DrKeena's Xanga

Friday, December 16, 2005

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 10:46:07 GMT

THE Christmas tree

with 2 drunken housemate(notice german beer and wine bottles on tabel, and the very merry faces!!!)

Ah yes, dinner at Hilton and this is Kate! I'm quite well known with my coffee cafe obsession so got a cafetiere and coffe and dark choc and mugs from her

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 15:15:47 GMT

Me and my vice!Charles and Santa Neeraj

Jo, myself and Margaret

As for me here, it's been the busiest semester in the entire history of education in my life. Despite not having to deal with the stress of exams this semester, they must've foreseen the reasons to not have them. There are lots of other things to sort out like the self proposed student selected component(SPSSC) which will be in Miri in February, fourth year project(mine will be on mothers and breastfeeding) and also the dear, dear ol' chaotic Catholic society.

And believe me, exams stress could probably murder me.

This year seems to be flying pass very very quickly and I believe the same is so on your side? Life certainly seems to reveal itself so much better as time goes on--Thank You God, He's there for us to hold on to when things are just to hard to grasp...yikes!

A 2nd-cousin of mine, Eva, will be visiting me here soon with her mom as she had just finished her SPM. I'm not sure what will I be doing to entertain her during her time here, im not even entirely sure if i have all the time to do that..but we'll see--hopefully she'll enjoy her 2.5 months here in scotland.

Last sunday we had an Advent Celebration a.k.a. Christmas party for the Catholic Society in our house and it was great as we had many ppl not just from the Society itself but close friends of everyone else. There was also a Secret Santa whom Neeraj(a flatmate's boyfriend) has done a good job being a Santa. Then this year having a new Chaplain and all, we had both priests there and it was hilarious as Fr Aldo put a softer touch (by trying to me me wedded to Fr.steven while cutting the Christmas Pudding together) to the party while Fr. Steven actually pranced around the room with everyone else as he was slightly tipsy=op.

Last sunday however was the University Carol Service where Christmas Carols and 9 lessons(readings from the bible) were respectively, sung and read. (This is where I'm very fortunate and it was an experience to remember). I think being the CatSoc's president entitled me to a few privileges only my post would get me, e.g: i got to do a reading in the beautiful service:they were about 500 candle lighted in the darkness of and Advent sunday in a service with the University Chamber Choir singing in it. And not everyone got to do the reading as the only 3 students amongst Professors and Head of Departments; myself, the Christian Union Prsident and the President of the Student Association. But the best is yet to come.

I had 2 weeks earlier received an email invitation to a dinner reception for after the Carol Service at the Sir Alan Langlands(Principal of the University) Residence, and it said:

"You(and partner) are invited to a special dinner reception...."

I realise that it gives a tinge of maturity in my 'marital' status, however in the end I decided to invite someone preferably male, which works quite well with me anyway as all my female office-bearers are either busy with exams or had work to commit to. Which leaves either Charles or Barry. Within 2 days time Barry and I finally had an official engagement in our diaries.

We arrived at the University House mansion, me in my suit and Barry without his necktie which he later regretted. The door flung open by the 'maid' and out coats were taken off our backs as we were showed the drawing room(don't ask me why it's called the drawing room) where everyone else had gathered and soon enough red wine was poured into the sparkling crystal wine galss I had in my hand. What was it like, to be brushing shoulders with hotshots in the University and of the local dioceses. Of all the 30 odd guests who were there, only 6 were students and the rest of them witout a doubt had grey hairs and a twinkling smiles on their faces as everyone got speaking. Soon enough, the Principal turned my way and greeted me by MY NAME!

"Hello Kaleena, welcome to our house..." And not only that, his wife, Lady Elizabeth left her group of fans and waded to our spot and introduced herself. Like a switched being flicked on, I automatically spoke on and on getting the rather 'superficial' conversation going for quite a while as i asked, among other things, the Principal's role in the university and his responsibilities.

Barry later said that had I versed the question differently, I would have put myself in hot water as if saying "So, exactly what is it that you do in the university??", but thank goodness I had enough grace at the time to versed it out rather politely. And the best thing is, he said that I seem rather good at this meet-and-greet thing--a posh socialite to say the least.

