers, the feeling of guilt in inconveniencing someone when in need to step over them or having them get up when you attempt to leave your seat for any reason, the general physical and mental discomfort, and my well known hunger strike because ALL airplane food tastes absolutely disgusting, and just the smell makes me want to hurl.

Once you're back home, the feeling of relief washes over you and you take in the comfort of being home, happily clean after washing all your aches and pains away with a hot shower, you readily fall into bed and into a deep sleep. When at home, you don't mind the childish feeling. Regardless of age, the feeling of being a kid again and being pampered by your parents brings you back to a time where you had little to worry about but just how to pass your time till you meet your bed again. Oh no...its time to leave home and return to reality. The feeling of unwillingness once again floods you. Not looking forward to unbearably long and uncomfortable package deal you receive along with your flight back but most of all, leaving the comfort and safety of your home and family. I miss home...I miss my parents and my four adorable dogs.

Regardless of the number of layers I throw upon myself (literally), I still feel unusually cold. Is it true that "the feeling of lonliness is always feeling cold"?

-Tina xoxo

"How did we meet?"

2009-04-08T15:31:00.009+01:00

I know it's significantly later than promised...but this academic year has really taken the "free" out of "free time"! I understand that everyone has been and still is very busy due to the nature of the previous and current semester, with many of you practically living in the lab or library, travelling long distances for placements and some even living in another country for the purpose of their projects! (You guys know who you are!) ;-)

I'm finally proud to present...what you've all been waiting for *drum roll* the first group post!!!

"How did we meet?"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Amy L. From The Devils Lair...

"Hmmm....well I've known Tina for - what now, 16 years, going on 17? - and it's been a good ride. We first met as little midget children in Reception, in the exotic (and occasionally smelly) locale of Penang, 'Pearl' of the Orient! We were in the same class throughout Primary, and then Secondary until (I think) Year 12, where we were cruelly and heartlessly torn apart from each other. And yet, our friendship survived! And now you see us, older, wiser (not particularly more mature, though).

Getting back to the serious side of things though, like all people, our friendship has had its ups and down, and we've had our fair share of high school drama but hey, we're still friends and that's what matters.

Love you Tinggy! :P

Over and Out"

The devilish one

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Feegy W. from A Princess Hideaway...

Sooo how did we meet my darlin???????? Hmmm actually we met when we were in yr6 , SCS but then we din talk much cuz u were in mr milne class n i was in mrs barnes' class... but then we did talk actually but we werent close like today! HAHAHHA then we grew up til yr 9 ish? end of yr 9ish? thats when we got close... i dont know wat broguht us together but the angel must have sent u for me to be my bestest best fren or my "twin sister" then from thereeeeee we got so closeeeeee HAHAHAHAHA

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Eddie 'Pooh Bear' Li...

I think it was on one cold October morn.......Stepping off the train, after already being delayed by 20 minutes so I was in a frenzy to drop off my luggage and get to university as soon as possible. So I got to university 20 minutes late and was lost already. Having got to university and climbing the stairs to that newish theatre (I've still forgotten the name of it) I remember sneaking at the back and sat next to that pretty girl at the back who was sitting on that one seat at the back of the theatre.

That pretty girl's name was Tina (or was it Tuna?? ) :P

And I think that's how we blossomed to being buddies (actually best buddies) Still remembered the time where you were a bit shy at the time but at least you got to be more funnier now! Oh and I remember trying to make idle chit-chat and then started to poke fun at each other 5 minutes after introducing ourselves! XD Quickest route to making friends I think, Tuna! Maybe it's the route to friendship, careless ribbing at each other :D

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Avani 'Laughing Machine' M...

28th September 2006 was my first day at the School of Pharmacy. It was International Students Day and we were all taken to International Students House (ISH) for a tour. Once we were finished for the day and I went into the Great Portland Street underground station and started looking up the tube map. This is where I met Tina for the first time. We both were all lost and confused trying to read the tube map to figure out which way to go. Once we figured out the route we took the tube and started talking about anything and everything. I think it was just that day I was glad that I was lost or I wouldn't have met a great friend like Tina!!!

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Thank you everyone who participated!!! It was great to see everyone's memories of how we met! Now for my memories...

Re: Amy L. from The Devils Lair...

