Monday, November 30, 2009
at 7:30 AM | 3 comments | Blogging
A NEW template indeed
This blog template is known as Mahusay which I found on Blogger Templates. There are many other amazing themes but I wouldn't be elaborating further on that. Well, while working on this template, I made a few adjustments here and there to suit my need and the idea which I had in my mind. I also came across this site which was sort of like a guideline in changing my current template.
My Preference
When it comes to choosing templates, I would prefer a white/grey/light background over black. The reason for it is because I feel that it gives a 'clean and neat' feeling. Black is also a preferred colour by many and it soothing for the eyes as some would say. I'm still sticking to a 2-column template. I've used a 3-column one before but it was a bit messy. The navigation bar for a blog is a must for me. I think it's more convenient, plus it looks cool, don't you think? :)
One thing new about this template to me is the slide show. The pictures did not require a lot of editing. It was just cropping the photos to a size of 606 x 255. There is also a link to Twitter and RSS Feed if you thought about checking it out. The layout may seem a little plain and simple but I think it's a good thing. At least, it's not messy yet which makes it easier to explore.
My Challenge
As internet was unstable for the past few days, I was not able to do anything until 2 nights ago. Internet was slow but at least, it was working. After setting aside the images I wanted and hosting my javascript as guided, I was set and ready to go. I hit the 'Save Template' button but I couldn't save it due to some errors.
Yes, errors are one of the most annoying things that a person could come across at times as such. One of the errors I came across had something like this: The value of attribute "src" associated with an element type "null" must not contain the '<' character. So, for me to find the error took a really long time. It was definitely testing my patience. In the end, I decided to start from the very beginning and finally got it right the second time.
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For many bloggers, changing/picking a template is not easy as there is a wide selection of pretty/extraordinary/awesome templates. It is also something which occurs at any time of our blogging activity. For some people html is the most complicated thing. It sometimes is but for some things, you've just got to be patient and give it some time to know you. :) No matter what happens, you could always google for help! :D
Sunday, November 29, 2009
at 7:04 AM | 0 comments |
Igudesman and Joo at MPO
Gidon Kremer, Kremetica Baltica, Igudesman and Joo were in Malaysia on both November 16th and 17th. I wanted to watch Kremetica Baltica perform on November 16th but due to unforeseen circumstances, I watched Igudesman and Joo instead. =) There is only one word to describe it and that would be AWESOME.
It was a planned outing with my friends before the exams. I guess you could put it in a way that it helps in de-stressing. Igudesman and Joo make fun with music and interact with audiences as part of their act. On top of that, the music they play are mostly familiar ones. For example, the Simpsons. That was one of the catchy ones.
Igudesman plays the violin where as Joo plays the piano. I love the sound of his violin although I somehow felt that his playing was little 'bouncy' at some parts that night. Maybe it's only when he plays it really fast. There was a part where Joo played the piano with only one hand but sounds like 2 hands playing. You could check them out on Youtube, if you'd like. Trust me, you won't regret it. :)
Cameras were not allowed in the hall. So, the pictures were all taken after the show.
From left: Jeremy, Jae Ric, Robyn, Chia Sin, Me and Benedict.
The last time I went to KLCC was when I was a kid, probably around 9 or 10 years old. For one thing, it is pretty far from my place. It was only this year that I went there twice. The first time was to get the tickets and the second was to watch the show. KLCC has definitely changed a lot. I'm planning to go there again. I want to check out the Aquaria. :) On the other hand, some of my friends have plans to go to Sunway Lagoon.
Well, whatever it is, I'm looking forward to another outing. The coming 2 months would be a mixture of holiday + projects. It would also be the only time for me (and my batchmates) to have fun before our Final Exam next year. I'm trying to live my life to its fullest, are you?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
at 1:43 AM | 0 comments |
Summs in < 8 hrs
I hope I'll wake up in time and be mentally prepared.
I hope I'll recall what I've studied even if it's a word or a picture which I came across.
I hope I'll make lucky guesses if I don't know the answers.
I'm hoping too much. Oh well...
Exams was okay. Definitely will pass. :) Some parts were definitely tough but I managed. Everyone was studying when I reached uni. I didn't have time to go through anything. I rocked endocrine except in EMQ! It's something I'm satisfied with but didn't do well in repro at all. >.<
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
at 2:33 AM | 0 comments |
Reminders before Exams, yes, I need them.
Have I finished studying? No.
Will I finish studying? I hope I would.
Am I worried? Partly. I may not be able to maintain my average. It's not an A.
Am I stressed? Haha, nope but I do need encouragement to finish my notes.
How many times have I gone through my notes? Some untouched, some more than two times... especially some Behavioural Science ones...
