Yoohoo!

Yeah! Finished all my marking liao!

For once, I'm done before the day of release of papers. For the past years, I have to mark like crazy until the minute before the release of the papers.

Anyway, had a GREAT day today, or rather, yesterday.

Woke up 'early' at about 9+. Lazed around and fiddled with my computer until 10+. Met Angela online and found out about how to download navigational skins for blogs. At first told myself to start marking by 10 am, but ended up being so engrossed in updating my blog that I started only around 11+.

Then stomach started growling and cooked some instant noodles for breakfast-cum-lunch. Sat down to watch TV while makan-ing and ended up watching Starhub movie on HBO. Sigh...

Thankfully, managed to pull myself away when the movie ended and went back to marking around 2+ pm.

Continued marking, with occasional acceptable 'brain freeze' breaks, until around 5 pm. Got a little distracted with dinner and online stuff again. Wanted to watch Priceless but realised wah, it's a popular show, despite it being French. All the theatres I like were like filled to the last row. Guess I'd watch it on Monday or Tuesday. I LOVE Audrey Tautou. Think Aida will enjoy it too. She's a Francophile too.

Wow, I continued with my marking and what do you know? I managed to finish everything but the last page of all the papers.

Just in time before my appointment at Tangs Shiseido for the skin analysis (aka freebie collection). Hm... Mascara still not in stock. Only then realised I should have acted upset and asked for free samples whenever I ask them about the mascara and they tell me still no stock. It's being almost a month!

Got into my highly efficient 'spending money' mode and woah... wait till you hear about it...

SHOP SHOP SHOP

Started before the Shiseido appointment. Bought 2 pairs of shoes at Isetan Scotts right after I got off the bus. Was probably in a good mood when I caught the bus right at the bus stop. Didn't need to wait at all. Was interested in the pair of shoes last night when I went shopping with Angela, but was able to resist the temptation. Couldn't resist when the same pair of shoes was still available today. It's such a steal at $19.90. Another pair caught my eyes. Cheaper still, at $16.90.

Then the Shiseido appointment. I didn't bring the $30 Tangs voucher so I couldn't go buy a pair of sunglasses. Might end up spending more money the next time I go Tangs because I've gotten interested in some of the Shiseido skin care products. Really must ask them for more samples the next time I go down (tomorrow perhaps?).

After that, went to help Angela collect her bag from Little Match Girl at Wisma. Fell in love with this overnighter costing $59. But hey, got 30% discount with Beatrice's member card. That means it would only cost $41.30. Yeah, only $41.30... = )

Saw promotion going on at The Face Shop. Everyone I know is raving about TFS, so decided to go in and take a look. Ended up buying Facial Scrub, this Facial Mist moisturiser (I really loved my Clinique one - wonder if this will work as well), tons of paper masks, rice masks, cereal masks, wat have you... Finally bought this Massage Pack for the scalp to bring everything to over $90 to get a free tote.

Went upstairs to the Customer Service and got persuaded by the CS officer there to continue shopping to top up my purchases to $100 to get 5 chops on the Wisma Basement card.

Ok, fine. Thot to go downstairs and buy breakfast for tmr. That should bring my purchases to $100 nicely. Sat down at BreadTalk and thot I might as well spend a little bit more since I do need some toiletries from Watson's. And wat do you know, I spent another $40+ at Watson's.

But of course, the additional spending just prompted me to continue spending some more to top up all my purchases to $200. Might as well lah...

2nd Round of Shopping

Went back to The Face Shop and bought some more stuff. Bought their facial cleansing tissue - they are cheaper than the ones I have been buying from Watson's. Bought their Oil-Free Sun Screen when I realised the Neutrogena one I liked is very expensive. Got a sampler sized one the last time at Watson's but it was a very long time ago. No more such promotion. Dun really like the Face Shop one - it's thicker in consistency, but well, try lor... Oh yes, and of course, more paper masks... Got another freebie for spending more than $45 - a cosmetic pouch which matches my free tote.

FINALLY, finished all my shopping and went upstairs to the Customer Service counter. Got my $15 vouchers - hey, the LMG bag will only cost $26.30 now! And, hey, UOB credit card holders can claim instant rewards of $25 Wisma voucher. The bag will only cost me $1.30!!! *laugh*

And boy, did the time fly past... It was already 10 pm! 2 hours. $200. At least... *wry smile* I really should go find a better paying job...

Made my way to Taka to return my Library books. Shuffled all my shopping so that everything fits into 3 bags instead of the original 6. Was really tempted to take a cab but decided it would be a waste of both my time and money. The cabs are waiting for people to call them and earn an easy extra $4. Besides, I've run out of cash...

So, continued walking to Cineleisure to take a bus. Was afraid that the bus would be crowded before the bus stop at Orchard Boulevard. Hey, more freebies! These Nivea salesgals were giving out Nivea samplers outside Cineleisure and were giving them like 3 at a go. Wanted to ask for more, but I'm really not that kind of person. If give me, good. If not, I won't bother to ask lor...

Again, the bus was there just when I reached the bus stop. It was a single storey bus but it was not crowded at all! Yippee! Plenty of space, plenty of air con. Continued to look through all my goodies till I reached my place. What a wonderful Saturday evening!

Back Home - MUST FINISH MARKING!

Came back home. Thank goodness Dad was watching rubbish horror film on Channel 8. I had nothing to do but to finish up my marking. Got tired and rested a while. Caught this dancing show on cable. It was based in Birmingham. Yeah! I'm an Europhile, in case you dunno. Started marking when the show finished and YEAH YEAH YEAH! I finished all my marking at 3 am pronto!

Came online. Wanted to look for some pics of the stuff I bought at The Face Shop. Then realised I could have asked the salesgals for samplers... Never mind... Maybe next time. But I doubt it. The stuff I have bought can probably last me till the end of the year.

So here I am, blogging to inform everyone what a GREAT evening I had... At the expense of a lot of moolah... But hey, retail therapy kicks ass! And there will be more tomorrow - first, K-Lunch session with Jonathan (wonder if he asked anybody else?), then pay a deposit for the Bead Experience class at BeadHub, maybe go bra shopping at La Senza and panty shopping at Marks and Spencer, get a new badminton racket from somewhere, sunglasses too, more Taiwanese magazines from Kinokuniya and last but not least, meet up with Angela after her Jap class to go Sim Lim - need to stock up on DVDs and get a card reader for the XD card which my new camera is using.

So yeah, definitely more $$$ flying away tomorrow.

Now, I have to go rest... Nite nite!

Priceless Trailer (Thanks to Youtube)

Cheering Competition Photos

Finally allowed my blog to be accessible to my "kids". Wasn't very keen at first, but decided that they are mature enough to look at things from my point of view. And to not exploit this "intrusion" into my private life.

Anyway, if there are some of you out there who are interested... Here are the photos of the Cheering Competition.

So sorry I took so long to put these up... Even now, I'm stealing some time from the marking of my papers. Okies. Getting back to my marking once these are uploaded.

Horoscope for the Day

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, dear Aquarius.

You will be going over and over the elements that make up your profession to see if there isn't some way of going about things differently.

Are there some new paths you could try or some way to improve things?

Your mind will be going a thousand miles a minute today, without a doubt.

Those who spend time with you may be totally exhausted by the end of the day, after all the questions you ask of them!

------------------------------------------------------------

How true!

Another expensive toy

Sigh... Spent another fortune on yet another expensive toy...

At the same Harvey Norman as last week. Kenah 'conned' to buy a Finepix Z3. $399. Wonder if I could have gotten a better price or more freebies from the camera shop over at Sim Lim? But was in a down mood, needed to get some retail therapy. Just my luck... Fuji camera (the brand I swear by - last 2 digital cameras I had were both by Fujifilm), within my budget, pretty casing and there goes my money...

Didn't even do any research coz I wasn't even seriously thinking of getting a camera. I usually spend a LOT of time researching whenever I wanna get a new expensive electronic toy.

Thankfully, came back home and read a couple of reviews. All said it's a pretty good camera and should satisfy my photo needs for a while. Dun need to borrow camera (esp Noel's slow Canon camera) or depend on someone else to help me take photos anymore.

Can also try to get into the habit of taking more photos of myself. Especially since I'm taking more effort to dress better during my weekends out in town.

OK. Enough reasons to convince myself that it was a good impulse buy? Sigh... If only it wasn't so expensive... Never mind. Must remind myself: Can claim, can claim. And that I dun need a camera with better resolution...

Good start to the weekend ahead

Had a pretty good start to my weekend after I left school today, or rather yesterday.

Managed to get my lunch, although it was already 3 pm, and got to tuition just in time.