Though we were what...3 or 4 at the time we met? Therefore I don't remember the exact order of events that led to our meeting...but we can't deny it happened.

It's true our relationship has been through its ups and downs...and I'm glad we've fought through it and survived! I would never forget those 3 boxes of chicken rice you could engulf since primary school...your world record breaking reading speed...and much much more!

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Re: Feegy W. from A Princess Hideaway...

Did you not join SCS in year 5? It's true however...we didn't have the luck to ever be in the same tutor class. All the way through to sixth form! Though we knew of each other's existance we weren't close or good friends till...I believe that it was due to this one fortunate time that I camped out at yours after one of my Taekwon-Do classes waiting to be picked up by my mom that gave us the oppotunity to really talk. I remember that was the first time I met your grandmother too! :-) This all happened in year 9. I believe it was from this moment on...we often got confused in class by teachers...we were inseperable...shadows of each other really! ;-)

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Re: Eddie 'Pooh Bear' Li...

Ah...the first day of Uni. I chose to sit on that one isolated seat at the back of the JHLT right beside the left entrance to the lecture theatre. Dr. Pearce, Dr. Fowler and Dr. Munday had already started their beginning of the year, 'Welcome New Students' speech followed by their annual 'Lets scare the new students' speech', when...a bear roamed into the lecture theatre and plopped down next to me on the stairs (the lecture theatre was full by this point).

The lecturers continued to lecture...but you leaned over...and introduced yourself...much to my surprise! Things started from there really...in my mind...you are forever the guy crazy about The Simpsons and did not fear the cold like I did as a newcomer to the country.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Re: Avani 'Laughing Machine' M...

First of all...I can't believe you even remembered the EXACT DATE!!! But yes that was how we first met...on the Northern line platform at Great Portland Street underground station. Both looking at tube maps and wondering if it was indeed the right way home.

Though that was when we first met...it was not when we started to become the best of friends that we are now. It took us nearly 2 years to start to really get to know each other. The stress of Course D (in 2nd year) brought us together. With definite fixed saturday morning phone calls whilst both on the way to work...we're still learning things about each other...but we're getting there! In my mind...you will always be the girl that you can find in the library! ;-)

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Once again...thank you all for participating! I love you guys and look forward to the many more memorable adventures we are yet to have!!!

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

*NOTE: All replies were posted as written by the participant.

Kicking off the flats and putting on the heels...

2009-04-03T08:45:00.012+01:00

It's been nearly a week since I've arrived back in what people like to refer to as..."Home Sweet Home".

Being back home, I've realised the life I have forgotten since leaving for London. The almost unbearable heat, the wide variety of delicious asian dishes and delicacies as well as my choice of footwear, heels heels heels!

There are many things I love about home...

The spaciousness and space that I can call "mine"
The numerous switches that even I don't know what half of them are for!
The almost no need for a water heater because the heat from the sun itself makes the water from the pipes "piping hot"!!!

(Definitely beats those cold winter days in the UK with a broken down water heater!!!)
The large sized and spacious shower with the amazing massage shower heads and water pressure...
The significantly cheaper costs of almost everything imaginable...
The amazing cooling rain after a hot hot hot day...
The evening thunderstorms and the sound of the rain on the roof above you and the distant rumbling of thunder whilst you lay in the dark and
My four beloved furballs (Lucky, Batman, Thumper and Angel)
Mom's cooking...(Of course!)...and all the most delicious food imaginable! Spicey and non-spicey!
My piano...bed....room...bathroom...everything!
SHOESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Endless beautiful shoessssssss...

...the list just goes on...but that doesn't mean that home doesn't have its down sides...

The UNBEARABLE HEAT...that makes you want to crawl into the fridge or live in a tub of ice!!!
The questionable public transport that I never use...you need a car in this country for sure!
The same daily routine and near non-existant night life...
The same never changing destinations...malls malls and more malls!
The lack of high street fashion...the same t-shirts and polo's....AH!!! Drives me crazy!
Now that international brands are slowly flooding in...e.g. Topshop, Topman, MNG etc...shopping is slightlybetter HOWEVER...the prices are ridiculous most of the time compared to the UK...and without sales...the stores are usually...empty.
Being from an international school...all my childhood friends are of course, international therefore very few actually reside in this country therefore old friends are hard to meet.
This place is wayyyy too far from the UK...and people who know me know that...I HATE LONG FLIGHTS!!!

