tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178047732024-02-28T20:48:44.851+08:00.UnderH2O LoverUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-42375144162811312032013-01-12T20:05:00.001+08:002013-01-12T22:22:00.068+08:00Reuse, reduce, recycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQge5qmZHMiPm2xO5paB6bWYU5eBAoBkJXhI0mn3MMmGRq3SDft1eEe-qo2ZqQirddFqvRuVKMsBn9e-gnO7MGRv_BYvDdSzn0gfQQCylWs8hjDrHO0yDtIOi-ZjtdQHLVvfbX/s1600/2013-01-12-21-30-45-2107171196.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQge5qmZHMiPm2xO5paB6bWYU5eBAoBkJXhI0mn3MMmGRq3SDft1eEe-qo2ZqQirddFqvRuVKMsBn9e-gnO7MGRv_BYvDdSzn0gfQQCylWs8hjDrHO0yDtIOi-ZjtdQHLVvfbX/s640/2013-01-12-21-30-45-2107171196.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Going green and helping to save the planet is an excellent cause. Apart from being environmentally correct it also helps us to be more thrifty and avoid unnecessary wastage.
However, recycling in Malaysia or at least Hulu Langat is hard work. At home in Batu 14 we try to do the 3Rs as much as we can. Yes, it may be due to the influence of Captain Planet but a bigger factor is because we have no garbage collection services. That is what you get (or should I rephrase that to' what you don't get') when you live in a kampung.</div>
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My neighbours either burn their wastes or dump them in the river or an unsuspecting neighbour's land. For us all this while we have been carrying our garbage out and dumping it at the local market which is about 10km away. That is the nearest place with proper dumping facilities.
So the decision to recycle is really a matter of necessity. Reducing wastes means reducing several 20km trips weekly. </div>
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However, it has not been an easy process. It requires a lot of hard work and space. You will need space to store the items (paper, plastics, glass) for recycling; you will need space to place the compost bin, the kitchen waste compositor, the bottles of citrus peels window cleaner that is waiting to mature (to complete fermentation) etcetera, etcetera. And if you don't do it right and and in a systematic way your home will end up like a hoarders nightmare! </div>
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So far, what have we done (we in this sentence refers to my mom and I). </div>
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1. Cloth diapers for my son (reduces 6 disposable diaper going to through trash daily)</div>
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2. Sort out the papers, plastics and glass wastes. Paper and plastic are sold to the local recycling center which is only a kilometre away. Our only problem is glass... no one buys glass nowadays except some shopping center (but only on Saturdays)</div>
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3. Make our own compost from plant based wastes. I am trying several methods from various green websites. </div>
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4. Lastly, using the Kitchen Waste Compositor: A kit I bought at the recent MAHA fair which uses some sort of bioenzymes to convert kitchen wastes into safe compost materials. So far the process has been quite okay except for the part where I have to put all the 'sludge' and bury them after a week. This last step have truly cut the amount of garbage we throw out to more than half.... hooray!</div>
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It is an ongoing effort and I hope we will continue to have the enthusiasm to do this. There are days when I feel jealous of those who live in housing estates with the convenience of the 'garbage collectors'. They truly are the unsung heroes of 'modern living'.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-44392247898357292762012-11-15T21:20:00.001+08:002012-11-15T21:21:46.401+08:00Sipadan and Mabul Again!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOrh-Vn5HCdUW6zO7_FGQZAmX6Apm_npIqr9yYVLVnhkQvyKpW_aSOSmOtmsFq1YINdQTlnT65mSUDUb2woboVmFXHWDhYD4YXSWtJYaxyrRHbG9Y5vPh8LksK1ZWhKwtl5NM/s1600/Whipcoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOrh-Vn5HCdUW6zO7_FGQZAmX6Apm_npIqr9yYVLVnhkQvyKpW_aSOSmOtmsFq1YINdQTlnT65mSUDUb2woboVmFXHWDhYD4YXSWtJYaxyrRHbG9Y5vPh8LksK1ZWhKwtl5NM/s1600/Whipcoral.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small fish on a Whipcoral</td></tr>
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My first dive after the birth of my son was in March this year. That trip was to Redang and I managed to do 5 dives. Recently, I went for a diving holiday to Mabul Island. It is a trip that required good planning as not only Merman and I were going we were bringing along my boy and his babysitters (grandpa and grandma). My mom was happy as she has been hinting to me to take her to Sipadan ever since my first trip there in 2005.<br />
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This time we stayed in Borneo Divers Mabul Resort. It was my first time there and I am not dissapointed. The cleanliness and setting was up to my mom's standards hence there was no complaints (phew!).<br />
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We did 2 dives on the first day both at Paradise II the house-reef of BDMR. Visibility sucks as it was just about 3-5metres but underwater life was lovely. This was expected as I have dived here so many times before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Cowrie snail seen at one of the dive sites around Mabul</td></tr>
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The second day we did 2 dives in Mabul and one in Kapalai. Viz remained the same. However, we still had great dives with many sightings of turtles and sharks. The most memorable moment was watching more than 7 turtles at a rock near Barracuda Point.
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I still have not gone through photos taken above water at the resort and in Sipadan Island. Therefore, I am only putting up the underwater photos. Just in case anyone is wondering why there are only macro shots the wide-angle stuff I took sucks; viz was bad but I have never been a great photographer anyway!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN5TgjYqv4-ifjvDlAzlEkkCu4KVF3k9UxsBCkDPPR_CG2RqfA5I-zak0ev9kQxx8gBVDe4dMbRe7XweiR-cV35LngA-nZQ2KbTq4P5SRLtStH2ZijtCV2wA-fkLs4DIXSP0k/s1600/Nudibranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN5TgjYqv4-ifjvDlAzlEkkCu4KVF3k9UxsBCkDPPR_CG2RqfA5I-zak0ev9kQxx8gBVDe4dMbRe7XweiR-cV35LngA-nZQ2KbTq4P5SRLtStH2ZijtCV2wA-fkLs4DIXSP0k/s1600/Nudibranch.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at the jetty of BDMR about 2 feet under the water level</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BjlEH4Jahfoq73G3mu2qzLj0VfEqo6gY4pugt4XK5w95wYrg6TIkG42KZ6l9nqYvev80sOCtx_7J55l83_HzcKljJsipc9C9XtygxYmaX-FvpNF3KX1qY3_mJKcb7zaCgLmh/s1600/Turtle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BjlEH4Jahfoq73G3mu2qzLj0VfEqo6gY4pugt4XK5w95wYrg6TIkG42KZ6l9nqYvev80sOCtx_7J55l83_HzcKljJsipc9C9XtygxYmaX-FvpNF3KX1qY3_mJKcb7zaCgLmh/s1600/Turtle2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three turtles at Barracuda Point; I wasn't sure if we were witnessing an orgy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9wLATbbyBxrlaN6ZdYwHqx-DwJH6U352zRFdZS3vGGQ4oa1aworNa9EsM1EWeHCC2PnoKbKPZdjiVKvlG80wEapcdFQ9bX_Wyw0yy-SSSsVYs1t5Y6jgu3a78HT1H0b4ugB-/s1600/Nudibranch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9wLATbbyBxrlaN6ZdYwHqx-DwJH6U352zRFdZS3vGGQ4oa1aworNa9EsM1EWeHCC2PnoKbKPZdjiVKvlG80wEapcdFQ9bX_Wyw0yy-SSSsVYs1t5Y6jgu3a78HT1H0b4ugB-/s1600/Nudibranch3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common as this species may be it still makes me happy to get good close ups of them</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-62194520508576673062012-02-25T18:32:00.005+08:002012-02-25T19:09:39.689+08:0030 day 'no-lifts' challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVkV8vFtcFDokKcYzoBhV2TTlookF4RcPG2uNTsFrhQVOWfxJ_K0meSls_XT6P_beyucAGCkwFEXgGmeTQ0NC_uOTwoKkVkLNq0Z-0zf0595AzZSQ8WW7q5DPVHilo81gLJxy/s1600/weight-scale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713026504895984258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVkV8vFtcFDokKcYzoBhV2TTlookF4RcPG2uNTsFrhQVOWfxJ_K0meSls_XT6P_beyucAGCkwFEXgGmeTQ0NC_uOTwoKkVkLNq0Z-0zf0595AzZSQ8WW7q5DPVHilo81gLJxy/s400/weight-scale.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>It has been 10 months, initially I lost all my pregnancy weight (thanks to breastfeeding) but lately I gained about 3 kgs. This is because I had uncontrolled bouts of eating.... and lack of exercise. Tried to go for jogs during weekends but the crazy call schedule only allows once a month Sunday brisk walking or jogging.</div><div> <br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Gym? definitely out of the question. No nearby gym for me to go at night plus my son is at the clingy stage. He will stick to me like a leech once he is back from the sitters.</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Early morning exercise? Used to do that last time but even though I now wake up earlier (alarm iis set at 5.45am) I spend my time by getting ready for work, 15 minute pumping (milk for the baby), arranging the diaper bag and sending the small one to the sitter...</div><div> <br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So this week I have started a 30 day No Lift (Elevator) challange. It means that I have to walk up and down the stairs if I need to. So far it has been a 4 days success. </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Why this challange? I am using the hospital and my working hours as my personal gym. Apart from going upstairs I also make myself walk faster, try to contract my glutes as I walk and 'try' to eat smaller portions. I hope by doing this I am burning more energy than usual hence allow me to 'lose' some weight. As for toning up my abs, I think that is a lost cause so I am just concentrating on the weight and bums first.</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I guess I have to keep a tab on my progress to see whether my logical as-you-go exercise works. It is scary to see the measurement on measuring tape but I guess it has to be done. As for the weighing scale it is now at an all-time high of 63.5kgs...dang!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-75153935953515203162011-12-01T09:27:00.005+08:002011-12-01T10:13:21.450+08:00My breastfeeding experienceWhen I was pregnant with my boy there were two things that I decided I wanted to do. One is breastfeeding and the second was using cloth diapers. Breastfeeding was not even a choice; it was just the natural thing as I remembered my mom feeding my two younger siblings. We never had formula milk in the house (perhaps my elder brother did have but totally before my time). Anyway, I thought that breastfeeding is cheap, easy (no need to wake up and mix up the formula at night) and it comes naturally.<br /><br />I was wrong on all counts. Perhaps it is relatively cheaper considering that baby Azry is fairly healthy with no major illness. But breastfeeding is hardwork. It is a commitment. It requires discipline. <br /><br />Hardwork because I would need to pump to feed him when I am away. People who only need to pump only twice per day makes me envious. I need to pump at least four times to get the ounces that Azry needs. One early morning, twice at work and one at night. With that I had to be committed and disciplined.