Didn't really tutor the kid coz he didn't do any work before I came, so it was expensive baby-sitting again. Got started on marking my 4T Paper 3. Kenah caught by parent when she came into the room to check on her kid's progress. Think I managed to 'cover my ass' by informing her of my revision plans for her kid over the weekend.

Managed to finish most of Paper 3 by the time my tuition kid finished 3 sets of MCQ questions from his past-year papers. Only left the graph. Need to go buy sticker paper and then print out to make my marking of the graphs consistent. Was thinking of getting a chop but think sticker + printing will actually be cheaper.

Was at the clubhouse continuing with my marking when I realised I had missed one of the buses... Never mind, took out Paper 2 to start marking. Hey, finished another 3 more pages of marking before I got onto the bus to go home.

Got home. 'Ironed' my hair with my new hair-dryer (see article below). Got some dinner from home. Finally. It's been ages since I had dinner at home. Rested, changed and took about 30 minutes to put on make-up. Then left to go meet up with Linda and gang.

Meeting up with the gals

Went to Post Bar. What a crowd. Think there was some sort of function going-on. Was already feeling out-of-place waiting for the rest to get there and then, kenah propositioned by a stupid ang-moh. Seriously NO CLASS lor... "How much?" Wow. Almost wanted to slap him. Gave him my best "You're not worthy!" POWER eye stare (the one that has even my T kids squirming...) and went to sit down on the good old sofa couch at the atrium.

Thank goodness I decided to bring a storybook out despite its bulk. It managed to keep me entertained during the loooong 30 minutes Linda & gang took to walk from Esplanade to Fullerton.

Still, it was an enjoyable night. Met up with another long-lost friend, Shulan. Hope we will continue to keep in touch.

And what do you know, I was back home before 1 am!

Okay. Time to go rest and get some sleep. Still got tuition later early in the morning and the rest of the 4T Paper 2 to mark. And then the 4E Science Practicals.

Nite nite!

Horoscope for the day

"Are you getting hit on the head by obstacles, dear Aquarius?

Could it be that you simply need to allot yourself more time to complete the Herculean tasks you take on?

-----

Me says: How true... Not that I have taken on that many "Herculean tasks", but I have procrastinated quite a number of things I ought to have completed some time ago... So yeah, I need to allot myself more time to complete these things. As well as a heavy dose of commitment and discipline to complete them.

-----

This may be difficult for you to tolerate. You don't know how to deal with times such as these, when you must continue doing the same thing over and over again until you get results.

-----

Me says: *Laugh* I am doing marking right now and it's more or less the same thing over and over again...

-----

There is a lesson here for you, dear Aquarius. Remember: Patience is a virtue."

-----

Me says: Okay. If you say so...

-----

Lissima Ionic

Heh heh. Just bought this yesterday night. Cost me a pretty penny - $69.90. The BRAND NEW Lissima Ionic by Rowenta.

Tried it just now after I washed my hair. VERY NICE! But the noise prevented me from listening to my Amazing Race. Well, something has to go... There are only so many electrical cords I can find. Never mind, as long as I know what's like going on...

Very good at 3 out of 4 things Rowenta says it can do.

1) Gives a perfectly smooth effect - YES!
2) Dry your hair - but of course
3) Add shine to it - surprisingly, YES!
4) Quick and easy to use - quick, yes. But easy to use? Not really. Can only 'dry' my hair on the left side of my face quickly. Can't seem to angle my hands correctly to get my right side hair as nice as the left side hair...

Okies. Very tired. Going to sleep liao. Nite nite!

Video Sharing - Prague 2005

Video of my travel in Prague 2005.

Stupid VPN

Stupid VPN. Tried 3 computers also cannot login.

Waste my time... Got like 8 stacks of marking waiting for me downstairs...

I hate Mondays.

I hate being sick. Especially cough. Climb 2 floors also breathless.

Phantom of the Opera

Sian! I think I'm allergic to the school. All okay through the nice long weekend. Start to do work today morning and start sneezing. Ok. Fine. Take a short nap but still wake up sneezing.

Got all 'dressed up' and took the MRT to City Hall to meet up with Grace. Then met up with Wensi at Esplanade Ichiban for dinner. We were on our way for our 'Phantom Reunion'! *grin* Pity Xin'ai couldn't make it. It would be such a hoot to watch Phantom together after 13 years!

Anyway, it was my 4th time watching the musical - twice in London and now twice in Singapore. Wonder if I'd get a chance to watch it at Broadway? Such a fortune I've spent on the show.

The Singapore one this time is mainly made up of an American cast. Raoul was played by an Australian - boy, does he sound weird! The 2 male leads were also very TALL and almost gangly. Their body movements were so weird and not at all graceful. It didn't help that Christine was shorter than them by like almost 2 heads...

Christine's voice was ok, it got better as the night went on. Raoul was not too bad (if I can just ignore his accent). Phantom was a disappointment when he used his falsetto, but his bass and tenor parts were not too bad.

I think I want to get a copy of the Phantom movie DVD. Really loved the artistic presentation of the movie. While watching the musical, kept thinking of the Christine in the movie.

Phantom will always be special to me. I literally grew up with it.

Was first exposed to it in P6 when someone played it during a class gathering or something. The whole class fell in love with the music, especially the part when Phantom screamed "Damn it! Curse it!" after Christine unmasked him in his underground lair. I still remember, we kept playing the CASETTE TAPES of the musical back then, after our Prelims and PSLE.

Of course, what was even more extraordinary than a bunch of P6 students listening to Phantom was that we actually took it upon ourselves to STAGE it on the last day of school for our teachers and classmates. We had auditions and everything! *laugh*

I remember bringing a huge skirt to use as Xin'ai's Phantom cape. Diana (is she still at Her World) was Christine - she was the ONLY ONE able to reach the high 'ahhhhh-ahhhh-ahh-ahh-ahhh' notes in the first scene. I'm not sure how I managed to get the role of Raoul. It was between Dawn and me. And guess what, I still have the photos of our performance!

3 years down the road. I split from the GEP. Hey, Phantom comes to Singapore! I queued up overnight and was among the first 100 to get the tix! Got free CDs, posters, Phantom paper bags! It was played at Kallang Theatre, and being poor students (more me than the other 3) back then, we were way up high at the highest Circle seats.

Another 3 years down the road, everyone splits for different countries to pursue their studies. I got attached and goes trooping off to London on my own to backpack (and, yes, visit my ex). Was on a very, very, very tight budget but still splurged a chunk of money on the tix for Phantom in London (it's one of the most expensive musicals in London).

Wah, so long... A bit like my life story liao.

Okies. Shall stop now. Tata.

Video Sharing - London 2005

Video of my travel in London 2005.

Still feeling lost

Life often feels like a journey. Not surprisingly, the journey of our lives thus becomes confuse. It's like being in a dream that did not make sense or reading a story that does not seem to go anywhere.

I'm feeling lost because I know I have choices but lack the ability to know which one to make. With the coming of the end of my bond, I am at a point in life where I am unsure of what I want. I just can't see where my choices will take me, now that I'm reaching that fork in the road. So many things are uncertain and I'm afraid...

I'm also feeling isolated, a sense that for everything that I do, it is not just leading to progress. I'm feeling fairly ambivalent about whether my life is meaningful. For all the 'teaching' I do in class, the OSL projects that I take on, do I have a positive effect on my life and on those around me?

Last but not least, it's been dreadful to feel so alone. I know I have not been helping myself when I make myself go off from my friends and colleagues. On weekends, I again herd myself off to some corner of the island. Being alone has almost become an intentional and subconscious choice.

Hence, I'm suffering more than the usual dosage of depression that I already suffer on occasion... If only I can turn this depression into something more positive, of action for personal reflection and inner growth, to regroup and rebuild my inner strength.

But as usual, I'm all NATO - no action, talk only...

Feeling Lost

I have been feeling pretty lost lately. Like I'm running on autopilot. I'm sure I'm just running away from some things, and I know wherever they are, they will catch up with me and pretty quick.

I've been having lots of problems with so many things and it's been hard. I really need to take a good hard look at myself and ask myself "What is it that I really want?"

I have to find a way to find myself and be content with ME.

For all my excuses of being busy and endless work load, I know I've been lazy and hide myself behind my books and TVB serials. And the more I hide, the more my insecurities and !@#$ just keeps piling up. It's like they won't let go. Ok, they won't let go until I take some prompt action to get rid of them.

I know I need to start focusing on getting things going and moving. But everything in my head seems to be negative right now. And I don't think those negative thoughts will get me very far. And then again, sometimes I just don't know what to think. I just sleep and sleep and hope everything will go away...

Video Sharing - Berlin 2005

Video of my travel in Berlin 2005.

