This is how I woke up today: my throat felt like a cat threw up in it, my right ear ached so much from that stupid pimple just before my ear canal, I was almost deaf in the right ear and I felt completely miserable!
On waking up, I start to try to swallow but it felt like the back of my throat was covered in cat vomit that won't budge. My ear starts to hurt so I think to myself "omg is this an ear infection? did that stupid pimple progress to become an abscess? Is this going to progress to form a brain abscess? Am I going to be brain damaged and deaf?" - once you see cases of such things happening you start to be so paranoid! So I start to stick my finger in my ear to see what the hell's going on in there and I thought I felt a large abscess going into my ear canal and just thought, "fuck". Anyway, I then go over to Dan's room (because I knew Fay was up), and asked her to look into my ear with my otoscope. And she just saw a miserable little pimple, which somewhat reassured me.
Anyway, turns out I was deaf in that ear because my stupid Eustachian tube was blocked with goo (which cleared up)
As I'm typing now, my nose is dripping away like there's no tomorrow.
Here's how I've been in the past MONTH: ILL. I've had a bitch of a cough, and intermittent fever, sneezing, runny nose. And guess what? It was clearing up. It was almost completely gone. But at the last minute, a new bug comes in!!
So it feels like my immune system's being taken out on a test drive by these pesky little morons (viruses). Grrr looks like I'm going to be sick for another few weeks. Thank you pesky bugs!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Sunday, 4 January 2009
The Best Holiday
I'm back in cold, gloomy London from the most perfect holiday in Malaysia. I'm trying to get back into the whole routine so I'm cleaning up and doing some laundry (with the most annoying washing machine on the planet)
The holiday was just perfect with an almost complete reunion of all the Krishnans (except for uncle Vejayan's family in Michigan and Kumar in London). Sugu was back in Malaysia for the first time after 18 long years! And her family were in Malaysia for the first time.
It was just great to have everyone back again, all the cousins, reunited. Sugu, Sharmini, Kaanchana, Suman, Johan and me. This holiday taught me a lot about my family. Untold stories and secrets were unleashed. Old photos taken out of their dusty boxes (and I mean OLD).
We spent almost everyday talking till at least 3am, catching up, gossiping etc.
The endless disasters were hilarious! To name one, we were playing pool in a bar and Sugu decides to break. Having not played pool in ages, she tipped the cue down at the very last minute while putting all her strength in the shot and sent the ball flying into a porcelain fountain with a loud crash and plop!!! The worker standing by the fountain looked so confused, and when he finally realised what happened, he had to bend into the fountain to get the ball out and wipe it! Omg we were all wetting ourselves by this point!
Another one: Sugu goes saree shopping and knocks over a huge reel of material. Seeing this, Kaanchana tries to save the day and tips it over to the other side, when it then fell on all the other giant reels of material and sent them all crashing in the shop! The shopkeepers could only watch in complete horror and helplessness with open mouths... LOL. On the very same day in a similar place, Sugu and Kaanch were buying bangles for Asha. Kaanch insisted to pay for them despite Sugu's protests. After a lengthy debate, Kaanch decides to just turn to the counter and pay before Sugu gets a chance. While doing her very swift turn, Kaanchana knocks this little chinese woman over into reels of material!
Another disaster! After I left for England, all the cousins decided to go to the waterpark in Tambun. Now, this waterpark was designed with Malaysian sizes and weights in mind i.e. not for a big black man (Sugu's husband, Garrick, and children!!)
Anyway, due to them weighing at least twice the average Malaysian, they were zooming SO fast down the waterslides to the point where it was terrifying and crazy. Suman and Big Garrick were sat on a float together zooming down one of the giant slides at a speed that was uncontrollably fast. The slide had a sudden bend in the tunnel and they overturned!! So Suman lands on his head at a high speed in this slide and uncontrollably splashed in to the pool at the end! Poor Suman, luckily it was nothing serious (as confirmed by Brachial plexus testing by Dr Johan!) but he wont be turning his head in a while...
Celebrating the New Year at KLCC was just perfect! We saw the grandest fireworks ever by the beautiful twin towers, and later on had drinks and hung out till 6.30am!!
