903 bipolar ways

"me" time

2012-02-11T13:42:00.002Z

Blissful repose: Regine's voice (Low Key Album) reverberating across the whole flat and the bubbly white foam in the bath.

the housewife

2012-02-11T11:38:00.002Z

If there's one major thing I've learned from being married, it would have to be the ability to adapt and adopt in terms of cooking. I think I have that gift of flavour discernment and cooking is just a simple step next to it. So I tried, this ...

pork steak cut in cubes
baked and tendered in the oven with special sauce
sautéed later and boiled with its juice plus coconut milk
added spices and seasoning
and VOILA...

winter's revenge part trois

2012-02-11T09:49:00.004Z

What do you do when it is THIS cold and you're bored to death of either typing a blog or telly surfing?

Answer:

I channel my energy to playing ~~tennis~~ fencing with the vacuum cleaner. It's good exercise too.

short review

2012-02-10T20:23:00.002Z

CRAZY STUPID LOVE - Go rent it if you're getting bored in your relationship. If not, still... rent it. It might instill some fear in you.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK - Go rent it. Pretend you're afraid and get the most cuddles with the littlest of intentions. Better yet, steal it online.

acromion

2012-02-10T20:15:00.002Z

YES.

I can't lift my left arm, painful to move it anteriorly to the mid-sagittal plane and I'm getting worried. I have a week of driving to contend with and my left arm is the most useful limb in executing diurnal activities. I'd stop moaning about it if it was caused by a pleasurable event... but it wasn't!

palatable

2012-02-10T19:56:00.002Z

I'm not really a big fan of fastfood but the first syllable seems interesting enough to goad me into queueing and clogging my arteries later. "Fast" is what I need to get back to the office in a timely fashion before work-people start noticing an empty chair in the privileged section.

Burger King's a lot nicer to masticate when the view's panoramic and devoid of humans. I enjoyed it immensely.

guess what I did at lunchtime...

2012-02-10T19:39:00.002Z

After a year of being out of service i.e. practice arms, I did a bit of surgery in the office. I de-clogged the venepuncture arms by flushing some saline in it. Getting these arms ready for next week's session is paramount. My equipment budget is as high as my ankle and I have to make do of what's available.

HEY... I'm not complaining.

I don't doubt my capabilities as a teacher to be extra creative with the failings of other factors involved in learning.

He said.... "I'm glad you're enjoying this"

2012-02-10T18:12:00.005Z

OMG!

I had my first assessment today. In an hour, I managed to ~~crash~~ steer the car without a glitch. Except for a couple of clutch problems, I survived the very first time I manouvered A CAR. The good: "Your steering is good". The bad: "Ease off the clutch slowly. There's no reason to rush".

I can't wait for next week's intensive course! BRING IT ON.

routine

2012-02-09T18:48:00.004Z

My past days had been a series of routines: work and DVD nights.

Today, I went to this rather interesting place/venue for Resus and enjoyed the session amidst the tall trees and listed buildings. My hubby picked me up from training and went straight to rent more DVDs. This time I'm pleased with the choices: Don't be Afraid of the Dark and Crazy Stupid Love. It'd be a long night but a cuddle whilst watching films would be fantastic.

sowwwwwie

2012-02-08T16:30:00.000Z

APOLOGIES.

I don't want to blog today.

PERIOD.

winter's revenge part deux

2012-02-07T19:43:00.001Z

winter's revenge

2012-02-07T18:11:00.000Z

Less

2012-02-07T17:36:00.004Z

In my early years in London, I thought 3000 minutes free phone call a month wouldn't be enough. Then in recent years, a mere 1000 minutes would eventually suffice (in fact more). My friends from diverse multitudicity was suddenly narrowed to a few that comprise my now ...core group. Then I moved to Norwich few months ago and 300 minutes worth of phone call a month seems more than enough to "communicate". My contract of 3000-minute call a month is no longer serving its purpose.

Possible reasons:

- Facebook
- other media
- few friends in touch with
- lack of desire (from my part)
- lack of desire (from friend's part)

Whatever is the reason, it's high time I look at my phone's tariff and reduce the cost. It seems like chatting on the phone for more than 5 minutes is already a tedious activity.

I thought I'd share more pics...

2012-02-06T19:12:00.003Z

This is my VERY FIRST time to do sledging.