...need I say more?

But don't get me wrong...home has way more pro's than con's...and it is a large part of my life. Growing up here has made me who I am...and though I am not technically from this country...it is apart of me. It is home...my home.

Drowning in the feeling of nostalgia,
Tina xoxo

Happy 26th Wedding Anniversary...

2009-03-30T13:59:00.004+01:00

~ Happy Wedding Anniversary ~

To my loving parents

celebrating 26 wonderful years!

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

A weekend to remember...

2009-03-23T13:18:00.018Z

Friday 20th March...
Finally! I've finished that essay that has been troubling me for the past 3 weeks! Friday is the day to shop for the perfect dress. Having a few dresses in mind from some internet window shopping...I headed out to nearby Canary Wharf. The dresses I found were unsatisfactory...and as time passed...I dreaded the thought of having to travel into central London and push against the never thinning crowd. As I made my way towards the underground...I saw Monsoon once again...and remembered that zebra print dress that caught my eye but I never thought was something I could ever pull off.

"Oh, what the heck!" I thought...and I entered Monsoon once again and made a beeline towards the dress. "It wouldn't hurt to try it on for fun right?" I said to myself and grabbed the dress along with another and took it to the changing room. I put on the dress...and looked in the mirror..."Oh Sh*t!" was my first reaction...followed by..."I WANT THIS DRESS!!!"...however because it was the day before the party...I wanted to be extra sure that this dress...was indeed THE DRESS...a picture message to KDS from my phone confirmed my decision (this is when I truly love technology) and within 5 minutes...the dress was mine...nicely wrapped in pink luxury tissue paper and placed in a nice Monsoon paper bag.

Saturday 21st March...
So it's finally here...the weekend I've been waiting for...the night to let go and just forget about the current stress- and trouble-filled world.

The day started out as usual. Having swapped shifts with my darling Abdi-Das (a joke between-us), I did the early shift at work to finish at 4:30pm. Though the Jubilee line was largely suspended (Green Park - Stratford)...there was surprisingly an amazing crowd!!! I guess it's because it was the day before mother's day and people were out to do some last minute shopping. I did not leave at 4:30pm sharp.

When I did finally leave...I lugged my numerous number of bags (looking as if I were going camping) and headed over to my darling Ashwina's. When I finally arrived...I heard the most unexpected voice...of the laughing machine...Avani M.!!! Both getting off work at the same time...however her location being significantly further than mine to Ashwina's...she was there BEFORE ME!!! Turned out that she left work half an hour early to beat me there...ahhh cheeky!!! However...getting there AFTER her...and started getting ready AFTER her...I still managed to be ready BEFORE her...HAH!!! I win! HAHAHAHAHA ;-)

Ironically, having been stressing strongly to everyone for the past week to be at the venue, Sugar Reef, in Piccadilly Circus...at 6:30pm SHARP! Ashwina, Angina, Avani and I...all arrived late...and not just 5/10 minutes late...we were about 40-45 minutes late!!! HAHAHAHA You can't really blame us...4 girls getting ready together is...not really a good idea unless we had the entire day to do so. It is also important to remember...we weren't just late...but fashionably late and plus...Ashwina was the birthday girl...and its alright for the birthday girl to be late! ;)

Anyhoos, though we arrived later than planned...we managed to finish dinner on time...and make it downstairs to the bar/club for 8pm as planned. It started out slow...with no one on the dance floor...but things slowly worked up over time...and though many of the songs played by the DJ disagreed with the majority of the clubbers...it was overall...still one of the best nights out with friends!!! The easy going atmosphere (minus a few creepy clubbers) made everyone feel at ease. Sugar Reef may not be a major clubbing destiny...and compared to other clubs...the clubbing is not the predominant attraction of Sugar Reef...but this mood suited us well. It was great to see a bunch of friends just let go and laugh out loud, the reality locked outside the glass doors.

We all looked superb that night!

Sunday 22nd March...
The night out ended at 1am...and as we all made our way home (Ashwina, Angina, Avani and I), we roamed the streets of Piccadilly Circus in central London for an available taxi home. Taxi's passed by us endlessly...but all occupied...leaving us wondering where it was possible to get a taxi at this time of night. It was nearly 2am...and we were still roaming the streets in the freezing cold. There even came a time where I separated from the group for no longer than 5 minutes...and got told off by the other's when we reunited. HAHAHAHA Ok so it was my bad for scaring them at that time of night.

