Were you a better person today than yesterday?
Will you be a better person tomorrow than today?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
On MC today
I hate my job whenever I take MC...
Already sick and feeling terrible. Have to feel worse when there are so many things that are to be done YESTERDAY...
Kenah sporadic leg cramps since yesterday afternoon. It's probably due to dehydration. But friend says it's due to lack of sodium in my diet. Will check with doctor later.
Anyway, kept waking up due to the leg cramping and the lack of sleep caused my runny nose to activate... Argh! Ar-choo!
Many thanks to the various colleagues for helping me out!
Okies. Going off to see doctor now.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Super Mario Online Widget Game
Monday, July 09, 2007
Countdown to Jacky Cheung Concert
At first, kinda felt cheated into spending $140 to buy tix to watch Jacky Cheung. I mean, I can buy A LOT of his CDs for $140!
But now, very excited over this weekend! July is so exciting!
Harry Potter this Friday, maybe Dim Sum Dollies this Saturday and then Jacky Cheung this Sunday! Yoohoo!
The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour 07
After a five year wait, the irreplaceable King of Mando/Canto Pop, Jacky Cheung, is finally back with his "The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour 07".
Due to an overwhelming response, Unusual Productions have decided to launch a third show on 15th July 2007. Jacky Cheung, the consummate "Heavenly King" will take to stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on three nights, 13th, 14th and 15th July, 8pm, charming one and all with his mesmerizing vocals.
Jacky Cheung is well-love for his many hit songs such as 《吻别》， 《月半弯》， 《每天爱你多一些》， 《情网》， 《情书》， 《只愿一生爱一人》， 《一路上有你》， 《爱是永恒》， 《李香兰》， 《心如刀割》， 《情已逝》， 《饿狼传说》， 《头发乱了》， 《忘记你我做不到》， 《我等到花儿也谢了》， 《我真的受伤了》， 《一千个伤心的理由》 and more.
Thought it was a dreadfully short route. Never did I realise that it was actually 1.7 km long one-way! Therefore, I actually ran about 3.4 km that evening!
Yeh! Here's the route we ran.
Countdown to RJC Class 97 F.M (fond memories)
Yeah! Can't wait to see the old campus yet again. Last time was when RJ had this big 'party' to move over to the new campus at Bishan. But just loved the old campus. It's so much more homey.
Anyway, for those interested:
Host: Carlsen & Janice Location: Old RJC (where Dunman High currently is) 53 Mt Sinai Road, Singapore 276880 (many thanks to Debbie for getting approval from Dunman High) When: Sunday, July 29, 12:00PM
Please bring your I/C as you will need to exchange it for a visitor pass (tight security at schools nowadays). Please bring cash as well to pay for the catered lunch (max $30).
As I was saying, very tempted to buy a new phone after using one of my student's phone.
Found the following 'free' phones from Singtel. Which one should I buy?
Nokia 2626
Samsung M300
Sony Ericsson K610i
Sony Ericsson K510i
Sony Ericsson W200i
BenQ Siemens S81
Samsung Z370
Motorola SLVR L72
So, anybody wanna give me some advice?
Newspapers Collection Exercise
Woke up early this morning to violent thunder, lightning and heavy heavy rain. Got so worried that my newspapers collection exercise had to be cancelled. Called up someone who lived near the school to get a more accurate weather report and when the rain showed some signs of letting up, decided to go on with the exercise. Was really thinking of cancelling at a point of time...
Got over to the taxi stand and boy, was there a loooooong queue! Why? Because there were tons of P6 students 'rushing' to get to NUS to take the entry test for NUS High. Thankfully, there was a cab who was due to change shift in CCK and I managed to jump queue and got to school in time.
Not sure how 'motivational' I was - dun think I was quite effective... The kids remained very slackened and took their time to move to their assigned blocks. The rain perhaps? I know I definitely would have liked to stay in bed... Stomach was grumbling as I made my rounds to the various collection points but no time to makan... Onwards I go...
Some students really surprised me with their enthusiasm and attitude to help out in the exercise. Some students did not, with their lack of initiative and needed constant pushing to put in a minimal effort.
Many thoughts and things I wanna say about the above. Let me gather my thoughts first - will pen them down in another post.
Phone died after about an hour into the exercise - I knew I should have charged it fully last night! Borrowed one of the students' phones. Now very tempted to get a new phone.
Friday, July 06, 2007
6 more days...
Yoohoo! Only 6 more days to Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix movie! But not sure who I will be watching it with. Any volunteers?