One ticked off from my 1000 things to do before I die.

a calling is a calling no matter what

2012-02-06T17:58:00.003Z

I was meant to do my revision last weekend but hectic schedules pervaded all over my waking moments and prevented me from doing that. Instead, I went to work in the morning against the high possibility of slips, trips and falls due to icy conditions and did a two-hour revision in solitude. It worked and I'm over the moon with the evaluations.

Simple things make me very happy and and this is one of them.

don't tell me you didn't enjoy that!

2012-02-06T07:30:00.001Z

fun fun fun

2012-02-05T14:41:00.000Z

a child's wish comes true

2012-02-05T10:44:00.003Z

finally....

2012-02-04T22:01:00.000Z

I waited for this long enough.... Now, keep it coming!

Claustrophobia

2012-02-04T19:22:00.003Z

Oh, I've got to tell you this!

Last night after dinner at Malaysian Delight, we headed for the parking lot taking the lift. Five of us inside the lift was spacious enough until the door closed and remained stationary for few seconds. I pressed the number of floor destination but the lift just wouldn't budge. I panicked. Facing the door, I yanked the steel door with both hands and freed myself from the shackle of a closed space. I opened the door with my bare hands and left them reeling inside the monster that's temperamental.

I'm glad for the adrenaline.

his words, not mine

2012-02-04T18:50:00.002Z

My baby requested that I cook "PINOY SOPAS" for dinner. He's feeling under the weather these past days and still recuperating from nasty flu-ey ailment. So I obliged.

An hour and a half later , he said... "My baby is getting better at cooking". He added, "This is really good". I sure did blush.

getting colder and colder....

2012-02-04T18:48:00.001Z

BUT WHERE THE HELL IS THE SNOW!!!!!!!!

saying goodbye

2012-02-04T11:19:00.002Z

I hate.. truly hate goodbyes.

Although some speeches were acutely funny, a couple of articulations of saying goodbye moved me. I saw myself wiping away tears despite the mixed raucous reception from the rest of the group. It only confirms how schmaltzy I really am.

there's always a first

2012-02-04T11:08:00.002Z

I wore yellow trousers last night.

It certainly helped add warmth to the wintry night.

Sexual drive

2012-02-03T18:43:00.003Z

I can't believe it's Friday.... already!

Not that I'm complaining but I couldn't remember how my weekday just passed me by unnoticed. A week from now and I'm having my driving assessment and followed by a week of intensive driving starting the 13th. I tell you this: I've never been this excited since the last time I saw myself boarding a plane to England from Kuwait. I always thought driving's one of the ultimate dreams I'd never ever get the chance of realising. But here I am treading the highway of possibilities. I'm finally given the chance to drive.

I have a strong feeling that the first few months of driving would be just as good as sex.

Now, let's see if I pass first!

hmmm....

2012-02-03T16:38:00.004Z

Cunelva must be over the moon.

eating my words 1.1

2012-02-02T18:37:00.001Z

... but I guess it's fine for I had my greens and a feather-light lunch today.

eating my words 1

2012-02-02T18:33:00.002Z

I just planned on rectifying my unhealthy eating habits and voila....

Like father, like son (almost)

2012-02-02T17:36:00.004Z

My father is a classic example of a person who is laden with long term chronic medical conditions. He is diabetic, hypertensive, had history of the big C, arthritis and now retinal detachment. I say classic because it seems like a majority of ageing population is going towards the multiple co-morbidity model of existence. I somehow see myself getting to that stage with the lifestyle that I follow but I hope it's never too late to rectify my unhealthy ways.

He had his series of eye mini-surgeries in the past weeks and due to the advancement of his retinal problem, he went for a major surgery today. To cut the long story short, he surpassed the rigours of clinical intervention and now recuperating. I spoke to him on the phone and I was overjoyed to know that he's fine.

Over the years, I was surrounded by people who panic at the littlest of physical and mental stimuli challenge. I'd say I've been through just the same but one thing I've noticed about me is my resilience to these existential insults. From our conversation on the phone earlier, he said, "Son, I want to see clearly again". I was moved by his statement.

I really am my father's son.

double W (whinge, whine)

2012-02-01T17:56:00.003Z

GUESS HOW MUCH THE WEEK-LONG DRIVING LESSON IS......

I JUST PAID 725 POUNDS FOR IT AND IF NOT FOR THE NEED, I'D NEVER EVEN BOTHER AND RUSH. BUT AS STIPULATED IN MY CONTRACT, THEY EXPECT ME TO GET A DRIVING LICENCE IN FEW MONTHS, IN TIME FOR MY MID YEAR APPRAISAL.

