The dumb things we do while chugging through med school.

Bad Ass Coffee @ Tropicana City Mall. :) My new study haunt on weekends. That’s my hand & Meiyan’s hand. We had a lovely sushi dinner before settling down to study.

Don’t know how good the food is, but the coffee is great. Strong. Kicking. Kicks my brain into study mode. All hail Kona coffee! Makes all the lattes and whatnots I’ve had before seem like puny little milk-filled drinks. My favourite is their eye-opener + a raspberry flavoring shot.

Studies are… studies. Still extremely nervous about not being able to finish in time, but there’s an underlying peace that transcends everything now, not to mention pick-me-ups from friends and family.

Love food from aunty!

Found this while clearing out my mobile…

Random picture of the moment: Meet my PBL-mate, Navin. Chindian. Funny guy. Happily attached (sorry, ladies). Troublemaker. Matchmaker. Always scolds me for speeding home, hahaha.

Acting cute (and being caught in the act): Navin.

How did he get into this situation? I walk into PBL with this red headband, he sees it and immediately comments he’d wear it if I can attach it to his head. :)) Apparently boys aren’t too bright when it comes to the mechanics of female hair accessories, heh.

Despite the stress & culminating pressure, Acoustic night was a blast. Thanks for continuing the legacy, Tits! Here’s the least retarded pic of our performance–meet Brian. Brian played guitar for me. He’s really shy, but really good. His friends kept heckling him to sing all night, hahahahaha. Ladies, he is also single. Sensitive. Romantic. And he wants 11 kids. If you want an introduction, let me or Alison know; we are training him to be the ultimate boyfriend.

We did three numbers: Aretha Franklin’s I Say A Little Prayer For You (but a Double Take-inspired version), Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon, and Brooke Fraser’s Waste Another Day. Quite easily the most fun I’ve had (and will have) in a while. Thanks for the great night and responses, everyone!

Then when it comes to practicing clinical skills, the boys always find creative ways to improve the learning process and make it as realistic as possible:

Didi giving the female breast model new life.

When you don’t have real female patients to practice on, you put the synthetic breasts onto flat-chested males and begin palpation. Don’t forget to apply a high-pitched voice and appropriate squeals when you think the examiner is pressing too hard, or doing the wrong things.

:) OH IMU. How I will miss all of this very, very soon.

12 days of class left. :( medt108!

Not entirely certain, but what the hey!

It was really an onslaught of encouragements today, wound up by a fun jamming slash practice session for Friday’s Acoustic Night @ the Dance room (and some of the smoothest wine I’ve EVER tasted, mmm). It’s at 7 p.m., y’all. :) Do drop by and lend your support, or just hang out and enjoy some good, honest music.

Err, covered not very many notes at all, got owned in PBL by Dr. NKM (as usual), was sleepy as hell, and drugged out by my meds. Found a new sleeping spot. Sorry to those who encountered me in that sorry state.

I wish I can survive with 4 hours of sleep every day. That would give me so. much. time.

Mood seems to have passed. Thanks, everyone. :)

IMU Ball 2010 : Audacieux @ Royale Chulan

Previously, I blogged about the IMU Ball ’08 (Sensationale Symphony) & the IMU Ball ’09 (Clair de Lune).

This time around, it’s my ball, the IMU Ball 2010 : AUDACIEUX / dare to be, held at the Taming Sari Ballroom, Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. :))) Carries a lot of significance and great memories. Of time spent in this little, converted shopping-mall-of-a-place for two and a half years, mugging medical books.

Click for more. :)

No mojo

No mojo to blog recently;

Although life has, as usual, been busy.

So here’s a dreary update post… real sorry about that.

What have I been doing? Well, a lot of IMU ball stuff. :) We’ve sold 10 tables so far, and raised about 10% of the money needed… Sponsors are difficult to find, but hopefully things pick up after CNY. If any of you readers know or work for a company that might sponsor products or funding for a medical university grad ball, do contact me!

Been selling little candy bouquets & roses for Valentine’s day in IMU–apparently our boys are no less romantic than the general public. 100 roses sold out in 3 days! Haha. A much better response than expected.

My room has regressed to pre-spring-cleaning state. Hmm. Trying to keep the clutter manageable is a tad difficult though. Maybe I’ll clean it up on Saturday… after shopping.

