潘朵拉的盒子

朋友最近結束了一段戀情，哭得好傷心。她在說起男朋友怎麼變了個人對她發脾氣的時候不怎麼哭，但是說到男朋友的好，她哭了。‘我好喜歡他.... 我覺得我再也找不到比他對我更好的人。’我看著她，眼眶也跟著濕了。曾經我也是這麼想的，覺得這個世界上沒有人比他更適合我。喜歡他的好與不好，喜歡他的一切。我可以包容，我可以很放心，我以為那是天長地久。可是，結束了還是結束了，我把那份心情壓在心底深處。那是我這麼多年來刻意不去觸碰的一個角落。可是今天，當我選擇再去把它打開，我發現喜歡他的這份心情從來不變。我不後悔自己投資了一段沒有結果的感情，因為我非常非常喜歡以前的他。想到他對我的好，我的心裡依然澎湃，眼淚還是會不由自主地落下。他找到了，但是我還沒有找到，那個比他更愛我的人。也許，永遠都無法找到。因為還有誰，會像以前的他那樣傻傻的愛。其實這樣多好，我對他的回憶，都是美好的。我過濾了所有的不美好，我想起了不畏距離勇敢去愛的我們。我想起了自己在排球場上為他歡呼為他感到驕傲的瞬間。我想起了他花費心思討好我準備的每一份禮物。我想起了我們第一次不顧外人的眼光把彼此的手牽起。我想起了我們曾經浪費了幾年的時間在互相等待。我想起了我們一起許的承諾，一起拼湊的未來。每一個心跳的瞬間。每一句暖心的話語。還有那坐在公車上緊緊相依的我們，心是那麼的貼近。

原來我曾經那麼幸福。原來我愛過。

我很想活在過去。可是我不可以。於是我小心地把這份心情放回盒子裡，鎖上。

記我與慈濟的一段緣 #6 2015年第二梯次慈青幹部精進研習營

2015年9月18日至9月20日，是今年第二梯次慈青幹部精進研習營。距離上次我在 2015年第一梯次幹部精進研習營 領取幹部證已經有將近十個月的時間。當時只是個剛領證的新幹部，如今已是大專的聯絡人。在不到一年的時間，慈濟用愛磨平了我的鑽牛角尖。在這個大家庭裡，每一天我都在學習，感動，感恩。它教會了我，用善解與愛去包容所有的不完美。用簡單的心態做複雜的事。不完美，也可以很美。

我感受到一股真正的成長。

沒有冗長的心得，僅此附上第三組組員們可愛的臉蛋。:)

幸福了。

Life as a medical student #15 Hello, Psychiatry

I am not sure about my interest in Psychiatry, but I have always find myself having a tremendous curiosity and genuine interest in people. People, and all their complexities, are fascinating to me. The what, why and how behind people's action. The connection between the brain and behaviour. The very subtle things about human characters. So when I first started my Psychiatry posting, I was intrigued by it.

Before I actually go to the wards, I must admit that I was nervous. When most people picture a Psychiatric ward, they envision a dark and dreary place filled with severely incapacitated people. So do I. But the truth is, it is totally the opposite. The Psychiatric wards are very calm and peaceful. Most of the patients are not bed-ridden like in medical or surgical wards. They walk around, smile to you and talk to you. They are friendly and interact in the same way as the average person on the street. The atmosphere is just too normal that it becomes.....a little odd. This is because the environment only becomes intense and intimidating when patients are in their psychotic states. They shout, they threaten, they hit. They cannot handle their inner emotions, they lost their minds, they will erupt at anytime - like a volcano. They are unpredictable.

Violence is a risk that we deal with. But I believe when I mean no harm, I will never be hurt by them. I remind myself that we are all born kind. They act that way because they are ill. They have come forward to us for treatment, so we must not afraid of them. We must not give up on them.

