SHE.HER.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Music, when soft voices die

- Percy Bysshe Shelley-

Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory,
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.

Labels: Events, People

Monday, July 20, 2009

It took me a long while before everything sank in. In disbelief I checked, rechecked.... and triple-checked my match results on PMCV this morning. I was offered an internship position at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). How could that be? The competition was so intense (apparently 600+ applicants this year), I thought I didn't stand a chance.....

Kathy Sharpp confirmed the news less than an hour later, congratulating me on the match and informed that I will receive the employment contract in a few days. [really efficient crew, I have to admit!!!]

Over the next 1 hour, I have been refreshing my FB account - amused and ecstatic to see many fellow medics online, sharing good news within our network. I am very happy for them all, seeing it has been a rather pleasant outcome. =)

I wonder now how my fellow IMU colleagues have been doing. So far I am only aware both Manjeet and Matt were matched to their first choices (StV and Eastern respectively). Hope everyone else did well, and got what they wanted.

On another sidenote, an internship at RMH would certainly be intense, and not forgetting stressful too. Looking forward to it now though. XD

Labels: Events, Medicine/Hospitals/Medics

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Yeap, I (finally) decided to register for the 5.7km route on Sunday, 5th April 2009 in conjunction with the Good Friday Appeal. ^_^

My endurance level isn't what it used to be though, so training was a little difficult to get used to initially. Two weeks (4 days, to be precise) into training with a team of marathon 'veterans' can be both grueling (My current stamina couldn't even match Jack, Trudi's two-year old toy poodle which she took for a 4.0km training session this morning!) and enjoyable (great view at the Royal Botanical Gardens) at the same time. =P

Sure I still get those sore legs post-run, but they aren't as bad as the week before (could barely climb up the stairs at RCH and sit down properly!!!).

[Note: My trusty mate at the mo - Dencorub Heat Gel with salicylate. Heaven-sent. =P]

Anyhow, 27 more days to go before the run, so gotta get up and moving! ^_^ Besides, I can't keep losing to Jack the poodle all the time now, can I?

Labels: Events, Friends, Moments

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hell On Earth

View of Yering Station & Chateau Yering, Victoria.

En route to Melbourne two Saturdays ago, a young Iranian passenger nudged me in the elbow and pointed at something from afar. A wisp of white smoke, I noted as we peered out of the aircraft window. We've heard of sporadic bushfires in hot, dry Victoria recently, so we simply thought, "Must be another one of those fires."

A bushfire burns in the Bunyip State Forest near the township of Tonimbuk. Picture: AAP/Andrew Brownbill

Little did we know then of Mother Nature's fury. Fires raged throughout that night in numerous "hotspots", sweeping across counties at terrifying speed.

Cliche as it may sound to many, I still believe that a picture paints a thousand words. As such, I'd like to share a number of photographs taken by Herald Sun's photographers, which captured the essence of what is now known as Black Saturday in Australian history: the devastation that literally brought townships down to ashes and blackened rubble, the lives lost, the people who fought the fires relentlessly, the survivors, volunteers who graciously helped the bushfire victims, and the resilience of so many Victorian communities in the aftermath.

A smoke cloud approaches Labertouche, near Pakenham, east of Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel

King Lake and surrounds from Everton Stud Eden Park. Picture: Chris Sheffield

Brian Kelly fights the fires overnight with his family and friends to save his Kilmore East property. Picture: Nicole Garmston

CFA fire fighter from the Gapsted crew moves into position fighting a scrub fire on property off Blacks Flat Road near Beechworth. Picture: David Caird

CFA firefighters prepare for another day at the fires. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The last I've heard, they managed to contain over 115 Victorian bushfires in a span of two weeks. Four large fires are currently still out of control due to strong, erratic winds and inaccessible terrains.