And at the dinner table we were seated separated from the other 4 students and sat between the Provost Rt Rev Miriam of the Episcopal Church and her husband, Hamish Good. Mr Good fortunately for Barry was an older and wiser version of the forever cynical and snideful Barry.

Enough of that I must say, it was an experience of the more posh side of the University-hardly ever seen. It was nice, but it wasn't forever. It was a privilege, but it was a treasure, as such.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:08:44 GMT

Last night we were at the Caird hall watching a musical called *Luv Esther. Basically it is the Catsoc activity for the week, and that means nothing's on this wednesday. I guess it's kind of a good thing, to not have anything on wedsnesdays occasionally. It kind of clears the rest of the week really. But the show is basically a more modern and new age presentation of Queen Esther, one of the biblical female models; this one in particular is a bit more grandiose than the rest being married to 'The' persian king at the time, but then not realising what she's actually in for. And as the story goes, she gave up her life for the Jews of the time, but not actually dying in the end.

I never thought about her story much to be perfectly honest, but the way it was presented last night in lots of artistic though slightly raunchy dances and especially how it highlighted a few important points:

1. Maybe you have been called into the kingdom for a time such as this...

2. Difference..difference...dangerous...destroy...destruction

3. In the sweet end, she managed to saved the Jews lives at the time, and thats one nation at that moment in time. so what happens to the rest?

I suppose it's one of those things where you have to be there to know what I'm talking about. It is quite hard to reproduce the same thoughtfulness through mere words. But just to point out that I never thought Queen Esther has 'that' much of a significance.

Before the show, we had dinner at Jimmy Chung's Chinese Buffet. Both Fr. Aldo and Fr. Steven were present and it was a moment as never before seeing both priest of different generations slagging each other off. I seem to be having lots of Chinese/Asian food these days, and strangely they've been prepared by non-asians(except at Jim Chung's of course). Barry made Pad Thai and Sweet Sour chicken and thai Curry in the past 3 weeks, and I've been practising on my mom's handed down chicken curry recipe. It seemed to be getting good reviews from them all, either its good or ppl are just being nice--who knows? I'm not really good at this, i seem to find it difficult to take things personally at face value. But Kerry and I are once again planning a joint diiner with Nikolas and James--maybe in 2 weeks time. I might hvae to make the same chicken(turkey--cheaper!) curry again!

The Christmas season is dosing in pretty fast, --last year it didn't felt to be as quick as this year. Strange how although as last year our one and only exams would only take place at the end of May 2006, the stress has been ringing it's way into everyone's ears...there's always a worry about it at the back of my mind.

Bad news, the temperature has dropped from it's normal quite drastically as well. During the day it's from about 7*C-11*C, while going down even further during the nights. Not only that, the wind has also been Gale-like in recent days. And to top that, as usual it's predicted to be a very snowy winter. My aunty Jenny and cousin Eva from miri are planning to come over during those months which i find quite amusing.. but i suppose it shall then be a new experience. How unfortunate that I don't think I'll be able to spend Christnas with them this year and not even with my family back in Miri. that'll be the 5th Christmas away form home!

Sometime when I think of how things are at home, a startling realisation of how diffrent things are just overwhelms me. A year and a half away from home isn't that long but from what I'm guessing and seeing now---it's one of those period in life where ppl start rebuilding and reshaping thier lives again making new commitments and this time a long term one as the settling in period begins. That also directly means leaving me here in the midst of all the process where I tend to have locals things bulid around me. Basically my family and friends are here with me in Dundee. Not at all to mean that I've forgotten my own real family back home in malysia butreally based on the love and trust that i seem to have been so lucky to find in luckily enough, quite

Friday, October 14, 2005

Fri, 14 Oct 2005 09:30:05 GMT

Unlocking Locked-In Syndrome

Patients with complete paralysis, or locked-in syndrome, spend life mute. Often these conscious individuals are unable to relay even their most basic wishes because they have lost all muscle control. Now years of research on animals and humans is leading to the development of imaginative communication strategies for these patients. Several techniques that bypass the muscles and gain power directly from the brain are under investigation.