<br /><br />And one major thing I realise after 7 months - no breastfeeding experience is the same. Mom's only problem with feeding us was soreness - and I was the number one culprit who likes biting the nipple. She has no issues with supply and my brother fed until he was nearly four. And so when I was fussing over my periods of low supply (as seen with the low volume I pump) my mom was saying I was being paranoid and as she did not take any supplements nor have any special diet to keep up the volume. Demand and supply- that is what she says.<br /><br />But then, I realise. There was a major difference between me and my mom. I am working and mom was a housewife. I have 11 hours of separation and no sucking every day. That is minus one major stimulant to keeping up the supply. Sucking promotes prolactin release by the brain and this promotes milk formation.<br /><br />Hence my search and research into milk production and galactogogues. By research I mean google and google scholar search and old wives tale. Clinically proven was metoclopromide or maxalon - a medication used to treat vomiting. The stimulating effect is actually a side effect of the drug which causes hyper prolactinaemia. I haven't tried that though as I am keeping it as a last resort effort.<br /><br />Another remedy keeps popping up during my research : fenugreek or in Malay, halba. It is usually used in Indian cooking or in 'nasi dagang trengganu'. Apparently, fenugreek helps by stimulating the glands which is a modified sweat gland. It also lower blood sugar level and promotes good cholestrol in milk. Initially I bought a herbal tea remedy with fenugreek and other herbs thrown inside. It was damn expensive and the smell was bad. I smelt like a curry house- really! Anyway, I drank it twice but it gave me severe headache - whether is was due to the hypoglycaemia effect or smell I was not sure.<br /><br />Then I went to my local pharmacy - fenugreek is available as supplements; I was so happy but my joy was shortlived. It is not available in this country because no one buys it. And then, my pharmacist gave me a good idea "Why don't I make my own fenugreek supplements". So in a Phineas and Ferb manner I instinctively knew what I was going to do that day. Make my own herbal supplements.<br /><br />Anyway, I after about a month and a half I think it does help. I forgot to eat it for two days last week and my pumping session became a stressful event. Half an ounce to 1 1/2 oz only per session per breast. That was not enough for ever hungry baby Azry: he needs between 18 to 22 oz per day at the sitters. And when I resumed the supplements I managed to get 2 to 3 oz per breast per pumping session - this is after a day of re-starting.<br /><br />So, I still do hope I can achieve my intermediate target in breastfeeding i.e. Fully breastfeed till 1 year of age (I hope I do not need to buy formula milk at all). It is already 7 1/2 months but I am taking it one day at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-64761075722022950472011-12-01T09:08:00.003+08:002011-12-01T09:18:32.265+08:00Diving Log 2011For the past 1 year I haven't posted anything on my love of diving. The last diving trip I went was in July 2010 where my precious housing got flooded. Since then, no trips. It is plainly because I was pregnant and later delivered my first child in April this year. There were plans to dive in September when baby boy was about 5 months but was later scrapped as we realise that leaving him a whole day in the hotel with someone who does not look after him often is a bad idea. Bringing a infant to the island at a time when the weather changes and waves may be high was also not very ideal. Hence my abstinence from breathing compressed air in 2011.<br /><br />Hopefully, I can resume my passion in this coming year. It is possible with some major adjustment.<br />1. Baby sitter needs to come too (in this case granny)<br />2. Looks like no backpackers unless they have good rooms and fairly good facilities (for baby and the sitter)<br />3. The area is fairly accesible with no major transport issues<br /><br />So I am keeping my fingers crossed. 2012 here I come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-88437762546220364112011-08-14T07:05:00.002+08:002011-08-14T07:30:06.599+08:00Random thoughtsRemember the times when you were a kid many adults treat you as if you were invisible? The times when you line up at your favourite 'nasi ayam' stall and in the end a 'busy hurrying' adult cuts the line by saying she is in a rush and you ended waiting an extra 10 minutes because the so-called rushing adult had to have 10 packets of rice to go. Or the times when you asked someone whats going on and the answer is "you are a kid, you won't understand". Well, I sort of remembered the feeling when such a thing happened to me and hence I appreciate all those adults that makes me feel like an equal when such situation presented itself. One example of my favourite adult was the Hospital Kuala Lumpur rojak man <a href="http://bakawali.blogspot.com/2010/09/kuala-lumpurs-best-rojak-buah.html">(link)</a>.
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<br />Therefore, when my four-year old niece wanted to help out bathing my son and change his diaper I let her. She helped me with squirting the bath foam unto my hands, applying talcum powder all over baby Azry's body, helped to chose his outfit and also apply lotion on his limbs. She was grinning ear to ear when he was all ready and smelling so fresh and nice and proudly announced to everyone 'Kakak Aida tolong Azry mandi'.
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<br />Seeing her so happy makes me feel elated. Yes, kids have feelings too and by allowing her to help out makes her feel responsible and is part of the family.
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<br />Note: Not all is well as there was a bit of cleaning up to do after that; as although the talcum powder was meant to be on the baby loads ended up on the bed. That's the price I paid to get that cute grin and also cut a bit on the 'sibling-rivalry' (or should I say'cousin-rivalry) that she has been showing to the baby.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-10256711422652635792011-08-13T00:14:00.004+08:002011-08-13T01:38:11.207+08:00Modern Day Fountain of Youth?The fountain of youth was a legendary spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drink its waters. So many aspiring immortals and explorers in history set out to discover the location of this spring. The idea of just drinking a miracle water to keep oneself healthy and young without doing anything else is just too hard to resist. In this modern day such idea is still capturing the minds of many but in a different form. Today, instead of exploring the thick jungle of the Amazon the so-called fountain of youth presents itself at your doorstep in a nice expensive packaging with terms like the 'ultimate anti-oxidants'; 'anti-cancer'; miracle drink etcetera.
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<br />Being healthy is not just looking good externally i.e. it is not just being thin- though that is the main aim of many who purchase these expensive dietary drinks or supplements. Being healthy to me is being able to climb five flight of stairs without even breaking a sweat. Being healthy is able to run after your kid in the house without huffing and puffing away. It is the cardiovascular health that is important; the health of the pump that helps to sustain our life from the 4th weeks of life as a foetus till the last beat of our death. No amount of 'miracle water' or supplement can keep the heart healthy if it does not get it fair amount of exercise.
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<br />The 20minutes of exercise three times a week is the minimal effort that is needed to keep your heart in top condition. However, the thought of spending your precious time for yourself is so daunting that people rather go in throngs to establishment that advertise "..no injections, no exercise needed...". To the doctor the standard answer to a suggestion of exercise is " No time la doctor". Uh...duh!
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<br />Another aspect of healthy living is eating well. Supplements are only needed if you do not get sufficient amounts from your diet. Knowing your food and its health content is essential aspect of keeping yourself healthy; and knowing your portions and the healthier way of cooking is essential in preventing obesity. All of this requires effort which many are not willing to undertake. Takeout counters are much easier than making your own sandwich.However, I must admit I too love the occasional McDonald drivethru excursions especially after a long day in the operating theatre... I am only human after all.
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<br />Lastly, no amount of rejuvenating anti-oxidant drinks could counter the ill effects of smoking and alcohol. So if you are thinking of purchasing the expensive bottles of some miracle berries to offset your nicotine and ethanol intake, don't. It is better to just stop smoking and drinking; and it is cheaper too, it doesn't cost you a cent.
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<br />So to those who are thinking of asking me how to keep oneself healthy and vibrant and expects a shortcut way, please don't. Just go and watch the Biggest Loser and exercise with Jillian Micheals/Bob Harper. As they say in the show there are no shortcuts.
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<br />(Note: this is written as a response to my non medical friends who keep bugging me for some secret to keep oneself thin and healthy; and then annoying me by not following my advice and then asking me about some miracle drinks or supplements that they spent hundreds purchasing)
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-79024486653941927192011-08-10T07:32:00.003+08:002011-08-10T09:01:51.989+08:00Business as usualNext Monday I will be back at work after 4 months of leave (3 months maternity and one month of my accumulated leaves from last year). It is of mixed feelings going back but I actually miss working and operating. I will miss waking up late with my boy; I will miss the afternoon naps I have while feeding him; I will miss watching all the re-runs on the telly and so much more. It has been a good break after working for 12 years.
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<br />However, I am eager to get back into the OT. My fingers and hands have been itching to fix something or more accurately someone who is broken. It has been a long time since I truely operated as an orthopod. It has been a year. Ever since I got pregnant I have been on 'light duty' and I had to stay away from the usual trauma cases. This is because majority of the 'usual' orthopaedic surgeries requires image intensifier (II) which uses radiation, which may be detrimental to a developing foetus. In cases which I had to come in, it became a bit more lengthy as I had to leave the OR when it was time to use the II. And in other cases like hip and knee surgeries which required brute strength, my concerned boss would ask me to just assist as he is worried my gynae Mei Lin would scold him if the exertion causes premature contractions or worst case scenario an abortion. So for the past 1 year I end up supervising the MOs doing local cases; did most of the ward rounds and the paper work; and stayed more in the clinics.
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<br />So come Monday, it will be back to the usual business and oh boy... I would have loads of patients in the clinic - so many people have been waiting for me to come back and has been postponing their appointments since 4 months ago.Oh boy!