And 14 more days to the LAST book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
I hope it gets delivered quickly, on time and early! Then can finish it within the weekend! *grin*
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Quotation
Heard this from a fren today... Can so relate to it...
"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful.
We have done so much with so little for so long, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing."
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Perseverence is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. by Walter Elliott
Haiz... Should I sign up for this run too?
Just found out from a friend who has been running for the past 2-3 years about these runs coming up in 2007.
Milk Run will be taking place in a couple of hours.
Registration is closed for the Passion Run.
Debating whether to sign up for the Mizuno Wave Run and the Singapore Bay Run.
Have already signed up for the Shape Run.
Need to check schedule to see if can fit in the Great Eastern.
Real Run cannot - no 5 km. But it's interesting coz you have to run on at least 7 km of road + 1 km of sand + 1 km of trail + 1 km of runway - total 10 km! Hm... think I may sign up for the Real Run if I continue to run twice or thrice a week?
If I can maintain running regularly, I probably will also join the Stanchart - it's also minimum 10 km!
Made up my mind to start warming up for the Shape Run, so messaged a fren to go running together this evening. Knew it was going to be a tough day with a full timetable and extra Physics practical from 4 to 5 pm.
In fact, was very tempted to call it off when I was done in school. I was utterly frustrated during the Physics practical. Couldn't understand why they couldn't understand the workings of the practical. Thought it was one of the easier practicals already...
In addition, only managed to grab a small lor mai gai this morning for breakfast and then no time for any more food... So, was seriously starving at the end of the day.
Furthermore, reached home only around 6+ pm. Sky was turning grey and looks like it was going to rain any moment soon... But no! I shall persevere! And I did!
Not sure how long I took for the run. Forgot to wear knee guards but they were alright. Just barely. Were hurting near the end of the run so I took it easy and jogged the last couple hundred metres. It was a good workout in general. Was sweating at the end of the run.
Then, had only porridge for dinner. So, good. No food whole day, full timetable, 4 km run at the end of the day, followed by porridge for dinner.
Unfortunately, reached home to see this packet of donuts waiting for me on the kitchen table - my mum bought for me... *Gulp* All the fats and sugar went down my gullet quicker than you could say "Expelliramus"! *grin*
Watever! Brain shall only register the 4 km run! *laugh*
(I ain't) Missing You
Got this off a friend's blog... What a coincidence...
I was just telling myself a couple of things:
People (ok, me) should always look to the front. Don't always look back. Otherwise, very easy to trip and fall one.
It's good to be far away. Being near only bring back all the bad memories. Now, can just keep only the good memories and be happier.
So, here's to a far away past.
Cheers!
(I AIN'T) MISSING YOU
Everytime I think of you, I always catch my breath And I'm still standing here, and you're miles away and I'm wondering why you left And there's a storm that's raging through my frozen heart tonight I hear your name in certain circles And it always makes me smile I spend my time thinking about you and it's almost driving me wild And there's a heart that's breaking down this long distance line tonight
I ain't missing you at all (missing you) since you've been gone away (missing you), I ain't missing you (missing you) No matter what I might say (missing you)
There's a message in the wire and I'm sending you the signal tonight You don't know how desperate I've become and it looks like I'm losing this fight In your world I have no meaning though I'm trying hard to understand and it's my heart that's breaking down this long distance line tonight
I ain't missing you at all (missing you) since you've been gone away (missing you), I ain't missing you (missing you) No matter what my friends say (missing you)
there's a message that I'm sending out via telegraph to your soul and if I can't breach this distance stop this heartbreak overload
I ain't missing you at all ...ow...(missing you) since you've been gone away (missing you), I ain't missing you (missing you) No matter what my friends say (missing you) I ain't missing you I ain't missing you.. I can't lie to myself And there's a storm that's raging through my frozen heart tonight I ain't missing you at all I ain't missing you...missing you I ain't missing you, oh no I ain't
Or am I?
New snow flake
This thing is so therapeutic, think I'd become a frequent user soon...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Down... Only 2 days...
And I'm down with the flu. Sneezing non-stop today. It's only been 2 days of school. So fast fall sick already... Die ah!
Came home 'early' today around 4+ and slept all the way until I woke up starving. Had a little something but nose still running around... Sigh...
Went to collect my 17 m long of plastic wrap and proceeded to cut them up to size to fit my students' tables. Wanna get at least half the tables wrapped by tomorrow and the rest by Friday. Then they can decorate as they wish next week.
