I had my ROM ceremony last Saturday at the Gallery Hotel Singapore. It was beautifully done and the food was fantastic, much to V and I's satisfaction. We thought that we might face difficulty cos the staff at first seemed rather uncertain.. in the end they proved to be no problem at all... however, the JP was late! In the end the dinner started rather late, with everyone rather annoyed that she was late and all.
Luckily in the end it turned out well when the sun set... The pictures are wonderful!!!
Thanks to my coz for taking the wonderful pics, as good as a pro!! :)
Monday, July 04, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
hong kong
I just got back from hong kong recently. I went there with the intention of shopping and eating and shopping and eating and I guess you can say I got my money's worth. I did alot of eating no doubt, but the shopping ~ well the shopping could be much improved. Somehow the style in HK has been diluted with the entrance of the mainland Chinese. The extra gawdy and flowery styles on handbags and even clothes has made HK seem like some big pasar malam, instead of the trendy styles I was expecting. Hm...
However, that said, I did manage to get a nice dress for my upcoming function. I still have to find shoes and matching accessories for the event! I can't wait.
Out with my friends last night, they were surprised at how fast it is to me getting legally hitched. It's true that it is quick, considering I've been going out with V for about 1.5 years.. However having known him for about 5 years it just feels more comfortable than otherwise. Furthermore... well, emotionally I am ready. Many of them were saying ' What? Do you know it means there's no turning back?' Well, true enough, legally speaking, but then i'm not even contemplating turning back. Because in my dictionary, it doesn't exist! It is a committment which I won't break.
Righto. It's a busy period for me, what with the flat hunting and the ceremony and schoolwork. Time to dash off to run some errands... Keep in touch folks.
However, that said, I did manage to get a nice dress for my upcoming function. I still have to find shoes and matching accessories for the event! I can't wait.
Out with my friends last night, they were surprised at how fast it is to me getting legally hitched. It's true that it is quick, considering I've been going out with V for about 1.5 years.. However having known him for about 5 years it just feels more comfortable than otherwise. Furthermore... well, emotionally I am ready. Many of them were saying ' What? Do you know it means there's no turning back?' Well, true enough, legally speaking, but then i'm not even contemplating turning back. Because in my dictionary, it doesn't exist! It is a committment which I won't break.
Righto. It's a busy period for me, what with the flat hunting and the ceremony and schoolwork. Time to dash off to run some errands... Keep in touch folks.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Understanding your body
I have never drawn blood for the purposes of a medical examination before.
Would you believe it? Yet, i found out the state of my body through a rather fascinating machine. It was able to tell me that I am eating too much meat (i know that already) and that I don't like moving about (in other words, i'm lazy) and that i had a high pulse rate which might be due to too much worrying! All these diagnoses and I didn't even lose a single hair or drop of blood. Fascinating right??
Basically it tests the condition of your body through meridian channels i.e. pulse points on your body.
I can't wait to tell my friends and family about this.
Would you believe it? Yet, i found out the state of my body through a rather fascinating machine. It was able to tell me that I am eating too much meat (i know that already) and that I don't like moving about (in other words, i'm lazy) and that i had a high pulse rate which might be due to too much worrying! All these diagnoses and I didn't even lose a single hair or drop of blood. Fascinating right??
Basically it tests the condition of your body through meridian channels i.e. pulse points on your body.
I can't wait to tell my friends and family about this.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Making money
My school holidays have started and I have come across a business opportunity that is really interesting. What i thought at first to be a crummy pyramid organisation has turned into an opportunity to build a homegrown company with little or no startup costs!
Let's look at investment in general.
1) Investing in residential property- high downpayment and low rate of rental return
2) Investing in commercial property - again high upfront costs but slightly higher rate of return
3) Stocks and shares - volatile and requires management of market
4) Investing in bonds - stable but low rate of return
5) Investing in currency - requires skill and ability to read the market
6) Starting a business of your own - requires infrastructure, high fixed and variable costs, work 24 hours a day
Really, it's difficult to find an option that would really pay you any money without first having to come out with alot! Yet what i've been finding out about this business brings not only super products, but provides wonderful backup which not only serves to motivate you but to educate you. It gives you the tools to be a successful business person and person! Confidence, assurance, self-belief are all qualities we hope we possess and which we strive to have. What better way than to acquire/develop these qualities while earning money?
I never thought, in my wildest dreams, to even think that such an opportunity would interest me. However, the more i find out the more it seems jus the thing!
Let's look at investment in general.
1) Investing in residential property- high downpayment and low rate of rental return
2) Investing in commercial property - again high upfront costs but slightly higher rate of return
3) Stocks and shares - volatile and requires management of market
4) Investing in bonds - stable but low rate of return
5) Investing in currency - requires skill and ability to read the market
6) Starting a business of your own - requires infrastructure, high fixed and variable costs, work 24 hours a day
Really, it's difficult to find an option that would really pay you any money without first having to come out with alot! Yet what i've been finding out about this business brings not only super products, but provides wonderful backup which not only serves to motivate you but to educate you. It gives you the tools to be a successful business person and person! Confidence, assurance, self-belief are all qualities we hope we possess and which we strive to have. What better way than to acquire/develop these qualities while earning money?
