The Throat Killing Me

I'm pretty certain that the problem with me at the moment is in the throat. It was red. And painful. The voice is OK but obviously talking caused strain and raising my voice was excruciating. And I had to examine earlier this afternoon.

The pain improved after some paracetamol. And some fluids. The antibiotics certainly took it's time to kick in. Since the air con in the exam hall was in full blast, I was shivering halfway through. I was sure I was still shaking on the drive home.

A shower and a quick nap later, I was ready to settle in for the evening, but jot after my boys wanted to climb all over me. Better sleep in the study room I think for tonight.

The Haze is Back

I was giving a talk to a group of Pharmaceuticals exec this morning, and it was almost at the top of KL. On the 58th floor of Intermark building, off Jalan Tun Razak, and from that vantage point, the haze was clearly visible. Shame that I did not snap any pics from there. Mind you I had a heavy cold and was not quite myself.

Clear skies as of yesterday .... but not today sadlyIt looks like the admission rate from asthma will go through the roof in the coming weeks. At least my boys' fever had subsided, but the worry was their asthma night come to haunt us. So no outing this weekend as far as the parks were concerned. A good bet we night be easing to Port Dickson for the weekend if the haze turned bad.

Al Rawsha

On the Saturday afternoon, we went for some take-out at Al-Rawsha - wanted to try some Middle Eastern food for Mother's Day dinner for my Mum-in-law. Initially we went to its old branch near Jalan Damai in Ampang. It was almost completely refurbished. So off we went to the new establishment by Bulatan Kampung Pandan.

The new place was huge, and grandiosely built as a castle. Since it was by the main road, turning into the parking lot was rather tricky, and once you were in, the space to park were surprisingly limited. At least they had some helpful attendant there. Since we were early, getting a spot was not an issue.

I noticed upon entering the restaurant to place our take-out orders that most of the tables were already taken up by those booking for dinner later that evening. The tables were appropriately decorated with flowers and the staffs there were busy setting things up. I did not notice any buffet - maybe they don't do buffets at the venue. We were warned upfront that some of the orders may take a slightly long time to prepare. We decided to go for the rice as they can be prepared in under 15 minutes. 

The main rice dish there were called mendy - you can place either chicken or lamb, or simply the rice alone. It was easy to order and it came with some sauce, yoghourt and cucumber salad. That was what we settled for for fear of a long wait.

And the food was rather good actually. My Dad-in-law claimed that it was authentic Middle Eastern. I couldn't recommend anybody having them regularly as it was filled with ghee, but the meat was succulent and filling. Price? It was on the expensive side I must say but the restaurant itself was clean and comfortable should you fancy a dinner in.

Sunday Morning Meeting

Sunday. Meeting. Almost a crime to string them words on the same sentence, hence the full stop in between. But today it was different. We were gathered to discuss the conduct of the coming MMed exams scheduled for next week. Since UM was not one of the hosts - Part I would be in UKM and Part II in Kubang Kerian - we hosted this calibration exercise. And it was a very important one.

MMed is one of those exams where the exact conduct at times were mysterious. There was no real syllabus to talk about, just a guide as to how the program should be run and how were the candidates should be assessed. The actual experiences between each individual candidates could be quite different as the program emphasis was in the experience, akin to being an apprentice.

Looks like I need a new Moleskine

Having difference in ways the journey the candidates go trough is one thing, but it was a priority for us to make sure that at the very least there was some uniformity in terms of assessment, hence the purpose for meeting this morning. We went through how the format would be, and run a few scenarios and see how the differences of opinion in the assessing examiners can be kept to a minimum and everybody would be singing from the same hymn sheet. To a certain extend, that object was achieved this morning.

As for me personally, the exam would start tomorrow with me invigilating the Final Year viva. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the MMed candidates the best of luck.

I'm Full

It has been a long day, a long day full of good eating. Lunch was with Anita, at La Bodega, and for the evening, we got some take outs from Al Rawsha in Kampung Pandan. Chicken Mendy with gee-ful of rice. I have to sweat out the calories soon. Jogging tomorrow afternoon perhaps. Sigh!

Egg Benedict from the breakfast menu for lunchChicken mendy

But, I was still to take my Mum out for dinner. Oh! Dear!