Yippee! Can't wait for the long weekend ahead - Youth Day holiday. One of the perks of being a teacher. You get to enjoy a handful of non-public holidays. However, got a lot of work to do up that weekend too. Got to mark the work & test I gave 4T, the work I gave my 2E and the practical that I'm giving 4E tomorrow.
Also have to get ready the work for the classes in advance. I finished the work for this week in advance during the last weekend and it was so much easier to pass this week. So, I think it's kinda worth the time and effort to do up and prepare the lessons and worksheets in advance. Which is, by right, what I'm supposed to do anyway. But haven't been doing - being the procrastinator that I am... *grin*
Speaking of which, I have cleared my table space! Well, somewhat... It has gotten very cluttered and messy over the last few weeks of school and it grew very quickly over the holidays. But today, managed to shift things around and I got my chair back! And enough table space so that I can use my laptop at my table tomorrow. *laugh*
Cheers! It's Thursday tomorrow, after which it will be Friday. Then it's the weekend! Really looking forward to the weekend coz of 3 things. Meeting up with lotsa old friends on Sat at Carol's new house! Meeting up with another old friend back on holiday from UK. And of course, did I mention the extra holiday on Monday? *grin*
And then, it'd only be less than 2 weeks to the Order of the Phoenix and 3 weeks to the Deathly Hollows!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Check out my DH/OOTP Countdowns!
*grin* Read about the latest Harry Potter movie + book coming out soon.
Wow! The last time I thought about it, there was still so much time till July. Now, it's just around the corner. Can't wait to get my hands on the LAST book! And guess what? It actually has an entry in Wikipedia. *grin*
Hm... Seems like Rowling has a lot of things to account for in the 7th and FINAL book of HP.
Muggle signing off!
Here are some more stuff on HP.
Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix International Trailer (about 2 min)
Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix Short Trailer (about 1 min)
Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix ABC Family Preview (about 7 min)
Alright! Signed up for my first run since the New Paper Run way back in JC...
Signed up for the 5 km route. Dun dare to sign up for the 10 km one. Later faint and die... Aim just to complete the run.
I'd be very happy if I can finish the run and not among the last ones.
Okies. Good reason for me to start running more regularly and build up my stamina and strength. Just hope nothing happens to clash with the run date. *fingers crossed*
Stress
Yes... Teachers do get stressed out before the school term starts again!
We have to rush to make sure that we are prepared for the next school term. The varied lessons for the many classes that we teach.
We have to make sure we are ready to face the many students who are still in the holiday mood and not ready to pay attention in class.
We have to check that our paperwork for starting school are ready.
So, yes... Teachers do get stressed out before the school term starts again! I would say that they are even more stressed than the students!
Saturday evening - Finish work for Maths classes (INCOMPLETE!)
Saturday night - Finish work for Physics class (INCOMPLETE!)
Hence, tasks for Sunday... The last day!!!
Morning later - OSL planning + etc
Afternoon - Finish work for Maths classes
Evening - Finish work for Physics & Science class
Night - Pack for First Day of SCHOOL!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
It's that time of the year again...
Twice a year, the feeling of helplessness comes upon me yet again...
My comfort blanket
My comfort blanket Of emptiness and isolation More than just wanting company More than wanting another person around
The feeling of being cut off Disconnected and alienated Surrounds me like a comfort blanket Around the hollow vessel that is me
Being alone can be positive Even pleasurable A conscious choice to be alone That is solitude
But to be overwhelmed By this unbearable feeling Of abandonment, rejection, insecurity and hopelessness That is loneliness
My comfort blanket Of anxiety and depression Lulls me to sleep As it seduces me to the darkness
Shopping, shopping, more shopping...
Bought loads of stuff for making necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings. But not sure if I'd have the time to do them up. School's starting in less than 30 hours... So sad...
It was good to meet up with Caroline today. Had lunch at this V8 cafe at Bugis. It wasn't too bad. Didn't get to shop much with her coz we went over to the National Library. Caroline was looking for story books & travel guide books to do research for her honeymoon.
Got a pleasant surprise - Jiasong's getting married! Caroline was kinda upset because it would mean one less "sister" at her own wedding. She's superstitious and only wants close friends who are single for her "sisters". But with so many of us getting married, she'd be hard pressed for options...
Caroline left soon after to get to the airport to give Jason a surprise. He was coming back from KL on a work trip and thot she was at work - so couldn't be around to welcome him back... Even called before he got on the plane at KL and Caroline bluffed him that she was off to a meeting soon. So sweet...