I definitely can't wait for it to be over. Perhaps Hwei Jene is right. There is no stress because I'm used to the idea of exams and that it's just going to be another day where they ask us questions. I have many things planned already after exams. Movies would be one of it. :) There are new piano pieces waiting for me and baking to learn.
Things I need to remind myself during exams...
- Read the questions properly from the first word until the last word.
- If you don't know, then you don't. Pick an answer and move on after the elimination process.
- Once you've decided, don't change your answer.
- Be confident of what you choose. Your subconscious knows more than you think you do. :P
- It is a fight, never ever give up no matter how tough it is.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
at 12:58 PM | 0 comments | Articles, Interesting, Medical
Man trapped for 23 years... That's long...
This is a story about a man was trapped in his own body for 23 years due to a misdiagnosis. It is a good thing that this man is an optimist. One of the articles mentioned that he was initially very angry, but dealt with it sooner or later. Even if a person wants to harm his own self, he can't because he can't move. On the right side of the page, there is a list of other sites covering the same topic which includes Guardian and Times Online.
Powerless... (as how he described it) Could it be the worst feeling ever? Knowing that you can't do anything when you know many things.
If you are a follower of the TV Series House MD, then, perhaps... you would remember the episode where one guy was in coma and was about to be pronounced brain dead (I think) while Dr. House thought that the guy could still respond. Well, if that doesn't ring a bell, it is the last episode which Kutner appeared and had the theory of Leptospirosis.
While I try to relate it to Medicine, yeah, it's amazing how technology is developing and machines are helping with breakthrough discovery and all... but, when a person makes a misdiagnosis, there is no turning back IF the consequences are bad. It is a responsibility that I believe all medical personnel hold. I could be wrong, but I'll find out soon, hopefully in 3 years. (because then, it'll mean that I passed every one of my exams and need not resit... ^^ )
Yet, the question (as from the video/article), how many people are there who are suffering the same thing? :S
at 11:20 AM | 0 comments | Baking, Leisure
4 attempts to make it right.
Baking is something new to me and it is like an adventure. It took a lot of courage to try things independantly. I figured that if I can't cook, I probably can bake and so I did... I also bought a book from MPH. I don't have picture of it right now. I went through over 20 baking books and I found the perfect one. :)
Attempt #1
I took about 6 hours just to get things prepared, baking and cleaning up. I was definitely slow and paranoid in getting the measurements right. My first attempt was chocolate with choc. chips cupcakes with royal icing. Unfortunately, the icing did not fluff and I ended up seiving the icing sugar. :*( I wasted one packet of icing sugar.
Attempt #2
It was to bake for my parents so that they'll get to eat it when they're back from Japan! :D But, just as I thought everything would go smoothly, I misread the weighing scales and my sugar was 30% more than my butter. Hence, I had to rewrite the amount of ingredients based on proportions with Mei Xin's help. (She's a pro... ooh, Elvyna too ^^) My parents felt it was still a little too sweet for their liking.
Attempt #3
The recipe said that the butter needs to be softened before having everything beaten together. Oh, by the way, I don't have an electric mixer, hence, everything is manual. This is a very important point... BE PATIENT. I wasn't but I learnt my lesson. I melted the butter and it became liquid. Yes, it was definitely easier to mix everything BUT... after baking it, the cupcakes did not have the fluffy light texture but an "elastic"/"hard" one. It's not rock hard, it's just less easier to chew...
Attempt #4
I baked with my mum! ^^ She wanted to learn and she helped me out with the cleaning and all. So, it took less than 2 hours. We even experimented with raisins. As for the topping, it was Chocolate Buttercream. *me love*
Well, baking is an investment. If you're going to try it, do it with passion and stick to it for as long as you can so that everything is worth the money. The materials etc. I suppose for me, the most important thing was that these cupcakes bring joy to people.
I'm still a beginner in this, but hopefully, I'll reach a level where I can learn and create designs of my own. I can't wait to get my hands on sugarpaste after exams. But most importantly, master first the making of royal icing! hehe.
Monday, November 23, 2009
at 11:08 PM | 5 comments | Technology
1 in 3 laptops die in first 3 years
The title caught my attention. 1 in 3 laptops die in first 3 years. Well, I'm already learning about statistics when it comes to epidemiology, reading this article wasn't that bad. Anyway, the reason why I'm even concerned is because the lifespan of electronic items is VERY important, don't you think so? It is important that whatever I get would last me for at least 4-5 years.
This is a graph which was in the article. Looks like the most reliable ones would be Asus and Toshiba as the failure rate is less than 15%. As for the least reliable brands, well, you could see it in the graph above already... Check out the article for more info. =)I'm currently using a Lenovo. I got him last year in December. And while I had him, a few months ago, the battery started to die. I started to doubt the quality of Lenovo. While it is stated that the battery would last for 3 hours or so, my laptop would die in 15 minutes or so. Then, my brother found out that this whole batch of batteries were affected, hence, got my laptop registered and a replacement was sent to me in a couple of weeks all the way from US! Yeap, it was definitely efficient.