AH, THE SACRIFICES.

the day's looming

2012-02-01T17:33:00.002Z

Few days from now and I'm starting my week-long driving lessons. At the end of that is my practical driving test. I'd like to gloat that I scored high in theory test (near perfect) but my confidence about my looming practical test is barely there. Although I'm oozing with that sheer resoluteness in my being that I'd pass my practical, there's still that nagging perception that a minor thing could change the outcome and shame me for a week (yes... just a week).

Wish me luck and let's all hope that at the end of the test is a smiling ME. Otherwise, I'd be contagious with my ill-lighted pessimism that could easily spread around me, extending to the world wide world of net and your inbox.

lunch treat

2012-02-01T17:06:00.002Z

I have been labouring on developing a training package re: Intravenous Therapy for the Trust when I felt that upsurge of acid in my system. I realised that my attention's been undivided for the past 3 1/2 hours collating Evidence Based Practice papers and Policies for the training session. I was hungry to the nth degree. I thought, a meal deal from Tesco won't suffice to appease the raging sea of hot tempered HCL acid clamouring for food, so I decided for a rice and sesame caramel chicken combo.

I sat next to the window and enjoyed the view whilst munching on the massive late lunch. Doing this, I totally agree with my Line Manager for saying that Health and Well-Being is not to be dismissed. We need to take time to separate lunch-break and work to improve existential programming. He didn't say it that way but you get the drift.

So I ignored work and feasted on the view of the city within the countryside. Lunch tasted a lot better.

winter's back

2012-01-31T22:41:00.001Z

To celebrate winter, Gelo and I decided to walk home.

unexpectedly

2012-01-31T22:39:00.001Z

I was walking aimlessly around Norwich nooks when I came across this street. Suddenly, I missed London.

at last!

2012-01-31T22:38:00.000Z

THE TEST

2012-01-30T20:35:00.003Z

Monday.

I can't wait to get my driving licence.

I want to drive.

.... and drive.

.... and drive.

.... and drive.

Until I've seen the world.

The taxi's waiting to take me as far as 7 miles.

To share the gospel of Waterlow and MUST.

In the meantime.

In the shortest possible meantime.

.... while waiting for the dreaded practical test.

interestingly...

2012-01-29T15:19:00.003Z

Everytime we watched the match next to each other on the couch, Nadal kept on losing points in crucial moments. Then he stood up and stayed cheering on Nadal from a standing position. He then said, "Let's be two arms-length for the rest of the match because it seems like he's winning with us cheering from different positions". We did and Nadal won the critical 4th set.

We kept on doing that until Nadal led 4-2 in the fifth. He was THAT close to taking the lead 5-2 when we became too complacent and disregarded the strategy. We reverted back to the original plan but it was too late. Novak was already serving for the match.

LESSON: Complacency is the laziest and cockiest sister of confidence.

I promise to have gluten free diet from now on...

2012-01-29T15:06:00.002Z

The championship match was the longest ever and it was a test of grit, stamina and determination. Novak has really come a long way from his younger years of being a "quitter" (harsh but true). He swore it's the gluten-free diet last year that made a big difference to his game.

I'm happy to be a guinea pig for this test diet. Let's see where it'll take me.

As for Nadal, he had his massive chances early in the 5th set. HE BLEW IT. I have much to say but I'm physically and emotionally spent. I promise not to read any sports article in the coming days. It'll just be upsetting.

kidney

2012-01-28T12:42:00.006Z

I no longer take pride in saying that I'm a Renal Nurse Specialist. I have moved on from that role to a more generic one in terms of teaching. I now cover basic clinical skills to some management skills pertinent to Nursing and other Allied Health Professions. In this regard, I miss the specificity of expertise and its exercise as a job.

Recently, I have set up classes on Recordkeeping and Documentation, Venepuncture and Cannulation, Clinical Supervision, Mentorship, Ear Care, Wound Care/Pressure ulcer, ECG classes, MUST and Waterlow Risk Assessments, IV Therapy and Assistant Practitioner Programmes (plus my collaboration with subject-matter experts on Diabetes, Continence Care, Safeguarding Adults, Dementia, Learning Disability, Heart Failure etc). With the enormity of these undertakings, I am now starting to pine for the very categorical, clear-cut subject that is Renal Nursing .

I was cleaning the living room earlier and wiping the gathering dust on the book shelf when I laid eyes on books I used to peruse for my presentations for pre and post registration students in the Renal Directorate. I'm truly missing it but I may lose sight of this speciality for now but this remains dormant forever. It'll come back to life when another opportunity comes along.