However, we still had an unfortunate event. My grandfather (tata) got a heart attack (Non ST-elevation MI). The good news is that he's very stable at the moment at the National Heart Institute. He will be undergoing a bypass on Thursday by the best surgeons in the country and we're all praying that everything will go well. I'm very nervous but am keeping my fingers crossed.
The holiday was just perfect with an almost complete reunion of all the Krishnans (except for uncle Vejayan's family in Michigan and Kumar in London). Sugu was back in Malaysia for the first time after 18 long years! And her family were in Malaysia for the first time.
It was just great to have everyone back again, all the cousins, reunited. Sugu, Sharmini, Kaanchana, Suman, Johan and me. This holiday taught me a lot about my family. Untold stories and secrets were unleashed. Old photos taken out of their dusty boxes (and I mean OLD).
We spent almost everyday talking till at least 3am, catching up, gossiping etc.
The endless disasters were hilarious! To name one, we were playing pool in a bar and Sugu decides to break. Having not played pool in ages, she tipped the cue down at the very last minute while putting all her strength in the shot and sent the ball flying into a porcelain fountain with a loud crash and plop!!! The worker standing by the fountain looked so confused, and when he finally realised what happened, he had to bend into the fountain to get the ball out and wipe it! Omg we were all wetting ourselves by this point!
Another one: Sugu goes saree shopping and knocks over a huge reel of material. Seeing this, Kaanchana tries to save the day and tips it over to the other side, when it then fell on all the other giant reels of material and sent them all crashing in the shop! The shopkeepers could only watch in complete horror and helplessness with open mouths... LOL. On the very same day in a similar place, Sugu and Kaanch were buying bangles for Asha. Kaanch insisted to pay for them despite Sugu's protests. After a lengthy debate, Kaanch decides to just turn to the counter and pay before Sugu gets a chance. While doing her very swift turn, Kaanchana knocks this little chinese woman over into reels of material!
Another disaster! After I left for England, all the cousins decided to go to the waterpark in Tambun. Now, this waterpark was designed with Malaysian sizes and weights in mind i.e. not for a big black man (Sugu's husband, Garrick, and children!!)
Anyway, due to them weighing at least twice the average Malaysian, they were zooming SO fast down the waterslides to the point where it was terrifying and crazy. Suman and Big Garrick were sat on a float together zooming down one of the giant slides at a speed that was uncontrollably fast. The slide had a sudden bend in the tunnel and they overturned!! So Suman lands on his head at a high speed in this slide and uncontrollably splashed in to the pool at the end! Poor Suman, luckily it was nothing serious (as confirmed by Brachial plexus testing by Dr Johan!) but he wont be turning his head in a while...
Celebrating the New Year at KLCC was just perfect! We saw the grandest fireworks ever by the beautiful twin towers, and later on had drinks and hung out till 6.30am!!
However, we still had an unfortunate event. My grandfather (tata) got a heart attack (Non ST-elevation MI). The good news is that he's very stable at the moment at the National Heart Institute. He will be undergoing a bypass on Thursday by the best surgeons in the country and we're all praying that everything will go well. I'm very nervous but am keeping my fingers crossed.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Christmas Cheer
The best way to spread christmas cheer is to sing aloud for all to hear!! (funny quote from Elf)
Anyway, I'm feeling so happy now! I'm just laughing at my previous post!
The concert went fantastically well! Almost 50 people in the orchestra. The music was very well played! And everyone in the audience was very impressed at the standard.
Plus, I got given a nice bottle of wine and was thanked with thunderous applause and cheers! Oh what a great ending to the term!!
Anyway, I'm feeling so happy now! I'm just laughing at my previous post!
The concert went fantastically well! Almost 50 people in the orchestra. The music was very well played! And everyone in the audience was very impressed at the standard.
Plus, I got given a nice bottle of wine and was thanked with thunderous applause and cheers! Oh what a great ending to the term!!
Monday, 1 December 2008
My role in society
The sacrifice.
I have noticed that over the recent years, I have taken the role of the organiser. The person who is on the ball all the time. The person who herds the stubborn sheep. The person who has to sacrifice his enjoyment for the enjoyment of the mass.
And I deserve some remuneration. I'm the best organiser there is. I started an orchestra last year from SCRATCH. Our first ever rehearsal was a meagre 4 people playing Beethoven's 5th Symphony. And our coming concert will be 47 people playing The Hebrides and Khachaturian's Masquerade. Now that's something. I could've given up at the beginning, and nothing would've happen. Nothing. No one else would be willing to go through the stress and frustration of herding people. But I did it. And I'm satisfied with the results.