Been expanding my music collection again: discovered this amazing guy called Sam Sparro. :) He mixes funk and soul with an electronic drive–love his old school voice! Can’t get his song, Black & Gold, out of my head. Youtube him and have a listen; you won’t be disappointed. His songs aren’t about the typical love mush stuff–they’ve got messages and questions that make you think, but you won’t notice them at first.

Oh, and on the 7th I sang for SIBKL’s Valentine’s night with Michel. Our band was Merlvyn & my brother, Matt, on acoustic guitars, and Daryll on percussion. It was a nice, relaxed evening–a much fancier affair than last year’s, though. 

Yeahhh that’s about all I can dig out of my brain. So tired these days… must be my monthly friend.

Jade out.

Of Hairspray and Glitter

I don’t actually get to use any glitter for my musical because of the character I have to play, but there’s a great deal of hairspray involved.

Anyway!

Today was the promotional show for the musical. We performed my scene for my church’s community event, Christmas at the Park @Central park, Phileo Damansara Business Centre. :) Energy like never before, people! Prayed like mad before the scene, but once we stepped into the lights and smoke, all nervousness vanished–at least for me. It was a great start, everyone. Now we need to sustain the energy for the last leg of rehearsals + the 5 shows that begin on Christmas day! Can’t wait for show days.

On a good note, I also finished my BS selectives report yesterday. :) 3 days early! All that’s left is prep for our group presentation, then MY HOLIDAYS OFFICIALLY BEGIN! WOO-HOO! Short promo: the humanities selectives class is showcasing a musical version of Oedipus tomorrow! My voice makes a cameo in three of their short songs. Haha. Go and support them! I wanted to go, but am tied up with rehearsals…

The line “I knew that I’d get like this again, that’s why I try to keep at bay” from Immi’s song Half Life is running through my head now. I’ve been indulging myself in way too many visions of fantasy romances a la “Wicked” the musical. That song, As Long As You’re Mine? Been on repeat in my car stereo for way too long. It makes my imagination really run wild, wayyy to wild into the future about things that could possibly make me happy. Haha. Probably even better than the real thing itself…

Dear God, is it time?

I ask, and I’ll continue to surrender and wait… but not without the customary daydreaming beforehand. :)

Comeee what mayyyyy ~♪

It’s the SEASON OF THE YEAR! the musical

I know it’s quite late to do promo, seeing that the show is less than 2 week away.. but nevertheless! PREEE-SENTINGGG….

Yes, you already guessed it–I’m playing a role in it hence the shameless promo, ha ha.

Showtimes are~
25th December: 10.00am & 8.00pm
26th December: 2.30pm & 8.00pm
27th December: 7.30pm

5 SHOWS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

You will require a ticket for entry, but tickets are FOC! They are merely to prevent overflow of the auditorium.

However, I heard that tickets are running out really fast, so please check out my church’s website for more information!

What’s the musical about? Well, its a journey following the Lee Family through the Christmas season, and the various events that crop up along the wau. The central message of the musical is that there is more to life. If you’re expecting a shiny, Las-Vegas-y musical filled with sinful fun and delinquents, you’ll be surprised. Season of the Year! takes Christmas and life down to a gritty, truthful, even uncomfortable, core.

My character is the daughter in the family. If you want to know what she’s like, you have to watch it to understand. All I can say is that it’s been a real challenge to undertake the role because she’s nothing like me in real life… You might be afraid of me even, haha.

Nothing to do for Christmas? Interested in seeing a great show for free? Call the SIBKL office at +603-7957 2701 now!

SEE YOU THERE! :DD

Music is my life

When I enjoy what I do, the audience does too. :)

This weekend has been absolutely nuts in terms of practice and preparation, but so very worth it. :) This is just a shortie before I head to bed… need to be up at 7am tomorrow for make-up, warm-up, and sound-check. Oh! And dimsum too. :D

IMU Ball 2009 : Clair de Lune @ JW Marriott, Putrajaya

The theme, Clair de Lune, was supported by its catchphrase, “A night of enchantment.” What a night it was!

On the 19th of April, 2009, a Sunday, I was stunningly tired and very reluctant to get up and get dressed for the ball. I’d been up since 6am because I was on duty for worship at church, and when I got home I lay on the bed for a short while and knocked out for two hours… Didn’t put a lot of effort into getting ready–just applied basic makeup, pulled on one of my many LBDs-for-all-occasions, and ta-daaah! Hopped into the car. Mum drove me over to the hotel and dropped me off.

