♥ Life Is Good ♥

I really really like Facebook memories.
Whoever thought of this idea is just brilliant!

One of the days in February, I managed to review what I did on that very day.
For the past 7 years! 7 years, can you imagine how time flies?

16th June. This day also marks a certain significance I guess?

7 years ago today, in 2009:
We were done with Problem Based Learning session for the semester.
It was the very first group we had, for our time in dental school.
I remember that it pretty daunting having to research and discuss a topic.
But when everybody contributed, it was a fun learning experience.

5 years ago today, in 2011:
We set foot in Dunedin, New Zealand.
My first time living outside my home country where I grew up for 20 years.
Left home for long term since. Home became a place I visited instead of staying.
Good thing then was that I had friends to count on, who experienced the same as I.
Missing life in Otago!

3 years ago today, in 2013:
Our final winter break as students.
We left the crazy Dunedin weather for warmer one in Wellington and Melbourne.
It was during my week-long stint at Wellington that change my mindset.
I vowed to never stay/work in a place where I knew no one. Not even for a  year.
Our time in Melbourne was great. It's the most liveable city for a reason.

And today, in 2016:
I received a letter from the Immigration Department - PR approved!
Like finally, after 10 long months of waiting.
It's surreal by its own means, finally not feeling like a second-class citizen.
Even back home, we are sometimes treated like one by the government.
Then followed by the student visa and work visa overseas.

This day, I've noticed significant milestones in my life.
Getting here and being here today, I am very blessed indeed. =)

Undergraduate exams are finally OVER!!

5 years in Dental School and today is our official last day of clinics!
Can't believe how time flies, we will soon be graduating =)

A picture to commemorate the times we went through together:
the happy, sad, exciting, frustrating, fun but never boring,
the thick and thins throughout the 5 years.

We've just ended our last break of student life.
In less than 10 weeks, I'll be sitting for my finals and *poof* I will qualify as a DENTIST!

Like finally, after 5 long years! Can you believe how time flies? @.@
I've just walked down the memory lane, and read my previous post.

Some of you might have known that I did a credit transfer to Otago.
The past 2.5 years (nearly) had been an eye-opening journey for me!
Staying in a student city is a whole new experience altogether.
I've meet people from various countries, know more about fellow Malaysians,
party hard, study harder and acclimatize to the weather and environment.
Practically everyone else here experience the same as I do, so no complains!

The pool of patients we see at dental school are probably the most amazing ones.
They can just sit there with their mouths open for hours;
don't mind spending their time waiting for tutors;
let you try different things (even though it is your very first time doing so);
they understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process;
and ever so willing to go through the tedious process like repeating an impression.
When I say they, I meant most of the patients, and I will miss them dearly.
There are obviously the odd ones that can be very nasty and expect perfection.

As students, or even as qualified clinicians, we would definitely give our best try.
No qualms about that, at least if we are talking about me. hehe
But there are times where no matter how hard we try, things don't go our way.
I am sure everyone of us would have experience times like that. No?
So please, be more understanding the next time you are on the dental chair! =)

Though one thing I don't get, doctors tend to get more leeway than dentists. How come?
I guess I'd worry about these things later in the year, 
especially in terms of patients' perception of a newbie dentist. haha.

At least I can say I've had some experience in:
Scale and polish. Checked.
Simple fillings. Checked.
Complex fillings. Checked.
Root canal treatments. Checked.
Dentures. Checked.
Crowns. Checked.
Implant treatment planning. On-going.
Bridge. ??? only done it on a simulation model. =S

For now, my last hurdle as a final year student, I need to stay focus.
Completing my research project, case presentation, all my patient cases,
study smart and hopefully ace my finals and JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

Gonna end this post with a picture of an upper gold onlay I did earlier this year.
It has gotta be my happiest moment when it sat perfectly in my patient's mouth.
After numerous attempts in placing temporaries and taking equigingival impressions,
I was very pleased with the end results. That satisfaction. =D

Before I even talk about how stressed I am now, I've been slacking on my exercise.
I know it's horrible, I feel bad cos I did none for the past 5 days!
I have my reasons cos my carefree weeks have been gone and it's very cold. =(
No excuses, I know. I will work on it soonest!