Maybe, Psychiatry is my cup of tea. Along with learning about a patient, I learned more about myself. I find enjoyment when the patients are willing to open up to me and share with me their inner feelings. It wasn't that scary if we can relate to one another to some degree. As humans, we all experience fear, anger, hurt and pain. Psychiatric patients experience just the same, maybe to greater depths, plus a bit of interruptions of the neurotransmitter in their brains. And thus they are ill. If we can all put ourselves in their shoes, they would be treated differently. Some people wonder how I can listen to patients' problems and so many sad stories and not let it take away my own happiness and joy.

But I say being part of a patient's progress is the joy.

记我与慈济的一段缘 #5 士拉央难民义诊 Selayang Refugees Outreach

2015年9月13日，清晨七時正，旭日東昇。晨光將士拉央僑民華小染上了淡淡的橘色。

七位來自Perdana的醫學生起了個大早，來到了慈濟每月在士拉央僑民華小的難民義診，希望憑藉自己一點點的醫學知識，為難民出一份力。有鑑於馬來西亞政府在法律上並不承認難民身份，難民不能享有我國的醫療福利，人在異鄉即使生病了，也不敢到政府醫院或診所看醫生。躲躲閃閃的日子最磨人，惡劣不衛生的環境，經濟的恐慌，生活不安定，異鄉的每一步都步履蹣跚。可想而知他們有多徬徨無助。慈濟醫療團隊因而決定走入難民的生活，開始每月定期一次為士拉央難民提供免費義診服務。

天未破曉，僑民華小食堂狹小的空間就聚集了一群等著看病的病患。地方雖然小，但登記處、血壓血糖檢驗區、配藥處、診間一應俱全，簡單，卻不馬虎。一個早晨就有近百位的難民病患，雖然人龍很長，但是他們們臉上沒有一絲的不耐，反而是滿滿的感恩。從他們身上，我看到了信任及希望。看診時，他們都乖乖遵守醫生的囑咐，認真看待醫生所說的每一句話，而且準時赴約，只因他們打從心底地珍惜。醫護人員的專業診療與志工的溫言膚慰，讓難民與慈濟醫療團隊有著像家人一樣密不可分的關係。慈濟人縱使與多數的難民有著語言的隔閡，但是他們選擇用愛輕輕撫慰，安定他們的心靈，只因愛不需要任何語言。或许有一天，难民将被遣返回国，或是送往其他国家，但是，在马来西亚与慈济的相遇，给了他们温暖与信心。

我的早晨之所以過得充實，並不是我給了難民多少，而是我從大家身上學到了很多。雖然我能做的不多，但我想學習師姑師伯們以陪伴的心來看待這些難民，陪伴他們找回健康，進而擁有改變命運的力量。

[FOOD REVIEW] Union Fashion Bar (UFB) @Taman Sutera Utama, JB

At the flourishing area of Taman Sutera Utama, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to meeting up with old friends over a good brew, or brunching during laidback weekends. However, the moment I stepped into Union Fashion Bar (UFB), I know this is not the kind of usual cafes I've been to. 

''I believe culinary is like an art,'' said Mr Yap, the executive chef and the mastermind behind UFB. It is where fashion meets culinary, combining Bakery Cafe, Full Dining and Bar perfectly. There is a seasonal theme to make sure customer always get different and exciting feel. From a great feast to some delicious desserts or good wine, UFB provides the best of it to satisfy your cravings for delicacies.

Union Fashion Bar

Passionate Dining in Fashion Style

Ma Cherie girls were honored to be invited over to UFB for food tasting on one fine afternoon. Greeting us at the entrance was Mr Yap with a big smile on his face. We had the opportunity to chat with Mr Yap while waiting for the food to be served. From our brief interaction, I sensed that Mr Yap is very ambitious and courageous in pursuing his dream. He had a dream back from his days in Indonesia to own his own cafe. And now, UFB is the fulfillment of his dream. But this doesn't stop him from exploring new menu and being creative in the presentation of food.

That's how that saying goes. In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.

