Transformer Movie Passes from Vista

Thanks to Vista (yes, the LASIK centre I went to), I registered as their fan on Facebook and managed to get 2 free movie passes to watch Transformer: ROTF!

Those who are wearing spectacles/ contact lenses (not for cosmetic purposes) will be able to redeem the movie passes once they become fans of Vista on Facebook. I know I know.. I'm not wearing spectacles or contact lenses ANYMORE but I'm their customer.. so I'm eligible too ;) Don't worry, it's not like they're forcing you to take up any package. It's an awareness campaign.. but eventually they'll probably ask you to consider LASIK.. but hey, I've no regrets going for LASIK!

Sorry to disappoint you Transformer die-hard fans out there.. I prefer the first one than the second one.. Yes, the special effects are great.. Megan Fox is hot.. But when the 148-minutes movie ended.. I can't help feeling something is missing.. There's a reason why it's only rated 6.7 on IMDB.. This is one of the memorable scenes in Transformer 2.. Memorable because while all the robots were fighting in the background (basically explosion and lots of sand flying around), you get to see Megan Fox running (imagine Baywatch scenes) in slow motion.. over and over and over and over again.. Yes, I know.. this must the guy thing where they can watch girls in swim suit running on the beach in Baywatch.. except that this sand is in Egypt, not at the beach..

They made Princeton looks like a sex haven with shared dorms and hot chics who look like they're from Maxim walking around the corridor clad in towel.. but wait, hot chics with brain! Isn't that spectacular! Not sure if they meant it to be Princeton but the college scenes were shot at the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University .. But if everyone expect that Michael Bay's representation of every single college girl to be jumping into bed with boys and college professors who conduct riveting Astronomy lectures using phrases like "heated, passionate, thrusting Orion and fair, seductive, nubile Virgo", they are going to be sorely disappointed. This just wasn't funny! Did Sam's mom really need to buy drug laced food and show how cool and funny it was to be high? Neither the University of Pennsylvania nor the Princeton University are named in the film, because both schools' bodies felt that the Judy Witwicky (Sam's mom) scenes were damaging to their image.

This girl is a Decepticon.. Wait, I'm confused between Transformer and Terminator.. Isn't Terminator the one with robots which look like human and Transformer is the one where robots tranform from vehicles/ devices into robots? -_-"

I tried very hard to like it, ignoring the irregularities on the plot, the annoying characters and the too many humping and testicles jokes. I'm sure there are a lot of people who enjoyed it. But the truth is that if you consider the first one, Revenge of the Fallen came off short as to what it was supposed to be.

Be An Organ Donor

The other day I was out with my college buddies, we were talking about organ donation.. Ling Chin has signed up as an organ donor, and I've always wanted to sign up as one.. What do we need to know about organ donation in Malaysia?

Q: Who can be a donor?
A: Anyone can sign up. If you are below 18, you will need parental/guardian consent.

Q: What is organ donation?
A: It is the gift of one’s body parts after death for transplantation. Transplantation is an operation which replaces diseased and defective organs and tissues with healthy ones from donors.

Q: What are the organs and tissues that can be donated?
A: Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas are the organs that can be donated, and the tissues are eyes, bone, skin and heart valves.

Q: When are the organs and tissues removed?
A: When death has been confirmed by two registered doctors. The doctors involved with certification of death are not involved in the transplant operation.

Q: Will my hospital treatment be affected if they know that I am a donor?
A: Absolutely not. Doctors will undertake every known measure to save your life right till the end.

Q: What about religious objections?
A: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism recognise organ and tissue donation as the ultimate act of charity and benevolence.

Q: What if I change my mind?
A: If at any point you decide against donating your organs and tissues, inform your family and return your donor card.

Q: Will organ donation delay funeral arrangements?
A: Not at all. Following the removal of the organs and tissues, the body will be cleaned, draped and returned to the family within the shortest possible time.

Q: How can I become a donor?
A: Complete a donor pledge form and forward it to the National Transplant Resource Centre. You will receive a registration card from the centre. (Inform your family that you are an organ and tissue donor).