For now, allow me to stretch myself to various directions. Let me be the Jack Of All Trade again (master of none), like I used to be.

new world no. 1, pretty, tall and charming

2012-01-28T10:30:00.002Z

I'm not talking about Sharapova (although years ago, she's all that as well). This is now Victoria Azarenka's turn to rule the women's tennis. Papers would eventually reflect on the lopsided contest between these two tall, shrieking beauties but tennis power play means two things: balls go in, in a sizzle or balls go out, bludgeoning the tramlines. Sharapova was the latter but no one could discount the whiz she puts on the ball when she hits it. Azarenka counter-acted all that and kept the ball going back; kept the play going to her advantage.

I was rooting for the underdog: Sharapova. But come to think of it, Sharapova is not what you call a dark horse. She's an imposing character (both on and off the court) and a multiple grand slam champion herself. Azarenka however waited long enough to steal the limelight from all the women who bash the ball to smithereens. I actually agree with what the commentators say about her: "Azarenka is going to be a fabulous ambassador of the sport".

Just like Sharapova, she's got the goods to be a brilliant player with tennis-life longevity and the commercial value that propels a celebrated athlete to super-stardom. Let's see who snaps her up for a million dollar worth of advertising campaign. As for the runner-up, this comeback has just added more millions to her earning power.

Lucky (b)(w)itches!

I have nothing to write...

2012-01-27T19:18:00.001Z

... so read someone else's blog.

obsession

2012-01-26T22:48:00.002Z

Aside from jackets/coats, I am obsessed with watches. Over the years, I have accumulated over 20 different watches. Then each time I go home for holiday, I leave behind 1 or 2 watches to relatives but I learned that it's not wise to do that anymore. The more watches I give away, the more it fuels my id to buy more and more (wow... more words of more in a sentence!). Yes, MORE!

Then I controlled myself and kept the very few reliable ones.

It's the same with friendship, y'know.

flattery gets you everywhere

2012-01-26T21:09:00.004Z

Since I joined the Trust, my constant hobnobbing experience is with the Directors, Assistant Directors, Chief Nurse, Deputy Chief Nurses, Leads of this and that, etc. I sat in one of the meetings today with the Pressure Ulcer Steering Group and it was mind-blowing. Although I have confidence with the way I express myself in proper English, my formal-business-buzz words were not at par with the rest of the group. It's not really enough just to understand the flow of conversation but show enthusiasm by partaking with the verbal exchange as well.

But today, I struggled.

Then one of the Leads said... "We can be more creative and make a video instead of a masterclass. We can ask Ryan to deliver this. I can listen to him all day". I seriously blushed.

a free brunch in Paris

2012-01-26T19:06:00.002Z

Jessica (Zafra) just lost a BET.

We exchanged text messages earlier about the outcome of the Nadal-Federer semifinal match. She said, Federer in 4 and I said the opposite. Whoever loses the bet will pay the brunch in Paris, in time for the French Open.

It's not the brunch that excites me but the fact that my MAN just won and now through to the final.

blaspheme

2012-01-25T22:17:00.002Z

We were inside the Norwich Cathedral when this photo was taken. It was so strange that I felt God was looking and scrutinising me in all angles... for disregarding his laws of universal existence. My mother would disapprove such act and so do with most of the catholics I know who preach His gospels.

I'm BAAAAAAAD.

6 weeks later...

2012-01-25T22:12:00.002Z

... and Ryan gets his groove back.

I went up north of Norfolk to teach

2012-01-25T22:04:00.003Z

... and four hours later, came back down to Norwich a changed man.

I truly sense that connection to the serenity and au naturel beauty of the place. I truly sense that growing admiration and love for the countryside.

... and I'd expect my London friends to scream in chorus, "YEAH RIGHT, CONVINCE YOURSELF!".

channelling Kahlil

2012-01-24T20:06:00.002Z

I've made it known to friends and enemies that I love Kahlil Gibran's works. I say enemies... because I quote Kahlil to thwart stupidity and insensitivity that most of my enemies possess. But that's digressing. I was in the bath when I took this photo and looked like one of Kahlil's self-portrait creations.

bored?

2012-01-24T20:04:00.000Z

Take a bath.

Just a thought

2012-01-24T19:18:00.003Z

Blogging whilst submerged in the bath.