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-6550242862955787982011-07-15T13:45:00.007+08:002011-07-26T18:08:23.460+08:00Aida and Ariff Cameron Adventure<p align="justify">Cameron Highlands has long been a favourite holiday destination for my family. It was a huge treat for us kids ad my dad always dream of having a plot of land there. So last weekend most of the family headed uphill to enjoy the cool highland temperature. My dad was estatic as he had all his 3 grandchildren to accompany him. I am not sure if the two youngest realise the difference of environment as Azry is only 3 months old and Ariff just turned one. However, for Aida who will be four this is her third or 4th time in Cameron and she already had her 'plans' of what to see.<br /><br />Aida's to do list for Cameron was:<br />See Strawberry farm(eating strawberries was not as she said they were too sour :)<br />Visit tea plantation and eat scones and jam (actually that is atuk's plan)<br />Go to see the bee farm (and see the bees buzzing around)<br />Feel the coldness<br />And see the flowers and insects</p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkQqWO6isgmwV_WpzfDBzEwswY2oXSH9CYWdphYZNoXh0yvJwrQhe91HlKvYnflujcmXI3E1XvcG3alJRIU4nSaoTfHnrTo8oNmtdDtXQtAHzp0lv5OxJNSa0i757H7RQjTCZ/s1600/cameron5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630190927713407106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkQqWO6isgmwV_WpzfDBzEwswY2oXSH9CYWdphYZNoXh0yvJwrQhe91HlKvYnflujcmXI3E1XvcG3alJRIU4nSaoTfHnrTo8oNmtdDtXQtAHzp0lv5OxJNSa0i757H7RQjTCZ/s400/cameron5.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>'having tea with atuk at Boh's tea house'<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2xT2Qhyphenhyphen0xAPuLYkFjPOIeg6z1Z0-yBQoZRZLxRC1C1SdKEUDi9208TUlJ6NHXmHkuqc59nvMZlhJeBGs34V4ILz1z-G7Vb53aY0sx4AhDeG5Q9JwP2oyDjA6XSy9V-j5lfGZ/s1600/cameron4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630190921380838658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2xT2Qhyphenhyphen0xAPuLYkFjPOIeg6z1Z0-yBQoZRZLxRC1C1SdKEUDi9208TUlJ6NHXmHkuqc59nvMZlhJeBGs34V4ILz1z-G7Vb53aY0sx4AhDeG5Q9JwP2oyDjA6XSy9V-j5lfGZ/s400/cameron4.jpg" /></a><br />'Trigona bees at the Bee Farm'</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3owQKBB-vpCOhLeuf_GvuyMxiNeguPmilYmk4zQsx7qplSc7GRIS2L1HOOxHMX54mr0HyoAMdgGcGJslxoV1yMKaVaszDMKBNlvrEvFLKmZMMhSJ0MKrc4MPdB4UQ0FERvrY/s1600/cameron3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630190924773226370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3owQKBB-vpCOhLeuf_GvuyMxiNeguPmilYmk4zQsx7qplSc7GRIS2L1HOOxHMX54mr0HyoAMdgGcGJslxoV1yMKaVaszDMKBNlvrEvFLKmZMMhSJ0MKrc4MPdB4UQ0FERvrY/s400/cameron3.jpg" /></a> 'Having a closer look'<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMB8ExoXcIzDDDgopvgf6rcMpQ7_LQkNmEW4KIwXwSln34lYtzQ8WojNDUXTi8VED-rAwd5fpdVIkSqwrXe_cyMGZ8KlS115zebXff3eEsaHtmj2vEX5l3yaAwurTAOfw6HAy/s1600/cameron2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630190919523007378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMB8ExoXcIzDDDgopvgf6rcMpQ7_LQkNmEW4KIwXwSln34lYtzQ8WojNDUXTi8VED-rAwd5fpdVIkSqwrXe_cyMGZ8KlS115zebXff3eEsaHtmj2vEX5l3yaAwurTAOfw6HAy/s400/cameron2.jpg" /></a>''Rock and cacti garden at Al Mashoor'<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="justify">We stayed at the at Dr Ayob's house in Kampung Sedia homestay. It was a 3 bedroom kampung house with 1 bathroom, 1 toilet and a fully equipped kitchen. Surrounding the house are strawberry farms and vegetable plots. They were just planting cabbages when we arrive hence no photos of fully grown vege to show.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>This time around we decided not to go to Brinchang which is higher up as the jam was ridiculous. We thought by coming non peak season there would be no jam but then according to the locals the jams were a normal occurance every weekend and it becomes massive during peak seasons. </p><br /><br /><br /><p>Places visited this time </p><br /><br /><p>Ladang Boh Sg Cheding (Habu)</p><br /><br /><p>Bee Farm (Habu)</p><br /><br /><p>Strawberry PYO in Kg Sedia (Opah Strawberries and jams) which had really amazing strawberry muffins and also strawberry acar....and Al Mashoor</p><br /><br /><p>Ijan went to Bharat Tea - apparently they have the best scones ever!</p><br /><br /><p>Mom went up to the market and pasar malam (jam was over by 9pm)<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>Anyway, the find of the trip was the strawberry 'acar' (pickle). So sedap it really reminds me of Kak Nuzi's acar buah (It has been a year since she passed on)</p><br /></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630203023349696962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_GIuIxoBOkyjNyu_imlhbaeiSde6GxsrvAZnQd0RJVy_fq1RLNr6-7dAG4VuTgsAkhSxUQeOk1nOaRme3QrW0XsLK8M630bpKlMY9BxEoNPlLCboGYxTVfxNBQgt6K5K4Q3W/s400/camerongrp.jpg" />"The gang"<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUnneMcXVTUi7GqhVZCOviHhci8L-aHt1AusLSrPtPm3ayW1c9hsa9XGvD0wBXsdqMJIu9KRfR7q08isH9T9lPoOgeBBmDf5b8KQs8_YLBmwYuAdcFyGZk2cLUtC4mcJLUXT2/s1600/cameron6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630203018256974626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUnneMcXVTUi7GqhVZCOviHhci8L-aHt1AusLSrPtPm3ayW1c9hsa9XGvD0wBXsdqMJIu9KRfR7q08isH9T9lPoOgeBBmDf5b8KQs8_YLBmwYuAdcFyGZk2cLUtC4mcJLUXT2/s400/cameron6.jpg" /></a> Aida and her 'au-pair' at the Tea Plantation<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3X4GMeGrzBVKKdGI4uFYESvdnTh1h0QJS_QkzBUo3ahyphenhyphenWMT35DoPYSDJ2ukNOxjo0v9Pyynzd_MR2rH0s2w1y9EOUOf7mdCQTharxHs86jAUnyFbS8MkJFuwwo3lzY4Jd8zH/s1600/Cameron1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630203016940631714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3X4GMeGrzBVKKdGI4uFYESvdnTh1h0QJS_QkzBUo3ahyphenhyphenWMT35DoPYSDJ2ukNOxjo0v9Pyynzd_MR2rH0s2w1y9EOUOf7mdCQTharxHs86jAUnyFbS8MkJFuwwo3lzY4Jd8zH/s400/Cameron1.jpg" /></a><br />Atuk , Ariff and Aida<br /><br />Though Azry is still too small to appreciate the trip the rest of us enjoyed the cooling break from the chaos of KL. As it is, mom is already thinking of the next trip up... this time hopefully Marina and Ode will join us.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-40314571965578657472011-06-20T10:02:00.000+08:002011-06-20T10:02:01.395+08:00<i>Evolution [ ev-uh-loo-shuhn ]any process of formation or growth; development]:any process of formation or growth; development <br />
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This blog has been neglected for a while. Past 1 1/2 years I have been busy with work, 2 miscariages, one 'successful' delivery hence lack of trips especially diving trips to update. My last dive was July 2010 to Redang and well, it is nearly a year and my gills are definitely dry. Hopefully, my next trip will be in September after the fasting month (keeping my fingers crossed!!)<br />
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Anyway, as my life is currently evolving at a fairly fast rate with new experiences and relationships I thought that a new blog title is warranted. UnderH2O Lover was a tribute to my love of diving and the ocean ecosystem but to create a new blog and leave this one idle would be definitely sad. This blog has made me a few good friends and I think has helped to enhance my poor writing capabilities. Therefore, keeping the blog and changing its title would be more logical and I feel the most apt title would be 'Evolution of My Life'. I hope I would not bore people with everyday mundane things but I do hope to document some aspect of my new experience as a mom. Gosh, writing the word mom do sound a bit surreal but yup I am a mommy.<br />
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So, welcome to 'Evolution of My Life'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-37278011881757419372011-02-17T21:38:00.005+08:002011-02-17T22:57:45.083+08:00Life Goes On - Part OneLife has its weird twists and turns when you least expect it. Three years ago when I was a happily 'confirmed bachelorette' suddenly someone pops into my life making me re-evaluate my state of happiness. A few months later I was undoubtedly hitched and a new chapter emerged.<br /><br />Two was definitely better than one as not only I have a life partner, I had a travel and diving buddy all rolled into one. It wasn't without hitches I must say. After being single and free for a long time I was almost set in my ways. Having to think bout the other half and compromising was the difficult part (and I was a difficult person) but we have managed so far.<br /><br />After a while, the honeymoon phase ended and the next phase started. Trying to conceive we thought should be the next step in our evolving relationship.<br /><br />It was a difficult time for me. First, I wasn't sure at mid-thirties I would be able to get pregnant so easily. And with me having exposed to radiation at work makes me think it might be a uphill task. So I was set in my mind not to worry if it never happens. Then the inevitable happened, two magenta lines on a pregnancy strip test confirmed our suspicions. At that time, I was elated but at the same time apprehensive. Whoa... suddenly the reality of being responsible and less self centered hit me and I was overwhelmed. It may have been the hormones but I wasn't sure that it was entirely due to that. I remembered I kept reminding myself that a third of pregnancies do not get past the 1st trimester (just in case something unwanted happens) My merman was rock solid and surprisingly took every ounce of doubt I had and converted it into a wall of support.