For further information, contact the National Transplant Resource Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, at tel: 03-9260066, 03-2942704 or 03-2942756.

The above illustrates the number of people on the waiting list in this country in 2007. The National Transplant Resource Centre is doing all it can to raise public awareness, but organ donations are slow in coming.

If this sounds too scary.. you can always try blood donation.. it's still a form of donation to save lives ;) Read about my blood donation experience here and here.

I can choose what I want do donate (e.g. just the heart, liver, kidney).. but I'll need my family to support my decision.. So, to my family members who are reading this, what say you? :)

For more information, please visit National Transplant Resource Centre Website.

Birthdays Celebration

The girls have been busy.. we have postponed our gathering since over a month ago.. finally we get to meet up to celebrate Emily Yee's belated birthday.. and my early birthday celebration as well ;) We went to Manhattan Fish Market in Midvalley Megamall..

We ordered Manhattan seafood platter for two, pasta + calamari ring, salad and their [soup + drink + starter (fried mushroom) set for RM9.90].

Emily Yee received 2 bottles of perfume, dress and moisturiser from us..

That's the pink dress given by Ai Tee..

Since Emily Yee couldn't make it to Ling Chin's birthday celebration the previous time we met.. Ling Chin got her belated birthday present too ;)

I got two tops, perfume, lil' vanity set and... a set of panties from Hush Puppies -_-"

Thanks to Ai Tee who even knows the size of panties I wear -_-"

Simon's Nephew

The other day, Simon's nephew (Hayden) walked behind us and greeted "Pak Pak" (Uncle).. We turned and saw him like this:

Arghhhh!! SOOO CUTEEEEE!!

When I wanted to take a picture of him.. he stood very still and said:" Say cheese!!"

Kids nowadays.. even 1 year's old plus knows how to pose in front of camera -_-"

Post Intralase Lasik Day 10 to 14

As my eyes slowly recover, I was finally able to step out like a normal person to have lunch without scaring anyone with my red eyes.. LOL! Those are my eyes on Day 10 ;)

Day 11: I always thought the red patches on my right eye (which looks more serious, shown on the left in the pic above) will heal slowly.. but the red patches are disappearing sooner than I thought!

Day 12: Less fluctuation with my vision nowadays ;)

Day 13: My eyes still get tired after long hours of staring at the computer screen though..

Day 14: First day I go out for lunch! :) Another 2 weeks and I can finally go for a swim ;)

Lunch at Courtyard Garden

Today we joined luncheon at The Courtyard Garden Restaurant in Damansara Heights.

It's a networking session with entrepreneurs. We had buffet! The restaurant is located opposite KPMG/ Shell, converted from a bungalow..

Quite many attended the lunch session..

The food is quite alright.. I was so full I couldn't even have dessert ;) Anyway, I'm just too glad that I can go out without people asking me what's wrong with my eyes.. The red patches are almost all gone!

Oh ya, happy birthday to my dearest friend - Chee Ching! ;)

My Red Eye After Intralase LASIK

Warning: This post may be disturbing to those who can't look at red patches on the white of the eye after intralase LASIK! LOL!

Well, I wasn't informed that I'll have these red patches (due to the use of suction ring during intralase LASIK). It will only go off in 2 to 4 weeks (Not to worry, it doesn't hurt). Meanwhile, I just do not want to scare away too many people.. LOL. My cousin - Dr. Marc Wei (LASIK surgeon in Brisbane) assures me that it's perfectly normal to have these red patches -_-"

Day 1: OMG, I was so worried I went online to check if there's any picture showing how RED these red patches are supposed to be.. can't seem to find any picture to compare with..

Day 2: I consulted my surgeon (Dr. Shamala) and she said my eyes are doing fine. Still, I took pictures of my eyes and sent them to my cousin for second opinion. My vision was 25 (shortsightedness) for both eyes and 50/75 for astigmatism! It'll continue to fluctuate until the redness subsides..

Day 3: First day at work, and managed to scare SL and Charisma. HL, Mao and KK said they can.. accept the way I.. look :P

Day 4: Haven't been going out for dinner for many days.. asked Simon to buy takeaways for me!