We might scream, point, nod, whisper, shrug, jabber, smile, dictate or email in order to relay information to the world. But people with complete paralysis, or locked-in syndrome, don't have these options. In fact, they often don't have any reliable communication options. Their normally functioning brains may wish to express a sentiment, but their muscles are deaf to the orders. They can't control their limbs to gesture or type and they can't control their mouths to speak.
Now years of basic science and technological research may pay off for these isolated patients. Scientists are investigating several creative computer-based communication strategies that appear to bypass the muscles and receive commands directly from the brain.

The advances are leading to:

imaginative communication methods.
Insights into how technology can aid medical progress.

      Locked-in syndrome can result from a stroke or injury. Neurological ailments, such as Lou Gehrig's disease, also are culprits.
      The damage from the condition or injury blocks the message transmission path that initiates voluntary movement. Normally, a series of electrical impulses pass from brain cells along nerves to trigger the release of chemical messages, which eventually signal the muscles to move. Most or all of the muscles in locked-in patients never receive the messages. Some patients have a few spared muscles in areas such as the eyes. Computer programs occasionally aid their communication by detecting the remnant muscle movement, but often the muscles are difficult to control or easily tire.
      For decades it seemed beyond science's reach to help these patients. But then researchers began to investigate a long shot idea. Maybe they could bypass the muscles and power computer communication devices directly from the brain. Following years of research, the strategy, reminiscent of a science fiction movie, is now starting to show promise in real life.
      One variation involves an electrode that is implanted in the brain and picks up electrical impulse activity directly from a small number of brain cells, as found in studies of rats, monkeys and humans (see illustration). The activity or "thought" is transmitted to a translating software system designed to control a computer cursor and produce speech. An implanted patient, paralyzed from a stroke, recently appeared to show some success following hours of training. The patient can manipulate the cursor to slowly spell his name as well as activate icons that represent phrases of speech such as "See you later. Good talking with you."
      Other researchers are developing an electrode system that they hope will pick up electrical impulses from large numbers of brain cells. Plans are underway to test the system in monkeys.
      Several research groups also are studying nonsurgical techniques that indirectly pick up brain activity from outside the brain. This strategy relies on electrodes placed on the scalp that detect specific variations in the chatter of electric impulses elicited by large numbers of brain cells. One group trained four patients with locked-in syndrome from Lou Gehrig's disease to compose messages with a computerized spelling device. Following hundreds of training sessions, the patients learned to produce a certain electric impulse variation. A translating system then allowed them to slowly select letters on a computer screen by initiating the signal. Currently, the generation of a character takes about 30 seconds. One patient completed a letter in four hours.
      Researchers hope that adjustments in training and technology will improve and speed up these thought-capturing techniques, providing a useful communication option for locked-in patients.
      And you thought email was high-tech.

A group of researchers are trying to help patients with complete paralysis, or locked-in syndrome, communicate by directly connecting a computer to the motor cortex of the brain, which is vital for movement. Ideally, the patient's functioning brain cells grow into the glass cone of an implanted electrode that contains special growth-promoting molecules. Then the electrode detects, amplifies and transmits to a computer the activity of the brain cells that grow into the cone. The computer translates the signals into cursor movements that produce speech.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 07:33:02 GMT

There's so much to be thankful for, yet I find it harder and harder to make space for a special time for God. It's quite irritating running around doing what needs to be done when there's this tugging feeling in my heart which calls out to me asking me to be silent and still.

Based on worldly measurement of significance, this is not. But based on God's way of measuring, this is it.

I can't hardly feel myself slowing down to breathe carefully when there's so much to be done. We've only just started the third year but already we have to arrange for our fourth year project. That's quite a long way to go but the book of protocol is seemingly just as thick as the Bible. On a shorter term, the SPSSC proposal deadline is in 4 weeks, and I'm not any closer to it than I was 4 weeks ago. OH well.