Cold Pressed Juice RM11.90-RM13.90

From left: 

Dragon on The Sky, Classic Orange, Veggie Booster, 

Apple Magic, Strawberry Paradise

The latest in-vogue way of drinking juice - cold pressed it is! By cold-pressing the fruit and vegetables, the highest amount of nutrients possible is retained, giving an overall better and tastier juice. I really love Apple Magic, which is a combination of two of my favourite fruits - apples and grapes.

Mojito RM20.80, Lychee Martini RM15.00

What's the perfect way to capture summer all year long? A well-mixed Mojito, of course. Or a glass of lychee martini.

Healthy Choice - Salad

Smoked Duck Salad RM10.90

Prawn Pesto Salad RM12.90

A salad does not have to be just lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. At UFB, you can either enjoy your salad with thinly sliced smoked duck or pan seared basil pesto prawn.

Mama Crispy Waffle Chicken Sandwich RM14.90

THIS. Just look at this.

The combination of salty, crispy chicken with sweet, crispy waffle is seriously one of the best combinations in the world. I have never had such evenly cooked, mega crispy waffles in my life. It's one of those things that's hard to describe... But just trust me. It's very good.

Main Course

Grilled Butter Fish RM22.90

Grilled Chicken RM17.90

For main course, there are plenty of choices. Here I would like to highlight the two that I like the most. Grilled butter fish is smooth and buttery, the homemade tomato sauce has a tinge of spiciness in it, which I really love. The second is Grilled Chicken with my favourite reduction balsamic dressing. The chicken is tender and juicy!

Pasta

Vongole Pasta RM18.90, Salmon Pink Penne RM23.90,

Duck Confit Pasta RM21.90, Tuna Pasta RM16.90

Even more choices for pasta! Vongole pasta has white clam in white wine butter sauce. The amount of seafood in it is generous! No kidding. Salmon Pink Penne has pan seared salmon steak serve with tomato cream sauce. Duck Confit Pasta has spaghetti tossed in duck fat, looks tempting just from the presentation don't you think? :) The crispy ebi on top of Tuna Pasta gives that irresistible fragrance and Asian touch to the pasta.

Asian Menu - Fried Rice

Salmon Fried Rice RM21.90

Classic Indonesian Fried Rice RM16.90

I don't eat black olive, but this black olive pesto fried rice with pan-seared salmon steak totally won my heart over. Every grain of rice is fragrant and chewy, I just couldn't resist to have one spoon after another. The bottom picture is the Classic Indonesian Fried Rice. The chicken satay is well seasoned but it seems a bit over-grilled. Both fried rice are served with a pretty sunny side up.

Tortilla Pizzas

Tuna Pizza RM16.90

UFB Chicken Pizza RM16.90

Egg on top of pizza? Yes, only in UFB! You can enjoy dipping your pizza in the yolk of a half baked egg. Talk about creativity!

Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé RM15.90

It's time for the highly anticipated dessert time. Soufflé is a famous French dessert and the way to describe it? Sugar crusted and crunchy on the outside, soft and airy in the middle. The moment I had my first bite, I felt like a woman happily in love. Oh. My. God. It was so fluffy it just melted in my mouth! Ah pure happiness :D

Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake RM16.90

This chocolate lava cake looks simple on the outside, but when you dig into the center, the richness of the Valrhona chocolate is extremely satisfying. Served with vanilla icecream, orange confit and seasonal mixed berries.

The perfect indulgence to conclude our dinner at UFB.

And don't miss out these edible works of art ❤

Thank you Mr Yap for the great feast for the Ma Cherie girls!