Meltdown - the intensity of the fires must have been unimaginable. Picture:Craig Borrow

The devastated township of Kinglake. Picture: Mark Smith/ Courtesy of Channel 10 helicopter

No more than blackened matchsticks - An aerial shot of burnt trees. Picture: Mark Smith

Firefighters from South Australia rest in a school bus shelter after battling the fires at Callignee. Picture: Peter Ward

At the Whittlesea relief centre - Andrew Barber and his nephew Deakin Criggie, 15 months old, have lost their house in Pheasant Creek. Andrew, 18, fought the fires all yesterday and dropped by the relief centre for a break and some love. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Peter and Wendy Crooks used almost 40 cans of cola to put out fires in the eaves after their pump failed. They saved their Kinglake home. Picture: Trevor Pinder.

Jason Lynn, a neighbour of deceased newsman Brian Naylor, survived by lying in mud when fires surrounded his property at Kinglake. A minister gave him last rites on a mobile phone minutes before a CFA member found him, semi-conscious and only just breathing. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Aaron Robertson from the Kinglake CFA stands in the ruins of his house. He was down in St Andrews fighting fires when Kinglake was hit. He and the crew that he was with saved a number of houses in St Andrews. Picture: Jon Hargest

CFA volunteer David Tree helps a distressed koala in burnt-out forest at Mirboo North. Pic: Russell Vickery

Ruth Lynn, who lost everything at Pheasant Creek, had to leave her dogs when she escaped. She later discovered her dog Bruno burnt and on a drip but alive at the animal shelter. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Helen Clover (right) and Claire Ellt are neighbours from Kinglake West who believed each other to be dead. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Forensic investigators comb through a building in Marysville in search of victims. Picture: Mark Smith/ courtesy of Channel 10 helicopter.

Michael Walsh (front) is told by his father Dan that his mother Marie died in fire at the Cumberland Spa Resort in Marysville. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The death toll has now jumped from 201 to 209, with the five worst hit towns being: Marysville, Strathewen, King Lake, St. Andrews and Steels Creek.

People affected by the bushfires slept in their cars and the community centre of Healesville. Picture: Craig Borrow

People check and add details on the community notice board at the Whittlesea relief centre. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

The Kinglake Harvest Cafe has been transformed into a supply depot to furnish locals with all the supplies they need. Picture: Bruce Long

Grace Wilson, the daughter of John and Sue Wilson who died in their house at Mudgegonga, holds a garden sunflower she salvaged from the house. Picture: Renee Nowytarger.

A flora tribute at a destroyed home in Pheasant Creek, where a mother and her three children perished. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Rosa Chahaine is finally reunited with her 74-year-old father Cocerale Chahaine who stayed in Kinglake West alone to save his house. He lost all but a handful of his stock and has lived on eggs from his two chooks and beer for the past three days before he was able to get out to get supplies and to hug his daughter. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

A sign of hope and determination hangs on the fence outside a Pheasant Creek home. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

To the people whose lives have been afflicted by the bushfire tragedy - no words could describe what you've endured in the past two weeks, nor could they ever take your pain and loss away. My heartfelt condolences to all.

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More on the Victorian bushfires:

Victorian Fire Threat High This Weekend, Herald Sun

Labels: Events, Melbourne

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Going back to Teluk Intan (Perak) within 6 hours to usher in the New Year, so will be on a 2-day hiatus. =P To all my fellow Chinese friends, "Xin Nian Kuai Le". To the rest of the clan, happy holidays!!! XD

Labels: Events, Moments

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Mamma Mia was awesome!!!!

No, I'm not harping about the movie version despite a star-studded cast. In fact, I didn't even last 15 minutes into the movie. Why? They are NOT specifically trained for Broadway, so no surprises what the outcome would be. =P

This one, I have to say, struck the jackpot. =) When revealed that Mamma Mia The Musical is finally performing in Malaysia between 17 Dec 08 - 1 Jan 09, Dad quickly jumped at the opportunity, securing 5 tickets for the 27th Dec play. The seats were pretty on the ex side, but for such an astounding show....it was worth the expenses. XD

As for the story, it is essentially about a young girl's quest to discover who her biological father is. One thing led to another when she found her mother's diary, resulting in three potential Dads arriving on site. The end-results were nothing short of hilarious and heart-felt.