This article showed me in general, how prone my laptop is to failures. Haha, gosh, now that did not come out right. Okay, this article made me realised that I can increase the lifespan of my notebook by taking care of it simply by making sure that the environment is drop-proof and that cords are not lying around for anyone to trip over.
[Did I sound like a tech geek? :P Haha, I think it takes more than that to sound like one..!]
Sunday, November 22, 2009
at 2:01 PM | 3 comments | Random
Infection with smilies and colours...
The word is infection. We know that meaning of infection has something to do with a the process of pathogens (microorganism--> bacteria/parasite/virus) making its way into our bodies by breaking (invading) the barriers our body has set. These pathogens then produce substances which are toxic to our body and cause diseases.
This is no attempt to nerdify the readers of this blog ^^. I was just explaining briefly *holding up the peace sign*, the meaning of infection. So, then, this line just came to my mind.
[Smilies and colours do make a difference...]
Oooh, and if you're still reading this, my friend wrote about 'If I'm a Storm Warrior'. If you wrote about it too, leave me your link because I want to read what you posted! Have a great day!
Random rambles: With exams in 3 days, I wonder too... how I'm going to finish studying. >.<
Thursday, November 19, 2009
at 7:38 PM | 3 comments | Dreams, Friends, University
When dreams don't come true...
So, this was how the dream went...
Jien: Eh, Selectives Grouping is out already!
Kor Woi: Yeah, omg...
Me: It's out?
Kor Woi: Yeah, Esther, you got into Behavioural Science.
Me: *eyeballs nearly popped out* WHAT?
Kor Woi: Good lah... ^^
Me: NOOOOO...I wanted LITERATURE..! What did I do wrong?
Jien: Did you pass up the form early?
Me: Yea.... :(
Jien: See... I told you not to pass up early. People who pass up early won't get into what they want. I passed up late. I got into Literature.
Me: How is that even possible? *depressed*
Then, I woke up. Yeap, and since then, I was so troubled over it. I really really wanted to be in Literature.
Well, Selectives Groupings were out yesterday and... I GOT INTO LITERATURE! I'm with Hwei Jene and Joanne! I felt a little sad for those who didn't get their first option. I seriously wouldn't know what I would have done had I gotten my other choices because those given options are not options for me. Sometimes, it's a relief when dreams as such don't come true when all the time, we'd wish that our dreams would come true.
It reminds me of how I chose IMU. IMU was my only option. I did not apply to any other universities. Had I not get into this university, I wouldn't know what I would have done. Anyway, have a great week ahead. =)
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If you asked me, "How's studies?" I would tell you, "It's not great. I barely finished one system properly. I haven't touch the Renal System. But, I'm trying my best. It's not easy when I'm having flu the whole day. >.<"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
at 3:46 AM | 0 comments | Experience, Friends, Funny, Medical
When I had no other choice but to WAIT...
Unfortunately for me, I was the one being teased as I was looking for a toilet at KLCC after watching an orchestra. The reason why I didn't go to the one at the MPO was because it was packed with many people. I thought I would be able to find toilets elsewhere but I was SOOOOOO wrong. The toilets in KLCC were already closed. Hence, I had to WAIT and not thinking about the need to empty my bladder.
But it was not as easy as I thought it would be because:
1. Jeremy couldn't stop talking about waterfalls.
2. Robyn's contagious laughter.
3. Jae Ric's explanation about the micturition process which includes spikes and urge.
4. General discussion about incontinence, polyuria etc.
5. MUCH MUCH later, Chia Sin went 'Shhhh.....' =.=
Yeah, I have AWESOME friends. hehe. They kept on teasing me about what if I reached the full capacity of 600 mL and it would be the END according to our lectures. There is no happy ending to that. They can't stop teasing about who's car it would happen in and who the unlucky people beside me are. It went on and on.
Fortunately for me, I made it throughout the whole journey. Wheee...
Note to self: no matter how long a queue may be, somehow, your turn would come. If you have the chance, just take it, don't wait any longer thinking that you will have the chance again. =)
Monday, November 16, 2009
at 9:37 AM | 3 comments |
M'sian Studies Project
Ooh, there was a fashion show, so, I'm going to show just a few pictures which I managed to take when my friends posed for the crowd.
Then they also removed the other decorations which I would show later.
Finally, some more pictures of macro shots which I really like...
Finally, there's me and my first time wearing a Saree.