<br /><br />However, the joyous feeling turned into state of uncertainty by the end of the 7th week. I had not much pregnancy symptoms apart form my missed period. But having gynecologists as friends ensured me to an early ultrasound scan at the 5th week and subsequently at 9th week. At that point, the fetal sac looked suspiciously unhealthy and they still had not detected the fetal heart. Since I was a fellow physician and friend no one wanted to be the bearer of bad news and they decided to give it a chance and wait another 2 weeks for re-scanning. At the 11th week it was confirmed that the fetus was non viable and I had a missed abortion. <br /><br />I was immediately admitted for a 'evacuation of products of conception' (ERPOC) that was done the very next day. That was the first time I went for any surgery, what an experience being on the receiving end of the operating theatre. It went well without any complications and by the evening, I was back at home resting. To tell the truth, at that time I had no feelings at all - three weeks of uncertainty had certainly prepared me for the worst.<br /><br />We went back to our normal routines and planned life ahead as usual. Three months later we were hopeful again. This time around, at five weeks a trans-vaginal ultrasound revealed what we never seen or heard before the fetal heart sound. This time around I was more 'careful': rested excessively, became a bit of a sloth by walking slowly and taking the lifts only, ate well and selectively and followed whatever people are telling us we shouldn't do.<br /><br />However, we still went on a planned holiday to Kota Kinabalu as we thought that a very slow paced leisurely holidays should be alright. No trekking, snorkelling nor diving was planned, just sight seeing in a car in KK and Kundasang. However, both of us fell sick with stomach flu and high fever. Back in KL I had light brownish stains and immediately went to see my gynae. Another scan with doppler was done and we were assured that it was still viable as the blood flow to the placenta was abundant. However, I was put on progesterone, just in case and was ordered to strictly rest at home. At that point, i was still having symptoms of stomach upset and resting was a bit hard as I had to go to the loo often. <br /><br />After a day of resting I suddenly had a severe stomach cramp and the staining turned into blood. Merman rushed me to the hospital and an immediate scan revealed that the foetus was no longer viable. Again, I was admitted for another ERPOC. At the ward, while changing clothes I suddenly felt a gush of fluid coming out with a huge lump falling into the toilet bowl. Although used to seeing blood I was shocked as it all came out of me.... It was a very dramatic moment.<br /><br />A nurse came to assist and she took out the lump from the toilet bowl. It was the size of an orange. I saw the placenta with a bean-like shaped fetus attached to it. it was so surreal. A scan and vaginal examination revealed that the abortion was complete and I indeed do not need another surgery.<br /><br />At that point we were both thinking of where we went wrong. This time it was sad. We saw signs of life and how it perished. I was more emotionally affected this time around. However, apart from my close circle of people I chose not to talk to or inform anyone else about it. Being a realist I find it overbearing when people give their words of hopes and support. They usually mean well, but my brain is just not wired to perceive it that way. It annoys and irritate me. I coped by allowing myself to grieve for a while and after that just decided to let things be and just go with the flow. <br /><br />And indeed it is true, life does go on......Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-54349941807385839642010-09-18T17:55:00.003+08:002010-09-18T18:18:11.791+08:00Kuala Lumpur's Best Rojak Buah<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobr95Xx5qR8f4jwgIky07IWeEy2FgErxYTgk-uUF1CRvURr5GfbUwxJ3X6LjI7OUxf8FJvG7td5scZMYsoHdVhL-5mOFfCiJI6VDcuUXUgyixRPrb3H4MRNSBsRQ97zKFLsjr/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobr95Xx5qR8f4jwgIky07IWeEy2FgErxYTgk-uUF1CRvURr5GfbUwxJ3X6LjI7OUxf8FJvG7td5scZMYsoHdVhL-5mOFfCiJI6VDcuUXUgyixRPrb3H4MRNSBsRQ97zKFLsjr/s320/IMG_8163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518191906575526178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The stall is located at the corner of Lorong Chow Kit 1 (In the background is the old A&W restaurant)<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Gy-HMsGg-z8SSBOckoyPfSnvqhe48-Dx4lMgQ_CUlTcM_J4v-yc3icwtCXt1cQty8sS25zooyJYPW0FzwmsDHAygehQwD84zrfO6-SsFVbrQe_aUuKLKCNtgBRRxUuhNY99/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Gy-HMsGg-z8SSBOckoyPfSnvqhe48-Dx4lMgQ_CUlTcM_J4v-yc3icwtCXt1cQty8sS25zooyJYPW0FzwmsDHAygehQwD84zrfO6-SsFVbrQe_aUuKLKCNtgBRRxUuhNY99/s320/IMG_8166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518191886599825394" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My favorite rojak man.. he makes each pack and eah kuah individually hence the long wait... but the taste<br /> have never changed for the past 30 years. I guess that must be his secret<br /><br /></span></div>For months I have been craving for my favourite 'rojak buah'. The old man selling them used to set up his stall in front of the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Pahang, just before the Pekeliling roundabout. I have been his customer since I was 6... well, initially I was mom's errand girl, standing in line to buy the delicious rojak.<br /><br />Apparently, since about a year he has changed his route, business hours and site... hence my failure to locate him the last 2 attempts. Anyway, someone told me to look near the old Federal cinema and to my delight there he is today. His stall is located at the corner of the old A&W (now a printing shop) at Lorong Chow Kit 1. As usual, the line was long and I booked my 7 packets of rojak before I went shopping.<br /><br />What is so good about his rojak? I can't explain but the kuah (gravy) is so thick and tasty plus the fruits are freshly cut just before you buy them... and on top of it, he puts fried chakoi....Hmmm....<br /><br />Another reason why I like the old man is he always give priority to those who come first. As a kid, I used to wait and wait for my turn and occasionally some adult who is in a rush would come and try to get him to serve them first instead of me. He would not argue but smile and continue to make my order first.... I guess the made even kids feel important!<br /><br />Anyway, because of this I am happy.... by the way who ever wants to try the BEST rojak buah in KL should see him at Lorong Chow Kit 1 ( his business hours is from 1.30pm till about 4pm).. Just be prepared to wait in line.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-77248298482011170972010-09-12T09:51:00.005+08:002010-09-12T10:35:38.672+08:00Chiengmai - The Leisure aspectAlthough I was in Chiengmai during puasa I managed to squeeze a few recreational activities during our free time.<br /><br />In a gist, Day One - we went to see some elephants (though if I was alone I might not want to spend 1200 Baht for the entrance fee). All of us felt cheesy but then the organiser did made an effort to keep us entertained. Later that evening, buka puasa was at the Night Market and after that the boys went berserk shopping.... who says boys don't know how to shop!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajmd3lisCzVbM-ItNB0q1qNWjTXvAA-oR9EQQjpFhRPETV7HX9j4gQZc7RZ028d81srdxUanrwi1ywTA5IYUK4TwNo9b200osqQOIBlEPbrHHrVvESUX9hUWU7awBwPka7Zut/s1600/CM6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajmd3lisCzVbM-ItNB0q1qNWjTXvAA-oR9EQQjpFhRPETV7HX9j4gQZc7RZ028d81srdxUanrwi1ywTA5IYUK4TwNo9b200osqQOIBlEPbrHHrVvESUX9hUWU7awBwPka7Zut/s400/CM6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515846733374385602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKiAd1NCHBU6VE-zyfjjAmCXl0ZRihigeihrZtKeR0kdLyz-G7UqXVcU4zD2q11Ga7eenKD5zaum95UaSeQtkUalzl5p7a-YV6q-mubuPIM6CpPsyzBHVlm_9crBxOVXQjqoM/s1600/CM5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKiAd1NCHBU6VE-zyfjjAmCXl0ZRihigeihrZtKeR0kdLyz-G7UqXVcU4zD2q11Ga7eenKD5zaum95UaSeQtkUalzl5p7a-YV6q-mubuPIM6CpPsyzBHVlm_9crBxOVXQjqoM/s400/CM5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515846728718749026" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajmd3lisCzVbM-ItNB0q1qNWjTXvAA-oR9EQQjpFhRPETV7HX9j4gQZc7RZ028d81srdxUanrwi1ywTA5IYUK4TwNo9b200osqQOIBlEPbrHHrVvESUX9hUWU7awBwPka7Zut/s1600/CM6.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKiAd1NCHBU6VE-zyfjjAmCXl0ZRihigeihrZtKeR0kdLyz-G7UqXVcU4zD2q11Ga7eenKD5zaum95UaSeQtkUalzl5p7a-YV6q-mubuPIM6CpPsyzBHVlm_9crBxOVXQjqoM/s1600/CM5.