A portion of the international crew that performed in Kuala Lumpur recently. Taken from TheStar, by the way. Unfortunately this is also the ONLY picture I have of the crew. =( So to make up for the "loss", subsequent pics are of the London troupe. =P (The backdrops, costumes and choreography are similar anyway!!!) Pics taken from www.mamma-mia.com:

The mother of the bride and her two besties, belting out Super Trooper.

The three Dads upon arrival. No prizes for guessing who the Aussie is.... =P

The bride-to-be and her gals, on hens' night.

The groom and boys, all (almost) ready to fish some pearls.

One amazing piece of work mid-air. The fellow (on night of the KL musical) simply jumped from the ground and did this 180 degree split, without breaking a sweat. Thankfully his shorts weren't too tight. =P

All in all, a great show. Makes me wanna slip into some 1970's hotpants and do the boogie big time...

(Pic courtesy of www.abroath.blogspot.com)

.... *blinks* On second thought, maybe not. =P

Labels: Events

Friday, December 26, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS peeps!!! And have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! XD

My apologies for the rather sluggish update. Connection back home has been....slow. =P Will post a few things up over the next few days or so. Hehehe.

Labels: Events

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

A Mother's Love.

So she died.

Dr. Yogeswari, 40, a veterinarian, mother of three children, and my father's friend - was one of the four who perished in Bukit Antarabangsa's latest calamity. She reportedly rushed back into her house after discovering her son was still inside. There she found the boy, and used her body to protect him from a falling beam....

She bled to death. But she died while trying to save her son's life.

Dr. Yoges, may your soul rest in peace.

Labels: Events, People

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Massive landslide in Bukit Antarabangsa

-bernama-

[Exerpt taken from http://www.nst.com.my/]

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat:

Four people were killed and more than eight others are feared buried in a landslide early today in Bukit Antarabangsa, Hulu Klang, near here. The landslide, which is believed to have buried 14 bungalows in Taman Bukit Mewah and Taman Bukit Utama, occurred at about 4am.

Three of the four killed are women, according to Red Crescent personnel at the scene. About 15 injured people have been sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital.The landslide has cut off the access road to the residential area, trapping hundreds of people at Bukit Antarabangsa. Eight of the bungalows affected are in Taman Bukit Utama and the other six in Taman Bukit Mewah, said a spokesman of the Fire and Rescue Unit at the scene.One of the bungalows is believed to be owned by Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab, the principal private secretary to the prime minister.

A search and rescue operation has been launched, involving personnel from the military, Civil Defence Department, Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue (Smart) team, Fire & Rescue Unit and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council. The injured were given first aid at the Addinniah surau before being sent to the nearest hospitals in ambulances, at least 12 of which were seen at the scene. Bukit Antarabangsa State Assemblyman Azmin Ali said at the scene that earth movement continued to take place and that electricity supply to several housing estates in Bukit Antarabangsa was disrupted.

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To the uninitiated, Bukit Antarabangsa (or "International Hill" for the non-Malaysians) is one of those places situated atop the hills in Hulu Kelang, Ampang. There it boasts several affluent housing estates, a rather breath-taking view of the city.....

A Balinese-inspired bungalow at Bukit Antarabangsa. Yours for *coughs* only RM6.5 million.

[Photo from http://www.pillaiproperties.com/]

Kuala Lumpur in the evening, as viewed from Bukit Antarabangsa.

.....and a string of landslides, no thanks to widespread deforestation, reckless hillslope development and heavy downpours.

The latest catastrophe occured today at 4am, as mentioned in the article above.

Bird's eye view of the massive landslide at Bukit Antarabangsa

Close-ups of the damage

All that's left of a house

Close-up view of a bungalow

To the rescue - so far 2000 people have been evacuated from vicinity

[Photos of landslides taken from www.thestar.com.my]

A number of my mates lived there when we were still at school. I just hope they are alright. *prays*

Labels: Events

Thursday, November 20, 2008

We need help.