Friday, November 13, 2009
at 8:35 PM | 3 comments | Experience, Medical
A medical student's first visit to the Dialysis Center
We were poking fun at each other to go do things that others wouldn't do. I would hear 'Go Esther. Start talking first and we'll follow.' That sort of thing but in a 'I-want-to-give-you-trouble' way which is kind of funny. Anyway, I got my "revenge" in other ways. *evil grin* ^^ hehe. So, after those words were said, the sister said that I could help. She didn't ask me if I wanted to. Instead, she told me to to do it. Do what? To help this old uncle put on the Blood Pressure Cuffs. It has been a while since I last held a BP set, let alone the cuffs. I was slow, but I knew I was right.
Here was how the conversation went (oh, he spoke in Hokkien, so, I'm translating everything)...
Me: Hmm, uncle, don't move okay..?
Him: No, you're doing it wrongly.
Me: Wrongly? *pause and wonders what is wrong*
Him: It's like that la! (wants to put the cuffs inside out)
Me: Err.. No uncle, it's like that.
Him: No, I'm right...
Me: No uncle... I'm right, it's like that, come let me help you.
Him: You don't know how to do this wan...
Me: *silently praying for help*
Sister: Uncle... =.= What are you doing? She knows what she's doing.
Him: She don't know...
Sister: You don't make life difficult for her. Just stay still.
Him: I'm telling you that she don't know..!
Then, the sister asked me to put the cuffs on. While she explained the other things, the BP machine couldn't be switched on. Apparently, the wires were loose. Next thing I knew, the uncle said, "I told you lo.. It's her. She spoilt it. She don't know how to do things wan.." I barely touched the machine. Goshness.
Everyone else was giggling or laughing especially the one who said 'Go Esther' =.= So yeah, I did however, made peace with the uncle before leaving. Others say that it's cute to face a grumpy old man. What do you think?
I'm speechless. O.o
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
at 7:30 AM | 1 comments |
Boom Di Ya Da in IMU
So, in case you haven't seen the original Boom Di Ya Da, here it is.
This is the one made by IMU students and the part which I like is when the Dean showed his participation. So, enjoy!
I'm hoping that I would be able to find time to make a batch project as such but for now, my mind should be focused on what's more important and think about it after exams. :D
Sunday, November 08, 2009
at 10:21 AM | 4 comments |
Fun with Light Graffiti
I asked him what the first word he tried writing was and it was 'You'. So, I gave it a try too.
No doubt this is a fun thing to do during your free time. I will definitely attempt more of these after my exams. :D
Saturday, November 07, 2009
at 7:57 PM | 7 comments |
Handmade Card #5
So, this is how it looks like from the front. The idea is there but mechanics isn't quite right. I found a way to keep the card closed though but I don't reckon its the best way. =/ I finally got to use the paper which I bought from Whimsicle Articles! (which I've mentioned before)
Now, to show you the inside of the card...
Moving on...
This is a closer view. As you can see, there is a lot of space at the top. It is for writing messages. Otherwise, it can be left blank too but I wrote a message for my friend. I didn't have much to write though because I've written quite a few messages to her before. :D
Finally...
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 9:42 AM | 0 comments |
Video: Burn E
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 1:42 AM | 0 comments |
stupid. sdooopid. stupid.
Don't know why I'm feeling like I'm not strong enough, like I'm gonna be broken again. These feelings have to go but I'm holding on to them. These thoughts need to be replaced but I'm reluctant to forget them.
Everything that was said matters. What's worse is that I'm paranoid. In the end, I'm the only one who cares about it because it matters to me but not the other person.
I used to be so sure about what I want. Then, I wavered. For a second, I knew because I saw the big picture but I'm in denial. *silly girl* Waiting for something like this is like deliberately finding trouble for oneself.
*sdoopid heartbreaker*
Monday, November 02, 2009
at 9:17 AM | 0 comments |
Cheerleading: Pegasus
So what about this team? They started out with a strong cheer and definitely a good song. It is a song every one is familiar with which is 'I've gotta feeling' by Black Eyed Peas. I like the basket tosses and the jumps. Well, I would have expected a job well done, coming from Wei Chin.
One thing which I thought was good was the formations. It was very well planned but towards the middle, I feel that there is a lot of running around (formation changes). But they have really good pyramids. There is one part where Leon did his solo footwork followed by a so-called robotic dance. One thing good about this type of dance is that you don't have to choreograph much and since it has never been done before, it is unique.
The rotation arabesque was not that stable but overall, the stunts were all safe and simple. =)
Sunday, November 01, 2009
at 8:15 AM | 0 comments |
Acoustic Night
But, I went back as soon as I heard Daniel and Kyan singing.
The chorus which was right after the rap was sang by Tatsuki. hehe. The presentation of this song was entertaining. After that, the stage was open for stagewhoring. Yeap, a new term which developed from the normal "camwhoring".
To me, I've got to take pictures with people at every event which I go to for memories sake.