So back to my rising stress level, there's so many things to be doneeee.
I just got back to school this week after a solid 9 weeks away - holidays and placements!
Assignments are due one after another, and sending out job applications.
I just had my first job interview on Saturday, it went quite alright. =)
We'll see the outcome for that, hopefully it'll be favourable to me.

Got back my IELTS results yesterday, I am happy with everything except my Writing.
How can my written English deteriorate so badly after 5 years? 6 freaking point 5.
Now because of this one section, I may need to re-sit the test that cost me RM 1k +.
What a pain right? I'll just let it be atm. But I am still saddd.

All my senior colleagues have advised to do something I love other than dentistry.
Travelling and baking have been what I enjoy, but all these require funds.
Which is sadly depleting very quickly... I can't wait to earn my own money again!
But in the mean time, I need to find a new hobby or past time that I enjoy, 
so that my sanity can be kept in check! hehe

Who said final year was chillaxing?? I beg to differ.
Just gotta emphasize on how stressed out I am right now: VERYYYYY!
I shall just eat, eat, eat my stress away~ =P

It's July alreadyyy...
From the coming Monday, it'll be my last semester for 5 years of my uni life!
I need to enjoy this to the fullest, cos everyone who started working said so.

So many things need to be sorted at this point of time.
4 weeks of my last ever winter break is ending so soon. It's unbelievable!
Jam-packed days back-to-back from placements to just pure holidays.
But I am so glad I finally had my sleep-in days after a month. =D

Firstly, I need to send out my postcards cos post office ain't open on weekends.
Then start packing. Again? Yes again.
Looking forward to my 5-weeks of intensive actual work!
Then getting my hands on research work, after 5-month of unforeseen delay.
And prepare to sit for my RM1k English test.
Uh huh, the price was so ridiculous that I HAVE TO ace it no matter what!

Job hunt is next, only those few spots available that I have been eyeing for awhile.
I want to get those offers, sometimes we have to be selfish. I realized I am too nice. 
But I can't always share things and let others have an easy way out.
People who conveniently want it too cos we wanted it. You know?
I may not be the smartest or fastest soon-to-be dentist around, but I can be a great one!
The competition is officially ONNNN!

Then I need to complete my quota for clinical work, still getting there.
I believe it's possible if my patients attend all their appointments,
and also if the labwork are processed on time, though there's only very slight possibility!
After that would be preparation for case presentation - oh my god!
Which reminds me that I need to complete this particular patient as soon as possible.
And of course start studying for my theory exams, I haven't actually read in a while. Oops.

It's not just all work and no play obviously!
I have to go skiing and/or snowboarding this year. It's on my checklist for sure.
Cos apparently there's a good amount of snow, very suitable for snow activities. =D
Then it's preparation for graduation ball - the dress, shoes and hair!

Oh, and I must start working out to lose all that weight that I've accumulated.
My once model-material figure (no kidding, scouted before and should have agreed)
is now filled with all that flabbiness and I don't like it. At all.
Call me superficial or whatever, I am not comfortable with my current shape and size.
I have officially increased one dress size from before. Boohooo~
It's no good cos I need that confidence so that my inner beauty can shine too ;)

I need to make myself proud, and most importantly daddy and mummy too!
There's so many things I want to do for them when I actually start work. Like really.
My dearest family, friends and readers (if any), pray for a smooth sailing journey for me!

Tata for now.

# allmustgowell

Isn't it funny how life is filled with ups and downs?

For some reason, there has been a lot of downs for me lately.
And I am only referring to my clinical work, cos that's what my life revolves around now. 
4 full days and 1 half-day of clinic sessions for the past 2 weeks, it's insanely stressful.
I can't imagine working life, like seriously.

All the challenges I've faced in clinic, I just couldn't believe my luck!
What are the odds that 3 out of 3 crown preparations I did so far are below the gum line?
Meaning it's so challenging and I need to delay my crown impressions,
and my patients have to go through surgeries to remove gum and/or bone,
we have to wait for healing of the gums before I can proceed with anything at all.
And I am anticipating another similar case this Friday - so make that 4 out of 4!