Everything looked opulent and grand. Deco was amazing–felt really bad because I was a deco subcommittee-member and really, did next to nothing. Nevertheless, everything looked great. The ballroom was lovely, and the stage was impressive. Soundcheck commenced, and it wasn’t too bad of a sound system. It was loud and clear enough. When we were done, the camwhoring unleashed! :)) Camwhored a LOT with my two di-dis Kyan & Korwoi (fellow batchrep!), hahaha. BURGER LIPS TIME!

One of many camwhorings. ltr: Rudy, Chin Nam, Keili, me, Korwoi

The grad videos were all really touching and sweet, and showcased some awesome vid-editing skills. Seriously. Made me realize how fast time has passed–next year it would be our turn to dress up, sit down, and watch the memories dance by on a silver screen mounted up high. We’re already semester 3 students and still it feels like we stepped into IMU just yesterday. Sigh…

The dance performances were top-notch and the breakdancers had some pretty sweet skills. Chloe & I were jawdropping at some of the male dancers. Bak Khan and Siew Kim won the Ball King & Queen title. Congrats, you guys! Such an adorable couple!

And why was I there? (when I didn’t even buy a ticket)

:) Click to read more about the elegant, moonlit, misty night.

SIBKL Easter 2009 : In Christ I Stand

:) Ladies and gentlemen, this is an advertorial for your reading pleasure:

This Easter, my church is doing special music & an evangelical healing service! The theme is In Christ I Stand, and our speaker for the weekend is Dr Andy Lim. He’s a doctor (duh) with a healing anointing, and will be coming to share an amazing testimony of how God healed him COMPLETELY from nasopharyngeal cancer!

For my church’s location & a map if you don’t know how to get there, click here!

The dates of the sessions are:
Saturday, 11th April – 5pm
Sunday, 12th April – 8.30am
Sunday, 12th April – 11am

:) THREE sessions, count ‘em all. Please come visit and attend the service–you’ll be in for a treat and a witnessing of God’s awesome healing power. If you’re sick, feeling sick, need healing of any kind, this is the service for you! Let me know which service you’re coming for, so I can look out for you.

*ahem. Shameless: A less noble reason to come for the service would be because I AM SINGING AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME SUPPORT. :)) So there. If you want to know what song I’m doing, it’s a duet, and it was famously performed by Celine Dion with fellow singers such as Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, except we’re doing a fully English version. I’m sure you can guess. ;)

SO YES! :) I know there are other flashy and more exciting musicals on for Easter, but if you’d like a gentler affair, with good music, good *cough* singing, and an amazing, life-changing message, come for SIBKL’s Easter 2009 service. There are 3 dates, so I’ll bet you can make at least one of them!

Signing out, this is Jade. ;)

Earth Hour gig @ I-City, Shah Alam

:)) Before I rant about how freakin’ awesome the bands were and what a great time I had, I’ll just tell you what it was about. UNFORTUNATELY, because I am also super awesome, I brought my camera without the memory card, so I couldn’t take any photos. Vanessa took some though. :) Thankyooo.

Earth hour. The most publicized HOUR where people spend oodles of money and effort to spread awareness about climate change. Hopefully it works–if not, it was just another excuse for getting together and having a carnival/fiesta sorta thing.

Exactly a week ago, Wilfred from my church called me and asked if I wanted to play a gig at this event for Earth Hour at I-city in Shah Alam. Never heard of the place before, but I thought, “One week to practice and put stuff together? Let’s call PUS.” (PUS a.k.a Pick Up Symphony a.k.a Josh’s band, lol) Due to a series of unfortunate events, Alvin and Kay Mun both couldn’t make it, so I was left as the sole vocalist, and Faye was brought in as rhythm guitarist. Andrew filled in as lead guitarist cum backup vocals, whilst Josh and Joel stayed playing bass and drums respectively.

RtL : Joel, Faye, Andrew, Josh, me. yeng b&w edit courtesy of Vanessa.:))

Ok, so now that you have the lineup… I’ll move on to the songs. We were told we had an hour to fill, so we practiced 10 songs (in 4 days! Give us credit lol), but only got to play 7 of them. That was good, though, because we weren’t very well-prepared. We played Estrella – Stay, Marie Digby – Say it Again, Colbie Callait – Realize, Taylor Swift – Love Story, Michelle Branch – Everywhere, Demi Lovato – This is Me, and Paramore – Decode. I think we could’ve done much better if we had more time to practice and prepare… But we gave it our best shot and had fun! Thanks guys.