I never thought, in my wildest dreams, to even think that such an opportunity would interest me. However, the more i find out the more it seems jus the thing!
Monday, May 23, 2005
Search
How is your day? It's the Vesak Day holiday and it's been great! Enjoyment actually started Friday night, when I was able to get a goood rest n have a nice gin n tonic. It's great to have a drink at home, because then you don't have to worry about how you're going to get home! Ha ha. I've acquired a taste for gin, i guess in part due to V's liking of it. I also enjoy Bailey's, Creme de Menthe and Snowball (a cocktail made with advocat liquer)... Yum! It's creamy and fizzy at the same time cos 7-up is added!
Recipe
2 shots Warninks Advocaat
1/2 shot Lime cordial
Top off with Lemonade
In future, when i get my own place, i'm definitely going to have this liquer in my house.. on top of that i'm going to have a mini bar, so when friends come, we can entertain with drinks at the bar. Looks like i'm going to have get a second career as a bartendress! :P
Also i'd like a lounge chair, since i'm the lazy sort, and a nice TV so i can enjoy movies from the comfort of my home. That'll be nice.
Recipe
2 shots Warninks Advocaat
1/2 shot Lime cordial
Top off with Lemonade
In future, when i get my own place, i'm definitely going to have this liquer in my house.. on top of that i'm going to have a mini bar, so when friends come, we can entertain with drinks at the bar. Looks like i'm going to have get a second career as a bartendress! :P
Also i'd like a lounge chair, since i'm the lazy sort, and a nice TV so i can enjoy movies from the comfort of my home. That'll be nice.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Good morning!
I had a good sleep last night, a much deserved one. My shoulders and neck are aching, from over-marking. Also my fingers are sore, from gripping the red pen and flipping practice papers (all 41 of them for 3 subjects). Are we paid to mark?? Thought we were supposed to be teachers.
Anyway i could go on and on about what is not so great about teaching, but i shall refrain.
I had a wonderful breakfast this morning - almost English breakfast! Been ages since I have had that, so i treated myself to a cheese sausage, mashed potato and a sunny-side-up. It was fantastic and a great start to my weekend - or what's left of it... I intend to do such things more often, especially at the end of a long work week. Oh yes, this brand of sausages is really wonderful (Johnsonville, available at Cold Storage). I went shopping at Takashimaya yesterday and was sooo tempted to buy one brownie from this new brownie shop. They have such a large variety and every one of them looked incredibly delectable... Then i thought of the calories...
Another thing which hit me as i was walking around Orchard yesterday on my own was that, I am getting fat! Everywhere I turned there was a slimmer and tanner gal, reminding me of what I used to be when I was training in JC and out in the sun swimming. I was healthy and fit! What happened to me!? That revelation was enough to dampen my shopping spirits and was hesitant to head into any shop lest i see something i wanted to wear but was unable to fit in! People say i'm small, but trust me, i don't wear size S.
It's time to go on that low-carbo diet again... cut out the rice, noodles and potatoes. Most importantly, no AMOS cookies!! I bought a bag of them last week, intending to have them with my cousins, but they had an abundance of food at their bbq so... i brought home the wonderful yummies, after giving some to my sister. They are simply irresistable. One day I shall learn to bake some cookies that i'd want to eat everyday. Yum!!
Ok, off to do some housework before Mom nags at me when she returns from Taiwan. Ciao!
Anyway i could go on and on about what is not so great about teaching, but i shall refrain.
I had a wonderful breakfast this morning - almost English breakfast! Been ages since I have had that, so i treated myself to a cheese sausage, mashed potato and a sunny-side-up. It was fantastic and a great start to my weekend - or what's left of it... I intend to do such things more often, especially at the end of a long work week. Oh yes, this brand of sausages is really wonderful (Johnsonville, available at Cold Storage). I went shopping at Takashimaya yesterday and was sooo tempted to buy one brownie from this new brownie shop. They have such a large variety and every one of them looked incredibly delectable... Then i thought of the calories...
Another thing which hit me as i was walking around Orchard yesterday on my own was that, I am getting fat! Everywhere I turned there was a slimmer and tanner gal, reminding me of what I used to be when I was training in JC and out in the sun swimming. I was healthy and fit! What happened to me!? That revelation was enough to dampen my shopping spirits and was hesitant to head into any shop lest i see something i wanted to wear but was unable to fit in! People say i'm small, but trust me, i don't wear size S.
It's time to go on that low-carbo diet again... cut out the rice, noodles and potatoes. Most importantly, no AMOS cookies!! I bought a bag of them last week, intending to have them with my cousins, but they had an abundance of food at their bbq so... i brought home the wonderful yummies, after giving some to my sister. They are simply irresistable. One day I shall learn to bake some cookies that i'd want to eat everyday. Yum!!
Ok, off to do some housework before Mom nags at me when she returns from Taiwan. Ciao!