Day 5: Went to the club house to visit Simon's parents with RED eyes..

Day 6: Birthday party at work, had to explain to many colleagues about my eyes but still managed to influence a few to go for LASIK :P

Day 7: Went for another eye check up.. supposingly 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year after surgery.. Dr. Shamala said my eyes are recovering as expected.. My vision was 50 and 75 (shortsightednes); 75 and 100 for astigmatism!

Day 8: I thought my eyes look less scary today so I went to order food myself at a mamak store.

An Indian waiter, around 180cm of height, well-built, took my order:

Waiter: Makan apa? (What would you like to eat?)
Me: Maggi Goreng (Fried noodles)
Waiter: Kenapa mata you? (What's wrong with your eyes?)
Me: Err.. operation..
Waiter: Tengok mata you pun I takut (I'm so scared looking at your eyes)

I thought I should be the one feeling scared.. I mean his appearance is quite intimidating.. but can you imagine I scared off a guy who could easily crush my bones? LOL!

Day 9: My eyes were really dry and I bought GenTeal Eye Gel from Dr. Shamala..

Hopefully the redness will subside in another 1 to 2 weeks!

What Technology Has Done To Us

Yoon Onn: Do you know where to get blackberries?
Me: Maxis?
Yoon Onn: .............................................
Yoon Onn: Fruit
Yoon Onn: Real one
Yoon Onn: Can eat one
Yoon Onn: -.-"
Me: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Centre-wide Birthday Celebration

We are still fortunate enough to have birthday party at work - almost entirely sponsored by the company.

Yoon Onn sponsored apple pies..

Karyn, See Leng and I sponsored Dominos' pizza..

The new interns from MMU sponsored curry puff and cakes.. Thanks! Standing (from left): Nick, Stephen, Victor, Kah Boon, Yoga; Sitting (from left): Grace, Chiao Er and Wayne..

There were supposed to be 8 staffs + intern whose birthdays fall in the months of April, May and June..

But ended up only a few birthday stars appeared.. LOL!

That's me with sun glasses because I didn't want to scare anyone else with red patches on the white of my eye -_-" SL and Charisma refused to talk to me without sun glasses on.. LOL!

The good news is.. after my LASIK, I manage to influence at least 5 individuals to go for/ consider LASIK! ;) Vista should really give me commission..!

Where to Place Our Next Intern

Ah Mao sent me this photo on Flickr about where to place a new intern:

Well, at least the new intern has adjustable chair.. look at that.. 6 reams of A4 papers! There's even a plant to decorate the desk.. and complete privacy from your neighbours (both right and left) because of blocked view..

Then one of our current interns asked me:

Phuong: Will the next intern sit at my workplace after I leave?
Me: No
Me: Will be at the narrow corridor
Me: Sitting on a pile of A4 papers as chair
Phuong: LOL

What to Expect During LASIK

So, my cousin (another LASIK surgeon in Brisbane) recommended VISTA. I didn't compare VISTA with other LASIK centres though - just took my cousin's word for it. There are different types of corrective surgery: standard vs. custom; LASEK vs. LASIK; and different types of LASIK at different prices. I took custom Intralase LASIK ZY Aspheric.

My surgery (yes, even though no blade, we still call it surgery) supposed to start at 3:00pm on June 12 but I was asked to arrive at 1.30pm. A few minutes after I arrived, I was asked to go for some tests to make sure the scans they took is the same as the scans from previous tests (just to make sure the measurements or whatever is still accurate).

Then I waited an hour not knowing what I am supposed to do. Then, I was asked to go into another consultation room to mark my eye. Yes, basically staring into bright light and someone is there to MARK my eye with something which looks like marker pen. The staff marked both sides of my pupil (that's not my eye in this image obviously).

Then, I waited another 30 minutes before I was asked to wear the surgical gown, complete with cap and paper shoes. It doesn't really matter what you wear underneath, as long as it keeps you warm in the operating theatre.

Without my watch, so I didn't know how long I waited. There were so many patients we have to queue up for it. Then it's my turn to lie down on the bed of first machine which is used to cut a flap on my corneal.