Bought 2 pairs of shoes, several ear-rings and 2 dress-like items from Bugis Village after Caroline left. Diva was having 50% off sale and spent another small fortune there as well. Then rushed over to Bead Hub before they closed to get the natural stones they have there. Ban called and it was off to Plaza Sing. Quickly made a detour to buy the pliers and bead board over at Spotlight before meeting Ban.
Walked over to Fish & Co over at Park Mall for dinner. Wow, there was a small crowd waiting for tables there. Pretty good atmosphere. 2 guys jamming and providing live entertainment. Menu also underwent overhaul recently. Lotsa new food items and definitely more interesting than just normal fish & chips. Ban ordered a New York Fish & Chips, which is normal fried fish but with cheese filling. I had this Baked Salmon with breadcrumbs crust. The New York one was good - the cheese adds a saltiness to complement the fish taste. The Baked Salmon was ok - the crust adds a little something different from the usual baked fish.
Alphonsus came to join us after dinner. Drove us over to Ben & Jerry's @ Dempsey. There was another duo there with live music. Cool. Had this couch seats right in front of the performers. None of the guys wanted to have ice cream but it was Ben & Jerry's, for goodness sake!
Oh yes! Ben & Jerry's has DISCOUNTINUED the production of the flavour Dublin Mudslide!!! It's Irish Cream Liqueur Ice Cream with Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Coffee Fudge Swirl.
I cannot imagine why they would discontinue the flavour - it should be pretty popular. It has chocolate, coffee + irish cream liqueur - it's near perfect!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Over!!! The holidays are over!!!
Yup. The holidays are more or less over...
Starting to prepare my lessons for the next term. I'm actually pretty late. Know a large number of colleagues who are prepared like long time ago... Only me leave until 2 days before school opens to prepare work. Procrastinator...
Well, have to say I'm pretty efficient when I put my heart into it. Finished the topics to be covered for my 2E and 3N Math classes for the next 4 weeks. Will finish the handouts and work for the above-mentioned classes tomorrow. Later tonight, will finish the topics to be covered for my 4E Physics classes. Michael has been a great help in supplying me with ready-made worksheets. So, need only to go through these worksheets and see how best to tailor them to my own teaching style.
Hm... Will be taking a final day off later. Schedule of tasks to complete...
Morning later - Set more work for my Maths classes
Afternoon - Meet Caroline for lunch + shopping
Evening - Meet Ban + Alphonsus for dinner + drinks
Night - Set work for Physics class
Saturday morning - Set more work for Physics class
Saturday afternoon - OSL planning + etc
Saturday evening - Finish work for Maths classes
Saturday night - Finish work for Physics class
Well, the planning is as good as it can get. Hope I stick to it and get things going. So easily distracted... by my cable TV, blogging, reading, my latest hobby - beading...
Who hasn't enjoyed the simple pleasures of cutting paper into snowflakes? With Make-a-Flake there is no mess to clean-up and you can even undo cuts gone wrong. It's a fun little Flash applet which lets you use virtual scissors on virtual construction paper to create a virtual snowflake.
Then you can add your flake to the gallery, e-mail it, or download it as an EPS or jpeg. Wheee!
What a fun way to express your creativity and feel a lil better with the holidays coming to an end...
Translation of Chinese Text in previous blog entry
*laugh*
Oh my, used a couple of online translation tools and fell over laughing at the results...
Anyway, did a bit of editing on my own and here's my translated version.
1) Let go, For a life without worries
To let go, is to discover another life for oneself
A person will often find himself wrapped in the cloths of the past - be it his little achievements, or his most unforgettable setbacks - for these are only traces of his footsteps: they do not reflect his future.
We may often discover that, people who enjoy talking about the past, are those who have not achieved much. To become too engrossed in recollecting about our shortcomings, we will forget about the many new goals waiting for us to explore and develop. Hence, we should not stop in time to be pleased with oneself or to wallow in self-pity. We should take advantage of the present, when we have the energy and vigor, to actively and positively find a new life for oneself.
2) Being onself, That is happiness
Do not despise oneself, because we are filled with infinite possibilities.
Our lives in this modern age are often busy and mechanized, so much so that people have forgotten, how to present our own merits forward. Self-confidence, practice in experience in maintaining good personal relations, all help to increase our charm and charisma. As long as we believe in ourselves, we can change and make improvements.
