Screw Up

Darn! I was feeling all happy about the Sec 3 Adventure Camp. Nothing major happened. Enough small incidents. Minor ones which turned out alright in the end.

But darn it! Just realised that I missed out 1 kid during the mess of transferring the kids from the school to the campsite. Got over-reliant on the integrity of my students and got screwed by that trust. 1 kid went off by himself, I assumed he was exempted from the camp and was too engrossed in other admin matters like calling up the absentees, checking the students' bags, passing the confiscated items to the HOD...

Fine. I SCREWED UP. Trusted the students too much. Why do some thing always happen like that just when I give them some leeway? Why do they always have to make me force them to take 2 steps back after I let them go ahead by 1 step?

And it's always only 1 student who makes the whole thing so depressing. 1 student has to the one holding up the edusave fund forms collection, 1 student has to be the one who consistently refuses to bring the money for the special events, 1 student has to be the one who always loses the form for signing... And when they lose the forms, they don't tell me. Wait until I scold them for losing the form, then scold me back because it's not their fault they cannot submit the form when they have lost the form! For goodness sake, you are all of 15 years old! I am not your mother! Definitely not to 40 15-years-old! And if you can't even remember to do small things which is your basic responsibility, don't scold me for nagging you!

Why do I have to the one to be scolded by both you and the teachers overseeing me? Who do I scold? My parents? For bringing me up well enough to be a teacher. Myself? For being trusting, for giving people their 2nd chance, 3rd chance, n-th chance. All for what? A miserable paycheck, 12 hours of constant exercise, no work-life balance and a tight work schedule that allows me to be scolded by so many people on a daily basis?!?!

So yeah, perhaps, I did not screw up. I'm the screw up. For choosing this job.

For obvious reasons, this is not a good day today. So, don't get in my path today. Better not tomorrow either. Cause tomorrow's the day when the finger-pointing and fault-finding starts. Maybe it'd even provide me with a good reason for me to quit. Let me throw in the towel and not feel guilty about it.

Happy happy happy

Very happy to have had lunch with an old friend i haven't seen in a number of years.

She's one of the most capable persons that i know. And definitely very hard to catch up with. She hardly replies to my sms, and emails are usually one-liners. Over the last few years, i thought we had lost touch for good.

So, it was very nice to know that i can talk to her like old times. True, i think i talked a bit too much. But i think she's ok with it. *smile*

I'd love to see her again soon, and let her have her turn to talk about herself. Her service-learning work (didn't know you were doing this too!), her playing golf, what she's gonna do at insead (did i mention how capable she is), ...

So, if you see this, Xin'ai, know that I'm thankful for u taking the time to come out to meet me for lunch, thanks a lot for lunch, and thanks a lot for not changing, for still being very much yourself.

Doodle 4 Google Contest

These drawings on Google's home page are so clever! Apparently, Google's home page will display a different drawing whenever a significant holiday or event is commemorated. Must visit the website more...

Too bad only kids in the U.S have the opportunity to try their hand at incorporating a clever design into the Google logo. The resulting winning doodle will be displayed on Google's home page in May and there are also some exciting prizes. Regardless, you can find out more about the artist behind the famed doodles using the above link.

Cool website

Found this cool website - Comiqs - to create your own comic strip using your own photos and pics.

It is both a web-based comic creator tool and an online publishing platform. It's free and really easy to use too.

So, go on and try it out - with a little creativity and more than a little wit, you can transform your most cherished and most memorable photographs into something fun.

Here's my first try...

Don't think about it. Just do it.

Famous words from Adrian, one of the Adrian and Collin duo from the Amazing Race Asia 2.

Yeah! We won! Singapore won! The various groups from TARA have more or less become representatives of the different countries they come from. Both times, the Singapore teams have been pretty dull - no swearing, no drama, no heated argument and in-bickering. Hence, the amount of air time the Singapore teams have gotten on TARA both times is kinda little.

And wow! Each time, the Adrian and Collin just manages to sneak in and not fall behind. Sometimes, because of the little air time they get, I always thought they have an easy time of it. Which is, of course, not the case.

Anyway, to get to the point, since i'm very tired and it's WAY past my bed-time. I'm very glad I stayed up to watch the finale of TARA 2. Like Marc said, the name of the show is really apt. Nobody knows what will happen. Watching the marathon during the CNY break, I always felt that the Marc and Rovilson duo have been very lucky. They hardly had to waste much time on several trial-and-error road-blocks and challenges and just zoomed past everyone to lead the pack. However, when it came down to it in the end, it was the last time to arrive who took away the US$100 000 prize. All because of Adrian's general knowledge of flags. Of course, he had to remember all the different countries they had visited during TARA and that was no small feat. I would have failed the challenge abysmally.