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLGab0qy5wIfbm1UFFLW6kLzxMd6KrokwWjNcU_GPimGX7pZChbTQ8uL0K4e4DJg_3zzjBfdQbvrgqtVClXYIpLCqC9KJd222gZQ9FQMYr6_Oar3_NbAtAUmirsPzY49Cub9g/s1600/CM4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLGab0qy5wIfbm1UFFLW6kLzxMd6KrokwWjNcU_GPimGX7pZChbTQ8uL0K4e4DJg_3zzjBfdQbvrgqtVClXYIpLCqC9KJd222gZQ9FQMYr6_Oar3_NbAtAUmirsPzY49Cub9g/s400/CM4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515846719103369650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXnSAvfXC_-v-kgvAyA9zOUynuN4pUWDd2SV9MpEX5XKVYVxxL4rwuyTTu0fn_DPNPR_focxK2IKKYXppHusNYIDYMMgmerwj_2zdMVfDv8Nhwoe_Er1T9E_b8L3-ctqUamHB/s1600/CM3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXnSAvfXC_-v-kgvAyA9zOUynuN4pUWDd2SV9MpEX5XKVYVxxL4rwuyTTu0fn_DPNPR_focxK2IKKYXppHusNYIDYMMgmerwj_2zdMVfDv8Nhwoe_Er1T9E_b8L3-ctqUamHB/s400/CM3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515846711594823266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv_qsK9BHIoPXbgQKG5YyyQFnFb3C6N6gs5mPa0KXh2DcJN7IyboG3ovNsoWiwqhcXqTZMeVSqrG0THvdjVQxGlRGOL4t6wvcQpMb7NXN71FEqbdyHSPxwjEaM4aCmjhJgKp3/s1600/CM1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv_qsK9BHIoPXbgQKG5YyyQFnFb3C6N6gs5mPa0KXh2DcJN7IyboG3ovNsoWiwqhcXqTZMeVSqrG0THvdjVQxGlRGOL4t6wvcQpMb7NXN71FEqbdyHSPxwjEaM4aCmjhJgKp3/s400/CM1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515846704978259138" border="0" /></a><br />Day two, first day of course. At night was the Course Dinner at a seafood joint. Initially planned to go shopping again but I overate (Gluttony!!!) and thus went back to the hotel and slept. (sheesh)<br /><br />Day three, workshop ended early. Initial plan was to go out at about 5pm and walk around. Came down to the lobby and none were around. The others apparently felt tired and wanted to laze by the pool and jacuzzi... Oh ya, did I mentioned we stayed at this very, very nice hotel - <a href="http://kantaryhillschiangmai.com/">Kantari Hills Hotel and service apartments</a> which has great facilities. I would not mind coming again here<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOWe2J1hZtZZdMayECSkNOXRKRpACeYpJ_Nj4ikcycNYLGUlPs35kdZ1bOuxo5FcMGnSv_JL_dim-sNeYwNQqJnKGRI33x8mUvv8z-bJZG3rQwJZccXZQF_C2Yiu47tYQCG34/s1600/CM11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOWe2J1hZtZZdMayECSkNOXRKRpACeYpJ_Nj4ikcycNYLGUlPs35kdZ1bOuxo5FcMGnSv_JL_dim-sNeYwNQqJnKGRI33x8mUvv8z-bJZG3rQwJZccXZQF_C2Yiu47tYQCG34/s400/CM11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515847330879190114" border="0" /></a><br />And so, the hyper me went off walking from our hotel to the northern part of the ring road and later reach the Night Market just by the time nearing breaking fast. Actually I cheated a bit; after about 3/4 of the distance I was a wee bit tired and I hailed the red cab (that charges flat rate of 20 Baht). Anyway, found a muslim hawker and bought some food there.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5CeIrBmJOepH5P31I8jDAacZkr0VLpLTf1gBGLD1eil6hezqOkECV2vswt2kd2bXZif-64Ys1r16OoOVNgkHXMKR9Bih6ucoJPp0gSXhGgF1GxQ2eFBVwIvzN4dhuzzZcQIh/s1600/CM9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5CeIrBmJOepH5P31I8jDAacZkr0VLpLTf1gBGLD1eil6hezqOkECV2vswt2kd2bXZif-64Ys1r16OoOVNgkHXMKR9Bih6ucoJPp0gSXhGgF1GxQ2eFBVwIvzN4dhuzzZcQIh/s400/CM9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515847313857198834" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7_m8AV8XsxAdeT7ewYAkPCYKhDQVZtb2tdF6LbV_9hqLHbc63IO3JP_DRLQWCtKlXMm2pOLHknx7m4AAiH1p7fq2PfAsQ7Jh9YA1o2lztslhxX8YlE7i0eVzx8lCgaDM3iMc/s1600/CM8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7_m8AV8XsxAdeT7ewYAkPCYKhDQVZtb2tdF6LbV_9hqLHbc63IO3JP_DRLQWCtKlXMm2pOLHknx7m4AAiH1p7fq2PfAsQ7Jh9YA1o2lztslhxX8YlE7i0eVzx8lCgaDM3iMc/s400/CM8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515847304926686050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Temple seen at the northern ring road - note the silver and gold tree at each side; reminds me of the times the Malacca government used to send 'duit emas' as protection money to the Siam empire</span></span><br /><br /></div>Later i went for a massage for 30mins of relaxing back and shoulder massage I paid 80Baht(CHEAP!!!!) ; by the way if only costs 120 Baht or 200 Baht for an hour or two respectively.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkvZHhBL3gS1yjREcNFNyYRGDJV3cMUW_YJq8lUy_yy0w-6e5Are5JyBmOIykI7W1-xeUjnTyLAH5jyxSmmWspNXTPR0HQUWBYz1om5luPVNuvbqReizVgta2lZMC3DYqfBeI/s1600/CM10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkvZHhBL3gS1yjREcNFNyYRGDJV3cMUW_YJq8lUy_yy0w-6e5Are5JyBmOIykI7W1-xeUjnTyLAH5jyxSmmWspNXTPR0HQUWBYz1om5luPVNuvbqReizVgta2lZMC3DYqfBeI/s400/CM10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515847318953261426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This paper shop in the Night Market have loads of handmade textured papers that is not so expensive. My favorite find of the day!</span></span><br /></div><br />And then, I went on a shopping spree. Bought unique hand made stuff like hair clips, key holders, handphone charms. I must say, the market in Chiengmai have more unique stuff; loads of ideas that I enjoyed seeing. I must plan my next trip there soon... and this time it is only for a holiday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-85060568068796723232010-09-11T09:00:00.001+08:002010-09-12T09:46:43.367+08:00The Cadaveric Workshop -ChiengmaiThe past few days I was in Chiengmai attending a cadaveric course on arthoplasty. This is my 2nd cadaveric course the first was the MIPO (Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis) course in 2008 in University Malaya.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVU7gXn3eU8yjaVU8trhf9lBTuE5pCfk9oaWlsbjwZ2oNZ7O5v4iGtsuBswAF3K9b4nELxcKGXzaPLhmYQJ4KpPpoGWJvuNH0av347CcGcmCbykZHu7D3QKP52UU4jnhLSXuM/s1600/CMHosp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVU7gXn3eU8yjaVU8trhf9lBTuE5pCfk9oaWlsbjwZ2oNZ7O5v4iGtsuBswAF3K9b4nELxcKGXzaPLhmYQJ4KpPpoGWJvuNH0av347CcGcmCbykZHu7D3QKP52UU4jnhLSXuM/s400/CMHosp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515835563648338418" border="0" /></a><br />Outside the cadaveric Workshop (aka disecction hall)<br /><br /><br /></div>This course was jointly organised by University Malaya Orthopaedic Department (Arthroplasty Unit) with University of Chiengmai. It had only 9 participants hence the hands on workshop was excellent with one on one guidance by the facilitators.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK5WSFru1sA_VMGYeFfSuHOtsec0_vR2OFBdeJie71spQNUnGN1mD3WG6ViWprMCFx53-784N-1Zd0mA4EgIHkgediVNIaG5Wa3GptPJy9mcFwR4Pb0YkEVrMOFKC8658kv9K/s1600/CMHosp3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK5WSFru1sA_VMGYeFfSuHOtsec0_vR2OFBdeJie71spQNUnGN1mD3WG6ViWprMCFx53-784N-1Zd0mA4EgIHkgediVNIaG5Wa3GptPJy9mcFwR4Pb0YkEVrMOFKC8658kv9K/s400/CMHosp3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515835576350460114" border="0" /></a><br />The participants and facilitators<br /></div><br />Cadaveric disection workshop is an integral part of enhancing a surgeon's skills and Department of Orthopaedic Chiengmai University have been organising similar workshops since 4 years ago. It helps the surgeon to appreciate the anatomy with relation to the surgeries or procedures they are practising to perfect.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The bodies were donated by the people themselves for the purpose of helping doctors improve their skills. They were treated with great care and respect and it is no surprising that the cadavers were nickname 'grandmaster' by those who benefited from their use. At the end of the day, the bodies are given a royal burial with blessing from the King for contribution to the nation's future.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M2q27hEJBamjf0dS9hZa6mnOfBVByvVtmZma73WdSolmKb2Z9z2NT_EQImRDblzYywlKwFyD1DgiaZ41ncFZ9AH2bMz49P7EWX3EryjET7tsSXlqm3C0cYa0ItHGuIlkNHF3/s1600/CMHosp2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M2q27hEJBamjf0dS9hZa6mnOfBVByvVtmZma73WdSolmKb2Z9z2NT_EQImRDblzYywlKwFyD1DgiaZ41ncFZ9AH2bMz49P7EWX3EryjET7tsSXlqm3C0cYa0ItHGuIlkNHF3/s400/CMHosp2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515835571744403394" border="0" /></a><br />I assume this means 'Department of Orthopaedics'<br />Everything was in Thai. Thank god we had our 'tour guide'<br /></div><br />As a sign of respect, we were asked to observe a moment of silence prior to the workshop session. It is such a great sacrifice by these people and one cannot help but feel humbled by the whole experience.<br /><br />I was glad I went and kudos to the arthroplasty unit UMMC for the great leap forward.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-71767416499930060532010-07-13T01:13:00.010+08:002010-07-13T18:20:26.454+08:00Pale as DeathPale as death is used to describe sickly people who are not in their 'pink of health'. I always thought that it was pretty gruesome way to tell someone they are unhealthy and may be nearing 'death'.<br /><br />For one, I never thought that phrase can be used elsewhere, well, until now.<br /><br />Over the weekend I went to dive in Redang Island. Redang for me for me used to be synonym with the Gipsy Divers and that was where the love started. The love for Redang wonderful and diverse underwater realm. And so when the Gipsies left for greener pastures I was left with no place to hang out in the idyllic island.