I have friends who have delivered a gazillion crowns already.
Why aren't any of my cases as straightforward?
Sorry that all these might sound like gibberish to you, but this is my reality.

I was Skype-ing mummy over the weekend and I broke down in the midst of conversation.
Somehow talking about my week took a toll on me.
But it's good that my tears flowed, I feel much more relieved.
Listening to mummy's advice and the effort she made to comfort me, I feel very blessed. =')

I know is part of my learning curve.
Learning the hard way makes everything much simpler in the future. I know that too.
So far all the tutors mentioned I did a good job despite the very challenging cases,
but I still need a boast of my confidence, the in-your-face kind, you know?
Occasional straight forward cases like one today would definitely make my day.

Challenges in clinic and in life? I am ready so bring it on!

It's amazing how someone with disabilities can be so optimistic about life.

Someone who was diagnosed with a disease a couple of years ago at a young age.
Now limping and with very limited eyesight, yet so bubbly and cheerful.
Maybe it's the support from loved ones around her?

They are the type of people who make us think and count our blessings.
Be appreciative of what we currently have instead of mourning on what we don't have.
Mummy has always told us to compare with less fortunate rather than the rich.
So I personally think people like them make really good role models.

I did nothing but just a twist using the pliers, that made her day!
She was even happier than when she first entered.
Thanking me again and again plus telling her husband how wonderful she's feeling.
That genuine smile on her face totally made my day!

I had a pretty rough day yesterday, but today, I ended my day with a smile. =)

Just looking through my lil bro's photo album on FB, my tears started rolling.

The photos were all from cousin Lee's wedding two weekends back.
For a dear cousin who's wedding I've always wanted to attend since forever?
I've only managed to be there virtually via Skype.

Seeing those photos one after another, I miss my family more than ever!
I haven't felt homesick for months since I arrived, I thought I've adapted.
But today, my first stream of tears (of missing home) came along.
Mummy I miss most, followed by Daddy then Haw and Shyang.

Maybe it was the relief from Long Case Exam?
Or the stress for upcoming OSCE?
Or the Perio assignment due?
Or the last written finals in my uni life?
Or the heartwarming chats with my loved ones?

Whatever the reason, I am actually counting the days to home sweet home!

My very first encounter during Spring was last year.
It was more often wet and rainy than it is filled with sunshine.
My less than sturdy umbrella (bought urgently in Tokyo) barely survived the wind!


So of all the seasons I've experienced here, Spring lies in the bottom of my list.
The weather here is nowhere near those seen in Hollywood movies. Haha

It's nearly 2 weeks into Spring this year, there were more sunshine.
And I thought "Heyyy, the weather is not too bad! Sunny and the warm breeze" =)
So we headed out for some picture-perfect moments last Saturday.
We ain't gonna miss another year of cherry blossoms!
Cos we were a week late last year, and most of them were already on the ground.

Hi guys (if there's any of you who still drops by) !!! =)

I've practically ignored this blog for nearly 2 years~
Can you imagine how time flies?
It's just feels good to pop back here for a bit for some random thoughts!

Blogging used to be a lot of people's everyday routine, mine included.
Yes, I used to spend an hour at least right here! =P
Typing a blog post about what happened, pictures with descriptions,
trying to improve my command of English and the way I express myself.
And then spend another hour at least reading blog after blog.

But this trend seems to have died down, since the introduction of Facebook!
Most of my friends aren't even blogging anymore.
Or may be I've haven't been blog-hopping for ages?
Now all we need to do is post up albums and albums of pictures,
occasional status updates, stalking friends of friends of friends etc.
Life was practically summarized there. Easy peasy!!!

My last post was about Wu Chun, or Chun as I like to call him.
As crazy as I was over him, somehow the fangirl has cooled down.
I did not go to last his fan meeting when he was in town though I had nothing on,
and I haven't watched his latest movie "Magic To Win" aired since 3 weeks ago.
I've only been to his blog and forum once every few months.
How terrible can I be huh? *Chillies throwing daggers at me*
Do I still like him? Yeah.
But I somehow have lost touch with the fondness of him.
I blame the busy schedule of Dentistry.
Okay, maybe not cos I am pretty much still hanging on to Hallyu! =D
Maybe I've grown up? Who knows.