Because they're using No-Blade technology, so the machine is used to shoot lil' bubbles right below the corneal to create a flap, the surgeon will then manually flip the flap over (for the laser beam to shoot in later). This flap creation process takes about 1 minute per eye (my estimation). To compare blade vs. blade-less (intralase), click here for further reading.

It's a bit scary because (after anesthetic - just eye drops - won't feel a thing) during suction (placing a tool on eye for machine to create a flap), vision will be greyish for 10 seconds (basically, blinded for 10 seconds). This is normal - you're not supposed to feel anything. If not, please inform surgeon to drip more anesthetic eye drop. They gave me a soft toy to hold on to and the surgeon and assistants kept talking to me to calm me in case I struggle. LOL. They covered one eye when they're working on the other.

Next, I was asked to move to the other bed with the LASIK machine. In this process, they covered my left eye, used a tool to force my eye open, then shoot laser into my eye. It has this loud clicking sound and smelled like something is burning. Less than 1 minute per eye (in my case, everyone differs depend on how much tissue you need to.. burn!) You'll be asked to focus on the red light. Again, it's painless.

After the procedure, I can see even the time shown on the clock, but everything is misty (I can't see anything near, very blurred). It'll take 4 hours to subside. I was given these medication to bring home. You MUST find a driver to drive you home, in my situation, it's impossible to drive without causing accidents. There are red patches on my eyes (due to the use of suction) and it'll subside only after 2 to 4 weeks (In my case, the red patches are so bad that I even wear sunglasses indoor - in McDonald's). It has not affected my vision or caused any pain. It's still tough to tell people how great it went when you have huge red spots in your eyes! According to this article, "red spots on the white of your eye are perfectly normal and those will usually fade over two weeks or so". I probably have to hide my eyes (with sun glasses, even indoor) for 2 weeks -_-"

I'm supposed to sleep with eye patches at night to prevent myself from touching my eyes accidentally, no eye make up, no eye facial treatment, no water sports for a month, and remember to put those eye drops on time!

Read what to expect before, during and after LASIK surgery here.

Q: What are the difference between custom and standard LASIK?
A: Besides the obvious price difference (in VISTA, that's RM1400 difference for both eyes), it saves more tissues compared to standard LASIK. Custom LASIK builds on the revolutionary technology employed by conventional LASIK. For example, conventional LASIK only treats vision problems known as lower order aberrations, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Custom LASIK, however, treats both lower order and higher order aberrations. Higher order aberrations affect your ability to see fine details in your environment. By correcting both types of aberrations, custom LASIK has the potential to provide you with better vision than you can get from glasses or contact lenses.

For further reading, click here.

Click here to read and compare LASIK and LASEK.

It's basically your choice to choose either custom or standard LASIK, if you can live with higher order aberrations, it's fine, basically just some glare/ starbust effect at night, I assume - which is normal in most human beings. If you compare the chart shown in my previous post, you'll know what I meant by BETTER vision at night with custom LASIK ;)

Updates:
After check up on Day 1, my vision is now 0.25 (nearsightedness) on each eye, and 0.50 astigmatism on right eye; 0.75 astigmatism on left eye. The vision will fluctuate in the first week and gradually decrease in the next 3 weeks (until the flap heals). Hopefully by then I'll get perfect eyesight! :D

10 Things I Do After LASIK

I'll talk about my LASIK procedure in my next post. However, let me write about 10 things I did after LASIK!

1. Call family members and friends and brag about how I can see signboards clearly.
2. Fantacising how it'll be like to look at corals clearly this December during deep sea diving in Cairns.
3. Reading all car number plates along the way when Simon is driving to annoy him.
4. Throw away my spectacles.. (This feels GOOD)
5. Pack unopened contact lense solutions for my sister.
6. Take a nap to rest my eyes.
7. Wearing sunshades whenever I'm out to pretend to be like Cyclop from X-Men.
8. Play PC games.
9. Update Facebook statuses.
10. Start blogging.

Going for LASIK!