<br /><br />And so, it has been one and a half year since I was in Redang. I returned this weekend to rekindle my love for the place. I stayed at the village in the local 'homestay' and dived with Berjaya Resort Dive Centre. I did a total of 5 dives; one on the first day and four on the 2nd (however, the last can be considered as almost a non-dive as it is at the depth of 3-5m only).<br /><br />We went to Holysand, Stinger Reef, ,Pulau Lima and Carmello's Cave (near Berjaya). The underwater life is as usual wonderful; more nudibranches and critters were seen during the dives. However, the state of the corals was depressing. And that brings us to the mortality issue.<br /><br />Our first dive we visited Holysand, a sandy dive site without any corals. There was a newly sunk wreck and that was heavenly.<br /><br />Only the second day I realise that there are obvious 'changes' in underwater Redang. Everytime, as I descent into the water I was greeted with patches of whites - ivory white corals i.e. DEAD CORALS. Some although still alive are showing signs of dying; pale and lifeless.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AoN99Jc13fLoiEqu0OlYvIoql615FeWprlgTdc0xBO6IThQX0R1wb91wDPvJzxC8joOO8MY8nqNf82hnuarrWm1TBtWCQUKbNEauht1tWzRWSYJAknoUs7uM-zIwcaUXJtmf/s1600/IMG_4987small.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AoN99Jc13fLoiEqu0OlYvIoql615FeWprlgTdc0xBO6IThQX0R1wb91wDPvJzxC8joOO8MY8nqNf82hnuarrWm1TBtWCQUKbNEauht1tWzRWSYJAknoUs7uM-zIwcaUXJtmf/s400/IMG_4987small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493323553332518690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbKfiK_2i3VX48pdoh2axcaWJ_lsvn7LN2A_DgmxpBquBeI5fSZ8GTJG8KbTW9g57cc2YT_6gCRQMX_sa10SevLOWGszQKs6U1B-9dza32ZG27li3EwaeWQz7WUGMWvP7dz8k/s1600/IMG_4986small.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbKfiK_2i3VX48pdoh2axcaWJ_lsvn7LN2A_DgmxpBquBeI5fSZ8GTJG8KbTW9g57cc2YT_6gCRQMX_sa10SevLOWGszQKs6U1B-9dza32ZG27li3EwaeWQz7WUGMWvP7dz8k/s400/IMG_4986small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493323526681253746" border="0" /></a>WHITE CORALS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUp8jZvwvi0Xh9V7IiiLmGzMKXxXHGJ-JG6VOKxcf-MLNWga-ETwPczoTjll27NlxWPAz6TI6hNYgklnpKTvBsVtlmAqWGGPd6mwet7dZsB2JKi-3x1QM6-Bv5z1I-vxsDxjv/s1600/IMG_5129small.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUp8jZvwvi0Xh9V7IiiLmGzMKXxXHGJ-JG6VOKxcf-MLNWga-ETwPczoTjll27NlxWPAz6TI6hNYgklnpKTvBsVtlmAqWGGPd6mwet7dZsB2JKi-3x1QM6-Bv5z1I-vxsDxjv/s400/IMG_5129small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493323538922954162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbKfiK_2i3VX48pdoh2axcaWJ_lsvn7LN2A_DgmxpBquBeI5fSZ8GTJG8KbTW9g57cc2YT_6gCRQMX_sa10SevLOWGszQKs6U1B-9dza32ZG27li3EwaeWQz7WUGMWvP7dz8k/s1600/IMG_4986small.jpg"><br /></a><br />This table coral peripheries are white and 'bleached'. Is it dying?<br /><br /><br />Even the anemone were sickly looking. The bright red anemone was pale pink when compared to the bright colour of the tomato anemone fish. This is true for the other species, I have always loved taking photos of the anemone and its fishes and so I would know the difference.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiPAaCfXrziMID_aJpq6aRBpY0H4o3TDPsQBcuWwCrG_lXE0tb0Huejq-5ZTIeOFBElM_Zbs8a4t42QF6smO-WWVZ6qvfWTYjWe8yoAEY5KdhV2sS-caOfqKaSIquE9P8OCpU/s1600/IMG_5019anemone+small.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiPAaCfXrziMID_aJpq6aRBpY0H4o3TDPsQBcuWwCrG_lXE0tb0Huejq-5ZTIeOFBElM_Zbs8a4t42QF6smO-WWVZ6qvfWTYjWe8yoAEY5KdhV2sS-caOfqKaSIquE9P8OCpU/s400/IMG_5019anemone+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493326070592224306" border="0" /></a>The anemone is a very distinct pale yellow. I have never encountered this before and initially thought it was a different species.<br /></div><br /><br />I do not know what may be the cause but there are many possiblities that come into mind.<br /><br />Can it be due to the global warming? During our dives the water temperature was 30-31 degrees higher 1-2 degrees when compared to 28-29 degrees 2 years back.<br /><br />Or can it be due to the numerous resorts and development in the island? I can see some part of the island being cleared for 'development'; and this is despite the development BAN that was highlighted a year ago in the local news. For one,I saw a new 'posh' resort on Long Beach that can accommodate more than 300 people. And in the kampung there are so many 'homestays' that are sprouting to meet the local demands.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4loL4QMwaed0AeWTkyq3aKsCpDXcyfr20o6CWMUZxSMcND2uRJkjw_Bk0XoNnM9cWslZkiJ-tYhSJo6w9Wc-96Jeso1UzpoWsnqhhQGaj-D40ncfIgBtCuk0aAkvYGiL0MXgo/s1600/sari+pacifica.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4loL4QMwaed0AeWTkyq3aKsCpDXcyfr20o6CWMUZxSMcND2uRJkjw_Bk0XoNnM9cWslZkiJ-tYhSJo6w9Wc-96Jeso1UzpoWsnqhhQGaj-D40ncfIgBtCuk0aAkvYGiL0MXgo/s400/sari+pacifica.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493326794368860162" border="0" /></a><br />The newly opened Sari Pacifica<br /><br /></div><br />Or is it because the place is now so accessible that the number of people visiting and of course the amount of sewerage and rubbish have increased exponentially that the underwater ecosystem cannot adapt? Previously Redang is only accesible via jetty in Merang and visitors have to make prior bookings at resorts or home stays before they were allowed passage to the island. However, this changed in 2006 when the Syahbandar Jetty in Kuala Trengganu opened ferry services to the island during non monsoon season.<br /><br />Whatever the reason I can only speculate but something need to be done. The recent government outburst on banning 'al-cheapo' visitors definitely is a joke. The huge and expensive resorts i.e Berjaya, Laguna and the new Sari Pacifica can at one time host about 1500 guests; still a huge quantity of people. And EXPENSIVE guests does not mean QUALITY guests; during one of my dives a diver staying in the Berjaya Resort (where a room would cost RM 900 per room per night according to their front desk) was seen ascending uncontrollably into the water destroying several corals in her path. It was such a tragedy!<br /><br />Note: The dives for me were great and I had lovely photos of the 'living' underwater world. That will be put up in my next post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-83531009255178552422010-07-04T20:09:00.002+08:002010-07-04T20:16:44.240+08:00Getting Wet Again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqWykJuk5f1XTHmmYdva_dL2t9ocF5u75FMXkS7IUPIz_yzjL2fqArEO9mnjh36JImNejUIrRaVAGQFKqEdg-SP6oPtkjQwfsXAmg4_3uoKFD0dOTT8wituW3Zr2JuGM3Ad0_/s1600/anemone2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqWykJuk5f1XTHmmYdva_dL2t9ocF5u75FMXkS7IUPIz_yzjL2fqArEO9mnjh36JImNejUIrRaVAGQFKqEdg-SP6oPtkjQwfsXAmg4_3uoKFD0dOTT8wituW3Zr2JuGM3Ad0_/s400/anemone2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490023697540179010" /></a><br />In 6 days time I will be underwater again. It has been 6 months since my last dive. And it will be my 36th birthday when I am there. Whether this is my 6th time there, I don't think so... I have been there more times (I think).<br /><br /><br />I can't wait. My gills are dried out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-47443973472829581002010-05-25T16:32:00.002+08:002010-05-25T16:35:49.154+08:00Relay For Life - Cancer Never Sleeps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ydr14ma0s_3o6lIC-2ZjUbgRIaNUuC74zgGDPH6FzY53nAeP_FCUjDXo8W_krEE5WFfAOYBfUdciYfaxbKbqD_OWhjmVuDCAjjSuhkyYGajntKau3UlWuAqKfEGtVp9Jd6iY/s1600/mosaicedade9265a09307c0127d16e87695d5945689cf9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ydr14ma0s_3o6lIC-2ZjUbgRIaNUuC74zgGDPH6FzY53nAeP_FCUjDXo8W_krEE5WFfAOYBfUdciYfaxbKbqD_OWhjmVuDCAjjSuhkyYGajntKau3UlWuAqKfEGtVp9Jd6iY/s400/mosaicedade9265a09307c0127d16e87695d5945689cf9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475119144173093602" /></a><br /><br />My dearest friend is working for the National Cancer Society and has been part of the organising team for Relay for Life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXHPvsYjwJ1eXunExJvlTIN1bSUh9DfUnU174ZchjtSc6we5FhRgurp-x_XYwIzfbTgmCsG59CLlP_VBiVBR02Eip4RWVOTVxJl4CjviBDrUTB-sAX2GVA8lUJ8_GXfxYvxx9/s1600/banner2_RFL2010.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXHPvsYjwJ1eXunExJvlTIN1bSUh9DfUnU174ZchjtSc6we5FhRgurp-x_XYwIzfbTgmCsG59CLlP_VBiVBR02Eip4RWVOTVxJl4CjviBDrUTB-sAX2GVA8lUJ8_GXfxYvxx9/s400/banner2_RFL2010.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475120835343807154" /></a><br /><br />Last year we joined in the crowd in the activities organised. This year I thought I would do something different. I made some crafts for the association to sell. All proceeds goes to the Relay for Life fund.<br /><br />I made tote bags, handphone pouches and handphone charms. I hope they sell (fingers crossed)<br /><br />I hope people would attend the event as it shows our support and empathy to cancer patients, survivors and their families.