Magnetic Resonance Imaging

I went for MRI scan the other day for the pain on my left arm and it was diagnosed as supraspinatus tendonitis. In layman's term, it is inflammation of the tendons which join the muscles to the bone. I was inside the machine for like eternity, a wholesome 20 minutes hearing noises. It uses sound waves together with magnetic waves to form images slice by slice. Each slice takes about 2 minutes to form, so imagine the number of images made during the boring 20 minutes of lying down without any movement, other than breathing. The cost? A whopping $800 for the session of which I am going to claim from my one and only insurance company, Prudential. Still going for physiotherapy frequently for faster healing.

I love the internet

I love milking the internet - my cash cow since I signed up for my first broadband. Just the other day, I got S$15 for a 10 minute job and this converts to RM40 in my local currency. Still on the lookout for more online work such as this and preferably for long term ones that I can comfortably handle. As I work in a home office, it suits me perfectly well besides getting to take power naps in between work. My life is now blessed and a 180 degree-turn since I met my boss online, who is now my best friend. He started out as my website client, and then eventually employed me to work at home for his sports surfacing business.

Spent Chinese New Year in Hatyai

I went to Hatyai during Chinese New Year 2014 with my mum and youngest sis. Dad stayed back and lived the life of a bachelor for the few days we were away. We departed by chartered van at 5:30am in the morning from our house and arrive Hatyai around 9:30am. Surprisingly, there was no one in sight, probably due to the bomb scare in Southern Thailand two days before Christmas. Hence, this time round during the festive CNY, there were hardly any tourists from Malaysia. Most prefer to stay put considering all the hoo-ha and revolt to topple the Ying Luck government.

Sunset by 3:00pm or so

It was the first time I experienced winter in United Kingdom, in London where the sun sets at 3:00pm and it is already dark by 4:00pm. Such is the weather in London and elsewhere in Europe during winter. It was cosy walking along the streets where you can experience air-con comfort and coolness out in the streets. Well, my trip to Europe was enlightening and an experience for me. Both my younger sisters have studied in UK and experience the culture, weather and food over there. I went there as a tourist and really paid through my nose for the expensive trip for 19 days.

Going to Hatyai

After my recent trip to Europe, I shall be going to Hatyai by bus during Chinese New Year with mum and youngest sis. We shall be staying for 3 days and 2 nights, departing at 5:30am in the morning when the chartered van comes to pick us up from our house. I plan to get some cosmetics and maybe some bras. As usual, we don't miss our foot massage at a place near the hotel. I hope and pray that Hatyai will be safe from the chaos in Bangkok to overthrow the government of Ying Luck. Chinese New Year is a time I stay with my family at their house since my spouse will be away for a couple of days. I just hope he gets back soon and continue the normal routine as always.

Toured Europe and Covered 10 Countries

I came back from Europe last week on 5th January 2014, having spent Christmas in Rome, Italy and New Year in Southampton University, United Kingdom. The 12 days, 11 nights tour of Europe covered 10 countries, namely UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Rome, Italy, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Monaco, France and Austria. Monaco is a small principality by itself, hence considered a small country governed by a prince. Rome is headed by the Pope where I witnessed the general public square blessing by the Pope who appeared on a very far away window in a building. This is to prevent possible assassination. Well, having spent Christmas during winter in UK where the sunset begins around 3:00pm and it is already dark by 4:00pm! This is an experience where I paid a bomb to see for myself. The flight from KLIA to Heathrow Airport took about 13 hours by Malaysian Airlines where the cabin is all dark since we were instructed to close all windows.

Touring Europe for 19 Days

Tonight, the plane will depart to KLIA from Penang at 9:45pm before the long haul direct flight to Heathrow Airport in London, arriving tomorrow morning. I will spend about 11 hours on board the flight and spend Christmas during winter in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. I have sponsored my 2 younger sisters for this long-awaited trip to Europe since 2007. I shall be visiting 7 countries - United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France. Just pray that my big luggage with food and clothing will arrive safely and not pilfered at the airport by coveting staff. Also pray that I will eventually return to Penang safely with all my items intact. This trip easily costs me $20k for the 3 of us, not including extra expenses for food and tips, souvenirs, etc.