For a certain Berry

**a whole tub of ice-cream cake for naz's birthday celebrated last november, I had to clarify since she might be reading this, right naz?**

Birthdays used to be celebrated with much mirth, fits of laughter and definitely high sugar intake. On wednesday, a different mode of celebration was felt. This is our final semester and it was officially noted that this year, was the last birthday together (for only God knows where we will be during the next). I got out my magic markers and glittery pens to compose the most meaningful piece of birthday card ever.

Looking back, I've had the pleasure of observing my dear birthday girl and it got me walking down memory lane with her. How naive we were 5 years back, how we wore our clothes and what colour lippie we preferred when no one else in the world would acknowledge our presence. The relationships that had gone wrong and most of all, the beauty of understanding one another's heart. Yup, crayons and all, I think I made her cry.

Cheers now, its been 5 blastingly-memorable years/birthdays with you, and I am truly blessed with your friendship. Happy Birthday, friend!

Enino

Missing this bundle of fuzzy huggable baby that weighs 14 kg right now. Speaks fluent british english I might say. You learn mighty quick for a baby of 4 years. Your favourite show is..erm, everything on Children's BBC? And the walt disney production about the daughter of the last Tzar called Anastasia.

'I'm Enino, I'm 4', holds up 4 pudgy fingers, all except the ring finger .
'Whats this then?' I say as I nudge an adorably cute baby pot belly.
'Thats baby'
Right.

Seems that baby is what she calls herself. Ohhh. I must not forget that. *sigh*

My little cup of sunshine will be coming back to malaysia sometime in march. Can't wait to see you!! You've got a long way to go my dear. Let's get you off the right foot by singing Baa Baa Black Sheep together, this time with the correct lyrics, ay?

Vitamin Savvy

Influenced from my friend, it has always been the trend well at least for me, to get supplies in bulk so that when my pennies are a-counting, I will not have to worry about buying expensive supplements. I got a great deal from watson's and have settled my vitamin b complex, iron and vitamin C binge.

Smart consumerism goes hand in hand with ample research and background study of products that we consume. The following is something I picked up from my supplements.

Brands' Iron + Vitamin B Complex (which contains)

Iron -

Iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin (the form of hemoglobin found in muscle tissue) which requires this nutrient.

It is also needed for the oxygenation of red blood cells, a healthy immune system and for energy production.

Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin

Riboflavin is further needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth.

It eases watery eye fatigue and may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6.

Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails (definite bonus).

Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells. It is also used in the processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, while assisting with controlling your mood as well as your behavior. Pyridoxine might also be of benefit for children with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

Women in particular may suffer from pre-menstrual fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual acne and nausea in early pregnancy. Mood swings, depression as well as loss of sexual drive is sometimes noted when pyridoxine is in short supply and the person is on hormone replacement therapy or on birth control pills.

B12 - Cyanocobamin

Cyanocobamin is needed in the manufacture of red blood cells and the maintenance of red blood cells and it stimulates appetite (not really good for me), promotes growth ( I want to grow taller) and release energy. It is often used with older people to give an energy boost, assist in preventing mental deterioration and helps with speeding up thought processes. Some people are also of the opinion that it helps with clearing up infections and provide protection against allergies and cancer. This vitamin is also used in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Flavettes Vitamin C

Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants.

Because vitamin C is a biological reducing agent, it is also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries.

Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, to help protect against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system and help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis.

Phew! What a long read. Keeps me on my toes and lets me know what it is I am feeding my system. I think it is good practise to read up on all our supplements.

Data on vitamins & minerals, taken from www.anyvitamins.com

Lost In Tambun

Yesterday was Thaipusam, celebrated by the Hindus of Perak so we had the day off. Its my 5th Thaipusam here in utp and I regret to say that I have never observed the traditions and happenings that took place during Thaipusam other than the stereotype idea that we all have of people poking themseleves with sharp objects as an act to purify the soul.

My girlfriends and I spent the day in Lost World of Tambun, a Perak version of the Sunway Lagoon. Upon arriving I realized that I left my 'bathing attire' and reluctantly had to fish out rm29.90 for a flimsy piece of tee. Bloodsuckers.


Entrance fee was rm21.90 for adults (it used to be rm21, the extra 90 cents was effective since the 1st of February) and rm16 for kids. We didn't rent the tubes, decided to play all the free stuff without the aide of a rm7 double-seated tube. It was blazing hot, decked in inches of sunblock, we braved the day!




There were 3 twirly tube ride-thingy, nothing much to it. A semi finished tube ride which we raced against each other and sought to be the one to reach the highest point of the semi-finished tube. (tqa and sara won, by the way) After that we went river trekking and were goofing off since there weren't many people yesterday. The man made beach or wave pool was boring. (Just so you know, I did not have any enthusiams to begin with when the results came out to 'a day in Tambun') The only thing I did enjoy there was the hot spring. It was nice and soothing, not too hot and it left us all drowsy and sort of drunk. Haha. We had been there for almost 4 hours in the blazing hot sun.



Pictures were taken when we were decent. The place is a really nice location for group photos. Pretty sad that this is our last semester together. The next event on the list is most likely Kellie's castle, mencuba satay di bota and perhaps an overnight trip to either penang or pangkor (again).


Final sem = holidayyyyy!!

*more pics most probably in ms.radio's entry =)