<br /><br />For more information on Relay for Life, visit the National Cancer Society website <a href="http://www.kaconsulting.com.my/cancer.org.my/">(here)</a><br /><br />Note: Since this is such a big and important event I decided to post the same entry in both my <a href="http://www.bakawali-craft.blogspot.com">craft </a>and this blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-4066501459107885672010-05-12T22:46:00.009+08:002010-05-13T07:56:08.391+08:00KK GetawayIt was almost a last minute planning for my Kota Kinabalu trip. Although the flight tickets were bought 8 months ahead initially it was for a diving trip. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances the trip had to be cancelled and I was left with the paid flights.<br /><br />Although this is my 4th visit here I never had the chance to explore the area, land exploration especially. I have dived twice at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park but then I have already decided this should be a land tour and so diving is definitely out!<br /><br />Our first stop was the Tamu Jalan Gaya. It is situated right in town about 20m from the Tourist Center. There are a lot of wares peddled catering for both locals and tourists. <br /><br /><br /><br />Animals on sale (different types of tortoises, dogs, fishes, cats etc)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6GW3DFU_-HEoCqolh8yk-cr_mQfJ7mbLttUmJ5BJ2_h8HBAZejkRa59UK8tshtTQk_bk9wiGNqZPEzM2SyXFcp5UyGzTW1Xz-r7-LVc1ZQhf3Q1igbLYQuCWZnmnRF2ijMHn/s1600/mosaic5ad16f3ed82a7e07798a8923da6fd53ccc2c2edc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6GW3DFU_-HEoCqolh8yk-cr_mQfJ7mbLttUmJ5BJ2_h8HBAZejkRa59UK8tshtTQk_bk9wiGNqZPEzM2SyXFcp5UyGzTW1Xz-r7-LVc1ZQhf3Q1igbLYQuCWZnmnRF2ijMHn/s400/mosaic5ad16f3ed82a7e07798a8923da6fd53ccc2c2edc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470534428060573362" /></a><br /><br />Most popular stall - local ground coffee<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgkviUiXcXklkeqI5qYP4EYhS3ndw4R7cLNpFe0cyfuy0ZW4Xsuvcc1ZD8r2-kCCotIpzNdNUZdMVGeILT7U9cmMml-ADvebQ7u4JXTXXSyVKw7Y7gcagDl4LIGeED_LBlKxY/s1600/Kundasang+054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgkviUiXcXklkeqI5qYP4EYhS3ndw4R7cLNpFe0cyfuy0ZW4Xsuvcc1ZD8r2-kCCotIpzNdNUZdMVGeILT7U9cmMml-ADvebQ7u4JXTXXSyVKw7Y7gcagDl4LIGeED_LBlKxY/s400/Kundasang+054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470532121560518722" /></a><br /><br />On sale - natural loofah, local basket-ware, antiquities.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1VZbidzwYbzUElWLto2zbeNPJdAITpx-awcBDxusSIUAQ8d7WMx1_Y_AwIGIO7Bz5Yg9MlyObR2CNjyBp_8VVwKLZvNFUNQCj2W7KDQ3hBMpQnRFB8MxsG96fM1OKYT3sXY9/s1600/mosaica81b0f88ffcd081980658ca15eedbc3ba5586db8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1VZbidzwYbzUElWLto2zbeNPJdAITpx-awcBDxusSIUAQ8d7WMx1_Y_AwIGIO7Bz5Yg9MlyObR2CNjyBp_8VVwKLZvNFUNQCj2W7KDQ3hBMpQnRFB8MxsG96fM1OKYT3sXY9/s400/mosaica81b0f88ffcd081980658ca15eedbc3ba5586db8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470536247894570194" /></a><br /><br />In summary it is a 'pasar malam' with a few unique finds.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-59404700836706884322010-03-25T01:15:00.005+08:002010-03-25T01:49:39.897+08:00Cukai 2009It is tax time again. LHDN has announced that 30th April 2010 is the last date to submit your tax forms. The bad thing of being a government servant is that you cannot lie about your income plus mine was cut monthly under the PCB. I have to do the tax filling carefully to ensure I am not charged more than needed. As usual I will do mine online.<br /><br />This year search and research on tax at the LHDN <a href="http://www.hasil.gov.my">site </a>revealed several interesting super-saving facts:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tax Exemption</span><br />Leave passage<br /><br />Leave passage within Malaysia not exceeding three times in a year and one leave passage outside Malaysia not exceeding RM3000<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tax Relief<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />Purchase of books, journals and magazines 1,000 (Limited)<br />Purchase of personal computer 3,000 (Limited)<br />Purchase of sport equipment for sport activities 300 (Limited)<br />Subscription fees for broadband registered in the name of the individual 500 (Limited)<br /><br /><br />Ah, now I have to dig for receipts of my holidays and diving equipments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-23799227449575765992010-03-05T00:34:00.008+08:002010-03-05T01:14:45.699+08:00Small changeA businesswoman?<br /><br />I am definitely not one. But surprisingly this week I actually sold some things I made. Yup, sold some of the craft I made.<br /><br />It has been a long journey with my first ever craft book was one called 'Make and Do'. The book taught me how to become a hoarder as it uses everyday item to be converted into gift etc. Over the years my collection of craft books (stamping, origami, paper mache and others) have grown and so have my 'collection' of junks.<br /><br />Lately I have gone crazy making handphone pouches for myself. And in between I was experimenting with making yo-yo embellishments for to go with them. And finally a wonderful balance was found and I had the perfect combination to make my wristlets look unique.<br /><br />And since my R&D craft needed constructive critique I decided to bring them to the office. And that is how four wristlets got sold :). And thus my craft fund is finally off the ground.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhFfvgHK6Ti6s3YCBtLgtC3bQcSiWtIrKLTt-vdo7Db3vtTmNDogv1fz6WF9Ca2uzE_D3bWAm3D219pBmYL1gp8Z1dpwIzmLGFKSGLBDFTwjy6JCAsQcJwO4OS3olFRDA_oXi/s1600-h/BANNER3a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhFfvgHK6Ti6s3YCBtLgtC3bQcSiWtIrKLTt-vdo7Db3vtTmNDogv1fz6WF9Ca2uzE_D3bWAm3D219pBmYL1gp8Z1dpwIzmLGFKSGLBDFTwjy6JCAsQcJwO4OS3olFRDA_oXi/s320/BANNER3a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444827084716389586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Note: I have decided to put craft related posts on another blog (<a href="http://bakawali-craft.blogspot.com/">here</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-38603354773698575002010-02-17T19:15:00.002+08:002010-02-17T19:21:10.688+08:00Chicken Roosting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJHAWUVvXQdEPjHmDyHgtL5r7hDRDuXi5ODkSXlNsDJWP4Ravlm-5RmvIO0xgf0BEcGFuZUKs39BXpi7f1GffXAdY6Oo2dSMNVLio-MOws0IPJVoilSN9nGoejRzVsMysi85B/s1600-h/Nikon+503a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJHAWUVvXQdEPjHmDyHgtL5r7hDRDuXi5ODkSXlNsDJWP4Ravlm-5RmvIO0xgf0BEcGFuZUKs39BXpi7f1GffXAdY6Oo2dSMNVLio-MOws0IPJVoilSN9nGoejRzVsMysi85B/s400/Nikon+503a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439170454080409874" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-69885000896826368772010-02-14T17:09:00.002+08:002010-02-14T17:22:04.040+08:00Mini Project - baby toiletries basketHafizah who is about 36 weeks' pregnant wanted to make a basket to put her baby bathing thingy(i.e powder, lotion, shampoo etc. She bought everything and then realise that she is too exhausted to complete the project. And so, she asked me if I am willing to help her out. She gave me the design and I TRIED to execute the photocopy (but it is not exactly as in the picture...oppps); however,I hope she likes it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHYNxDRx-8ZSlWdUwSbzhk_4DMw_js6XBV81tHV_xg59nOt_R5mOxSqihXgamPk5y5Xkr8L4CYUji6CpK9Cer6CAVANVXbOmda8bchIDUSPIAcmd6dsV9eBVR3sJ9BuI7NgRS/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHYNxDRx-8ZSlWdUwSbzhk_4DMw_js6XBV81tHV_xg59nOt_R5mOxSqihXgamPk5y5Xkr8L4CYUji6CpK9Cer6CAVANVXbOmda8bchIDUSPIAcmd6dsV9eBVR3sJ9BuI7NgRS/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438024104300325778" /></a><br /><br />Note: The bears were supposed to be part of the design but I did not find a suitable way to incorporate it into the basket.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-74091705404882246842010-02-14T16:13:00.004+08:002010-02-14T17:07:08.153+08:00Mermaid in the makingFor a two year old she definitely have no fear. Oh yeah, the occasional 'takut' and 'hantu' but otherwise she is a fearless two year terror. And that scares the whole lot of us. About 5 months back she coolly stepped into her 'atuk's fish pond. And while the grandfather worriedly jumped in and fished her out she was just laughing happily. To my dad, it was deja vu of an incident 34 years prior when my eldest brother, then two decided to step into the deep end of a swimming pool at Primula Hotel in Trengganu.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD60QZYCiN0RSOIqZKZ0UDTSBeOGkMeRD-jy0swgwMrFpkAkc7VSHtPlJ3WDpTsXOyxnMTQONy6nIfmV1JzHyQffHzdwCX7AKyYwVnr9V0F-95OwwqPC2jf9SJcoSf0EQnq-3B/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD60QZYCiN0RSOIqZKZ0UDTSBeOGkMeRD-jy0swgwMrFpkAkc7VSHtPlJ3WDpTsXOyxnMTQONy6nIfmV1JzHyQffHzdwCX7AKyYwVnr9V0F-95OwwqPC2jf9SJcoSf0EQnq-3B/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438022661345252706" /></a><br />And so dear aunty was assigned with the task of making darling Aida a water babe. Not that the aunty minded; aunty is always looking for avenues to spend time in the sun and 'surf'...haha... What a perfect reason!