But amidst the hectic and hectic schedule, God never fails to knock on the door or our hearts(in this case, to ring the doorbell to 42 Wilkies Lane!). Last night was another Catsoc meeting and it went on unexpectedly well, especially for something we've only just started.

The evening started with a short Mass, then the usual tea and coffee or wine, in my case! Alcoholic I am now...), alongside Lisa's highly decorative and delicious homemade shortbread while Nathalie arrived at the door. Her talk started with a testimony of herself then a really brief meditation on one short but strong story from the New Testament.

This is it, testimonies are always always undermined by the young people of today; saying why bother about others when being with God is a personal experience when sharing isn't exactly relevant. It's always inspiring to see someone, especially of my age(and bound to get married by Christmas!!!) so motivated to share her knowledge and experiences about God. I think everyone in the room(except maybe Fr. Steve) suddenly realise how much there is to be kown about this amazing Guy who knows our inside out yet loves us so much. That during the first few seconds of meditation, Mary Frances was somehow so touched she had to leave the room.

Personally I feel a silent beating to myself. 2 weekends ago Charles, Mary frances and yours truly sat at Starbucks after Mass trying to come up with more things for the Catsoc. For obvious reasons concerning the Bishop we sidetracked talking about the faults of the Church and what we didn't agree on. To be more specific, Confession and the Sacrament of reconciliation. If you ask me, I never saw how they're significant or why anyone would want to go for confession. But Nathalie spoke briefly yet strongly about it and it was as if God was answering our questions--- which I'm sure, had it been left hanging and unanswered would have the potential to lead us away. And Mary had been so strong about some of the things which is probably why she felt the most.

The Catsoc seems to be doing well, although admittedly we could do alot better with more people. Further plans would be to include students from Abertay Dundee Uni as their Catsoc is nonexistent (almost happend to us!!!) this year. But I don't think I could ever ask for a better team in the Catsoc; everyone with their own speciality. Lisa has the Kitchen and food as her turf of speciality, Charles and his diplomatic and 'lawyer-ly' ways, Neeraj with speciality in technicality and resourcefulness, Mary to give me a hand making plans and giving orders(, not quite..I'd rather say I take care of em 'ol), and everyone else with their amazing co-operativity to give a hand whenever needed! If you ask me, it's been hand-picked by God.

Friday, September 30, 2005

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 13:42:41 GMT

Busy busy life.

All of the sudden I feel like I'm constantly doing something. Well, thanks to 3 major commitments I have in my life right now. But lets talk about one of them: Catsoc.

I never saw myself in this position before, and I guess i never dared to. But so far, things have been nothing but great! The Catholic Society University of Dundee has pretty much been quite dead over the last few years---reason unknown. Perhaps the chaplain isn't much of a youth worker despite being extremely hospitable, he's quite traditional. Or perhaps the members just never quite have the interest to keep things running.

Well, I'm in charge thios year and who knows what's to come? But we're gearing towards the Catsoc Opening night this coming Wednesday and already I have my committee members putting in so much effort in it, it's never been so good! And what's extra-ordinary is, the fact that despite being called the Catholic Society, almost half of those involved heavily in the opening night aren't Catholics, in fact 2 of them aren't even Christians--with no interest even in becoming one. They're just around to help! Neeraj and Ashishs are both Hindus and Lisa is from the Church of Ireland, and the rest of us..myself, Mary-Frances, another Mary Frances, Joanne, Charles and Kieran are part of the team.

I'm sure lots of you have been in the same boat, it's not easy to start anew or trying to revive something which has been pretty much dead/dormant, eventhough it's been around since the early 20th century(Catsoc History goes back to 1904). I'm not sure how exactly it was run before but I guess I'm not going to focus on the past. This year, I'm going to get attention from as many big people as possible---like what Fr.Mulholland(New, hip Chaplain!!) said, to uplift the society's profile.

Tough job, but I assure you, it's been nothing but fun.

And not only that, the fact that most committe members reside in the same house as well, helps so much! Right, i'll get a picture of our humble abode as soon as I could and stick it here so everyone will know how the house looks like!