So, nobody would really know who's the ultimate winner. In life, in work, in any area at all? As long as you're leading the life you want, the life that makes you happy, that allows you to eat well in the day, sleep well at night, who's to say you're not the ultimate winner?

And to be able to have the chance to do whatever i want, whenever i want. With the freedom that i have. Really, I have to count my blessings and be happy with me. And I needed this reminder. I have been in a slump since the CNY break.

Before the CNY break, I was on a high after seeing the place i booked for my bday celebrations. Was disappointed when most of my friends couldn't make it and I had to change the date of the gathering. Got more disappointed when I spent a very "lonely" birthday at home, surfing, isolated... Yeah, I had a good rest but I'm someone who needed to be surrounded by people... Then, was feeling pretty good because i churned out a LOT of worksheets and handouts for my teaching these couple weeks. But in all, a cloud is still hanging over my head over the poor response of my bday celebrations. Yeah, it can't be helped... Feburary is a busy month for all Chinese. And it's not as if you're some big shot. Hey, who on earth organizes his/her own bday bash anyway... *grin*

But seeing Adrian and Collin win the race in their own quiet, unassuming and patient strength, my heart has been strengthened for another leg of my race.

So, thank you, Adrian and Collin. And I'm sure i'm not the only one inspired by your graceful win. I hope there'd be more teams like you in the upcoming TARA 3! Cheers!

Angry at students

Am i too lenient? I'm so angry at 2 of my students.

One of them were supposed to see me at the staff room to cut her nails. She still owe me several hours of dc for long nails. I told her to get her nails cut and i'd call off the last few hours. Great! Give her chance but she still no show...

Another one. I was already angry with him for blatantly lying to me that he has to serve school dc instead of reporting to me for my dc - also for long nails. Similarly, i was going to let him off after another session but what a disappointment when i went to the dc room and he wasn't there. Ok. Gave him another chance today. Asked him to help me carry my stuff to staff room and reminded him not to run off. He did. Another time.

I really dun wan to scream at my students. It's such a shrewish thing to do. And i hate being so disappointed. My mood gets affected and i get angry at everyone else around me. Do they really wan me to not care?

Philips Internet/DECT phone VOIP3211S/90

Not sure if the Skype-enabled phones I mentioned earlier are available in the Singapore market, but know for sure this one is - the Philips Internet/DECT phone VOIP3211S/90.

So, in case any of my frens are still looking for a present for me, here's a prime choice. *grin*

P.S. I Love You

P.S. I Love You!

Must-watch movie!

Will elaborate in another entry.

For now, back to work!

Atonement

Just caught Atonement today with Sinyuan. It's supposed to be an epic movie of love, war and family betrayal based on a novel by Ian McEwan.

In the beginning, it was kinda difficult to understand the movie with its non-linear timeline (the movie jumps back and forth in time). Furthermore, the movie would give different perspectives of events from various characters! However, it is exactly these points which also makes this movie special and unique.

As usual, I think I am driven to read the book, for I believe (and I hope) there is much character depth that a book can write about which a film can simply not explain. For example, I am enjoying His Dark Materials (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) so much more than the movie.

Atonement was pretty slow and draggy at times. The characters (other than Robbie) were not really developed and did not engage me as much as I was hoping to. I would love to see more about Briony who was trying to make amends for giving wrongful evidence causing Robbie to be imprisoned. Keira Knightley was passable as the beautiful rich gal who gave up her family for love, but the sense of family betrayal was just not there.

For all that, I did enjoy the ending. I had expected the male lead to die, but there was a nice twist to the story, which (finally) justifies the movie's title.

At other times, the movie also got me thinking about how small assumptions on our parts and the things we say and do can have great repercussions on self and others. Who do we betray in our actions and words? Who have been able to stand by their love and trust them steadfastly? And of course, in the war, every emotion is amplified and sensitized. The soldiers trusting in being able to retreat back to safety and home and family, helping each other and looking out for each other. The nurses taking care of the wounded, dealing with death and staying impersonal - last names only.

Update to Birthday Wishlist

Hihi!

Just downloaded Skype after fren strongly recommend it. Especially after finding out that brother will be going to Australia and Sweden for training later in the year.