In rehearsals, everyone else has a jolly good time, and I really like it that they do. But I have to be on the ball, I need to organise where they sit (because they never know), where their music is, assure everyone that there will be more more musicians to fill in missing parts. And most of all, I find it so irritating when people look at me when the music is hard, or when it's not sounding good. Where were all of you when I asked for help to select music? I did it on my own and with so much planning and thought. Anyway, end of rant number 1. I know I will feel differently after the concert as I would be quite elated.
Rant 2. The flat. I live with a bunch of filthy people. If I didn't live in this flat, I can bet there will be rotting food, dirty dishes, dust and faeces covering every inch of floor and surfaces. It's always up to me, yet again, to be the shepherd. I have to resort to making a rota (which they don't follow). And when I try to enforce it, they glare at me. So in the end, I clean up most of the things. I do the dishes, again and again, and again. And they don't even thank me. I would like out!
The last one is not really a rant. But I do most of the organisation if our group of friends want to go out, eat, movie, concert, ballet, opera etc etc. Which I don't really mind, because I derive enjoyment in the end.
So there. I'm the shepherd. The one who has to sacrifice.
I have noticed that over the recent years, I have taken the role of the organiser. The person who is on the ball all the time. The person who herds the stubborn sheep. The person who has to sacrifice his enjoyment for the enjoyment of the mass.
And I deserve some remuneration. I'm the best organiser there is. I started an orchestra last year from SCRATCH. Our first ever rehearsal was a meagre 4 people playing Beethoven's 5th Symphony. And our coming concert will be 47 people playing The Hebrides and Khachaturian's Masquerade. Now that's something. I could've given up at the beginning, and nothing would've happen. Nothing. No one else would be willing to go through the stress and frustration of herding people. But I did it. And I'm satisfied with the results.
In rehearsals, everyone else has a jolly good time, and I really like it that they do. But I have to be on the ball, I need to organise where they sit (because they never know), where their music is, assure everyone that there will be more more musicians to fill in missing parts. And most of all, I find it so irritating when people look at me when the music is hard, or when it's not sounding good. Where were all of you when I asked for help to select music? I did it on my own and with so much planning and thought. Anyway, end of rant number 1. I know I will feel differently after the concert as I would be quite elated.
Rant 2. The flat. I live with a bunch of filthy people. If I didn't live in this flat, I can bet there will be rotting food, dirty dishes, dust and faeces covering every inch of floor and surfaces. It's always up to me, yet again, to be the shepherd. I have to resort to making a rota (which they don't follow). And when I try to enforce it, they glare at me. So in the end, I clean up most of the things. I do the dishes, again and again, and again. And they don't even thank me. I would like out!
The last one is not really a rant. But I do most of the organisation if our group of friends want to go out, eat, movie, concert, ballet, opera etc etc. Which I don't really mind, because I derive enjoyment in the end.
So there. I'm the shepherd. The one who has to sacrifice.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Most recent concerts
Last week, Pei Kee, Jeff, Shin Yee and I went to see the London Symphony Orchestra (which I think is the best orchestra ever) play Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade and Mussorgsky's Songs and Dances of Death. As a bonus to the programme, the LSO played The Twittering Machine by some contemporary composer whose name has slipped my mind.
The contemporary piece was really interesting and I actually liked it! I wouldn't mind listening to it again (some contemporary pieces are so horrible they precipitate headaches - like one I heard last year - forgot the name - didn't even bother to remember!)
The Songs and Dances of Death bit was brilliant and the soprano was a sight to behold. I swear I've never seen a lady taller than her. She had a magnificent voice that could be heard over the LSO - now that's something! She wore a very suitable dress for the programme - was quite morbid but beautiful at the same time. This piece was originally written by Mussorgsky to be played on the piano (which would've been a lot more boring). Shostakovich orchestrated the piece some time after it was written, and being a genius and an OCD person, he definitely did the most perfect job. I loved the interplay between the different sections and the energy of the piece.