People do change, I did (may be a little).

I used to take pictures every little thing that we do in uni.
I always have my camera with me - up till now.
That new lab project that we are up to, the new equipment in clinic,
the new stuff that we are learning and what not.
But since we started treating patients, that has sort of fell apart too!
Patient confidentiality, infection control, professionalism etc.
I really hope I still can remember them as I get older and busier. Really.

Right now, I really miss going for classes and studying for exams.
All the hurdles we went through together was worth it.
If only we could rewind and go back to those days again.
Nearly 6 months after IMU Dentistry days, I have been missing it dearly.
My new school has been great! Still learning to love it though.

But trust me when I say no university experience will be the same as IMU.
No more weekly activities at the atrium, no more freebies every now and then,
no more crazy orientations where senior-junior bonds were formed,
no more IMU Cup where all batches come together.
no more lecturers who you could talk to and laugh with just like a friend,
no more hectic 8-6 timetable and clashes of lecture rooms with another batch,
no more small classes where everybody knows and talks to everybody.
All these are now just memories somewhere deep deep inside.

May we be close knitted as long as we can despite being scattered in the future.
I miss us DT1/09. The best batch ever!
p/s: MEDT1/09 (the combination of medical and dental students) comes next. lol

♥ always

first two weeks of school was okay!
having fun most of the time, the rest of it is just plain boring..
during certain lectures, i was guilty of some fishing..
cos my lecturer was monotonous! =S

anyway, what have i been up to the past 2 weeks?
on weekdays, lab sessions in the morning, lectures after lunch..
and on weekends, i hang out with my friends!
i haven't actually started revising my lectures, oh god~

ok, so our very first practical project was drilling..
we used both high and low speed drills onto the prespex blocks!
high speed was much more fun and dangerous.. but i likey!!!

drill~ drill~ drill all the way!

gross ain't it? newspaper, glooves and masks are a must!

the guys cleaning their moulds..

this is the end results.. cool eh?

the tools for rubber dam.. to isolate a single tooth!
without hurting our simulated patient of cos..

the isolated tooth is to be clean and polished first..

then we can place the sealant on it.. 4-handed dentistry!

isn't it cool to have the entire class doing the same thing?

oh, Astro小太阳 was filming for a children programme in IMU!
seen here with the kids are Crystal, 1/3 of M Girls..
and Anthony, winner of Astro Talent Quest 2006.. =)

we went to Port Dickson for 2 days and 1 night!

stayed in 2 Avillion Premium Water Chalets..

which has a pretty good view from our balcony.. hehe

banana boating~ most memorable as it was fun!!!

played beach volleyball..

relaxing in the pool and later went for steaming.. =)

ate an expensive lunch including a RM12 ice kacang!

fishing from our balcony..

had fun carrying each other on the beach!

animal feeding session.. rooster, chick, rabbit + sleepy faces!

the theme was Hairband & Hats..
*drumrolls* for our happy family potrait! =)

i know this year's IMU Cup ended exactly a week ago..
like after nearly 5 whole months of practices and games!
but i was a little tied up with my notes.. so yeah~
my house.. the fiery red Phoenix got 2nd place overall.. =)
check out our standings for each event right here..

anyway, i wasn't at the finale a.k.a. closing ceremony..
so obviously i didn't get to watch the cheerleading competition!
i really wanted to, but the event started only around 7pm or so..
i had a birthday bash cum dinner to attend..
check out the wonderful cheers by the top 3 houses~ a MUST!!

this is the gold class performance by Griffin (orange) house..
their pyramid, spinning and flying were fantabulous!

hey people! sorry for the lack of updates..

i am facing major exam stress right now..
it'll be starting on Tuesday and consecutively every 2 weeks!
it's like so many things to cover, so little time given~
and we are having lots of unrelated to exam stuff to do..
i just don't get why they can't wait till after the exams?
or may be extend the semester? this semester is only 12 weeks..