Anyhoos, we finally found an available taxi and made our way home to Ashwina and Angina's. The night didn't end there however...girl talk kept us up till nearly 5am...where we finally slept (not to say there wasn't a few disturbances inbetween) where we then awoke again at 10am and got ready for another big day out.

The destination...Greenwich! After an active night out the previous day...we opted for an alternative. It started with lunch at Pizza Express along with the Mother's day celebrating public...followed by a stroll in Greenwich park...up to the Royal Observatory which housed the GMT line. At the park we learned many things...about Avani in particular. We witnessed her extensive fear of dogs which resulted in alot of pushing and hitting of the rest of us. We came to know her obsessive liking of balls (think what you like ;-) )...and we came to understand her strong love for Jaffa Cakes. HAHAHAHAHA The day ended with some coffee and ice cream, bringing a close to a weekend to remember.

Lots of Love...
Tina xoxo

MJ Concert Tickets...

2009-03-13T20:25:00.008Z

...is MINE...ALL MINE I TELL YOU!!!
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The journey...

11th March 2009 (O2 Priority Pre-Sale):

Being an O2 priority customer, I do fortunately have the privilege to buy tickets 2 days prior to the tickets being released for sale to the general public. Admittedly, I started trying to buy tickets 29 minutes AFTER the pre-sale began (11th March 2009), which in concert ticketing world...it is a fairly significant time later than it should be (might as well have been 29 years)!!!

The wait that day was long..."approximately 15 minutes or more" the website read, and as I sat there patiently (and sleepily)...I prayed for something to come through. When finally the "loading" circle on ticketmaster stopped swirling...I was offered floor seats in section B3. Very good seats (and worth alot of money if I were to re-sell them), but as I attempted to submit my purchase...the website read "Sorry, we are unable to process your request right now"...my world crashed.

12th March 2009 (O2 Priority Pre-Sale):

I was once again up at 6:45am, awaiting the clock to strike 7am for the pre-sale to resume as stated the night before on ticketmaster. As 7am came and gone, I noticed the sudden change in website layout...but to my despair...the only tickets available were the Hospitality Premium Tickets worth a staggering (not for the faint hearted) £795 EACH!!!

13th March 2009 (Sale opening to the general public):

It's been my 3rd day trying to get tickets to see Michael Jackson in concert at the O2 Arena this summer...and this was my last chance. It's now or never!

Up again at 6:45am (and wondering how much longer I can do this)...heart racing...I awaited the clock to once again strike 7am. 6:58am....6:59am...every minute seemed drawn out...7am!!! I refreshed my ticketmaster page...and surprisingly found little delay! Filling in my preferences of date and number of tickets (with smooth movements of the fingers due to much practice as seen above)...I submitted my preferences...hands cold and fingers (and toes) crossed...I awaited what would happen next.

To my surprise...within seconds the website read..."Your wait is approximately 1 minute..." (jaw drops about now) and not even within a minute (therefore was not mesmerized by the swirly loading logo)...I got offered unbelievable seats!!! Floor seats...Section B3...Row A!!! Something only seeing the seating plan would make you understand how incredible these seats are!!!

For those who are unfamiliar with the seating plan's of the O2 Arena...the boxes in light blue represent floor seating right in front of the stage (that's where I am)...the red boxes are the lower tier...lower balcony seats basically and if you do get some close to the stage they are still quite decent...the boxes in yellow however...are the seats to DEFINITELY AVOID...they are upper tier seats...and are really sky high above the stage...that anyone on the stage would look like this to you --> . (a dot).

Knowing that there are time restrictions (2 minutes) to make your purchase...I quickly zoomed through my "billing process", which many thanx to Mace for her priceless tip of filling out the billing information prior to the sale...I was done before 7:10am (in less than 10 minutes - NOTE: Sale started at 7am)! Record time I tell you!!!

Though today is the infamous "Friday the 13th"...I must say...it is my heck of a lucky Friday the 13th!!!

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

Congratulations...It's a GIRL!!!

2009-03-11T02:06:00.006Z

My heartiest congratulations to my cousin Rick and his wife for the

arrival of their first child!!!