Now of course, the Scheherazade. I was so impressed by this I didn't even want to blink or move a finger. I was rooted to the spot like a statue throughout the 40 plus minutes of this brilliant piece! The LSO definitely did not disappoint and did Rimsky-Korsakov justice! Just magnificent! It's difficult to put the experience into words! And there's also something about the concert hall at the Barbican centre that just makes everything sound so much better, clearer and louder... Wow, that was worth the money, in fact I would've paid more!
I went to see the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall the following Saturday (proudly turning down offers to the latest bond movie!)
Anyway, the programme was Rimsky-Korsakov's Tsar Saltan Suite, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Kalinnikov's Symphony No. 1.
Tsar Saltan was pretty good, although it's definitely not one of the best works of Rimsky-Korsakov (which would be Scheherazade!). The orchestra was sounding rather soft as we were sat quite far at the back (being the cheapskates we are).
However, at the end of the piece, we seized the opportunity and ran to one of the unoccupied seats at the 4th row of the stalls, which were far better!
Tchaikovsky's 3rd Piano Concerto was disappointing. I never heard it before and thought I'd take a risk (as you can never really go wrong with Tchaikovsky - turns out you can!).
I found it extremely draggy and boring - and plus I didn't even like the melody!
The morbidly obese pianist wasn't a pretty sight (compared to the beautiful female pianist that I saw play Rachmaninov's Variations on a theme of Paganini at the Barbican centre a year ago)
I just couldn't wait for it to finish, and it made me feel slightly guilty for bringing this friend who was completely new to classical music to this concert of all concerts!
Kalinnikov was also a chance I took - but a good one! That symphony was really good, although it probably lacked depth compared to symphonies written e.g. by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It had a good tune (which was probably the most important thing to my friend). It kind of climaxed, but not really. But it was ok. Nothing fantastic or anything, but good enough to keep my attention.
I vow to use my final few years in London to make the most of my stay. I will go to as many concerts, dramas, ballets etc as possible!
The contemporary piece was really interesting and I actually liked it! I wouldn't mind listening to it again (some contemporary pieces are so horrible they precipitate headaches - like one I heard last year - forgot the name - didn't even bother to remember!)
The Songs and Dances of Death bit was brilliant and the soprano was a sight to behold. I swear I've never seen a lady taller than her. She had a magnificent voice that could be heard over the LSO - now that's something! She wore a very suitable dress for the programme - was quite morbid but beautiful at the same time. This piece was originally written by Mussorgsky to be played on the piano (which would've been a lot more boring). Shostakovich orchestrated the piece some time after it was written, and being a genius and an OCD person, he definitely did the most perfect job. I loved the interplay between the different sections and the energy of the piece.
Now of course, the Scheherazade. I was so impressed by this I didn't even want to blink or move a finger. I was rooted to the spot like a statue throughout the 40 plus minutes of this brilliant piece! The LSO definitely did not disappoint and did Rimsky-Korsakov justice! Just magnificent! It's difficult to put the experience into words! And there's also something about the concert hall at the Barbican centre that just makes everything sound so much better, clearer and louder... Wow, that was worth the money, in fact I would've paid more!
I went to see the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall the following Saturday (proudly turning down offers to the latest bond movie!)
Anyway, the programme was Rimsky-Korsakov's Tsar Saltan Suite, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Kalinnikov's Symphony No. 1.
Tsar Saltan was pretty good, although it's definitely not one of the best works of Rimsky-Korsakov (which would be Scheherazade!). The orchestra was sounding rather soft as we were sat quite far at the back (being the cheapskates we are).
However, at the end of the piece, we seized the opportunity and ran to one of the unoccupied seats at the 4th row of the stalls, which were far better!
Tchaikovsky's 3rd Piano Concerto was disappointing. I never heard it before and thought I'd take a risk (as you can never really go wrong with Tchaikovsky - turns out you can!).
I found it extremely draggy and boring - and plus I didn't even like the melody!
The morbidly obese pianist wasn't a pretty sight (compared to the beautiful female pianist that I saw play Rachmaninov's Variations on a theme of Paganini at the Barbican centre a year ago)
I just couldn't wait for it to finish, and it made me feel slightly guilty for bringing this friend who was completely new to classical music to this concert of all concerts!
Kalinnikov was also a chance I took - but a good one! That symphony was really good, although it probably lacked depth compared to symphonies written e.g. by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It had a good tune (which was probably the most important thing to my friend). It kind of climaxed, but not really. But it was ok. Nothing fantastic or anything, but good enough to keep my attention.