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(Taken from Australian Red Cross - Blood Service page):

Low blood stocks new donors needed

17.11.2008

" The Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) is urgently calling for new blood donors to come forward in every state and territory.

A severe winter coughs and colds season, combined with continued strong clinical demands, has impacted heavily on Australias blood stocks despite record levels of public blood donation in 2008.

ARCBS continues the gradual task of rebuilding the nations blood stocks to optimum levels, but is now calling on new donors to help in that task.

We are calling for all blood type donors.

A new campaign in the coming weeks will place special emphasis on encouraging 0+ and A+ blood type donors as they are the most common blood groups.

ARCBS urgently requires new donors to expand the existing donor base and help meet the needs of Australians for the remainder of 2008.

We are also encouraging existing donors who have not donated for sometime to come back and make another life-saving donation.... "

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If you'd like more information regarding the blood donation drive, click here

For potential donors in Melbourne:

You'll need to register (either online or call 13 14 95) and then make an appointment prior. As for the venue, you can check their website for the nearest blood donation centres.

If you're residing in the city, there is a large blood donation centre on Bourke St (add: Level 2, 360 Bourke St., Melbourne). The building is located at the junction of Bourke St and Elizabeth St (where Angus & Robertson's Book Shop is). =)

Labels: Events

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

I need to stick this article here =P:

From MSN News:

Man tries to pay bill with spider drawing

Below is the complete email conversation that Adelaide man David Thorne claims he had with a utility company chasing payment of an overdue bill.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.19pm

To: David Thorne

Subject: Overdue account

Dear David, Our records indicate that your account is overdue by the amount of $233.95. If you have already made this payment please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne

Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.37pm

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane, I do not have any money so am sending you this drawing I did of a spider instead. I value the drawing at $233.95 so trust that this settles the matter.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.07am

To: David Thorne

Subject: Overdue account

Dear David, Thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately we are unable to accept drawings as payment and your account remains in arrears of $233.95. Please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne

Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.32am

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane, Can I have my drawing of a spider back then please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.42am

To: David Thorne

Subject: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear David, You emailed the drawing to me. Do you want me to email it back to you?

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne

Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.56am

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,

Yes please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 12.14pm

To: David Thorne

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Attached

From: David Thorne

Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 09.22am

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Whose spider is that?

Dear Jane, Are you sure this drawing of a spider is the one I sent you? This spider only has seven legs and I do not feel I would have made such an elementary mistake when I drew it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.03am

To: David Thorne

Subject: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, Yes it is the same drawing. I copied and pasted it from the email you sent me on the 8th. David your account is still overdue by the amount of $233.95. Please make this payment as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne

Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.05am

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Automated Out of Office Response

Thank you for contacting me. I am currently away on leave, traveling through time and will be returning last week.

Regards, David.

From: David Thorne

Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.08am

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Hello, I am back and have read through your emails and accept that despite missing a leg, that drawing of a spider may indeed be the one I sent you. I realise with hindsight that it is possible you rejected the drawing of a spider due to this obvious limb ommission but did not point it out in an effort to avoid hurting my feelings. As such, I am sending you a revised drawing with the correct number of legs as full payment for any amount outstanding. I trust this will bring the matter to a conclusion.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 2.51pm

To: David Thorne

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, As I have stated, we do not accept drawings in lei of money for accounts outstanding. We accept cheque, bank cheque, money order or cash. Please make a payment this week to avoid incurring any additional fees.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne

Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 3.17pm

To: Jane Gilles

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

I understand and will definitely make a payment this week if I remember. As you have not accepted my second drawing as payment, please return the drawing to me as soon as possible. It was silly of me to assume I could provide you with something of completely no value whatsoever, waste your time and then attach such a large amount to it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Tuesday 14 Oct 2008 11.18am

To: David Thorne

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Attached

Labels: Events, Just for fun/Meme