I like this pic the most out of the lot. :)

I enjoyed performing Decode the most. :))) There’s something about the heavy guitars, drums, and cacophony of sound translating into one energy-filled song. And the style of singing I had to try was challenging, but wild and gratifying, in some strange way. I don’t know if I prefer Jazz or not, now that I’ve experienced doing Paramore.

OK! Moving on. There was free food and all at the fiesta, and I didn’t really pay attention to much of the other events, but I CAN tell you about the next two band performances by Army of Three and Bus Company. Andrew felt super paiseh because Army of 3 saw us perform the first set (which was shitty) haha.

The bands were mindblowing!! Me being someone who is pretty clueless about the local music scene, I’d never really seen or been keen on many local bands because of previous bad experiences (sucky bands). However, these two today were different from what I’d seen before, and I really enjoyed it. They were so tight, and had their own thing goin’ on!

I liked Army of Three because they were so tight and their music was really interesting. The lead guitarist had really agile fingers, and the bassist, Darren, did his famous bass-swinging thing during one of the songs. Bus Company was more fun, and their drummer–also called Darren–could beatbox AND sing! Their lead guitarist did some really cool things with the pedals and effects. Managed to say hi and talk to a few of the band members of both bands, and they were really friendly (and niiiice, and even asked about PUS). Talk about local talent. :))))

Again (as I’ve said before), it’s at times like these that I wonder why I’m doing medicine.

But I’ll stick to it.

…..YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW BADLY I WANNA BELONG TO A BAND AND WRITE SONGS AND PLAY GIGS TO A THROBBING, PULSING CROWDDDDDDD DDDDD:

Sigh. ): Back to Hematology & (soon) the gastro-intestinal system. There’s a reason for everything… There’s a reason for everything………

SIBKL: Spice Up Your Life

I mentioned that I got to sing for Valentine’s day at my church’s dinner event. It was a really cute event, as most of the people there were around my parents’ ages.

Originally, Wallace, one of my church friends (and karaoke kaki) was supposed to sing with me for most of the love duets… Unfortunately, he was unable to make it due to work commitments and a packed schedule. :( So what happened? Daddy sang with meeeee. :))) And Ming did too, although he felt like a fish out of water, being a bandboy and having to dress up and sing my kind of music…

The band was random. Ish. I just thought of people and called them together to play for the night, yet it came together really well. Like amazingly! Not to mention the large amounts of prayer and fretting that went into pre-practice sessions & the picking of songs/sets.

And now, without further ado, the line-up for the night:

ltr: Dad, Twink, Rudy, Faye, me, Joel, Ming, Merlvyn & Felix (soundman)

Myself, vocalist.
Dad, as duettt partner.
Minghan, also as duet partner slash backup singer slash second vocalist.
Rudy Goh on keys (oh, you saw this one coming).
Merlvyn Kho on electric guitar.
Faye Lim on acoustic guitar.
Twink a.k.a. Matthias Liew, my brother, on bass guitar.
Joel Gan on drums.

We did songs like Dream a Little Dream, Moon River, What a Wonderful World, Stand By Me, L-O-V-E, Quando Quando Quando, Lucky, I’ll Be, Kiss Me, When You Tell Me That You Love Me, etc etc.

Honestly, my first time putting together such a thing–the whole dinner gig & suit-tie-dress shindig… It was a learning process. And I have to thank the band for bearing with my utter incompetence, slaving through (at times) directionless practices that tended to start late (uh oh), and my contorted facial expressions when I try to feel the song / SS. :))

At the end of the evening, I heard nothing but good comments about the band & our performance! ^^ Yayy. God is really honing the talent He gave me this year, and teaching me a lottt.

Alright, that’s it. I want more gigs! :)

…but maybe AFTER the cvs+respi summative in the middle of March. Time to study…

Finale

Time has clasped us firmly around the wrist, then pulled us through the year’s happenings in a breakneck fashion. The last new year was ushered in reverently, amidst a charged atmosphere of fervent prayer for the Year of New Beginnings. This new year’s–at least for me–will be the same, except that the year to be heralded in brings with it much change, and maybe, much disappointment for some of us.