Horoscope for Today

"Today you might be feeling a very powerful and all-consuming love for everyone around you, and perhaps for all earthly life forms in general. You are also likely to be feeling romantic and passionate, and anxious for the company of a love partner. Your imagination is flying high, dear Aquarius, and you could be trying to find a gift for a loved one. You're also feeling very spiritually inclined."

Rebonded Hair

On a high right now after rebonding my hair. It's been at least 5 years since I had such nice hair.

I must say, I'm on a roll here since Friday. Mood is all-time high and feeling pretty good at the moment. Kinda afraid that it might just plummet any time but I can safely say that probably won't happen till Thursday. Coz Friday got at least 4 straight hours of extra lessons and remedials.

Don't worry. I'll definitely ride the wave and enjoy myself these couple of days while the euphoria lasts. *grin*

Cheers!

More Shopping

What a funny day...

Went for tuition early in the morning. SMS-ed JK if he had any lunch or dinner plans. He replied pretty quickly to meet for KTV. But got engrossed with tuition and KIV-ed the plans.

By the time I finished tuition, still had not finalised any plans, and my bus came rather quickly. So took the bus home. The shuttle bus to IMM came along when I reached Clementi, so decided to go IMM for lunch and a spot of shopping. Reached IMM and immediately bought 2 of those big long dangling necklaces. Deposited the latest cheque for my tuition fees and was going to go for lunch when I got a msg from JK to meet at Clementi KBox. Saw that the IMM shuttle bus for Clementi was just leaving, so ran to catch the (guess what) same bus that I took to reach IMM!

However, just when the bus took off, JK replied to meet next week instead for KBox so that we can try to get more pple... Sigh... Should have msg-ed earlier lah! Anyway, was kinda hungry when I reached Clementi (again), so went to Mac's for lunch.

Wanted to rebond my hair. Decided my usual hair salon at Wisma would be too expensive, so decided to walk around Clementi to look for rebonding promotions. Along the way, got my eye-brows threaded. And did find a couple of $98 promotions for rebonding. But, thought I did not have enough money in my POSB account, and the salons did not accept credit cards, so did not get my hair rebonded...

Finally found my way home and finished watching the last 2 episodes of the taiwanese Hua Yang drama. Argh! Stupid MH refused to let me buy the last set of the drama for him. So have to wait for him to buy and then lend me to watch... Wu Zhun is soooooooo cute! And I've always loved Ella. She's actually not too bad an actress.



Okies. Time to go for tuition. Talk more again later!

Ciao.

Music and Lyrics

LOVE, love, love this movie!
LOVE, love, love Hugh Grant!



Not sure why but was in a moderately good mood yesterday after my course at NIE. Will talk more about the course later. Now on a high coz of the movie.

Was walking around Jurong Point, there were 2 ways to get to my manicure place but decided to take this route that took me past the GV box office. Saw that Music and Lyrics was showing and at about 20 minutes more. So, decided for the 2nd time in my life, to watch it on my own.

Not very easy to say '1' when the ticket lady asked me how many tickets I wanted, but I think it was easier than the last time. Oh yes, it's the third time I watch a movie on my own.

First time, it was 'Down with Love' in 2003. Then, it was 'Ice Princess' in 2005. Hey, it's happened every 2 years. Coz, now, it's 'Music and Lyrics' in 2007! *grin*

LOVE this song, but it's not the theme song, so the resolution not very good...



Anyway, very tired liao. Will talk more later! Tata!

Attending Course

Yup. I'm supposed to be attending a course at NIE right now... I'm behaving like one of my students - doing something I'm not supposed to and not paying attention...

*grin*

30 minutes more... Wonder if the instructor will let us go off earlier? I hope so... In fact I think he's gonna release us soon!

Oh yes, in case I forget, I need to get yet ANOTHER hdd soon. Either my hdd is dying or the connecting wires need to be replaced. Got a couple of 'data lost' and 'disk cannot be read' scares today...

It's been a while since I last wrote in here. In the meantime, had celebrated my birthday... Sent an sms to congratulate Grace on her birthday.

Celebrated Michelle's birthday. Think dinner + party.

'Celebrated' my lunar birthday.

Sent an sms to congratulate Varian on his birthday. Wanted to order a bouquet of flowers and have it sent to his workplace to surprise Varian, but was too busy the past week to even go see a florist.

Going to celebrate Angela's birthday tomorrow. Another dinner + more more party!

All getting older... *laugh*

Sigh... Instructor wans us to go through his website and the resources available there. I have downloaded everything onto my hdd. Will look through some other time (aka never...)

Dunno why in such a BS attitude. Probably because I can see my weekend in sight... Really would like the lesson to end soon. But the outside is so depressing - it's raining again... It's been raining for 48 hours straight already. Hasn't the sky finished its supply of rain yet?

Yeah! Instructor wans his CD back. Guess it's about time to go!

Horoscope for Today

This should be one of those days when you feel as if you could conquer the world.

You feel strong and determined, dear Aquarius, willing to do whatever it takes to get wherever you want to be. A goal could be attained at this time, ambitions realized, or perhaps a lucky break could come your way.

This is an excellent day to seek a new job, ask for a raise, or make a favorite project of yours a success.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Well, all I did today was sleep, watch TV, surf the net, sorted out my MP3s and did a spot of marking. Then a nap, recorded some videos for Science and Maths lessons, edited the videos. And catching up with my emails, (trying to) update my blog...

Not exactly conquering the world. But I must say, quite a lot has been accomplished for the day.

Cheers!

A most peculiar thought

Hm... I had a most peculiar thought today.

Started thinking about this friends' gathering I have to attend tomorrow evening. Some of them will be bringing their boyfriends and husbands along. Most of the guys are (surprise, surprise) unattached and will probably come alone.

Dunno why, I started wondering... What would they do if I were to bring a gal along and declare her my 'girl-friend'? Would they stay friends with me? What would their reactions be?

Not that I have a 'girl-friend'... But I must say, I'm not exactly adverse to the concept, you know. There is that remote possibility. I just wonder how my friends should react to it if the possibility should come to pass. Would they take in their stride?

Am I too shallow to think that they might ostracize me? Or perhaps they might take it as knowing another gal friend?

Hm... The holidays always bring weird thoughts to me...

Caroline's ROM

Hihi, I did up a short video of Caroline's ROM and uploaded it to Youtube!

You can also see it here...



Cheers!

Horoscope for today

"Put yourself in the middle of a laughing group. You will be warmly welcomed.

This morning, dress in clothes that can take you from an uptight business meeting to a wild party, because this will be an expansive day full of opportunity. You never know where a conversation will take you, especially today - so you should be prepared for anything. Put yourself in the middle of a group of friendly people. Even if you have nothing to say, you will be warmly welcomed. Lasting relationships will be formed in a moment."

Pity I have lotsa work to do today. Told myself I must die die finish setting my 2 test papers today. Hopefully get started on marking - got 2 stacks of that. And must also remember to set revision papers for all my classes for the coming week.

Hm... Should I do up weekend assignments for the CNY break ahead? *grin*

Not another one...

Yup... Another time-table change.

Couldn't make my form class re-write their time-table all over again for a 3rd time into their Student Handbook. After all, they only have 3 empty time-tables in the Student Handbook...

Printed the time-tables on nice yellow paper for them, then cut to size and even brought glue for them. Hope they appreciate all the effort I'm putting in. Or is it all wasted?

New Friend

So exciting! Made a 'new friend' 2 days ago...

A 'Charles' sent me a message via Friendster. Replied to him and have been corresponding with him via email.

Pretty good experience so far. Appears to be an engineer, likes trekking (has been to Mount K twice) and seems to have similar indoor and outdoor interests as myself.

I just hope I will be consistent enough to continue our correspondence. So easy to lose touch with people...

Such a sad day...

Let's see. On the whole, it wasn't such a let-down either...

School starts later on Wed. There's this white space (aka professional sharing time) during which I managed to do some marking. And they showed "An Inconvenient Truth", pretty good show which I hope to catch in its entirety one day soon.

Timetable quite reasonable. Homeroom with my form class, then double period Science with my Sec 4 N(T) class and last but not least double period with my form class again for Maths.

High points during the day... Keep getting "Happy Birthday" well wishes from my students throughout the day. My Sec 4 N(T) class sang me a birthday song after they greeted me. Also made me a card with everyone's signatures. So sweet...

My ex-form class ordered a cake for me and made me join them after class to cut the cake. But I was late because I was chasing my present form class for work and admin stuff...

Went down to canteen to cut the cake. They wanted to do it in class but I insisted 'no eating in class'. Lotsa students were around and we had a lot of fun. Pity I didn't have my handphone around, so no photos were taken... Even the 'problematic' kids came by to wish me 'Happy Birthday'.