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

D.O.B: 11th March 2009

Time: 7:51am
Weight: 2780 g

Lots of Love...

Tina xoxo

My pet fish popped...

2009-03-04T23:47:00.013Z

i.e. has given birth. What a pleasant and unexpected surprise to come home to one night and find your pet fish has become a mom (wish I were present for the birth though)! Though its a wonderful thing of nature...there are many other not so wonderful things which include...

A female guppy fish is said to be able to have up to 60 fry's (Baby Fish) at one time!!!
The female guppy fish EAT their own fry. So unless you are ready to have an entire ocean of fish, letting nature take its course as a means of "population control" may be the choice for you.
A female guppy can give birth once every 28 days even without the presence of a male guppy due to its ability to "store sperm" from previous encounters.

After learning of the birth of the new "family members"...my sister and I watched closely and found the mother frantically chasing her fry and snapping at them. With a current fry population of between 20-30, and being so late into the night...we imagine the mother might have already had her share of baby fry and decided there was a need for separation between mother and fry. With this unexpected birth, we were ill prepared and had no readily available equipment for separation. After much thought and brain racking, we finally came up with the perfect solution! A porous evian water bottle (made possible by pin-pricking) was installed within the tank and the mother kept inside as a means of separation. A cheap and easy solution!

- Baby Fish dotting the surface of the water -

In other good news...I have finally received my long awaited book that I've been dying to read...

Neil Gaiman - The Graveyard Book
(Illustrated by Chris Riddell)

I admit that the major reasons why I was dying to buy this book was because it's illustrated by one of my favourite book illustrators...Chris Riddell (brother of my former english teacher/class tutor back in secondary school) and it's HARDCOVER. However after a very moving and persuasive speech by my one and only biggest book worm of all times, Amy L. (whom can be found at "The Devil's Lair...") which went along the lines of..."If you're thinking of buying a book by Neil Gaiman, DO IT!", I finally did it and ordered my copy online.

As I unwrapped its postal box...I was mesmerized by its beauty...and ran out to buy adhesive plastic book coverings and wrapped it up to maintain its beauty! (Ok...I admit I'm a geek when it comes to pretty books)

This is for you Aames!!!

-Tina xoxo

Recent-ness...

2009-03-02T00:00:00.011Z

Many times has the sun risen and fallen since my last blog and many events has passed since.

25th February 2009...Avani M. and Liz G. and I took our first steps into Westfield Shopping Centre (and later joined by Stephanie T.). The moment we set foot onto the tiled floors of the shopping mall...we had fallen in love.

Westfield...the largest inner-city shopping mall in Europe opened on the day of 30th October 2008 in Shepherds Bush, West London. The cleanly tiled floors, and the unusual seating areas dotted around the mall really creates a world of its own within London. The spacious environment wraps gently around its shoppers, forming a firm yet non-constricting barrier between the outside world and Westfield.

Having spent a good 6 and a half hours in Westfield, we were still unable to finish exploring the vast number of shops held within Westfield. However from this experience, we can all clearly see that London is moving forward in the world of modern development.

28th Februrary 2009...Another day at work...nothing out of the ordinary (except the time where my shoe broke during my lunch break and had to run out to buy a new pair...I guess that helped with my long and drawn out indecisiveness when trying to buy a new pair of shoes for work...I had no choice and time was running out!). After work...a good time to go home and kick up those tired feet and just relax...but not today! Ruby W. and I made our way to Anita's Hen Night. Thinking it might just be another social gathering...I was sorely mistaken. It turned out to be a night to remember...everyone has to have a first at everything right? Turned out to be an amazing night with much drunken laughter and a hell of alot of fun!

1st March 2009...Who would ever have thought to be able to meet and let alone learn the many valuable facts of image from an Image Consultant for free? Information worth a few thousand pounds reached my eyes and ears as well as those of Kathryn D-S, Catherine L., Ashwina J., and Avani M., for nothing more than the train ticket there! The theory behind imagery, colours, body shape etc. astounded and intrigued us, putting our own images in a new light. A really girly day I must admit...but so much has been learned in such a short amount of space.