We seem to need many questions, not of others, but of ourselves. The process of turning these questions into answers, is an improvement in itself. When we get more answers, we understand ourselves better, which helps to affirm ourselves. Many of these questions begin from “appreciation”. To learn to appreciate, we have to think deeply into ourselves. Until finally, we learn to appreciate ourselves.
Hm... some parts dun seem to make a lot of sense. But hey, it's 4 in the morning! This is the best I can do for now. Nite nite!
Chinese Books
I bought 2 Chinese books today at Popular. Other than the Chinese Wuxia stories which I have read on and off for leisure, haven't really read any Chinese books in a long while. The last time was probably in JC when I have to do book reviews.
Of course, I still read my I-mag and Scope (cable TV guide) for the synopsis and episode guides of my fave serials. Yes! I read the chinese text ones.
Thankfully, I enjoy reading. Preferably in English of course. But I feel it's a habit thing. I feel that I should be at ease reading in Chinese too. Hence, the want to buy something in Chinese.
So, here's what I bought. I was really inspired by their introductions.
Argh! Only 9 more days before the new school term starts!
Panic attack siaz!
Friday, June 15, 2007
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood within the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the driving force that causes blood to flow through the body from the arteries (where the pressure is high), through organs, and into the veins (where the pressure is low). Blood pressure is generated by the pumping of blood by the heart into the arteries as well as by the resistance to the flow of blood by the arteries.
Low blood pressure is blood pressure that is so low that it is causing symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged. It should be noted that unlike high blood pressure, which is defined on the basis of blood pressure alone, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow.
People who have lower blood pressures have a lower risk of strokes, kidney disease, and heart diseases. Athletes, people who exercise regularly, people who maintain ideal body weights, and non-smokers, tend to have lower blood pressures. Therefore, low blood pressure is desirable as long as it is not low enough to cause symptoms and damage to organs in the body.
When the blood pressure is not sufficient to deliver enough blood to the organs of the body, the organs do not work properly and may be permanently damaged. For example, if insufficient blood flows to the brain, brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and a person can feel light-headed, dizzy, or even faint. Going from a sitting or lying position to a standing position often brings out the symptoms of low blood pressure. This occurs because standing causes blood to “settle” in the veins of the lower body, and this can lower the blood pressure. If the blood pressure is already low, standing can make the low pressure worse to the point of causing symptoms.
When there is insufficient blood pressure to deliver blood to the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart’s muscle), a person can develop chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. When insufficient blood is delivered to the kidneys, the kidneys fail to eliminate wastes from the body, and an increase in their levels in the blood occur.
Sigh... Either I'm a person who cannot rest or I'm feeling stressed about starting school in a couple more days.
Woke up this morning dizzy and sneezy. And I was late for remedial with my 4E2s. Saw Alex online but he wasn't in school. So quickly called the school General Office. Mdm Bibi and Liyah and Moona all not around - on some EAS workshop. Die lah! Thankfully, Rebecca was around so I asked her to help me relay to the students waiting in school already that I was not feeling well and would not be going to school that morning.
Sigh... Really wanted to go to school and finish the holiday assignment. The remedial sessions were going pretty well and I'd hate for something to disrupt the momentum. But really cannot. Stood up and brain went all wooozy. Saw myself in the mirror and I was shocked at how pale I looked. Finally realised what the word "ashen" meant!
Went back to bed and dozed on and off. Saw the doctor around noon and got a call from Shi Shyan. Asked her to relay to the afternoon group that there would be no remedial. Sigh... Apparently, my low blood pressure was acting up again. *No pun intended*
I wonder what I can do about it. Exercise, I guess. Anyway, as my doctor said, low blood pressure is way better than high blood pressure...
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Bead Experience
Went for a 2-h Bead Experience Workshop by Tanja Sadow @ Sunshine Plaza today. It's been a while since I did any handicrafts. I just love working creatively with my hands.
Yippee! New skill. Well, not that I haven't done hand-made jewellery before. Remember doing for fun way back in JC and sold my necklaces then for about $10 a piece. That was expensive in those times. Wanted to do more but no time. Haven't done any since recently.
Anyway, had so much fun I'm hoping to take up the Professional Wire Work Workshop which costs a lot more ($399) but comes with a certificate - Jewellery Art Diploma.