Was already dreadfully late for my remedial session with my Sec 4 N(T) so had to rush upstairs after I finished distributing the cake...

Oh yes, many thanks to Zheng Sheng for his bottle of lucky stars. His gifts are always so thoughtful - a 4-leaf clover accessory which I'm using for my keychain and now a bottle of lucky stars. Hope they bring me all the good luck I need. Especially with my love life... *grin*

After remedial, it was time for CCA... Argh... The work day never seems to end...

BL did ask me if I wanted to go off earlier. But like I mentioned, go off earlier also got nothing to do... Might as well stay around and be useful.

Finally finished eating my slice of birthday cake after my CCA ended. AT and BC were going off for dinner. Decided to join them coz was too lazy and tired to walk to the bus-stop and take bus home.

Went to Bukit Timah market for dinner. Wanted to go off earlier - lotsa work to do... But in the end, decided to join the gals to go KAP for marking.

Managed to finish a stack of marking after which I went down to Cold Storage for grocery shopping. Bought myself a pretty Perrier bottle with brightly coloured flowers to brighten up my dreary birthday.

It was already 9+ by then. So took a cab home. Managed to snag a cab as soon as I walked out of KAP. My luck must be turning...

Got home. Bathed and changed. Plonked myself in front of the TV and no turning me back after dat. No work done in the end... Gotta give myself a break on this 'special day' after all.

Oh yes, finally had the time in the cab ride to check my phone. Couple 'Happy Birthday' well wishes which I replied to. But nothing from any special 'someone'... Sign...

24 minutes past

Horoscope for the day:

"A person (even you) can't be selfless and kind all the time! Take a break from good deeds today - make time for some self-serving acts.

You don't have to do anything sociopathic - just put yourself first a few times when you usually wouldn't.

This isn't an excuse to forget your manners -- saying 'please' and 'thank you' is still necessary. Rather, it's a reminder that you need to treat yourself like the star you are a little bit more often."

What a timely reminder... Was just thinking what a depressing day I am in for later...

2 more hours...

"Working within boundaries and restrictions may really get to you today, dear Aquarius.

Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born from doing things your own way. Yet, like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules.

Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequence.

Exercise patience and diligence as needed today."

How true!

Wonder what my horoscope says for today?

"Love matters may seem to be far worse than they really are, dear Aquarius.

Emotion runs high as your current love interest seems preoccupied and uncommunicative; however, it wouldn't be a good idea to let your insecurities get the best of you and lash out.

Your partner's heart is with you, though the mind is another matter. Family or career problems are getting in the way of your enjoying each other.

Bite your tongue, be patient, and hang in there."

Fine... I'll hang in there...

Just slightly less than 24 hours to my birthday. So sad. Got self-study session with 4T1. Think will be using it to chase work from my 2E5 Maths students. Then followed by Infocomm CCA.

Originally thought I could enjoy a short day, then remembered I have remedial/self-study with 4T1. Then last night, remembered that I have Infocomm Club session. Maybe can zao the CCA if I talk to BL about it... But then again, go off early for wat? Will just nuah at home, sleep it away, watch some TV. Might as well stay in school, get busy and tire myself out...

Sigh..........

What a weekend!

Wow! I can't remember the last time I 'partied' the whole night away. Was over at St. James Power House until it closed at 6 am.

Quite an interesting night...

• 2nd time being 'rejected' in 2 months. But I think my heart is still very much under 'refrigeration'. Wasn't that much affected by the rejections. Yeah, a lil sad. But hey, it's their loss.
  
• Am I injecting my job with enough passion, enough hard work and the right attitude?
  
• ... So many points of views. So many thoughts. So many questions...
  

Okies. Gotta go bathe and change to meet my friends to go watch the Final Show of Project Superstar.

Thank goodness for the change in timetable. Got 6 empty periods tomorrow. Just about allow me enough time to prepare for my sharing during Contact Time tomorrow.

Sigh... Only 3 more days. Who will be the first to text me? Will HE text me? Stupid Noel. His story brought out so many 'regrets', so many 'what-ifs', so many 'maybe if i had...'

Ciao! Hope the show will be worth its 5 hours. Do you know how much marking I can complete in 5 hours!?!

New Fragrance or Old?

Back from tuition. Not too bad a day. Finished marking my Maths over at Shaw. Was pleasantly surprised that Lido Shaw had so many empty tables for me to do marking on. The table I was using even had a power point right under the table but dunno whether the power point can use or not. Will definitely keep the place in mind for next weekend.

Did some shopping over at CK Tangs. Hm... The Ralph Lauren Romance smells quite nice. Should I get it? Or should I stick to my old fragrance - CK Eternity Moment? Or a variant of an even older fragrance - Lancome Miracle Magic?

Knowing me, I'd probably go for a new fragrance. But for now, must save $$$, so will use my brother's CK Escape for Men first... unless *hint hint*

Very sad...

So sad...

My BIG bottle of Eternity Moment fell from the table and broke all over the floor. It still had like more than half the bottle left some more...

Argh!

Heart very pain!

*sob sob*

Time to go tuition liao...

Cheap Present Option

Someone get me some good camomile floral tea packets?

Thanks.

Another wish...

Greedy me...

Wish 2: A good steak dinner with the company of a friend(s) who also enjoy meat...

Some places in mind
(a) Morton's @ Oriental Hotel (of course put at the top of the list) *grin*
(b) The Tavern (229 River Valley Road, 6737-6995)
(c) Hooha Cafe (220 Pasir Panjang Road, Pasir Panjang Village)

This time next month...

I hope I get some pretty flowers...

*smile*

Academic Year 2006

Should be a good year ahead.

Got Angela's class - 2E5. Quite surprised. They were very well-behaved last year. Definitely much better than my previous class. But cannot compare lah... Very different students with different personalities.

Timetable looks much better. Still have SR & SW every morning, but no more 6 periods in a row. About time I get a more decent timetable with more breaks. Number of periods still a lot. But now classes are more scattered giving me more time to take a breather between classes.

Dunno which I'd prefer. Longer breaks or more breaks. We'd see...

I'm Back!

Yeah, I'm back.

From Kochi, India. Yes, again.

Really looking forward to leaving for Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia though.

Lotsa things I need to think about. Lotsa things I need to sort out. Lotsa things I need to plan. Hope I will give myself the time to do the things I need to do.

Cheers!

Here again...

10 more minutes to kill before invigilation again... Think I'd hide out here in the Workroom rather than the lounge. Less traffic and can use the computer...

Anyway, I was so happy and proud of my class just barely 10 minutes ago. Most of them came to the Computer Labs on time and, those who were early, sat down quietly to wait. There were one or two who were noisy but others noticed that I was invigilating next door and quickly hushed their friends. BUT... someone had to remove the "Exam in Progress" paper I had out outside my invigilation class and left it lying along the corridor. And of course, I didn't know at first... Until I saw it flying off the railing and down, down, down into the quadrangle...

But, well, must look on the bright side right? They were on time. They were behaving quite well. Must remember to praise them tomorrow.

Wanted to put up the "Exam in Progress" papers at strategic locations since my class will end early but heck lah... It's none of my business right? It'd just be extra "chi li bu tao hao" work on my part and nobody will notice it, let alone appreciate it. Did mention to Mrs Chan, who took over the invigilation for the class next to the Computer Labs that my class will end early at 11 am. She told me to tell my class to take the central staircase down... Duh!

Edmund Yap is taking his exam paper outside his class. Maybe will need to notify the teacher in charge of 2E1 that my class will end early and may attempt to talk to Edmund later...

Hm... Think I better go downstairs and ask if they have any of those stands and can put them outside my class tomorrow. Otherwise, will have to improvise on my own again...

Tata, dun think I'd be writing any more today, but if I have time, I definitely will. Blogging sure helps in de-stressing...

Peace of Mind

Haven't heard music just because. Always listening to the same song which I am training for for KTV or my vocal lesson.

Opened my blog just now and heard the korean song which I have placed here... Wow... Didn't realised how much I missed listening to soothing music. But the connection is so slow, the music keeps coming in sudden bursts... My grandfather has just gone to M'sia for wayang performance. Think I'd blast some soothing music later today when I get home.

Okies, gotta get back to work... Haven't printed my 3T1 Science EOY papers yet...

Happy Children's Day.

I really like my horoscope for today from Friendster.

"New beginnings can be kind of scary sometimes. If you are entering into any new relationships, new business ventures or new journeys today, you can expect a bumpy, but very interesting, ride. Do not let this dissuade you from moving forward. You are entering a phase where challenges will enrich you like never before. Remember that forewarned is forearmed. Take comfort in your ability to handle any curveball thrown your way!"

Have I become heartless?