we have like 5 assignments to complete in the span of one month..
2 written assignments, 1 video, 1 presentation and 1 report!
not to forget private and government dental clinic visits,
dental laboratory visit and a forum by invited speakers..
all of this a week before exams and during exam week.. T___T

oh, i resat for my CPR practical exam yesterday..
apparently i failed 1 scenario which is for the unconscious child..
and the best part is i don't remember doing anything wrong last time!
so woke up at 7.15am, left at 8am, drove 25km to uni..
to do a practical which took me around 3 minutes to do and complete..
i arrived home at 12.30pm, so tired and i slept after that..
now i really want to pass it or i'll be speechless!!!

nway, most of you must be wondering why i privatised my blog..
nothing much actually, something triggered it.. hehe..
might consider publicizing it again in the near future..
just in case my Chun drops by.. haha.. *whacked*

just to share with you my top most viewed posts of all time..
the top 3 especially has 3-digits daily hits.. =)
and that's before i privatised this blog of mine.. hehe..

1) Miss World 2007
2) Semester 1: Life as a Dental Student
3) Trip to Bukit Gambang Resort City, Kuantan
4) My Poor Left Hand
5) It's About Time.. =P
6) Golf & Mike
7) IMU Orientation Week 2
8) Day Trip to Tanjung Sepat

that's all for now.. will be back soon, i hope! XD

very quick update here.. it's my birthday today! =)

the pump attendent at the petrol station flirted with me..
i was shocked! like seriously no joke~
it's something difficult to digest so early in the morning!

the speeches from my friends were terrifying~
i know i look mature for my age..
and they just had to emphasize on that! sigh..
but it's ok.. not that i haven't heard of it ever before..
at least i'll still look as young when i am older.. =P
thank you anyway, i appreciate that!

i had 1/2 the auditorium singing birthday song for me..
a bit malu la but it was a nice feeling~ hehe..
i heard different versions of the song after that..
my IMU friends are a bunch of talented people.. that's for sure!

played bowling with the girls.. i sucked big time but it was fun~

not forgetting the presents and cards.. *hugs*

this week i was less busy, as in less classes to attend..
but i am fully loaded with assignments..
two is down, another two more to go! must finish by mid-week ok~

there were some pretty interesting stuff this week..
some of you may already know, Phoenix got 4th place in badminton..
we tried to kick some ass, but didn't make it..
oh well~ there's always next year to nail it.. hehe..
we can start training after EOS 2 and BDS 1!
btw, a girl from the winning team dislocated her elbow in the finals!

this week's Make A Difference (M.A.D.) events were pretty happening..
it's like an IMU Arts Festival were students participate in events like
photography, drawing, dance, music, speech, video-making etc..

have a look of the winning team from dance category, Masquerade..
one of them is Ai Ling, who taught us fan dance back in SMKBU!
they have pretty cool dance moves alright.. enjoy~

we have to take the impression on each other using alginate..
Suet Yen is the operator, Eka is the patient and i am the assistant!

this is the leftover of the alginate mix..

most of us ended up with alginate all over our mouth like Pei Jie.. =P

the dental lab was pretty chaotic at that time.. lol..

Kai Shang attempting to pour the stone mix into the tray..

the vibrator is there to get rid of bubbles in the first layer..

end up with something like my maxillary and mandibular stones!

Sam placing some powder for plaster mix into the rubber bowl..
appropriate amount of water and powder is needed for all our mixes!

after that we'll put a lump of plaster mix on the tile..
invert the tray and place the dried stone mix on the top..

as the stone is settled down, remove the tray from the models..
this step requires patience, strength and determination.. hehe..

and it's time to trim and polish the models like Chong Dee..

please keep your fingers and teeth model away from the machine..
a safe distance at least, like what Je Haw is doing..

after everything is done, we pose and smile with our models! =)

the menu cover.. thank god my dad was paying the bill.. =P

they had really nice decorations on the walls though..

i ordered 6 in 1 Pentathlon Pace smoothie *yum yum*, consist of:
plain yogurt, peach fruit, ice-cream, apple, honey and orange juice!

we had Sausage Platter.. 6 types of sausages grilled to perfection!

Crispy Roast Pork Knuckles with a freaking knife stuck at the top..

Barbeque Baby Pork Rib.. this is lovely! i want moreee~

and finally Gordon Blue.. it's stuffed with cheese and ham inside!