Not sure if I really want to spend the money but I'd love to take proper lessons instead of going about it on my own. The techniques learnt are really useful. And most importantly, the peace I experience while concentrating on my crafts and satisfaction of seeing my completed jewellery pieces are priceless!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Phuket Holiday Photos
Yo! Found this great website that creates a slide show from photos in a matter of minutes. Much easier to use than the ProShow software used for the previous holiday videos. But it's temporary - video is on Slide site. And not as varied in terms of animations and effects. The only advantage - QUICK and EASY to use!
Here's the video.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Greetings from the Budget Terminal
Ciao!
10 more minutes to boarding!
Tata!
Signing off from Budget Terminal, Changi
= )
Sunday, June 03, 2007
PHUKET!!! Here I come!
Yoohoo! In only 9 more hours, I'd be in a plane departing from Singapore for Phuket!
I can hardly wait!
Aims for the 4D-3N trip:
TAN!!!
10 hours of sleep each day?
spa, steam, jacuzzi every day!
massage
hitting the gym in the hotel every morning/evening
RJC Class of 1997: 10 Year Reunion
Oh dear... I'm a J12! *laugh*
I wonder who'd be there. It'd be a hoot to see who has changed and who hasn't.
However, many of my friends are working overseas, so I might not even know many of those who might go. Dun think I was very 'social' in JC. Hence, I dropped out of the race for councillorship. Couldn't be bothered to campaign. But anyway, had lotsa fun. Skipping lessons to makan recess. Sleeping during Econs and wake up to the stupid Malaysia train which comes by right at the end of the Econs lesson. Wasting lotsa afternoons away at Holland Village, Taka, Centrepoint Pizza Hut. And of course, getting to know boys - I was such a tomboy in RGS (Anyway, I am still a tomboy). And yes, getting to know my first boyfriend. *grin* (Okies. Finally can grin about it...)
Hardly remember doing any studying in RJ. There were so many activities. First 3 months were just fun, fun and more fun. Maybe studied a bit for Mid-Year Exams (did we have them?). Then it was the Science Research Project during the June Hols. Great fun - staying over at Raffles Hall in NUS, playing all-night mahjong, finding out that there are 17-year-old boys who dunno how to cook cup noodles. Giggles over BGR. Then it was Inter-Fac games. Basketball, badminton, volleyball, softball, carrom, Maths Quiz, Science Quiz, took part in everything... Then year-end exams (did I study?)...
Second year was no better. More activities than studies. Kinda regret spending so little time on my studies. Then I'd prob be back in Singapore with an overseas degree, or maybe studying for Ph.D. somewhere... Instead of here complaining about my work, my students, my boring life...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Attempt 2 @ Decluttering
*pat pat*
Phew! Cleaned up my wardrobe. It looks great. For now.
However, in return, received a runny nose coz allergic reaction to dust. Problem with my clutter is every time I try to clean up my mess, I'd sneeze and sneeze and sneeze... Now if only I can continue to be neat and organized, one would think I can spare myself this agony right?
*laugh* Now, I only have to convince myself that it's sound advice...
Friday, June 01, 2007
Yippee! Holidays are here! (for a while at least...)
Yippee! Just finished the last of my Structured Programme.
Submitted my Sec 2E5 Maths files to Mrs Ong for checking. Only 31 files submitted out of 40. Sigh... But most of the files are good and full. Hope they will pass muster with Mrs Ong.
Sigh... (again...) You would think that students these days being smarter and being exposed to school earlier and etc, that they would be able to do a simple thing called "FILING". But aparently, no, they can't. They cannot distinguish between a worksheet that says "Handout 1" versus another that says "Handout 2". All they can do is ask "Is this Handout 1? Is this Handout 2?"
Yes, and often, the questions are asked again and again by different students at different times in the same class. When all they needed to do was to check their handouts, look at the dates (if they wrote it down when they were given the handouts) and viola! They can finish their filing quick and easy! But no! They will have missing handouts, handouts without dates, and suddenly finding that long-lost Science or Geography handouts smack in the middle of their Maths handouts.
Even when they are in their 'dotage' Sec 4 years, they still need a teacher to display out the whole Contents page for them to copy out... Sigh!
Anyway, enough complaints about their filing. Can't wait till I get a whole class who can do their filing independently. Only then can the Ministry come and tell me to let them be independent learners. I mean, how a student takes care of their notes and worksheets, really tell you a lot about how seriously they take their education and learning in school. Half of them don't even bother to write down their names on the handouts until you nag them till their ears drop off. And there'd be that few who can't even write their own names clearly.
The Travelling Hungryboy
I'm so going to love this blog.