Sometimes, I really feel that I've gotten 'heartless' over the last 2 years.

My vocal teacher says I'm unemotional when I sing. My HODs say I look very calm and forbidding. TOO calm and forbidding. So many of my students ask me to smile more in their Teachers' Day cards.

And frankly, I really didn't feel much when I was told that my favourite student is hospitalised. And when I went to see her today, I also wasn't feeling much.

I'm so afraid... Has my heart really turned cold? Maybe it's disappeared...?

So that I will not get hurt. By my students who hurl vulgarities at me so often. By my HODs and P who think I'm not a good teacher. By the guys who don't seem to be interested in me. By myself for failing as a form teacher. As a subject teacher. As a woman...

To go or to stay

Sigh...

It's tough to be an adult. When you have to make choices. And to realise how important your choices are. On yourself. On others...

One of my students is very ill. Toyed with the idea of shaving my head for some Children's Cancer thingy this August. Never realised how I might really be doing it for my student come next year.

Will be getting a 'D' for my work review for this year. Feels like such a fiasco. I'm graded down because so many of my students screwed up. And, thus, makes me look like a screw-up, apparently.

Then, now that the end of the year is here, couple students hoping I'd be their form teacher next year. Not sure it's because they like me. Because one of the students say it's because another teacher will die.

The student who's down with cancer. Also hoping that I'd continue to be her form teacher next year. She's my best student and favourite student. For the past year, she's been one of the reasons I'd stay on just so I can see her graduate. Now, even more reason for me to stay on for her...

So, to go or to stay... Do I really have a choice?

Yippee! It's Friday!

Phew! Finally finished setting all my End-of-Year Papers. Mathematics one all clear. Least changes ever! Hope Science one will clear just as easily.

Been procrastinating about the Science papers since last week. Always think back and tell myself, "I could have finished a week ago if I just made myself do it." But well, things never happen that way, do they?

Anyway, thank goodness I woke up at 3 am this morning. And lotsa breaks today, with no student-drama. Yesterday was power drama man! Typed all about it on my PDA liao, but haven't uploaded to my laptop. Will copy and paste later.

Oh yeah, and I managed to finish setting Revision Paper for my 2T in like, 15 minutes, and Class Test Paper for my 2E in, also, 15 minutes. Then took like 10 minutes to print each set of papers.

Power! Anybody think teachers will outsource their paper setting? Maybe I should try my hand at writing assessment books, eh?

Okies. Time to look for my HOD. Hand up my papers and ZAO!!!

Well Done!

Well Done No. 1 - I did not ask for more crumbs when I ordered my grilled fish dinner from Long John Silver just now.

Well Done No. 2 - I finished the vegetable salad WITHOUT putting any dressing on it.

Well Done No. 3 - I did not finish the fries even though I was very much tempted to.

*applause please*

School Starts Again...

Phew! 2 days in school.

I was sorely tempted to take MC on Monday. But decided to brave through it. Will have karma one - it's either I die or other people die worse taking my relief. Monday = 10 period day.

In the end, not too bad. Had assembly instead of Value Education with my class. Was supposed to have contact time (kinda waste of time coz it gets extremely long-winded) but it was postponed to Wed.

School ended at 3 but dunno why dilly dally until 4+. Then went to NUS with some colleagues and actually managed to have my first meal since dinner the nite before. And finished setting my year-end exam papers!

So, all in all, pretty good day. Yeah, got to watch ANTM too! *smile*

Today not so good. Thot 'free' day - can leave straight after school & plan my lessons for the week. But received something in my pigeon hole yesterday. Got to invigilate Science Practical Prelim Exams today. Last 3 slots some more! Ended at 6+!

Thankfully, had lessons more or less planned out during the weekend. Really pia-ed that weekend. But can see rewards. Coz otherwise I wouldn't be updating blog at all... *laugh*

So all the more I must stay on top of things and plan my lessons in advance. But... I want my weekends! Phew, that there are only about 18 more teaching days left. Though I must add about another 2 weeks' worth of lessons coz my class will still be having lessons while the rest of the school have their exams. Dunno why just can't let them have 'revision time' at home lah. Come to school just more opportunity to make trouble... *bleah*

P.S. Must remember to blog about my 'wonderful' Teachers' Day celebrations!

Long Time No See

Hihi!

It's been a looong time since I last blogged.

Let's see... Since April, there was Mid-Year Exams, marking for Mid-Year Exams, rushing report cards. And those were only school stuff.

May was MOS, where an angel fell from grace. *grin* Going through my fren's blog, apparently I took MC on 15th May and he had to take almost all my classes for relief. *more grin* It was pretty funny seeing him talk about my class and their problems. I wonder if the HODs would have as much 'fun' if they take over my class.

So exciting... Have to refer to my friend's blog to know wat I did... Fun pool session at Beach Road on 16th May, followed by weekday movie (Poseidon) at Beach Road Shaw Cinema. Not bad! Better show than I had expected.

June came along with HOLIDAYS! My foot lor...

One week = 'Structured Programme' = 1h every day with my class. Which is even more than the usual time I have with them during normal school days. Duh!

Last week = school meetings and programmes, dept meetings, etc.

Thankfully, took a couple of days off to go Bangkok with my colleagues. Will update in another post about the trip. Very exciting. Got stuck in lift at hotel. Last minute rush to shop shop shop big time. More drama at the end of the trip.

And wat do you know? It's been 3 months since then. Coz the Sept holidays just finishing. Urgh!

Another Un-Productive Weekend

Woke up at 8 am. Was supposed to go JB with my parents today.

But dad had to work so I ended up falling asleep after I had my breakfast.

Woke up in the afternoon and watch my Da Chang Jin DVDs. *grin*

Fell asleep again when it started raining in the late afternoon.

Woke up for dinner and here I am. Trying to get some work done but ended up doing up my blog instead.

*sigh*

Good Friday

Tuition early this morning. Woke up early but, as usual, dilly-dallied until I was late.

It just wasn't my day today. Missed the 1 pm bus by a couple of minutes and so waited in the clubhouse for the 2 pm bus. Called Robin and got him to book tickets for the Inside Man at the new Cathay theatre. Clubhouse was flooded with small kids who were having a birthday party. Couldn't start marking my papers in front of them, so... took out my cross-stitching. Was so engrossed in my cross-stitch trying to block out the kids that I managed to block out the 2 pm bus too. Sigh...

Weather was real bad, very heavy thunderstorm. So called a cab to get down to Plaza Sing.

Carrefour was having a sale and I spent over a hundred bucks on lingerie! Enough of shopping, I went down to Long John's for a late lunch. Argh! So many teenagers! So, once again, couldn't do any marking.

Got a message from Robin that he'd be late. So, I took my time to jalan-jalan in Plaza Sing. Long Qs in the toilet too. But, he wasn't that late after all. By the time he called me when he was at Cathay, I had just left Plaza Sing. Oops!

Thankfully, Cathay is actually very near to Plaza Sing and we were just in time for the movie.

The movie was interesting - indie soundtrack, superfluous characters like Jodie Foster, kinda slow storyline - but not too bad a show after all.

Dun really like the new Cathay - stupid price boards for the snacks make it really hard for you to figure out what you want to order, sound system too loud, backs of seats too vertical and seats not very comfortable.

Went to Tao's for dinner and was duly impressed by their service. They allowed us to order one set dinner to share between the two of us. Floor was a bit dirty but other than that, no complains about the food. Food was great and presentation of the food even better. Prices a bit pricey but not bad if you're in a big group and staying a long time. They also have live music outdoors till 9 pm.

Brought Robin over to Hark's and place was really lively! Stayed till 2 am listening to music and then we walked to Somerset so I can catch my NR. Along the way, sang to him and he gave comments on what songs might be suitable for my voice. Almost missed my NR while we were talking...

Had this feeling of happiness when I was on the bus. I must say, I really enjoy spending time with him. But not sure if there's anything more? Sometimes, I wonder if I might get up the courage to ask him, but at other times, I'm not sure if I want to rock the boat.

Speech Day

Cannot disparage anybody since this blog is open to the public.

So, shall just talk about my evening out with my colleagues after the Speech Day.

Luckily, I left my new Adidas shoes with Angela's car after the KL trip. Had a change of shoes and my feet were in heaven. I had been standing since 2pm when I got to the CC and started on refreshment duty. Feet have never screamed so much in pain since my days as a salesgirl after my O-levels.

Managed to get the group to go Blooie's but Joshua wanted a place with music. Went on to this row of pubs along Pasis Panjang but live music will come on only after midnight. It was only 9.30pm so we decided to go Emerald Hill instead. Alex was coming in a cab with his gf and we called him to inform him of the change in venue.