Though knowing that and having church leaders tell us it will be difficult, I still rest easy and in confidence that the Lord will continue to watch over my family & I in all our endeavours in the coming year, whatever they may be. For now, since I’m not a soothsayer nor fortune teller, I’ll just look back in time and count my blessings. :)

It’s been a while–and it’s been fast. It still feels like only yesterday that dad brought home the new Starbucks 2008 planner, and I began filling out my days in it. This year has really been one of new beginnings for me, in many, many ways. :)) Though nothing romantic began (I’m still waiting, God!! :D Haha), lots of other randomly wonderful things did. I’ve grown up a bit more (I think!) as a person, and for the better (I hope).

I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for God bringing all these different people and events into my life this year.

So: HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE, and may you all have an amazing time tonight ushering in the new year and a new season, wherever you may be.

As for me, I’ll be at church. :3 Har har, who didn’t expect that? After midnight, however, I may go hang out til the wee hours of the morning with my loves. :D

DISCLAIMER: Image-heavy and seriously LONG post, only read if you’re interested in spotting/reading about yourself or kaypoh-ing about the uselessly random things I’ve done in my life this year.

Reflecting God’s Love

I sang at the CF/CSS/staff/lecturers’ Christmas celebration today at IMU, with Seng Chye on guitar and Christy on keyboard. Went very well, in my opinion (albeit the wrong chord hahaha!). Thanks so much, you guys! It was great. Also, thanks for putting up with my last-minute-one-day-before practices…

I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS SUCH A BIG EVENT!

Honestly, when Jon Au from the Catholic Students’ Society called me and asked me to prepare a few songs for a Christmas party, I thought it was just a small ‘do at, say, a seminar room or a lecture hall. Something quaint and cosy. Acoustic set. Little did I know it was held in the atrium, with oodles of food, cupcakes, hors d’oeuvres, TURKEY, and many, many people. The turnout was bigger than I expected.

The choir sang, but I missed most of it while saving my car from the DBKL saman. Seng Chye did a cover of Jason Mraz’s version of Winter Wonderland, which was funky and upbeat (I sang backup). I followed with a medley/fusion of O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Holy Night, with a little bit of sharing in the middle. I’d been looking for a verse to share the entire night, but finally settled on John 3:16, since the theme of the event was agape–God’s love.

I’d prayed a lot about the song choice, and whether or not to share something, since I didn’t want to just sing and leave people feeling all “merrified” for Christmas. There’s a much, much bigger reason as to why we celebrate Christmas, and I was glad I could share it. What’s more wonderful than the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior, redeemer and friend? :DDD Hopefully, that message was conveyed in today’s celebration, so that people don’t walk away solely with the commercialized, plastic-wrapped notion of Christmas in a box.

As usual, my legs SHOOK when I sang. The butterflies in my stomach never disappeared, BUT I believe, because my aunt was praying loads for me as I sang, God squished those butterflies. :)) After my performance, my aunt came over and huuuuuggged me, taking all the jitters away. Thanks to everyone who complimented the performance! I have to say that God really helped me through it, as with every other time that I sing. He draws the voice out of me.

My highlight of the day (the WEEK even) would be “officially” meeting Jimmy, the outgoing president of the Christian Fellowship. I’d heard a lot about him: glowing reviews from my aunt, other students, CF members, infinity milers…said hi to him once or twice. Even when I’ve heard him speak in CF the few times that I went, I knew there was something different about him. While talking to him today, I can say I’ve never, ever felt such peace. I can ALSO say that I now see why there have only been good words about him. No wonder the CF is strong and well-led.

Jimmy really impressed me with his attitude, his manner of speech, his sharing… I mean, WOW. He gave off such an aura of confidence and trust in God–this sense that he was totally and wholly secure in his calling to do missions as a doctor. When he was sharing with me about his convictions, I could sense this comfortable closeness with God. Now that’s something I desire to have, and am really striving for. Not even close yet, but meeting him has really inspired me, and let me see how God’s light can shine through when one is really walking close to Him. Wow. Really. It’s just awesome.

(It’s actually POSSIBLE to reach that level!!! /awe)

…now I need to stop being lazy and attend CF more regularly, lol.