I watched today's Oscar Nomination announcement online. I must admit, the nominees are powerhouse and will be a crowd-drawer come awards night. My mind's telling me to root for the underdogs but my shallow self is pining for Streep and Pitt for major acting categories. Then, my fickle mind starts screaming for Williams and Clooney. I really don't know who to go for but one thing is for sure, the parade of Hollywood stars would be worth watching.

I fervently hope that live telecast in Britain be shown on ITV or BBC so I don't have to scramble for an online streaming with small monitor and crappy connection.

macario

2012-01-24T18:41:00.002Z

So....

Macky phoned me for free using Tango. We talked about life in general and 90% of that conversation was about tennis. Saying goodbye on the phone made me yearn for the sport. This is the longest that I haven't played tennis in years. I took out the racquets hibernating in the closet and I have decided that next month, they'd be put to real action.

So... All I need now is a sparring partner.

oh Nadal....

2012-01-24T13:23:00.003Z

After a tense 4 hour and a bit of play, Nadal triumphed over Berdych in four sets. He's still the enigma of tennis and an epitome of humility at such a young age. Tell me one thing that's not good about you Rafa... any imperfection?

I'm cooking...

2012-01-24T11:21:00.002Z

... sweet-ish, soy sauce-y boneless salmon cubes.

I'M TRANSFORMING INTO A REAL CHEF.

As if!

wanna lose weight?

2012-01-24T11:12:00.002Z

I have always been adamant about trying anything electronically challenging. Videogames and the likes don't give me such elation that I usually get from sports and real "club" dancing. Then I tried Xbox 360 Kinect - Dance Central and I thought it's not bad at all. After a few tries, I got to grips with the simulated and mimicked moves ... and got 5 STARS.

Then half an hour later, I got bored.

the cool husband

2012-01-23T19:07:00.003Z

I promise this is going to be the last time I'd gloat about my recently concluded birthday.

... but I just couldn't let the opportunity of highlighting my hubby's effort go unnoticed because I think he deserves a medal for successfully giving me a helluva birthday surprise. It's the birthday I could only wish for when I'm sane and happy at the same time.

Nursing lesson: History

2012-01-23T18:48:00.003Z

Edith Cavell is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction. She's quoted as saying, "I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved". I don't think I'm that close to being a millionth of the person that she was.

I really wonder what my nursing legacy's going to be.

Norwich Cathedral - Edith's resting place

dream

2012-01-23T18:22:00.004Z

Perfect.... just perfect.

As part of stalling me away from my very own birthday party last Saturday, Tony, AJ and Anton took me to Coltishall for a spot of sight-seeing. Norfolk is indeed picturesque in more ways than one. For the white house facing the grandeur that is nature at its best is my great envy.

I truly see myself reaching the zenith of my existence if I have the house that stands across this majestic view. I can give up the notion of London living with a lifestyle that reflects the seemingly comfortable subsistence.

Seriously!

Sleep glorious sleep

2012-01-22T18:07:00.005Z

I'd like to reflect and blog some more but my body's weak and frail. I am now humbled by ageing. Three consecutive days of constant reminder that turning 39 is not just a number but also a major change of lifestyle. However, I aim to be just as active and prolific in terms of maintaining physical and mental balance at this juncture.

For now, sleep is paramount.

too humbling

2012-01-22T10:14:00.002Z

This is undoubtedly one of the biggest birthday celebrations I've ever had in my past 39 years of existence. Despite the odds, I'm grateful for being loved.

the good husband

2012-01-21T21:57:00.002Z

Apparently, he planned this surprise party forever. He'd been exchanging text messages and phone calls to people I know (both London and Norwich) since the beginning of the year and for some strange reasons, I became oblivious all too sudden this early 2012 to everything SOCIAL around me. I missed a whole load of cues, clues and glaring answers to some eccentric and seemingly aberrant situations leading to this event. But HE orchestrated this in a way where it muddled my sense of bearing in terms of sound judgement.

I love you Mr. Bernal.

Thank you.

a blog and a thought

2012-01-21T21:38:00.005Z

I could have given you a link but this is way too sweet for words to just limit my response to few lines. Mr. HoD made an effort to traverse the 100+ miles between London and Norwich and graced my SURPRISE birthday party. The latter is altogether new exciting blog in the making but let me focus on his endeavour for finding a way to join the sweet conniving group of beautiful people of Norwich. I apologise for the "conniving" word but surprises are usually built on that.