Along the way, we passed by Tanjong Pagar and we decided to go Club Street instead. So, we called Alex about the 2nd change in venue. Oops...

Over at Club Street, had to find food first for Alex's gf who hasn't eaten and Angela was also feeling hungry. So, walked over to China Square. Finally settled on this Belgian pub and restaurant.

Not bad. Fries was decent and meatballs very juicy. The cold sausages wasn't as grossed as I thot it might be. Drinks were fantastic. I had lambic beer again. It's very sour and not many people can take to it. As usual, couldn't finish a pathetic 500ml glass and Angela helped me finish the last mouth-full.

Thankfully, I remembered that I have tuition the next morning and we didn't spend too late. Reached home about 2+ am. Didn't take any antihistamine. Think my alcohol tolerance has been going up after I started hanging out with my colleagues. *grin*

KL Trip (Part 4)



Argh! It's Sunday already!



Time to finish up the shopping and get back home...

KL Trip (Part 3)

Woke up at 8 in the morning. Was supposed to go grab tickets to go up the Twin Petronas Towers. Found Alex and Noel missing. Not sure if they went to grab the tickets, but think it was probably the case.



Everybody woke up then about 9, 9+ am. Alex and Noel came back by then and yup, they went to grab the tickets for the Twin Towers. Tickets were for 11.15 am. Wanted to go for dim sum breakfast but found that most places in KL opens at 10, 11 am earliest. Decided there'd be no time for breakfast before the tour so we walked over to KLCC to grab some finger food. Had Dunkin Donuts and some fish-balls. I was drooling over A&W - coney dogs and root beer float! - but no time.

8 hungry souls after the tour flooded Chili's at KLCC and I shared a satisfying beef and chicken fajitas with Angela.



Rushed back to the hotel as the guys were going up to Genting. Me, Angela, Beng and Noel went to Chinatown for shopping but it was kinda boring. We proceeded on to Sunai Wang at about 5pm but we were acting like zombies by then. Had a short rest break at KFC at 6pm and decided that we wouldn't be able to enjoy any shopping unless we got more sleep back at the hotel. Oh yes, did I mention that we changed to Ascott for our second night?

KL Trip (Part 2)

Reached KL around 1+ am. We were staying near the clubbing area for our first night and boy was the area crowded. Took almost an hour for us to just get across the length of the street to get into the service apartment building.

Checked in and came back downstairs to get our bearings. Wanted to go somewhere to chiong but Joshua had to go back to the hotel to change. By the time he got back, it was already 2 am and the place closes at 3 am. So, we decided to just sit somewhere to have a drink.

All the night places closes at 3+ am and we left after finishing our drinks. Most of us were quite hungry after that but thankfully, there were a number of food stalls just below the apartment. The gals went back upstairs while the guys waited for the food to be prepared.

Oh, did I mention that Beng stayed in the apartment while we went out and yeah, you guessed it! He was still doing work when we got back to the apartment!

Food came up and we went to sleep about 4-5 am.

KL Trip (Part 1)

Went for some workshop on Inquiry for Science in an attempt to skip Contact Time. Thot the workshop might end early but it ended up finishing same time as Contact Time. Couldn't do any marking during workshop some more.

Was dreadfully late this morning coz couldn't find my passport. Thankfully, found it just in the nick of time so dun need to run back home after school. Took Angela's car to her place and waited for Beng and Joshua to go her place. We waited and waited and waited... Joshua was dreadfully slow and we were all starving by the time he showed up.

Bought KFC from CCK Lot 1 and finally departed for Tuas at the auspicious time of 9pm. We were supposed to leave by 7pm...

Slight jam at the Tuas Checkpoint but much less than we anticipated. Heavy rain and lots of lightning as we entered Malaysia. So much so that Joshua was afraid that the car may be struck by lightning. *grin*

Kinda squeezed at the back coz me and Beng both brought our laptops with us. He even took his out to do work during the drive up to KL!

Quotation



To look back all the time is boring,
Excitement lies in tomorrow.

Well done, for surviving the day.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Zien.

Here's wishing you much happiness and joy in the year ahead.

Teachers in a Blog Spot

Sunday Times article this morning:

Teachers who blog face a minefield of ethical issues as students are bound to read their postings. They risk being seen as unprofessional if they gripe about work.

If you are a teacher and you want to blog about your life, you should be professional about it and not write specific things about your students or school, or post photos taken with students. If you put your stuff out there where students can access it, it's going to be a can of worms.

Got a lil worried when I read this coz I realised I haven't been very professional in my recent blogs - I used to take a lot more care putting up the contents of my blog.

Would like to be more professional in my blogs but increasingly, my blogs have become an avenue for me to vent my frustrations (a lot) and share my joy (not a lot). So why should I tamper with the things I really want to say? I dun think I have hurt anybody in my blogs and I can only hope that I will never hurt anybody in my future blogs...

Alternative Assessment: 2nd Lesson

Yup. Supposed to be having 2nd lesson of my Alternative Assessment workshop. Instead, I'm finishing my backlog of Blog entries for the past month...

And doing this...

---

I am SUPERGIRL.


Lean, muscular and feminine.


Honest and a defender of the innocent.




Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

---

More Details of My Superhero Personality Quiz

Supergirl		90%
Spider-Man		80%
Hulk		75%
The Flash		60%
Robin		55%
Catwoman		55%
Wonder Woman		50%
Superman		45%
Batman		35%

2nd Day of School

Sigh... What to do? I know I'm utterly boring in my lessons. How to change myself? Are my expectations of my students really so low? Or are they performing so low because my expectations of them are low?

Mrs Tan passed by my 3T1 class today. Last period of the day. Loads of students were sleeping. She stood outside and stared in for a very long time. I deliberated whether to wake the students up or to continue with my teaching. Hence the thoughts of my boring lessons...

Anyway, back to my boring Science lesson in which so many students were sleeping and Mrs Tan dropped by. I think she also cannot take in just staring in and not doing anything about the sleeping students. She finally came in after a long time of staring and got the kids to stand up and bow. Started talking about blood circulation, staying awake, relating and liking Physics, loads of things lah. Frankly, I wasn't paying attention to her... Starting to fall asleep even... A few of the students made eye contact with me and expressed their derision. I definitely could relate to it but well, got to show the kids an unapproving face instead.

Never mind... Too many things, too little time, too little energy and too little motivation.

Will have to make do with my usual boring lessons.

Argh! Why couldn't she have come like 10 minutes earlier when I was talking about submarines and diving and its relation to water pressure?

First Day of School

What a hectic day it was! Urgent briefing in the LT about attendance taking for Avian Flu. But I have FULL DAY of lessons! How to call up parents? Provided I can even get them. Phew! Managed to ask Liyah to help me call.

No time to eat, as usual. Left school at 7pm coz trying to clear up my backlog of 2E1 Maths handouts. Managed to clear 3T1 work, so about time I start clearing work from other classes.

Trying to avoid Ms Tham. Still haven't put up the Library Notice Board things. Keep dragging...

Feeling very blur about the things I have to do... Like Angela, so many things on the To-Do List, I don't even know where to start.

Anyway, finished planning work for my lessons tomorrow. Shall go watch the last episode of Charmed before I nuah...

Lesson 3 @ Hark Music

Wanted to go jogging this morning, but woke up at noon. Tried to get Alphonsus for lunch, but he had to study. Tried to get Angela, but she had tuition. In the end, only left my place at 3pm after watching CSI on cable. Meanwhile, stomach grumbling away...

Took '7' to town. Don't like taking the MRT - confirmed have to stand and have to fight for space with loads of people (especially young teenagers - to whom I now have an aversion to...). Cannot read in peace coz have to hold on to handles (provided I can find a decent amount of free space).

Okay, get back to my trip into town. Took '7' with the aim of getting off at Bugis, grabbing lunch and a trip to SLS for a 'cheap' (ok, affordable) external 2.5" hdd (of at least 100 GB) before the 3rd lesson at Hark Music.

Instead, got off at Scotts Isetan, walked around to take a look at the cosmetics and facial care products available on the market. Continued on to Tangs and took another look at the products there (yeah, not much difference). Then took bus to Prinsep Street and walked past Hark Music to get to SLS. The 2 buildings are actually quite near. Didn't find the cheap 200GB external hdd I saw at the IT Fair. Was tempted to buy the remote control for computer slides but decided to buy a wireless optical mouse instead.

Grabbed a quick 'lunch' at 5.30pm, just before my music lesson at Hark.

Good lesson today. Getting more difficult. The Projection and Open Throat Techniques were pretty challenging. Very difficult to conceptualise lah. Throwing your voice, keeping time, maintaining consistency...

MUST PRACTISE! Breath control, breath support, trilling, projection techniques...