I vow to use my final few years in London to make the most of my stay. I will go to as many concerts, dramas, ballets etc as possible!
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Music and Medicine
I'm so happy with the music is going at Barts! All my efforts for the past 2 years have definitely paid off. The orchestra is now a reasonable size and we're getting more and more support from the medical school and the students' union!
Sometimes, the thought of the Thursday rehearsal is the only thing that keeps me going for the week. Everytime I'm talking to the most boring patient, or if I'm in a demoralising and depressing lecture, I think of music and it definitely helps me get through.
Hopefully, there'll be a huge turnout this thursday so we can have a great rehearsal! We now rehearse in the Old Libary of the Old Medical College which is just a lovely place with excellent acoustics! Can't wait.
Now medicine. Neurology is definitely not for me. I'm actually quite surprised with how much I dislike it. I loved neuroanatomy and neuroscience in my preclinical years but neurology is such a bore. Most of the conditions are untreatable and you're just going to see your patients deteriorate over the years.
The signs to pick up are so subjective. Is the reflex brisk? or normal? Is there grade 3 or grade 4 muscle power? Is there rigidity or spasticity? Whatever. I will not become a neurologist because the past 4 weeks have only depressed me!
Maybe this is one of the instances where I'm more of a scientist than a clinician.
I enjoyed cardiology so much more than this waffle. I think I might head in that direction.
Sometimes, the thought of the Thursday rehearsal is the only thing that keeps me going for the week. Everytime I'm talking to the most boring patient, or if I'm in a demoralising and depressing lecture, I think of music and it definitely helps me get through.
Hopefully, there'll be a huge turnout this thursday so we can have a great rehearsal! We now rehearse in the Old Libary of the Old Medical College which is just a lovely place with excellent acoustics! Can't wait.
Now medicine. Neurology is definitely not for me. I'm actually quite surprised with how much I dislike it. I loved neuroanatomy and neuroscience in my preclinical years but neurology is such a bore. Most of the conditions are untreatable and you're just going to see your patients deteriorate over the years.
The signs to pick up are so subjective. Is the reflex brisk? or normal? Is there grade 3 or grade 4 muscle power? Is there rigidity or spasticity? Whatever. I will not become a neurologist because the past 4 weeks have only depressed me!
Maybe this is one of the instances where I'm more of a scientist than a clinician.
I enjoyed cardiology so much more than this waffle. I think I might head in that direction.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Life goes on!
I PASSED!!! And its great to be back! Now leaving all that crap behind me,
I'm on neurology at The London at the moment and am enjoying every bit of it! Ophthalmology week was great and I'M SO BUYING AN OPHTHALMOSCOPE!!! Oh what fun
Anyway, I'm back on my Music Presidential throne and am working my ass of for it! Can't wait! Despite the usual problems (low on brass, NO OBOE!, no harp) I'm glad to say that things are looking up this year! Many new members signed up at the freshers fair, and a 3rd of them violinists!! and a new cellist and a HORN!!! omg Just incredible, horns are SO rare. But we still don't have trombones...
Anyway, nowadays I'm losing sleep due to excitement! I keep thinking of that first rehearsal that just has to be perfect! First impressions last you see, so i don't want to scare off the new members.
And I just LOVE our choice of repertoire!
-Mussorgsky: Prelude to Khovanshchina
-Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite
-Eric Coates: London Suite
It's gonna be good!
I'm on neurology at The London at the moment and am enjoying every bit of it! Ophthalmology week was great and I'M SO BUYING AN OPHTHALMOSCOPE!!! Oh what fun
Anyway, I'm back on my Music Presidential throne and am working my ass of for it! Can't wait! Despite the usual problems (low on brass, NO OBOE!, no harp) I'm glad to say that things are looking up this year! Many new members signed up at the freshers fair, and a 3rd of them violinists!! and a new cellist and a HORN!!! omg Just incredible, horns are SO rare. But we still don't have trombones...
Anyway, nowadays I'm losing sleep due to excitement! I keep thinking of that first rehearsal that just has to be perfect! First impressions last you see, so i don't want to scare off the new members.
And I just LOVE our choice of repertoire!
-Mussorgsky: Prelude to Khovanshchina
-Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite
-Eric Coates: London Suite
It's gonna be good!
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