I turned 39 and it comes with emotional gradient. I hate surprises (I say that again!) but this one's way over the top that screaming expletives as a reaction to surprise is totally understandable. So yea, they succeeded in making me embrace the abnormality of my personal perception (in contrast with the common majority composed by the norm). There are truly good things that come out with surprises.

So back to HoD.... Here's what he had to say:

It was Ryan’s birthday yesterday. He turned 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 and his lovely hubby organised a massive surprise party without him even suspecting it. He got dozens of people together and cooked some amazing food. Those are skills. Mad skills. That is also mad love, if we got to be completely honest. I went all the way to Norwich which for a city boy like me was quite an experience. The train journey, the vast countryside, the green, the fresh air. I was immersed in some extraordinary normalcy which is something I always long for but at the same time fear handling. These guys are brilliant at that. When they say the world was built for two I believe in that. It is reassuring to know Ryan is in a good place and has someone loving him dearly on his side.

Now you better get ready for that Four Zero!!

Norwich Cathedral

2012-01-20T18:31:00.000Z

grateful

2012-01-20T10:50:00.003Z

Although I love (the idea) the planet and card giving, a dying trade... it feels good to get some. Facebook greeting is the "in" thing and the easiest way but birthday cards are more personal. Either E-greeting or paper-made, I'm still grateful... can't complain really.

like sex

2012-01-20T10:45:00.002Z

Very few people know that the feel of paper/stationery against nerve endings at the back of my hand is like orgasmic blast.

oh, keep them coming.....

2012-01-20T08:16:00.001Z

Would you believe that this is a gift from Gelo's work colleague's daughter? Isn't that moving?

thanks Al Angelo Bernal

2012-01-20T08:07:00.002Z

Gelo's classic line: "Honey, I'm sorry I don't have a gift for you. I'll make up for it next year". I went to the toilet to pee and jumped back in to bed... only to nearly break my ribs from the hidden beautifully boxed gift underneath the duvet. Although I hate surprises, this is a really good one.

happy birthday to me

2012-01-20T08:04:00.001Z

Am I a lot wiser now?

Give me three more months to answer that question.

prelude part deux

2012-01-19T22:29:00.000Z

... add few good friends and pizza on top of that.

prelude to the big day

2012-01-19T22:26:00.000Z

a boggle and a glass of wine.....

What an odd combo...

experimentation

2012-01-18T19:58:00.002Z

As promised, here's the chicken noodle demanded by my Master (lovingly meant...)

humdrum??

2012-01-18T19:50:00.002Z

I'm shattered. I blame the lack of sleep from last night. It seems like 6 1/2 hrs of sleep don't cut it anymore. It has to be longer than that. The lifestyle is rubbing off me quite nicely, I guess. Sleep it seems, is a major health need in this side of the planet.

I attended Trust Induction this morning. After a month of diving through work-related stuff, I finally got my orientation. I must admit, this is good going for the Trust. Some organisations take months before a new staff gets a proper induction so this is a biggie. In the afternoon, I had the privilege of teaching "Recordkeeping and Documentation" to the same group. It was fun but the subject is starting to grate my carrot. I need a new challenge.

I'm on my way home now. I just popped into an oriental shop and bought uber fine rice noodles. My hubby demands that I cook chicken wings with these noodles in a soup-y concoction. This is the first time so let's hope for the best. The bus is crowded and the temperature is not winter at all. I'm getting dizzy as I type this note on the phone.

My life is a challenging . It deals with global warming, experimental cooking, indie movie-like routinary existence, flagging human virtue of patience and ageing. It's not boring really. It's a perspective that happens to have opposing spectrums.

interesting....

2012-01-18T19:39:00.002Z

I was waiting near the reception area for my colleague to finish his lecture when I spotted something next to the register. It was intriguing as it's nicely packaged and yes, FOR FREE. I inched closer to the desk and picked one from the box. The receptionist said, "Go ahead. It's free", matched with an unabashed grin.

It's only when I read the label that I realised how embarrassing it was to pick up a packet in the first place. It's written: Chlamydia Kit.

Muddled

2012-01-17T23:46:00.003Z

It's nearly midnight.

My hubby's past asleep and the room's pitch black.... well almost. The only illumination is coming from the iPhone as I type this blog. The ticking clock is like the sound of the rushing waves (weird .... But I suddenly associated that continuous ticking with the splashing waves) against the weathered rocks beneath a cliff. I couldn't sleep.