Gotta choose a song to sing in class 3 weeks later (9th April). And then 2 songs to sing in the cafe in 2 months (28th May). Finally, 1 more song to sing as the exam piece (25th June).

Any suggestions?

Starbucks @ Holland Village (Part 2)

Had a good day at Starbucks yesterday. Finished lesson planning for both my 2T1 Maths and 3T1 Science. Yeah!

Decided to go Starbucks again today to finish up more work. After all, only 2 more days before school starts. And it's gonna be a helluva term - rushing to finish syllabus for Mid-Year Exams, all the trouble my class is throwing up, the few pests who still sleep in class and refuse to do any work...

Reached Starbucks at 11am and managed to grab 1 of the 2 available tables with adjoining power sockets. The nice seat we got yesterday was taken up by a guy using a laptop, so can't ask him to let me use.

But never mind. At least still got power socket. Didn't order anything. Felt a little bad at first, but told myself that I'd order later. And doesn't look like a lot of people around.

As I continued working, didn't realise that the place was filling up. Angela called at 1pm to say that she's nearby. I started to pack up and realised that there were 6 other laptop users in the cafe. While I was packing, saw another gal packing up and anticipating to take my place. Decided to call Angela to ask her to grab lunch on her own first. Kaisee lah. Dun wanna lose my strategic location...

In the end, Angela came upstairs and we had our lunch at Starbucks - muffins and ice-blended coffee.

I didn't lose my strategic table and I finished my lesson planning for ALL my classes for the rest of the term! Yippee!

Ouch...

Heartbreak...

Very pain...

Dazed...

Silent cry...

Diary Writing

Started writing in a physical diary again.

Used up 8 pages for the last 3 days alone. So, you can imagine how much has happened in the past week.

Will transfer some of the text over when I have the time.

Cheers!

Right now, can't wait for the Sec 3 camp to start. 2 less classes. Just hope I won't kenah much relief classes due to the missing teachers. *fingers crossed*

Hark Music

Went to Hark's Music Preview of their music lessons.

Really interested in their song composition class but i have not an ounce of music background.

Ended up signing up for their vocal lessons. Hopefully, they will help me get some sense of notes and jing yue gan.

HotSpots Speed-Dating Experience

Went to a HotSpots Speed-Dating event last night. *laugh*

Had a great time. Didn't dress up at all. Went there in T-shirt and jeans. No make-up. There couldn't be a more bo-chap participant... Not a total waste of money. Met 20 interesting characters - some old, some young, some working, some own their business,...

Had to pick maximum 7 guys I'm interested to know better, but none of the 7 were interested to know me better. Did get 5 out of the other 12 who were interested. Got quickly bored of the place and zao-ed.

Met one of the guys (alas, not one of those I was interested in) who was leaving and he gave me a ride to the MRT. Realised later that it wasn't real smart of me to get in a stranger's car...

Michelle's Birthday Celebration

Was hoping to zao home early after school today to take a nap first before coming out to meet the gang.

Dreadfully tired this week keeping a black face all the time. But had to wait for Amaran's mother to show up and by then, decided to wait for Michelle and Angela to wrap up their work and travel to Settlers' Cafe @ Holland Village together.

I played 2 new games today while we were there today - Project Management and TransAmerica. Quite liked both games. Both quite luck-oriented though.

Then went to ThaiExpress for dinner but didn't eat much coz I was still too full from the lunch and snacks we had at Settlers'.

After dinner, we decided to go Clementi KBox and we took a bus down. Coincidentally, '7' came along and of course, I got off earlier to put my stuff back home first. Can't help it - took a quick shower while I was home and had a change of clothes before making my way over to KBox. Made an attempt to smuggle in a bottle of red wine and another of ice wine for the gang.

Term 1 Week 8

Yeah! Only 2 more weeks to go before a well-deserved break. But alas, it's only for a week. But hey, better than nothing, right?! I just hope I'm gonna get a full week worth of break time. Goodness knows anything can crop up during the next 2 weeks. Already kenah a course right in the middle of the week.

So, here's keeping my fingers crossed!

Finding Love... And Forgetting Love

It takes...
A minute to find a special person,
An hour to appreciate them,
A day to love them, and
A lifetime to forget them.

Well, guess I'm taking yet another step to truly forgetting my special someone.

Just spent 35 bucks on a ticket to a Group Speed Dating event by HotSpots.

Hope I'd have fun... There's at least the free tarot reading to look forward to. *grin*

And provide more fodder for my blog. Whether good or bad remains to be seen. *fingers crossed*

Okies, gonna go sleep liao. Slept a full 6 hours last nite. Wow! Very rare one ok.

Nite nite.

I'm know I'm gonna have a breakdown soon

One of these days. I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

I know it. My kids are driving me crazy. Everybody thinks I can handle it. I guess I haven't given anybody any idea that I might not be able to...

Thank you, Ms Lee, for trying to help. I think I shocked quite a few of my colleagues when I started crying in the staff lounge yesterday morning.

Just feel like a personal failure at times like today. Students all gone crazy. Kicking, hitting classmates, shouting, stealing, self-mutilation, it boggles the mind what they can get up to... Have I been a crappy Form Teacher?

Is he attached?

The great thing about a fantasy is that it might just come true one day.

So, it's utterly sad to have one's fantasy evaporate with 3 words - "In a relationship".

"When in love, one will forget time,
With time, one will forget love.

I hope the above's true...

Confessions of 300 Unmarried Men

What a abysmal play it was! Just got home from the New Drama Centre at the National Library @ Victoria Street. Thank goodness we got the 2nd cheapest tix @ $38 and it was only 90 minutes long!

It had its moments... Why is that plate sushi still on the conveyor belt? Why is it that no one has chosen you? Is there something wrong with you? Yeah... Sounds like what I ask myself sometimes...

The song and dance components were utterly stupid and kinda nonsensical. But funny, I guess. I just hope they dun make a fool of themselves when they show in Mew York.

The monologues by the 3 lonely guys were a bit too cheem... Couldn't catch everything they said and definitely couldn't understand half of wat was going on.

Thank goodness Jonathan couldn't make it. But perhaps we'd have more to talk about the next time we meet if he did. Then again, it was so bad the lot of us who went to watch it has absolutely nothing to say about it - good or bad...

The only thing it did was perhaps made me even more depressed about my single status.

Sad day

Wat a depressing day. Worked till late today and went to Jurong Point for dinner.

Place was flooded with couples and I felt so out of place.

*sigh* I'm speechless. For someone who never runs out of things to say, that says a lot.

Birthday Presents to Myself

*grin*

Spent over 200 bucks on myself today. Pay day lah... And just saw brother's latest toy - the PSP.

Was very tempted to buy a PDA but managed to curb myself.

However, fell to a $60 Braun hair curler and $99 MP3 player. Also bought a $40 cross-stitch sampler. Not Precious Moment this time. Didn't put Precious Moment in my birthday wish list this year and so no more additions to my collection. Got one with small samplers. Hoping to be able to do something for my kids instead of my normal bookmarks. Hopefully, a cross-stitched key chain would be more practical. And more meaningful.

Stupid Robin lah. Didn't want to go home one. But he broke my momentum to mark papers and I went shopping instead. Therefore, ended up buying so many things. Actually, can still stay at PS till the movie showed, but bought a toaster oven to reach the $200 mark to get the $10 shopping voucher. So no choice. Got to go home with the toaster oven first.

Reached home and fell asleep. Very tired this week. Must remember to write about my visit to Hark Music. And the hilarious story of a very-seh jTan.

Luckily, woke up at 10.30pm, half an hour before the show time. Just enough time to quickly change and grab a cab to PS.

Brought my hair curler along and tried to curl my hair while in the cab. Wondered if anybody had tried to do such a thing before. But didn't know how to switch it on till I reached PS. So too bad. Didn't get to use it after all. Only managed to use it to curl my hair without any heat being applied.

Sigh... Brokeback Mountain turned out really boring. Would have been ok if it wasn't a midnight show perhaps. A bit draggy, especially since I was already feeling all tired out.

Then found out that PS does not have NR8. So had to walk to Somerset to take the night rider home. Again tempted to buy an Ipod (Nano) after seeing Robin's Ipod. Teachers have discount some more. Hope he found his ear piece at the bus-stop. Think it dropped either back at the cinema or at the bus-stop...

Reached home and continued playing with my brand new MP3 player. Didn't realise my songs collection was in such a mess. Decided to leave it till after I get some sleep first. It was already 4 am, after all...

The 512Mb space did turn out to be too small for my song collection after all. Didn't know I have so many songs. Made me regret my decision not to buy the Ipod... for a little while. But well, it is still a very good buy. Less than a hundred bucks for 512Mb, comes with radio and voice recording. Best of all, it shows the chinese and KOREAN characters of the songs being played. So no problem finding my fav korean song in KBox next time.