Think my family will want a cheap (better if free) way to keep in touch with both of us. A little scary that both my brother and myself will be away... But can't be helped. I've already started on my plans to study overseas and dun wanna shelf it away any longer. Brother's training also cannot be postponed. He's so LUCKY!!!

So, here's an updated birthday wishlist if any of my friends wanna get me a present but haven't yet...

Phones to make Skype calls


1. Philips 841 Cordless Phone (Able to make and receive both Skype and landline calls, without needing a PC)
   
2. Philips 321 (Cordless handset combining Skype calls and landline calls in a single handset, but need to connect to PC for Skype calls)
   
3. Philips 080 USB Phone (Portable USB phone for Skype calls)
   
4. Aztech V500DS PC-Free Skype phone (Able to make and receive both Skype and landline calls, without needing a PC)
   
   Accessories for laptop/computer to make Skype calls
   
   
5. Any webcam (with or without headset)
   
6. Any Stereo PC headset
   

If only he had made his plans known earlier, I could have asked my friends to get me the Skype-enabled equipment earlier. Now, I dunno if my friends are getting me the less useful stuff.

Day 1 of the Year of the Rat

It has been a good day. As I mentioned, cleaned up the living room of my rubbish. Have to get started on my room in a while...

Stayed at home coz mum was working. So, it was mainly waiting at home for the relatives to come over. Good thing I decided not to have my friends over to celebrate after all. My place can seriously hold no more than 6 visitors at any one time.

Some relatives came over today. First, it was a family of 7. Ok... Took out all the chairs we had, place was packed. Then, another family came by. 5 more people. Darn. Had to utilise our computer work chairs, some foot stools, etc... Don't kids nowadays realise that the floor is meant to be sat on?

Almost went into teacher mode and wanted to scold some kids who came in, plonked themselves down on the couch and proceeded to play games on their handphones... Hello? It's the CNY! You're supposed to be visiting, pretending to pay attention to your elders, smile, make small talk and then get your dues - the all-important ang bao. Unless you're really into all the visiting stuff. Like me...

A little sad no more visiting for me... Not very close to the distant relatives. Staying with my grand-dad, so relatives are supposed to come over. And the CNY mood just doesn't seem the same. And not sure if I'm supposed to still be collecting ang baos... I guess as long as I'm a "youth". Which means I still have 6 more years of ang baos to collect.

It was a good feeling, though, to be able to give my parents and grand-dad ang baos. Pretty substantial ones too. I do miss my grand-ma. She passed away some 2 years back...

Anyway, had a good day today. Accomplished several things.

• Clean up living room
  
• Decorate living room
  
• Facial
  
• Knit several inches more of my scarf
  
• Sleep, rest
  
• Watch TV
  
• Entertain relatives
  
• Read more of 'The Subtle Knife'
  
• Check email
  
• Update blog
  
• Bluetooth photos from handphone into laptop
  

Time to get back to work later...

Birthday Presents

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Many thanks to my friends for their presents...


Robin gave this to me couple of days ago. I don't usually put anything to my handphone, worried that any accessories might fall off or scratch my phone.

But I quite like this one. It's now hanging at the end of my red phone - matches the red phone at the end of the accessory! Cute cute! Thank you thank you!



Another peculiar gift. This one's from Joshua. Was pleasantly surprised when he gave this to me yesterday, coz he had already given me a treat last Sunday.

Anyway, it's peculiar for another reason. See, I don't usually put on make-up. I hate putting on powder - the only powder I put on is talcum powder and the blusher. I can never get powder evenly on both sides of my face. Always wondering if one side is darker than the other, too much compared to the other, etc...

But well, it's always good to have something new to try, I guess. So, thank you thank you again.



Last gift in the Year of the Pig, something from my own wishlist. A new watch! Yippee!

But can't wear it yet. It's got 4 metal clasps too many. I have small hands, attached to skinny wrists.

Not sure who's sharing in the gift as yet. Hope to get a full account of the names from @ngel so I can thank them. But Noel came over to my place to pass it to me yesterday afternoon. So, whoever's got a share in the gift, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!

Happy happy happy lunar new year and happier still birthday to me!

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!

Hihihihihihihi!

Happy (power of n) Lunar New Year to everyone!

I had a very good start to the Year of the Rat! I slept it asleep. *grin*

For as long as I can remember, I always stay up till the wee hours of the New Year for the tradition of giving my elders blessings and good wishes. However, I was really tired last night. I went to sleep very early, around 10 pm, I think. Woke up real early though, around 3 am. And within 3 hours, I cleared up all my rubbish in the living room! It's very presentable now!