We had a meeting last Wednesday and met Fr. Mulholland(Steven) for the first time. Rather strange in this part of the world to have a young priest but he's only in his thirties and is quite an interesting character...and most importantly..: EXACTLY what the Catsoc needs!

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Wed, 21 Sep 2005 12:58:14 GMT

NO MORE SCHOOL AND CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to my sister who had just had her graduation ceremony in UKM yesterday! There she goes, finally free from the grasps of student life and right on track to being someone successful. In the past 2 months she's an excited geologist on an oil rig, but in thenext month she'll be a Geoscientist with Petronas. Something's wrong there.

Anyone who knows who my sister really is would never imagine here, EVER to be anything close to a scientist. She's possibly the most talkative (yet tactful), and bubbly person who's very expressive of her train of thoughts, amazing in music namely drumming and guitar playing, great in acting and drama, very very friendly guys often think she's a flirt and gals think she's a bitch only to discover later she's a tough daring super girl who likes to dress in tight jeans and small tops and only to love her afterwards, yet have a heart softer than mine(and people think I'm soft compared to them!!). According to her freinds she's got the dirtiest mind too, but being the amazing big sister she is, I never saw that side.. But I guess it goes to show that you'll never know what the future holds.

I really miss her, sometimes I can't believe how this amazing person could be a sister to a big bore like yours truly; I'd be lying if I said we've always got along so well but I'd be telling an even bigger lie if I say we're not the most amazing pair of sisters ever. simply because, we are. I think we've turned tables and heads a couple of time simply because of what we did and what we've made happen to ourselves..but lets not get carried away recklessly here.

I don't think I'd like being in her shoes; it's just too much going on and I can only handle a small aount of excitement at a time--- but I love hearing her stories about the people she's made friends with the homesexuals and the sex-crazed or desperate lonely citizens or moving to a different extreme, famous national rockstars who find her original and great fun and their tales, most of her stories get recycled by me to amuse those who seek me for a glimmer of excitement.

But hard to believe she's no longer in quite the same boat as I am anymore, I have 3 or more years of financial dependence, under a very sheltered environment and atmosphere against the real characters that roam this world. I am slightly afraid for her but i know I don't have to be, she's always been so good at these things. No wonder I trust her crazy driving so much--a wonder I never doubt her skills like how I doubt my dad's.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 10:20:32 GMT

Unbelievable but true, we're in our second week of the many more weeks of classes to come; starting ultimately with the musculoskeletal block. I find it interesting how the consultants, physio/occupational therapist and nurses find rheumatology something to be really passionate about. It has been quite interesting, glad to know that my back pain isn't pathologically significant---just a part of the daily stress being a girl in midst of everything yet nowhere.

Fresher's week is starting this week too, lots of new fresh faces clustering the campus area, as well as Ninewells hospital as the second years proceed to the next stage which is the start of clinical training. Whist everyone is feeling fresh, new and exciting, I on the other hand seems to be heading downhill--after the short spurt of up-hill movement last week. Was it the weekend? I didn't do much except watch TV, bake scones and cakes, reading and chatted. Shockingly, i didn't go out at all--last thursday's night out was enough to last a long time I think. There's something I'm worried about, that I can't seem to put my hands on quite just yet...it's so annoying!

It's like something's missing and I'm disturbed and unsettled about it. I just wonder what it is. Just to acknowledge the loss and hopefully get on with life.

I do believe that worrying is one of my best quality---I 'm constantly indulging in it. Despite knowing very well that God has complete control over everything I find it extremely hard to just let go even for a second of things to come. I'm worried about my Christmas plans, about my SSCs in Malaysia or Tanzania, about the revue 2006, about my summer next year, about relationships and friendships etc. What's annoying is that these are all long term plans which are a long way to go. In the end I find myself only in one spot--regret, for letting the NOW pass without even acknowlegding it.

I need to ride OFF the horse. Except I don't know how. So please pray for me, I feel myself going crazy.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 10:23:59 GMT

Auld Friends and Acquaintances

Sometimes I wonder, when people start talking about discrimination-could it be possible that it's actually reverse discrimination in a stronger form?