I've decided to go for LASIK after YJ went for that 2 years ago.. I've dry eyes and I can't wear contact lenses over 6 hours a day.. I could just wear glasses but I'm really quite tired with the fuss.. I've been wearing glasses since 10 years' old! So, I consulted my cousin (LASIK surgeon) in Brisbane and he recommended intralase at Vista! I went for check up at their Bangsar branch and the tests show that my eyes are suitable for LASIK!

This is what normal people see..

This is what people with slight myopia (shortsightedness) see.. In other words, they can see things which are near clearly, and things farther away blur.. E.g. my prescription says -3.00 for each eye. This mean I have 3.00 diopter of shortsightedness. In my case, I can see things within 30cm (from eye) clearly, anything beyond that starts getting more blurred..

To make matters worse, I have +2.25 diopter of astigmatism (normally referred to as 225, which is quite high).. which is making everything (even near me) blurred! Because it's over 200, I have to pay DOUBLE for my supply of custom contact lenses.. Which is equivalent to RM230 for every 6+1 pairs. That's about RM460 a year on contact lenses, and about RM300 every 2 years for new pair of glasses, not forgetting expenses on contact lenses solutions, saline, sun glasses every year.

[Click image for larger view] Although I could just opt for standard LASIK (TS Plus), but again, I have yet another problem.. my eyes are sensitive towards lights (My eyes feel tired after walking in Jusco for a short while).. So, I was "conned" into taking custom LASIK (ZY Aspheric), which supposingly helps to improve vision at night.

Therefore, I'll be spending RM5,996 for both eyes.. I'll take 12-month instalment ;) I've scheduled my LASIK on June 12 :)

Happy Birthday Simon Hoh!

Simon was hoping that no one else remembers his birthday and was also hoping for a peaceful and quiet working day just like any other day.. Unfortunately, he forgot about Facebook and birthday reminders..

A day before his birthday, I bought him a cake and gave birthday presents to him.

Black forest mini cake..

Perfume and belt..

The next day, on his birthday, many colleagues and friends wished him happy birthday.. in fact, Tian Wen went one step further and trying to suggest that he'll be sold off tonight..

TW: Wei..I told Simon you might sell him off tonight since he doesn't know where you're taking him to... He says you won't do that wor
Me: ......
Me: I've contacted the potential buyer
Me: Everything seems in order
TW: Haha..I knew it..just didn't know how to break the news to him
TW: He seemed so confident wor..
TW: Nevermind, let's leave him in his happy world for now... Haha!
Me: Yeah, let him be, it will sink in when he's exported out
TW: Wah... Not bad ah... you're doing export business!
TW: For all you know... He might think that's part of his surprise too
Me: Good one! Gosh, so WHEN will it sink in??

HL: When sitting too long time in the box

KK: What does this have to do with whatever you planned for him tonight?
Me: No, it has nothing to do with all the plans tonight.
KK: ......

We had lunch with colleagues at Centro @ Sooka.. They have promotion: RM14.80 nett for set meal (soup + main course + drinks) or RM11.80 for set meal (main course + drinks). There are 5 choices (set lunch) but we only ordered boneless chicken and french fries.. and salmon + pasta..

The food is quite alright but some may complain that the portion is just too small (although it was just right for me)..

Another group photo..

Later, we sang birthday song to Simon and asked him to cut his cake :P

(Picture courtesy of Bernsy) At night, I took Simon to Alexis @ The Gardens..

Lot F209 First Floor
The Gardens, Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
T: +603 2287 2281

We tried out these main courses and desserts.. yummy!

Their trademark tiramisu (Picture courtesy of Lyrical Lemongrass)

Passion fruit tea + honey..

Penne carbonara for RM32, quite big portion.. very delicious!

Aglio olio with baby lobsters for RM38, very delicious BUT too spicy for me :P

After that, we went to watch Terminator Salvation at GSC Midvalley Gold Class.. muahaha! It was my first visit to Gold Class.. RM40 per person only to enjoy comfortable chair (can actually fall asleep with such comfortable chair) and the movie -_-" Gotta pay for blanket and other food/ drinks though -_-"