2nd March 2009...It has long been since the last time we all gathered at mine for a random social cause. Caught up in endless coursework and seemingly never ending exams, everyone has cacooned themselves in their own space. Now that we've finally started a new semester...we've slowly started to break free. It started with a quick wander around the shops after assembling at Canary Wharf Underground Station. Our main motive...to try the ice cream at the famous Italian Ice Cream Parlour, ZaZa! After feeding our taste buds with exotic tastes (including Chocolate and Chilli ice cream), we (Kathryn D-S., Catherine L., Avani M., Julian K., Kenny W. and I) ventured to a nearby supermarket, ASDA, to buy our necessities for our social gathering. At mine, we all comfortably settled down in the living room and popped in the DVD of one of the greatest musicals of all times, Bugsy Malone, followed closely by Grease, whilst enjoying ready made Indian Curry and mixed juice (many thanx to Kenny for helping to prepare and serve the food). We ended the day with home made pancakes covered in cream and chocolate sauce...where Kenny astounded us with his culinary skills (i.e. pancake flipping). A little late in celebrating Pancake Day...but better late than never!

Tina xoxo

I'm in love...

2009-02-22T23:13:00.006Z

As many of you know (or maybe not)...I'm a big fan of camera phones...my most recent phone (of about 3 months) being the Sony Ericsson C905 with its 8.1 megapixel camera function. But I'm also truly sorry to say...I think I've moved on.

The newest...Sony Ericsson...touch screen....12.1 megapixel camera phone....Sony Ericsson Idou (this is a concept name for this phone and not the final name under which the product will actually be marketed - Sony Ericsson)!!!

Oh My God...it's such a sexy phone. I think I'm in love...

Hello Idou!!!

(http://www.sonyericsson.com/idou/)

-Tina xoxo

Group Post...

2009-02-20T19:26:00.009Z

So now that Course E exams are finally over...(gives myself a minute to celebrate here)...I finally have more time to update my blog.

Right...I have had this idea in my head since the beginning of time...a group post!

I thought it would be a fun way to kick start this blog and have already asked a few people if they would like to participate. How this works is, I set a theme...and the people who are participating will send me a response to the theme where after I have collected sufficient replies, I will organise those replies and post them as a single blog post. The replies need not be lengthy and it can be any length the participant desires.

For this first group post, I will unfortunately limit the participants to people I am acquainted with. The theme I have set for this first group post is slightly more personal and hence acquintance is required. Sorry!

Ok the theme for this first group post is...

"How did we meet?"

Please post all replies to my gmail account! :-) Once I have gathered sufficient replies, I will organise and post it up! So look out for further updates!

-Tina xoxo

P.S.

If you are acquainted with me and wish to also participate in this group post, just leave me a comment to this post! :-)

Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford...

2009-02-13T22:42:00.028Z

3 destinations in a day? Impossible! So you may think... ;)

On the day of Friday the 13th of February 2009 (yes I am very well aware that its Friday the 13th...but nothing significantly horrible happened...thankfully), my (immediate) family and I took a one day guided tour through Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford. With my parents being in the country for a visit, we (my sister and I) thought it would be nice to take them for a romp outside stuffy London (where stepping outside for 3 minutes can significantly shorten your life).

During our previous romp in Belfast - Northern Ireland, just the weekend before, we picked up a Evan Evans Sightseeing tours brochure at the George Best Belfast City Airport. In this brochure, a number of day trips were advertised with their relevant pricing (of a fairly reasonable price) and it was from this very brochure that we made our decision to see some of Great Britain's finest locations.

Our journey began at the Victoria Coach Station where we gathered and boarded our bus (though significantly later than the stated time due to a number of passengers being unable to present themselves prior to the pre-stated depature time) and made our way, with our tour guide Ed and coach driver Martin, to our first destination...Windsor! As I stepped out of the coach, the cold awakes me and upon reaching the castle...my breath is taken away. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into a fairytale? Where castles, dragons and knights in shining armours existed? Ok maybe not the dragons...but close enough. ;-)

In the grounds of Windsor Castle - Home Sweet Home

Ok...a couple of facts I learnt today about Windsor, Windsor Castle and various historical bits and bobs...

The famous Eton College (as many of you know) is located there where many members of the Royal Family are known to attend.

There is a dessert known as the "Eton Mess" (which I'm dying to try) and has a number of interesting theories behind its origin including a labrador sitting on a picnic basket.

It is the predominant home of the Royal Family (NOT Buckingham Palace).