It's not because I'm compelled to blog at least three entries a day. I don't give a damn about the number of blogs I write but tonight's a bit strange. Earlier, we had few guests over and we watched a silly but funny film called Change Up (Not sure about the title but I'm pretty sure it's close). We have mountain-loads of dishes to wash but decided to leave it for tomorrow. We were spent that we think hitting the sack's the only wise decision left. My mother phoned and greeted me a happy birthday. I said, it's Friday and not today. The line was as bad as signal number 3 typhoon that I just said, "Thanks Ma".

I could hear my hubby's heavy breathing. I swear we didn't touch alcohol tonight but I surely hear his cellular respiration on top of normal breathing. I could also sense slight tinnitus from my ear. I swear I've turned off the heating but the cracking sound of pipes caused by intermittent change of temperature inside defy that notion. Im not bothered to get up and confuse myself between scientific logic and superstitious beliefs.

I'm hearing things. I mean... not in a psychological imbalance kind of way but the night's too still and I'm totally awake. I blame only one thing: I am turning another year older and after watching Angelina Jolie yesterday (a film called Life or something like it), I suddenly feel like asking myself the very same question: What is life? (not really in a verbatim way but in same logic). This is what I call a good question being asked at the wrong time.

I have work tomorrow and I need sleep.

Guilt

2012-01-17T23:13:00.003Z

I have reasons why I didn't have the time to blog. I'd love to but...

...you'll get bored reading it so ... just read HoD's blog or my friends' blogs. It's worth your time.

I want to sleep knowing that guilt is not going to wake me up at 3 am feeling worthless.

Penniless and tired

2012-01-16T21:27:00.001Z

It's just Monday and I'm already tired. My birthday is coming up and I'm broke. I mean, flat broke... Terribly broke!

Sigh!

Where's the fun in that?

mighty

2012-01-16T19:09:00.002Z

How often do you get the chance to have an unexpected tete-a-tete with the high and mighty chief exec of your Trust? ZILCH right?!!!! I went to the kitchen to get some tea and there he was... making himself a cuppa. I said "Good morning" and was quick to correct myself by saying, "Good afternoon" as it's 12:15. Few words later and he's off.

I'm impressed.

patterns

2012-01-16T19:06:00.000Z

Winter configuration is pretty amazing, don't you think?

NAM

2012-01-15T17:45:00.001Z

Here's another reason why I love free video apps:

one of the million reasons why December is the most expensive month...

2012-01-15T17:24:00.002Z

My mother's electric bill.

worth it....

2012-01-15T16:59:00.005Z

So Ryan, how's your Sunday?

Oh.. Oh.. oh... Gelo and I watched "Zombadings..." and "Won't last a day without you". We've been horizontal for the past half day watching soppy, "kilig" films online. In fact, I'm getting an EPUAP-approved grade 1 pressure ulcer as I type this.

the life of unpaired, hole-y sock

2012-01-15T11:43:00.001Z

... is a bliss.

Time to retire and face regeneration in recycling camps.

tempting fate

2012-01-15T11:34:00.002Z

We all think it's a mild winter. In chorus, let's all proclaim that it's a truly MILD WINTER ... if not the mildest of all winters recorded since time immemorial. Let's rejoice that frostbite and flu and norovirus are soon ... forgettable things in the past; where snowdrop flowers bloom in December and not in Spring. So yes, let's build bonfires and dance stark naked around the flames. Winter is gone. The season of harsh, bitter and bleak predicaments is a global warming damnation shoved to non-existence.

OK.

Let's keep on tempting fate and watch the revenge of negative temperatures. Our car, if only human would curse us to death for not building shelter to survive -2C of long nights.

cold yet warm

2012-01-15T00:15:00.000Z

things, good, last, few, half, empty, full, gone

2012-01-14T10:15:00.002Z

Life is like a jar of peanut butter.

Go figure!

twitter-like/facebook-like

2012-01-14T09:07:00.002Z

This is a shoutout to my friends back home...

Nostalgia is a good way to humanise existence.

free... is always a good thing

2012-01-14T08:37:00.004Z

Firstly, I'm annoyed I wasn't able to take a picture of Mika as we chatted for nearly half an hour using Tango app. But I'm glad he's got a new iPhone (iP4S) and it means, free vid/calls using free apple apps.

With that short conversation (plus video), I'm ever more grateful of the past. There are good things worth reminiscing.

Nearly half an hour later, he noticed my missed calls via Tango and called back. This time, I was prepared to capture his beaming projected innocence through iP4S technology. See below...

early days...

2012-01-13T19:20:00.003Z

I NEED TO LOOK AT MY JD ASAP.