I am definitely going back for more, how about you? :)

Union Fashion Bar (UFB)

24, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4,

Taman Sutera Utama,

81300 Johor Bahru.

(next to Papa Rich)

Tel: 016-719-9809 

Email: unionfashionbar@gmail.com

Opening Hours: 

Sunday - Thursday: 12pm - 12.30am  

Friday - Saturday: 12pm - 1.30am

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UFB-Union-Fashion-Bar-629727313794241/timeline/

Instagram page: https://instagram.com/unionfashionbar/

瓶颈人生

你遇过成长的瓶颈吗？

在成长的路上爬啊爬，你我都想越爬越高。太容易安逸于现状，觉得自己永远不该，也不会遇到瓶颈。到了瓶子的颈部时，开始觉得自己的人生跌到谷底。但是亲爱的，你为什么要害怕？你越怕，反而会被它牵制得越来越紧，还永远看不到瓶子以外的世界。要拥抱瓶颈之后那广阔的天地，来个正面迎战吧。了解自己，清楚知道自己处在什么样的瓶颈里，找到制约自己的关键。然后大胆，全面地突破。你要做的，就是在对的时机漂亮地挥出一拳。所以什么是瓶颈？瓶颈不是人生的谷底，而是蓄势待发的一个冲刺。

人生的交叉路上，我们不是不知道要走什么路，而是事实上我们也要自己亲身走了，才会知道。成功的人，不是事先知道要什么才行动，而是在行动后才知道自己要什么。你越清楚自己人生要的是什么，遇到的瓶颈会越来越少。届时，你会变得更强。记住，瓶颈永远发生在瓶子的上方。瓶颈往上便是出口！慢慢来 - 终点，不远了。

给遇到瓶颈的你加油，那突破的瓶颈的美丽和壮观，有一天你必定能品尝得到。

Life as a medical student #14 Sexual Harassment in Hospital - What would you do?

Image source: Google Image

I recently had an uncomfortable encounter with a specialist in the hospital. He is thirty-ish and decent looking, in a green colour surgical gown. We were both in the waiting room outside of the operating theater. He introduced himself, and asked for my phone number immediately. I was a bit reluctant, but he explained that getting phone number makes him easier to contact me if there's any interesting cases in the operating theater. So I gave in. He continued the ''oh so which medical school you are from'' small talk, until I found a quick exit when my friend came in to look for me. I said, ''It was nice to meet you.'' I turned around and walked out the door.

Just few seconds after I left the room - in only a few seconds. He whatsapp-ed me. He said it was nice meeting me too. And he asked if I have time so that he could treat me to a meal. I didn't reply him immediately as I was caught up with work (Yes why is it that a specialist has more free time than a medical student *rolling my eyes*). But I replied him afterwards, I said there's no need for a treat. Then that's when it became creepy - he started to text me everyday. As the conversation progressed, he started telling me how good he is on bed, how he could easily make women happy. He asked if he could have sex with me.

What would you do?

Fortunately I am not in a direct subordinate position. At least not now. But if the person doing the harassing is your boss or a superior, do you complain? What if they threaten to make you lose your job, are you able to take this risk? The harsh reality is that sexual harassment occurs within a culture of silence, especially in male-dominated professions. I am sure there are women targeted by their superior for sex and their refusal will eventually lead to limited career progression. Of course hospital administrators will turn a blind eye to such complaints because these surgeons/specialists/consultants are the ones who bring prestige and money into the hospital. So why even bother to make noises? Knowing that there's no point to report, majority of women choose to eat the humble pie. So did I. I didn't make any reports. Am I silly? I don't know.

Although I didn't make any official reports, but after his few repeated requests to go out with me and sex-based text messages everyday, I braved myself and told the specialist off. It was too much. Although it was just text messages, I felt offended, humiliated and intimidated. My body was trembling, and my eyes even got a little teary - not with sadness, but with anger. ''Go fuck yourself.'' I said. Luckily that was toward the end of my rotation, so I didn't see him again after the incident. And he stopped harassing me.

Trust me, I didn't want to talk about this disturbing and uncomfortable encounter. But today I am posting this because I hope that some readers out there that may be in a situation similar as mine can know that they are not alone. We do not have to tolerate this behaviour. Defend yourself. Walk away. Report if you have to. Most importantly, be strong with your words when you say no. Never put yourself in a vulnerable situation.

I despise men who are successful and rich on the outside but show no respect to women 

and only want a young vibrant woman whom he can enjoy in bed.