Before I left home, I used to think that those who remain at home will find it harder and harder to get in touch with me as I would be immersed in a new and fascinating culture and environment. The truth is: Not quite but yes, I am surrounded by new culture, environment, faces and everything anyone can imagine. But apart from that, I feel as though those I used to get along so well with at home find it less and less desirable to keep in contact with me. I'm not quite sure why but I'm speculating reverse discrimination in it's mildest and palest form. No anger sparked here or anything harsh like that, it's just sad knowing that's reality and it happens to everyone. Sometimes when I think back of all the people I've been so close to in the past years in primary school, secondary school, colleges, church etc, it always amazes me how I managed to get along so well with so many souls only to look back again after a few years thinking how I wished we would've put in more effort to keep the friend-ship sailing.

Some may think that I'm writing this because we're sad and lonely and not being able to make new friends at all, that's why we're pining over the past. The truth is, the more friends I gained here, the more I'm reminded of the friends of old times. It could be because I find it so hard to let go of the past that it's still clinging itself unto me. And being away from home most of the part of my life when things start to matter a lot more, memories of times with friends made the huge bulk of my memories since I went to boarding school at the age of 13.

Amazingly, those I've managed to hold on to quite tightly are those away from home too. Perhaps it's because we have a silent knowledge and understanding of the deal, (distance-major input) which hence led us to invest more on what we have left to hold on to. To name a few- Ayon, Oja, Maria, Mariam, Nadiya and P. Actually, they are The Few. And everyone else seemed to only respond when prompted. Sad but true but I guess I've to make do with what I understand of this, and move on...after all everyone else moved on. Why am I still concentrating on my moved cheese, despite knowing how futile it is?

So, Distance, a separator? Personally, it doesn't have to be. After all I've managed to keep in touch with those also away from home, and they are nowhere even within the same country as I am and Maria isn't even in the same continent yet I feel her to be so close at heart, and vice-versa. I guess it depends on how much effort is being put in to savor what's been had and anticipate what the future may hold-no matter how hazy the horizons may look to be. Perhaps a majority preferred to invest in new relationships as that where it's most easy to reap for immeadiate good.

This Used To Be My Playground" Madonna, album Something to remember

This used to be my playground
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need
Of a friend
Why did it have to end
And why do they always say

Don't look back
Keep your head held high
Don't ask them why
Because life is short
And before you know
You're feeling old
And your heart is breaking
Don't hold on to the past
Well that's too much to ask

Live and learn
Well the years they flew
And we never knew
We were foolish then
We would never tire
And that little fire
Is still alive in me
It will never go away
Can't say goodbye to yesterday (can't say goodbye)

No regrets
But I wish that you
Were here with me
Well then there's hope yet
I can see your face
In our secret place
You're not just a memory
Say goodbye to yesterday (the dream)
Those are words I'll never say (I'll never say)

This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be our pride and joy
This used to be the place we ran to
That no one in the world could dare destroy

This used to be our playground (used to be)
This used to be our childhood dream
This used to be the place we ran to
I wish you were standing here with me

Anyway, c'est la vie. And best wishes, truly.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 16:50:47 GMT

Call-girl, anyone?

Oh boy don't I just love this! Wait, I actually discovered something about myself today i wrote it somewhere...(checking, flipping through my journal). Yes, that I am not numb emotionally. And that i keep worrying about the past and the future, which in turn caused me to fail in the present and as the cycle goes on i again find myself moaning about the past when also realising that the future needs attention. And what about the present??!! For once, I've got to stop thinking!!!

Anyway, work work work, money money money, time time time. Why is it that it never stops. Rather, why don't I stop myself? I've to say peeps, that i keep spinning my own already tangled web it's so hard to untangle it again. But isn't that what happens? The Tangles of Life. Now, lemme just have a look at this kink..ahhh..those siow dayss...