<br /><br />Anyway, last Sunday merman and I decided to bring Aida to Sunway Lagoon. This would be her 2nd visit there and ever since the first 2 months back she has been pestering us to go 'wimming'. And as if she knew she was going to have a fun fun day, she slept soundly from 5pm the night before. Batteries fully charged!!! <br /><br />Well, she had fun. It is the aunty and uncle who were struggling to keep up. And after she was tired from swimming she ran up and down along the 'beach' and kicking the artificial waves and splashing water at 'innocent' bystanders. The girl is surely lovable and a few people were smitten by her friendly demeanor (She was 'HI'ing everyone she met there). <br /><br />The photos reveals more that what I can write and she is definitely on the way to be a mermaid. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOXARztK1sjhqVoUwH1Gr1qxM9LNMPC_RYCimRzTuDY_AvaGr-Dm5Ws_8fUtwDstZJtLorHoFBk0o3TZ8gGCGv216gXb3lu5j-uFw4xF9j-J2gcL9JTYZYbu0hic8qHXOO68a/s1600-h/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOXARztK1sjhqVoUwH1Gr1qxM9LNMPC_RYCimRzTuDY_AvaGr-Dm5Ws_8fUtwDstZJtLorHoFBk0o3TZ8gGCGv216gXb3lu5j-uFw4xF9j-J2gcL9JTYZYbu0hic8qHXOO68a/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438020383210901698" /></a><br />Merman risking his life fighting a hippopotamus<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3ipsYOwbBX-0ZLI0TrbbfNtLihH91p7he6r9CLcIpN3m1afb-rFnwKndmAEtAbj85EA5cweCVr_GuSuPhV5x99n5L_aiI9ZCEcW9IQPHAfkWE-qBNDcaKJqydi89avyMxU1f/s1600-h/aIMG_0022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3ipsYOwbBX-0ZLI0TrbbfNtLihH91p7he6r9CLcIpN3m1afb-rFnwKndmAEtAbj85EA5cweCVr_GuSuPhV5x99n5L_aiI9ZCEcW9IQPHAfkWE-qBNDcaKJqydi89avyMxU1f/s320/aIMG_0022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438020377604965058" /></a><br />Aida at the deep end paddling away<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWVB7OBWsMuFybAsfR2xfgJD-p5OownE62K5oKqs-O_DKKip_zncbBUU1id72YCEfJGTM4u0a3Chlnw8RN0gIC4qJrtyzKxSdN8IBlgqPXKqZtuwRwgjoMexqCVWikqJUGYQw/s1600-h/IMG_0094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWVB7OBWsMuFybAsfR2xfgJD-p5OownE62K5oKqs-O_DKKip_zncbBUU1id72YCEfJGTM4u0a3Chlnw8RN0gIC4qJrtyzKxSdN8IBlgqPXKqZtuwRwgjoMexqCVWikqJUGYQw/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438020369203454050" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I63TLu7qid5ObZDnSZI-pRlzex2PSHHzlzw4_bGapEj2QUS-ykw5W7PPymS7qLacCczj4gKrXxTKQ1BwfQVvR-E15z2yHoMHIbQaWJ9HjMsUxNif71NQu22mIHjg6BDehTSs/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I63TLu7qid5ObZDnSZI-pRlzex2PSHHzlzw4_bGapEj2QUS-ykw5W7PPymS7qLacCczj4gKrXxTKQ1BwfQVvR-E15z2yHoMHIbQaWJ9HjMsUxNif71NQu22mIHjg6BDehTSs/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438020361683964594" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFXt4tU1LcPQ3S4aw8qhtB5Ivlos_B96NIKesSedELkTrKjMSooAODogbirrScaBbwnhr3Spp7wrYJJl-0jy0JMCnUNeAlrce-CN-08JPSXcdBNs3PgmZtiVpAor7PyF-AqVD/s1600-h/IMG_0077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFXt4tU1LcPQ3S4aw8qhtB5Ivlos_B96NIKesSedELkTrKjMSooAODogbirrScaBbwnhr3Spp7wrYJJl-0jy0JMCnUNeAlrce-CN-08JPSXcdBNs3PgmZtiVpAor7PyF-AqVD/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438022651320830402" /></a><br />For more photos of fun in the sun go <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakawali/">here</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-70236530941173351582010-01-25T19:38:00.004+08:002010-01-25T20:13:30.432+08:00Colours of Mabul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRolUokTikKJ3P-BbQn2En3Vb6fBKGcVdmdAikr1eBNLY0gq-3IxLvZqZWLtBNhX4KP-XEBahBHW9VXseFOXzfiTmi2fG7us6rYyffi6niFeAQt1N4WdVtDcJnjpVNrsLaDAK/s1600-h/IMG_0217edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRolUokTikKJ3P-BbQn2En3Vb6fBKGcVdmdAikr1eBNLY0gq-3IxLvZqZWLtBNhX4KP-XEBahBHW9VXseFOXzfiTmi2fG7us6rYyffi6niFeAQt1N4WdVtDcJnjpVNrsLaDAK/s320/IMG_0217edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430649362900342594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7FDjVqh1ueEAWCJDUgIikBsaj-THiB3YAqoHqmuR-EgngbtNLTpkk5irjFQohwoqw6C6Bh0Ph7Vl34xzjp2OSX2LCrabntWZSnJVCDVfFMoPNMTsc1mifstibdntrspln6NK/s1600-h/IMG_0254edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7FDjVqh1ueEAWCJDUgIikBsaj-THiB3YAqoHqmuR-EgngbtNLTpkk5irjFQohwoqw6C6Bh0Ph7Vl34xzjp2OSX2LCrabntWZSnJVCDVfFMoPNMTsc1mifstibdntrspln6NK/s320/IMG_0254edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430649175148385314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-djDDICvZ12hYpgeJkQRq37D8d3qViWq_BZHS3W9wxZL_jTRQWzNORIddXKo4RkbkP231zZJrJwQY5q3ZKYFLoz_4vLAkRJmjIsJ7ajCZYxx_GRzqhDPPsx7UNudfe8CGjCt/s1600-h/IMG_0262edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-djDDICvZ12hYpgeJkQRq37D8d3qViWq_BZHS3W9wxZL_jTRQWzNORIddXKo4RkbkP231zZJrJwQY5q3ZKYFLoz_4vLAkRJmjIsJ7ajCZYxx_GRzqhDPPsx7UNudfe8CGjCt/s320/IMG_0262edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648832835438914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKWjG0AAwH5iG-KoiNkhxLUq9npsWCIsDsjsj-6Tp62E06JAB0897r8rRdHBy_HihvnETEKLg1CfJnnVeZ5t-1nggGydyFSDNXtyfXu6RKMqJ1AXeL4HM_rCdyn1ZEfgaYmbh/s1600-h/IMG_0072edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKWjG0AAwH5iG-KoiNkhxLUq9npsWCIsDsjsj-6Tp62E06JAB0897r8rRdHBy_HihvnETEKLg1CfJnnVeZ5t-1nggGydyFSDNXtyfXu6RKMqJ1AXeL4HM_rCdyn1ZEfgaYmbh/s320/IMG_0072edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430645816532419682" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17804773.post-38289820982675851972010-01-22T22:57:00.008+08:002010-01-23T00:09:07.646+08:00Sipadan RevisitedTickets were bought 8 months back. As usual it was the Airasia Zero fare promotion. Anyway, diving life is great when you have a live-in dive buddy. Plans are way easy and usually there are no cancellations. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9p1x7cfQXGTgeAdt8FslJbsqn56xlK-ZDZU_AUV369FUwzbqlspCYYV8RPi-qNzH4LyguAh_QINwY-iq5-6FY7tNMVjfVRabca6U-xXbsmct9PYwDonJjxaCA0J_mlg6cJa3/s1600-h/IMG_0233edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9p1x7cfQXGTgeAdt8FslJbsqn56xlK-ZDZU_AUV369FUwzbqlspCYYV8RPi-qNzH4LyguAh_QINwY-iq5-6FY7tNMVjfVRabca6U-xXbsmct9PYwDonJjxaCA0J_mlg6cJa3/s320/IMG_0233edit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429578799819639490" /></a><br /><br />And then about 6 months ago two friends decided to join us. That was great!!! And they are great company too. So as late as 2 weeks ago we had four in the group. And then surprise surprise.... Wanie my old buddy heard about the whole trip and wanted to follow; she had not dived for three years and during that time delivered 2 baby girls with the younger one 7 months back... Time to re-breathe compressed air,mommy!<br /><br />This time around we decided to stick with Billabong Scuba. Last February trip was great though the food was a bit 'routine' and bland. That time we had cabbages daily and only cabbages for our requirement of fibre.So we came prepared, bags of tidbits and instant noodles. It has now been three days with two to go. Surprisingly dinner so far dinner has been good. Different dishes for dinner daily. I guess my complaining during our previous visit did not fall on deaf ears and the management did their best to improve the quality of the food. Looks like we are going to have the Maggi at home ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_LwbcV8UQ-lzyNR_8lLviCtfnGeJO8Hxzg-DldY4xj2Nf_pS_sIU-kCuBoA51fckk6RBd7sODskvk3KnO5u1CnHOgIdoFuMY345QqfipyqAAWEA36PPdkP3KWoj2k0K3tw4y/s1600-h/IMG_0161edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_LwbcV8UQ-lzyNR_8lLviCtfnGeJO8Hxzg-DldY4xj2Nf_pS_sIU-kCuBoA51fckk6RBd7sODskvk3KnO5u1CnHOgIdoFuMY345QqfipyqAAWEA36PPdkP3KWoj2k0K3tw4y/s320/IMG_0161edit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429578787875438178" /></a><br /><br />As for the diving it has been great. But then, when it comes to diving I never have complained as I have dived in conditions with only 3 feet visibility and still enjoy it; go figure!<br /><br />Having said that, this time around Sipadan and Mabul have the worse visibility so far: 10 metres in Sipadan and about 5-6 metres in Mabul. And the water is damn chilly 26 to 27 degrees centigrade....brrrrr... I tried my best to contribute to the warming of the waters but it only work for a very brief period.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZnE91cadZVe5bAPMQbIui01_uTGKgMvkYPC-QK3F6_eBMDrofoouICtumfoow0smaPiypsnXZp57-_Qa_UIPdL21N1j2UTG38nPs1qeQ-ws_C_sHYKvSh5DPak4I6wtaMSQ-/s1600-h/IMG_0183edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZnE91cadZVe5bAPMQbIui01_uTGKgMvkYPC-QK3F6_eBMDrofoouICtumfoow0smaPiypsnXZp57-_Qa_UIPdL21N1j2UTG38nPs1qeQ-ws_C_sHYKvSh5DPak4I6wtaMSQ-/s320/IMG_0183edit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429578793261457138" /></a><br /><br />The water conditions may be attributed to the heavy rains that plagued the area just prior to our arrival. We brought sunny rays to the shores of Mabul and so far it has remained sunny.... I hope it stays that way. As for the sealife, as usual it is amazing. I will let the photos do the talking. But there are more to come.<br /><br />For now I am signing off from Mabul.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3