Helped my mum a bit with her preparations for the new year - cooking our Day 1 vegetarian meals, cleaning up the kitchenware, putting up the CNY decorations around the house, chatting with her, being a good daughter... *smile*

Year of the Rat

Ok. Need to hurry up and finish my applications over the CNY weekend.

Right after the weekend, i have common tests coming in for marking and of course, preparation for my cny-bday party! *grin*

And, i really need to tell myself to give up finding a boyfriend. Ok. There. I've gotten it out in the open. No more hiding and telling myself that the guy is somewhere out there. I'm very independent and self-sufficient. Always have been. And always will be. In fact, i've been told several times - that's wat scares the guys off. So, fine for me, too bad for the guys. They are the ones losing out. *smile*

The Sunday Times CNY Special today mentioned that of all the animal zodiacs, those born in the year of the goat - ok, go on and calculate my possible age - will potentially face the greatest failure in romance in 2008. We're to be careful of bad relationships and think thrice before getting involved at all. So, all the more incentive for me to focus and concentrate on getting my Master's!

Birthday Wishlist

Actually, I dun need any birthday presents. Just wanna meet up with my friends and have a good time together. The memories would be the best present...

But since my friends are asking... Here's my wishlist...

1. A watch (which I think Noel is getting)
   
2. A pair of sun-glasses (the ones I have always get spoiled quickly, perhaps because they usually cost $10)
   
3. A well-tailored jacket (preferably one which makes me look slimmer)
   
4. A well-tailored pair of pants (the ones I made in Bangkok really sucked)
   
5. A digital sound recorder (for recording my possible post-grad lessons)
   
6. Kinokuniya vouchers so I can buy my magazines and design-related books
   
7. Facial wash for oily/combination skin (preferably L'Occitane or Biotherm or Fancl, NO Clinique)
   
8. A big but fashionable bag in which to fit my laptop and organizer and pda phone and etc etc...
   
9. Last but not least, swimming lessons? So that I can finally enjoy my water sports without the constant fear that I may drown...
   

Guess that's it for now. Like another friend said, nothing else that I would like and is AFFORDABLE enough as presents. *grin*

No MC

Didn't take MC today...

Have to review test with one class, and give test to another class.

My students are new to journalling for Maths and Science, so need to be around to give them more guidance.

Oh dear!

I'm now down with fever too. In spite of me drowning myself with water for the past 48 hours... Darn! Hope this doesn't mean that my weekend will be gone just like dat! I still have an awful lot of spring-cleaning to do... Mom was just nagging me this morning about the awful mess in my room and the living room.

It's not as if I love to live among the mess in my room. I also wish that I was less of a pack-rat and just get rid of EVERYTHING!

When it rains, it pours. It just isn't my day today.

First, was sick yesterday. So, I went to bed early without preparing for my lessons. Without finishing my marking which was to be given back to my students this morning.

Woke up at 5 am on autopilot. Decided I better finish my marking or dunno what to do during 2 periods. Yeh! I finished in time to change for school. Was going to take cab to school when 106 came by. Ok. Save money. Take bus. Thought I was so lucky to get bus just when I reach the bus-stop.

However, decided to continue doing up the weekend assignment for my students and took out my laptop. Finished the assignment just when the bus reached my stop and I MISSED the stop after taking a moment to keep the laptop in my bag. Argh! Next stop turned out to be all the way to the interchange.

"Thankfully", 173 was just leaving the interchange and I decided it'd be faster to take bus than to walk to school with my heavy bags. And what else is new? Just when you are rushing, the bus driver decides to stop at every stop even though no passenger rang the bell to get off and nobody at the bus-stop flag down the bus! And every traffic light would turn red just as the bus arrives at the traffic light!

Reached school just as the bell rang for assembly and sigh... P and VP were there... The one day I was late for school, the one day P and VP decide to lie in wait for the latecomers. I was wearing my slippers, so couldn't go over to the hall directly. My class is generally alright in the hall so I decided I could take the risk and go to the staff room to change into shoes.

Next, 2.5 hours of teaching later, got news that my class got reprimanded coz some boys were loitering outside the class. Argh! Every 2 weeks, my class would get in some trouble. First, it was classroom cleanliness. Ok. That got cleared up. In fact, I'm quite proud of my class. Although I know they still eat and drink in class, they are throwing the rubbish away into the green public dustbin some distance away from the class. However, I wonder if I should be more strict and tell them off for eating and drinking in class?

Ok. Got to go for meeting.