And this foreign talent is as much a food lover as the rest of us Singaporeans. He has taken a lot of photos of the food and eateries which he has been to and the photos are pretty well-taken.
I would like to do something like that for my blog but just not into the habit as yet. I will get there!
But for now, let's take a look at what Hungryboy has been up to!
Die lah! Later sure wake up late one! All the rest I got from last night back into the drain...
Attempt 1 @ Decluttering: Failure
Yup. Failed in my attempt to declutter today. Slept all the way till noon. Then off to help Alvin with his PSLE preparation. So, nothing accomplished in the first half of the day. Except for catching up with my sleep.
Felt like taking a look at the shops off Haji Lane and sms-ed Angela. Met up with her around 5 pm. Bugis was a mad HORDE of people! Haji Lane proved to a HUGE disappointment as well. So little shops, so EXPENSIVE clothes.
The shops there remind me of the shops at Notting Hill and Soho where everything on sale is a one-off, from individually crafted accessories to reworked vintage clothing. But please lor, the shops at Haji Lane seriously need more character. Take a look at the ones at Carnaby street. They're just so cool!
Sigh... I miss London... But sure will spend a lot of money the next time I go there. So familiar with the place and so easy to part with my money now for clothes and accessories.
Shopped till the evening, makan-ed and here I am, back home to finish setting a test for tomorrow's lesson. The only decluttering I managed to do today was to my wallet. Cleared it of old receipts. And cash (due to the shopping lor)!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Shopping so much each weekend
Have been shopping non-stop for the past few weeks.
Die lah! Credit bill sure very high this month...
Just back from another bout of shopping just now. Bought 5 bras from La Senza Paragon coz they were having 50% off sale!
Was hunting for a nice key pouch but couldn't find one. Thot one was quite nice at Taka, but wanted to see if Metro Paragon have coz I have $25 voucher for the latter but couldn't find it at Paragon. Was too lazy to go back Taka again. Maybe go during the weekend bah.
Got a free ticket to watch Zodiac when I come back from Phuket. Got it from some promotion at library@orchard. Free movie ticket with every 8 books borrowed. The promotion has been going on since last Thursday. Was surprised still have got tickets available. Going to see if can get another free ticket on Friday or Saturday.
Spent 3 hours at Coffee Club @ Kino in the afternoon. Had a very late brunch of mushroom lasagna, followed by a cup of chamomile tea and a banana smoothie. Finished one of the storybooks I borrowed from the library upstairs. Good afternoon in all. Then started my shopping frenzy after sun-down. *laugh*
For the past few times I have been at Orchard, I always go shopping crazy after 8 pm. ALWAYS! Very efficient at spending money between 8 pm till the shops close around 9, 10 pm.
Today's haul: 5 La Senza bras, 2 perfume miniatures (Ralph Lauren Romance & Kenzo), Mavala Eye Lash Serum, Crumpler shoulder strap, Projectshop notepad case (to be transformed into shopping card case).
Going to sleep liao. Have to start on Part 1 of Mission Declutter in a couple of hours' time. Nite nite! Wish me good luck!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Oops, I have Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome
Nope. This is not a photo of my place. But I must say it's almost 80% similar. Darn. I believe I have compulsive hoarding syndrome.
I know I have been collecting lotsa rubbish for a number of years. But I think it has exacerbated and gotten out of hand over the past 2-3 years. I believe now I know that psychological reasons behind the hoarding...
The clutter probably reflects my desire to hold on to things. Things that won't leave. Things that reflect a part of my life.
Not sure if I want to ask for help to help me declutter. Let me first try to do it myself, shall I? Hm, let's give myself a time frame. How about Round 1 during the coming weekend before I leave for Phuket? Then Round 2 during the weekend I come back from Phuket?
And let's stay focused. Round 1 shall deal with my clothes, make-up & beauty stuff, toiletries. For Round 2, I shall get rid of all old papers and work by students.
Okay. So everyone, come help me document my decluttering journey.
The last few years have been difficult, and my spirit is chaotic and cluttered as well. I begin to see the link between the tangible, visible clutter and the intangible, deeply felt clutter.
I believe that by working with the visible clutter, I will find some inner peace. My intention: to create a joyful, simple life free from messy entanglements...
Okies. I'd prob feel a lil embarrassed. But I shall start by taking a few photos on the Thursday Vesak holiday. Attempt 1st try at decluttering. Okay. There is no try. I WILL start on decluttering on Thursday. 2 hours' worth. *fingers crossed*
Happy Belated Birthday to Caroline
Met up with Caroline, Singyuan, Huixin and Robin after Pirates. Belated birthday gathering for Caroline.