If Queen Elizabeth II is present in the castle, a particular flag will be raised.

Oliver Cromwell lived in Windsor Castle and claimed himself as "Lord Protector" after he defeated King Charles I.

Oliver Cromwell whom had himself buried at Westminister Abbey after his death, was DUG UP to be trialed for his "actions" against the Royal Family and HUNG (don't think he felt anything to be honest) for 3 days, which was how long his head took to detach from his body, where his head was finally placed upon a spike and left there for 23 years.

Windsor Castle was previously made out of wood.

Queen Elizabeth I and her court enclosed themselves within Windsor Castle during the "Bubonic Plague", beheading anyone whom were thought to carry the deadly disease.

A recent discovery of Queen Victoria's lingerie suggested she had "let herself go" after the death of her husband King Albert when she was measured to have a waist size of ~55inches and a chest size of ~60inches (if memory serves me right).

I live in Windsor Castle.

Ok ok...so maybe the last one is only a fact within my fantasy. It is a shame however, that filming and photography is forbidden within the castle, for its a sight that is truly magical...so beautiful and so mesmerizing that I can't find the right words to describe it. Unfortunately, the late setting off for our journey meant a tight schedule and hence I was unable to thoroughly explore the castle and unwillingly returned my audio guide.

Next stop...Stonehenge!

No longer a picture in a book/brochure...Stonehenge has become reality!

To me, Stonehenge has always been a picture I see in a brochure or a book...though I've often dreamt of visiting...I never thought it would become reality. Another point to cross off my achievements list? Call me a geek but I do like my historical buildings/artifacts/sites. I was never terribly good at this subject back in school (because I had a deep dislike for my history teacher) but that doesn't spoil my appreciation for history. Will the story behind Stonehenge forever remain a mystery? Found to be made with stones originating from as far as Wales, and erected half buried underground...with ball and socket joints holding the pieces together...if only my time machine worked! (Damn!)

Another great mystery...which to be honest...its tranquility, I feel, is significantly ruined by the surrounding low mesh fences, carparks and highways. However rumour has it that that is all going to change! Fingers crossed!

Final Stop...Oxford!

The Martyrs' Memorial at Oxford

I would have to say, when one thinks of "United Kingdom" or "England"...many cities/towns pop into mind. Those include...

London
Manchester
Liverpool
Oxford
Cambridge

...just to name a few. Oxford is a small and friendly city filled with historical buildings and sites. It's cobbled pavements leading you from one place to another...as if tracing the route of history.

***Fun Fact: Did you know that in the olden days, the marketing town of Oxford named their streets after what they sold? e.g. Drapery Lane, Shoe Lane, Beef Lane...Ship Lane, Logic Lane

(I have no idea if there was ever a street that sold Logic...but it would be interesting...and I still wonder how they sold ships in such a small lane? Maybe just the headquarters were there?)

The towering magnificance known as the "Radcliffe Camera" in Radcliffe Square sitting beside that of the Bodlein Library is an unforgettable view of Oxford. I've always had this thing for big libraries, those with wall to wall shelves filled with books...and better yet...floor to ceiling! Much like the one seen in Disney's Beauty and the Beast where there are even those wheely stairs to swoop you from one end to the other (praying you don't fall off that is). The slow, calm atmosphere of Oxford...makes me want to rent a place there, even just for a weekend, just to get away from the hustly bustly lifestyle of London.

So much to see and yet so little time...I think this is definitely worth a re-visit (at a much slower pace)...care to join me?

-Tina xoxo

Bonus Fact:
I share the same birthday as Queen Victoria :-)

A new beginning...

2009-02-11T14:34:00.002Z

So I've been playing this idea of starting anew. Having always had short interest spans such that I tend to start projects (for example...a diary) where I would be very good at keeping up to date for a limited period of time (about 2-3 months) but then lose interest just as quickly, I thought to challenge myself and begin a real project that I would stick to.

This is not my first blog...I would say maybe my 6th? But the previous blogs have all been under very tight security and more for a personal sake to remind myself of significant happenings in my life rather than for public interest. But things have changed, and this is something I'm determined to do. "My motivation?" you might ask...is not just from one particular person, but a number of them of which some are bloggers themselves.

So look out for updates and let's hope this one lasts! ;) xoxo