It seems like I'm dabbing into a field of roles beyond what's expected of me. I'm not complaining because it's beyond me. I am just saying this because maybe I need extra pay. I'm not greedy either because the increased demands of output should/must equate with the input of remuneration in return.

FAIR, RIGHT?

stupid humour!

2012-01-13T19:18:00.000Z

HA HA.

killing me softly

2012-01-13T19:15:00.001Z

with this ~~song~~ food... killing me softly.

That's lunch folks!

I thought of...

2012-01-12T21:13:00.002Z

... posting something happy... something visual... tried google images and found happy faces. I then decided to draw on my hand and that way, it looks as if I made an effort.

I'm really in my saturated, lazy mode right now... can't be bothered to think... can't be bothered to write... can't be bothered to do anything but beat around the bush. There, I successfully did just that.

momentum

2012-01-12T20:25:00.002Z

This week is turning into a battle of wit and will and intimidation. I am seriously up for it. Good thing, my hubby cooked a sumptuous meal tonight. All I need really to recharge for tomorrow's locking of horns.

This post may sound like I'm sort of a war-freak kind of person. I am not. I just want to zoom in and get on with things at work. Terribly, bureaucracy kills a powerful momentum.

cheese

2012-01-11T19:47:00.003Z

1 + 1 equals two-oooooooooooooo.

betta keep 'em comin'

2012-01-11T19:22:00.003Z

I had my PROBATIONARY MEETING with my Line Manager today. Looking at the appraisal docs in front of us, we discussed and plotted some real SERIOUS work objectives. An hour later, he said, "Ye go forth and celebrate. Thine work virtue possesseth all mine eye". I said, "Pleasure cometh thine heart and mind". Later, I bumped into the Deputy Chief Nurse and she said, "Par excellance, mon cherie amie".

A month into the job and my ego is already sky high.

formal

2012-01-11T19:15:00.002Z

I'm loving the tie.

I'm loving the shirt.

I'm loving the vest.

I'm loving the jacket.

I'm loving my new role.

JW

2012-01-10T20:58:00.009Z

Trying to ward off boredom after cooking coconut chicken, I flicked channels and saw JAMES WONG. He's in this "The Great Sports Relief Bake off" and just made a savoury meringue topped with prawns. Strange, right? The judges obviously didn't like the different, audacious take on this classic (meringue) but this man can truly cook. He made a light banter about his creation aimed at the critics and seriously, he made sense. Intelligence can really go far.

Of course, I'm not discounting his natural good looks too.

Is he gay?

hopeful

2012-01-10T19:03:00.003Z

My dear husband drove me to Aylsham - some place in Norfolk nearly half an hour away from the centre. We managed to get there in one piece with the aid of a borrowed Tom Tom from a friend. Two hours later, I was handing out evaluation tools to the staff and anxiously waited for the filled-up forms. On our way to another venue for my meeting (Wymondham), I was reading the evaluations and the results simply made me smile.

Although I have delivered this session (Record Keeping and Documentation) a million times, the lesson is.. one can never get too complacent to have the job done better than the very last time. I'm glad I did a bit of revising last night so imagine if I'm more organised than usual??? Thinking of this hifalutin and arrogant notion, I should really be doing just that. I cannot afford to move parallel, job-wise. I have to aim on moving up the ladder. I see massive potential in this place, in this job and in this space and time.

I hope I'm not wrong.

suddenly...

2012-01-10T18:58:00.001Z

... I'm munching on a jar of peanut butter. I'm having a low key celebration... on my own.

strong initial input

2012-01-10T18:55:00.002Z

OH YES, I DID IT... I REALLY DID IT.

lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala... I'm humming a happy tune.

being anal

2012-01-09T20:14:00.003Z

I can't leave it to lastminute preparation and chance re: possibility of equipment dying at the first hurdle. This is the first time I actually pre-primed my tools of trade and I'm glad it worked. I have an early start tomorrow and hassle is when my hubby has to drive to the office first to get another equipment and face the road later with nothing but an iPhone as navigator.

Tom-Tom can really make our life easier but that's another story.

I don't get star-struck but ...

2012-01-09T19:05:00.003Z

It seems like my word of the day is OBSESSION. Before I start tinkering on the materials I have for tomorrow, I decided to flick channels hoping I'd find motivation from East Anglian programming. I came across daunting and disheartening news about poor health care instead. Few more flicks later and Meryl Streep graced the boob-tube.

She is such a commanding force.