It was great to meet up with everyone. And so sian... always end up complaining about my job to them. Must really try to curb my complaints...
So cute, Carol's turning into an AUNTIE. She was telling us of her shopping trips to buy furniture for her new flat, Friven (high class...) bedsheets, etc.
And so sad, Huixin dropped a bombshell that she broke up with her bf. Hearing her say that they broke up on NYE brought back so many memories. Slight heart-pain but it was bearable. It was kinda awkward for a moment. Nobody said anything. I most definitely was not going to. Despite it being so many years on, my own wound's still not completely healed.
Sometimes, I ask myself, do I want it to? Should it? I must admit, the initial feelings hearing Huixin were bittersweet, sadness for the both of them, nothing really drama like it used to be.
蓝岚澜览笺 点滴的色彩斑斓 灰悔慧回洄
The fortune I got at HK last year was right.
会谈华座逞英雄 究竟谁人兼大公 一云日下群鸣鹤 一说云间降士龙
My uncle does a bit of fortune telling and he interpreted it for me: Among a grand gathering of heroes; Who would claim to lead. The cranes call at sundown; The dragon lands from the clouds.
Sounds good, doesn't it?
But so far, I appear to be stuck at the gathering part. I've got so many guy friends, but no one wish to claim my heart. Upon which sundown would the hero of my heart come to call?
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean
Great story. Can't remember much of the storyline of Episode 1 (The Curse of the Black Pearl) - only remember the cool part whereby the pirates become skeletal whenever the moonlight shines on them. Should I go borrow the DVD?
Can remember more of Episode 2 - creepy Davy Jones playing the organ, the hilarious parts when Captain Sparrow Jack was in the water wheel and the last part when Will Turner saw Elizabeth Swann kiss Captain Jack so that she can chain him to the Black Pearl.
Episode 3 is not very good. The script barely holds itself together. There are brillant parts somewhere but mainly it was the big stars and the even bigger computer animations that kept me in the cinema.
What I would prob remember about Episode 3 (the brilliant parts I mentioned) - the crabs which look like stones, the cool nite scene with the boat skimming across the black water surface reflecting all the stars above, this quote that went along the lines of Captain's Baboosa saying "The world is getting smaller" and Jack Sparrow's response "The world is still the same, there is just less in it", Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner keeping things from each other coz they did not want to burden the other with their troubles but just creating doubt and mistrust in each other. And my fav, Elizabeth Swann (aka Mrs Turner by then) in her cute small black dress wearing Will Turner's boot.
Company was good. Got a lift from Jonathan. Sorry to have kept you waiting. Thank goodness I decided not to put on make-up and went downstairs when I got my things ready. Was kinda tired halfway thru the show and wanted to rest on your shoulders but didn't know if you would mind... *grin* Thanks for telling me to wait for the credits to finish. Got to finally see Keira Knightley in non-pirate uniform wear. I got hooked on her after that football show.
如果明天还会醉 (歌词)
如果明天还会醉就让我伤悲 就算我为你心碎你也不会安慰 只想静静的睡只想狠狠的醉 忘记你一醉到天黑
如果明天还会醉就让我伤悲 就算我为你心碎你也不会安慰 只想静静的睡只想狠狠的醉 忘记你一醉到天黑
如果明天还会醉 心好累将我自己要喝醉 喝一杯流下的是眼泪
悠然间半醉也难消伤悲 问世间有谁难明了
天好黑感觉自己要崩溃 风一吹就如刀割无法入睡 那些付出的爱怎能收得回 想问你为何如此残忍
昨天的点点滴滴别说我要珍惜 为什么你一转眼就离开我而去
Chinese Haiku
Being a while since I lived up to my name and did up poems.
Did help one of my students edit some poems she had to do for her Lit project. And that kinda made me miss doing up poems of my own.
云开见曙光 青水清澈如碧玉 好景愿君伴
Feeling a lil emo since last nite. Enjoyed myself but it was just another of those occasions when my head decided to fill itself with so many questions.
Kenah sporadic leg cramps since yesterday afternoon. It's probably due to dehydration. But friend says it's due to lack of sodium in my diet. Will check with doctor later.
Anyway, kept waking up due to the leg cramping and the lack of sleep caused my runny nose to activate... Argh! Ar-choo!