Am reading this book called 'The Diary of a Manhattan Call girl' by Tracy Quan. And I never thought I'd say this but I guess being a hooker isn't all that bad. maybe it's not even bad---rephrase---Maybe being a hooker isn't all that disrespectable, if you see it from the hookers point of view(haha..gotcha!). She's a professional high class hooker, look like anyone during her non-hooking hours but it's all about g-strings, thongs and erotic acts during work. But apparently, it's all just an act, all her three or more-somes are her friends working with a plan( someone touch this, another tickle that and I say naught..etc) ruin the plan, ruin the show. And pre-menstrual water retention can actually affect the income(*damn* 2 weeks off every month??)

From the way it's written, it seems like sex isn't really sex in all the dimension I've always seen it to be. In fact it's actually a job. These girls don't seem to prize their body as sacred. Fail to value the body? Who knows? To entertain and heal sexually those people who has been deprived(or think they're deprived of it) by their spouse. Or so the book says. But anyway, at any value before any words of condemn let me just say that this book is written in an unwittingly funny way so one can't help but laugh at what this call girl has to say. 'Bridget Jones with an attitude' Guardian. Apparently in one part, she was 15 when she was hooking in London, entertained(not slept) an American guy who suddenly cried after their so-called passion due to guilt of killing a Vietnamese girl in the war. She, the hooker(not the writer) told the guy that she's not Vietnamese but Malaysian(even though she's not!) simply because she thought it was more exotic and sexy...!! (oh yeah, by the way the hooker in question is Oriental in origin, a certain Chinese-Canadian apparently) Heehee..

So the writer made it seemed as though hooking really is a profesional job. It's selling services to others, a service highly in demand apparently and pays so well that she attends therapy(oh boy, i mean, after all those boys?? Drama drama drama...), gym, hair salons as frequently as any normal Manhattan girl. But she's got a problem(uh-oh)...she's got a fiancee who doesn't even know she's a hooker! Anyway, so they do have on-calls or in-calls, a regulars and blacklisted clients. Regulars because they treat her well and are generous, and blacklisted because they've in some way threatened them. So they've got their own code. And also a sex-worker union. And the list goes on and on. I mean, don't even let me start I've not even finished it yet!

But of couse on the downside, wives or anyone who has never thought of it being a job would have no better words for this. And lets not forget those who has to be in the business because there's simply no other choice, and also those being harassed and stalked by their ex-clients. I suppose it's only been my first time of being exposed to the positivity of hooking, all these while it's always been an unquestionably disrespectful job that there's practically nothing like it. I guess this is where the Bible comes in(heck, it comes in EVERYDAY!) as it says that

"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own" 1 Corinthians 6:19.

And Hebrews 13:4"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. " Also "You shall not commit adulery" Exodus 20:14 and Deut 5:18.

And the list does go on. So maybe looking at it from this angle, this attempt of trying to look make it acceptable and maybe even normal(well, it is normal, just discrete, almost taboo!) it's really part of how the world is slowly drifting away from God's plans. So, in saying that does it mean that a majority of the world's population still believe in God-ly values as in this case? A scale on which things are valued upon on what is right or wrong still exist? I'm afraid to even want to know the truth.

And back to that, exactly what is adultery? Why is it that hooking (paid prostitution) is so looked down upon when in the real world so many don't even blink an eye about sleeping with boyfriends/girlfriends---especially when repeatedly, relationships just don't last...but sex just HAVE to be a part of it?? Anyway, and so what is this fancy-mind-bongling word adultery? Here it is:

Adultery

conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin.

As taken from http://bible.gospelcom.net/resources/dictionaries/dict_meaning.php?source=1&wid=T0000109

Waittaminute... so adultery really is only between 2 people of whom one of them has to be either married or bethrothed? Oh well, that solves the burning questing in my heart then;

I, Kaleena Michael, am Neither Married Nor Bethrothed. So, i guess I won't be held in question should I have an intercourse with a member of the opposite sex(i thought this point was necessary..u'll never know,....speculations....) then.

There you go boys and girls, glad to be of service.

p.s- had it not been for the Bible, I'll probably seriously consider hooking.. It really isn't such a bad job and after all it does pay so well!