Can also be used as data storage (though no more space after I loaded 125 songs this morning...). And it's so cute and small. Bought the white version.

You're A Passionate Kisser

For you, kissing is about all about following your urges

If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story

You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses

A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble

---

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

My Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

• You have medium extroversion.
  
• You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.
  
• Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.
  
• But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."
  

Conscientiousness:

• You have medium conscientiousness.
  
• You're generally good at balancing work and play.
  
• When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.
  
• But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.
  

Agreeableness:

• You have high agreeableness.
  
• You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.
  
• Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.
  
• You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.
  

Neuroticism:

• You have medium neuroticism.
  
• You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.
  
• Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.
  
• Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.
  

Openness to experience:

• Your openness to new experiences is high.
  
• In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
  
• You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
  
• A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.
  

---

The Five Factor Personality Test

Meaning of my Birth Date: 7th February

You are an island.
You don't need anyone else to make you happy.
And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you.
Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights.
You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice!

Your strength: Your self sufficiency
Your weakness: You despise authority
Your power color: Maroon
Your power symbol: Hammer
Your power month: July

---

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Face of a stranger

Yes, I have missed him.
The beauty in his face,
The love in his eyes,
And in the touch of his hands.

Yes, I would embrace him.
Yearning to be in his arms,
And to be delighted
By his joi de vive!

Yes, I would see him.
For his is a face of a stranger,
Appearing on the horizon,
Among the mist of a cold spring dawn.

---

Made some changes to the poem.

Above is the updated version.

Birthday Presents

Colleagues gave me a BIG ang bao. Helped to offset some of the costs of KTV, dinner and the hotel room. Definitely wasn't expecting it. Very generous of them since I proposed the whole thing.

Ban gave me a very cute baggy. Love it totally. Especially since it was something not from my list. Hope he chose it himself.

Robin helped bought me a handphone chain and traveller's makeup kit from his SIA flight. Dunno if he expects me to pay him back or should I take them as my birthday present? In fact, think I might still owe him from the NZ trip?

He got me the handphone chain with the butterfly design. There were 2 designs - heart or butterfly. Was hoping he'd get me the heart design one. So, I guess, no hopes left there.

May bought me a traveller's makeup kit too. So now, I have 2 makeup kits.

Anyway, thanks, dear friends and colleagues. The best presents were having you around and having fun together.

Oh yes, must not forget Noel's jigsaw. Cool. Was interested in one after seeing it last year but felt it was too expensive. Pretty fun and easy to put together. Felt at first that it was a bit not my taste - Disney Princesses... Too sweet. But bet he didn't know that my name meant Princess. So it was a pretty sweet coincidence. And gave me something to do while waiting for my friends to wake up on Sunday...

Day of my Birthday Party - Episode 1

Had my annual birthday thingy this year at Pan Pacific.

Suite was great. Bigger than the one at Mandarin. More expensive too. But that was because I didn't take the time and effort to book the one at Marina Mandarin much earlier. Alps kept saying that sure can get one, I didn't really bother till the day before. It was also CNY holidays, reservation office was closed. Then found out rooms were fully booked - they have quota for rooms available for discount. Finally found an online deal for Pan Pacific and got it.

There was another better deal at Goodwood Park actually. But was afraid that Orchard will be difficult to get to with Chingay on at the same time. So, will shelve the Goodwood suite lobang for another time.

Started the day really shitty. Didn't sleep till 4 am trying to sort out and perfect the OSL presentation for the Parents' Meet. Kept telling myself it was okay and no need to be perfect since it was only a time filler and nobody would notice the slight difference between the slides animation and music not in sync. But I just couldn't let it go. I'm obsessed with perfect presentations...

Anyway, finally pleased with the presentation at 4 am and went to bed. Woke up barely 3 hours later and went to school. First time ever, I was the first teacher in the staff room! Started burning discs for the presentation to give to other teachers. Thou I doubt they really used it as I would like them to...

Anyway, got to class at 8.30 am, and cleaned up the classroom. Then, stupid power trip and I had to change classrooms. DUH! After all the cleaning...

9 am came along and only one parent. Urgh... Am I supposed to give a presentation to an audience of 2 - 1 student and 1 parent. Thankfully, another 2 parents came along around 9.30 am and I could finally start. Presentation to an audience of 4... Unbelievable!

Another parent came along at 10 am. Just when I finished explaining about the 2 class combinations my kids can choose between. Sigh... So I had to explain all over again to this parent. Then, wat do you know, another parent came at 10.30 am... Yup, you guessed it. Another one-on-one explanation.

And... 11 am... brought with it one more parent. So there I was, the form teacher with the least number of parents but the one who ended the last because I had to give basically, 5 presentations... When everything was wrapped up, I quickly left at 12 noon. Still need to get home, change and pack up stuff for the party. Check in, bathe, and change again before meeting the rest at Marina KBox at 2pm.

To see your face

Yes, I have missed him.
I miss the beauty in his face,
The love in his eyes,
And in the touch of his hands.

I would embrace him,
The faceless stranger in my dreams.
Yearning to be in his arms,
And to see him clearly among the mist.

Hope springs forth,
In each sigh and smile.
When would I see you again?
The faceless stranger in my dreams.

---

It's been such a long time since I wrote a poem.

How's the above for a rusty Science teacher?

Tag me to leave a comment.

Upsetting Day 2

Okies, calmed down some.

Time to clarify some misunderstandings that may come up.

Sorry, Alps, for picking on you just now. Was first really upset at my kids today and kinda forgot to leave my bad mood in school. Usually can leave any bad feelings in school, especially on a Friday, but guess too many things happened too quickly and with birthday coming up... Sigh... Coincide with PMS some more...

Last things first, a boy broke the dustpan I bought for my class and threw it around in the classroom. Result: the metallic handle hit a boy's head, bounced off, YES, bounced off, and hit another boy's head. So, the first boy got the brunt of the injury and kenah-ed 'red' new year. Thankfully, the 2nd boy only got a mild bruise but milking the mc to skip his CCA and the Maths test I gave the class today. First boy took advantage of the mc and got a long weekend. Hopefully, but doubtfully, he's resting at home...

Before that, got very angry at some parents.

1. Damn difficult to find this mum of a boy who basically comes to school every other day. Mum claims that she can't control him anymore and asks me to manage him for her. DUH!?!?

2. Another parent was supposed to come and see my principal but couldn't seem to contact him. When his handphone was finally picked up, he claims that he is not feeling well and is unable to come to school. Right... You sound quite well, you know? And surely, you could have had the decency to inform us that you can't make it? I'm really upset at parents who make appointments to come to school and see you, but suddenly, something crops up, and so, never mind, teacher is paid to be in school, right? So, no need to inform the teacher. I'm sure they have plenty of time to spare waiting and waiting and waiting...

But when the parent finally finds some precious time to come to school, never mind what lessons or meetings the teacher is having... The parent's time very precious one, must attend to his/her/their needs first!

When they try to contact you, they get upset when they can't get you because you are teaching, having a meeting, or just not in the staff room. BUT, when you try to contact them, nothing wrong with them MIA. They very busy one. Their time very precious one.

3. Kids didn't turn up for remedial even though I went to remind them THIS morning. I already very depressed this morning - was having gastric pains on the bus to school, but song playing to assemble in carpark already. Then lessons started and had to print worksheets during my only break. Did manage to grab half a cup of Milo before running off for more lessons. Last lesson of the day, 2T1 was ultra noisy. Not sure what's wrong with LY. He's been throwing tantrums for the past 2 weeks... Think I'll ask him about it on MSN later when I see him.

Okies. Enought complaints for now. Will only get more depressed if I keep talking about such awful things...

Right. Time to get back and finish up the preparation for tomorrow's Meet-the-Parents Session. Argh! What a thing to have just before my birthday celebrations...

Upsetting Day

Very upset today.

Thot a fren was helping me to book the hotel suite for my birthday celebration but goods weren't delivered. Gave me a headache trying to figure out how best to find a room to fit half a dozen adults for a mahjong overnight party. With barely 36 hours to spare.

Found a real deal for a suite at Goodwood Park Hotel but KTV room and dinner all booked in Marina. And wat do you know, Chingay is on tomorrow night so the Orchard area would be a bitch to drive to. Finally decided to stay in Marina and booked a room over at Marina. But 15 minutes later, found a better deal at Pan Pac. Thankfully, the sales personnel at Marina Mandarin was very nice and let me cancel my Marina room. Impression of their service definitely went up by several notches.

To end the story, I did get the Pan Pac deal so guess all I have to do now is look forward to tomorrow...