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Washed out
I miss the beach. I've not been going there much mainly because weekends are spent catching up on sleep and going about other stuff.... e.g. meeting relatives and attending functions. I've reached a stage in my life where my friends are either getting married, getting pregnant or have stabilised somewhat. It makes me feel old! The thing is, my friends are quite young... and they have chosen their path early.
I remember when i was younger (say 9 or 10) i wanted to get married at 22. I'm now 24 and no sign of marriage in the distance... Have i changed my mind? Well, all i can say it's good to marry young Only if you have found the person you think you can spend the rest of your life with. It's hard to picture rest of your life but basically i think it means someone you love enough to spend 24 hours of every day with. How many people truly believe the sacrifices and compromise that goes on in a relationship, much less a marriage! I think i am only just beginning to understand the word compromise. Undoubtedly, it means giving in and taking sometimes - a balance. However, to what extent should one compromise without giving up what you desire?
Now I can say that i'm at the point in my life where I'm contemplating settling down - with my better half. However, it's a scary thought when i think about 'rest of my life' because you've got to be realistic. What happens when you see him and only him? Would you mind? And i ask myself that question - no, i dont! Is it only for now, though? Will i get sick of seeing him... I really don't think so. Many people think like me, plunge into marriage and after a while realise that that person was only a good companion for a certain phase in their life. After that, they seem to be totally mismatched. It's ok if there are no children but the moment children arrive... well it just gets a little more complicated.
That is why another of my childhood utterances was that if i should marry i will defintely wait at least a few years before the child comes. I'll definitely stick to that this time because it gives the couple a period of time to really learn to accept and love each others flaws, and learn to live with it. With the baby's arrival, the couple would then be able to concentrate on the baby rather than their flaws. Similarly said, when the baby comes too early, much of the er ren shi jie (two people's word) is lost ~ which could possibly lead to quarrels because of a lack of understanding/knowledge.
More childhood thoughts to come. Actually come to think of it, i haven't changed very much.
I remember when i was younger (say 9 or 10) i wanted to get married at 22. I'm now 24 and no sign of marriage in the distance... Have i changed my mind? Well, all i can say it's good to marry young Only if you have found the person you think you can spend the rest of your life with. It's hard to picture rest of your life but basically i think it means someone you love enough to spend 24 hours of every day with. How many people truly believe the sacrifices and compromise that goes on in a relationship, much less a marriage! I think i am only just beginning to understand the word compromise. Undoubtedly, it means giving in and taking sometimes - a balance. However, to what extent should one compromise without giving up what you desire?
Now I can say that i'm at the point in my life where I'm contemplating settling down - with my better half. However, it's a scary thought when i think about 'rest of my life' because you've got to be realistic. What happens when you see him and only him? Would you mind? And i ask myself that question - no, i dont! Is it only for now, though? Will i get sick of seeing him... I really don't think so. Many people think like me, plunge into marriage and after a while realise that that person was only a good companion for a certain phase in their life. After that, they seem to be totally mismatched. It's ok if there are no children but the moment children arrive... well it just gets a little more complicated.
That is why another of my childhood utterances was that if i should marry i will defintely wait at least a few years before the child comes. I'll definitely stick to that this time because it gives the couple a period of time to really learn to accept and love each others flaws, and learn to live with it. With the baby's arrival, the couple would then be able to concentrate on the baby rather than their flaws. Similarly said, when the baby comes too early, much of the er ren shi jie (two people's word) is lost ~ which could possibly lead to quarrels because of a lack of understanding/knowledge.
More childhood thoughts to come. Actually come to think of it, i haven't changed very much.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Not ready for new things
In trying to be brave and try out a new blogskin, i realised i had to be rather photoshop, flash and html savvy in order to make it my own. Now that's something that's beyond me. Not that i've never taken any courses nor do i NOT know how to use them, just not to the level of those people who seem to use it like they were born to.
People are very interested in anime these days. Why? I have no affinity for the things and the computer animation, though nice, make women and men look like dolls, for they have teardrop eyes and long rebonded hair - and they always have great figures! they are modern day barbies! Perhaps I am lost in the whole transition period to anime and it has never caught on with me... don't blame me!
Another trend I noticed was that people tend to choose fancy names for their screen names. Another "WHY?" appears in my mind.. in fact mine is simple and mine. Literally. Shaen.blogspot.com. That's who i am and that's what I do.... others choose to have monikers for them to hide behind them - is that when they can truly be themselves? I hope not.
My better half (or what my relatives claim he is) says that the greatest asset I have is being true to myself and never changing despite the environment I am put in. I hope he's right, for that means more to me than anything anyone has ever said. To be steady and real, that's what I aim to be most of the time...... I'm sure you know then, I hate hypocrites.
Clearing my wardrobe I discover an ex's long sleeve shirt which I should've returned along with other items of clothing. Why do i still keep it? I still have certain items which I have not yet thrown, actually it's only a matter of time.. Now they sit in the crevices of my room aching to be thrown. It's not because I'm not over him, but ain't it a pity to throw things that are so pretty? Perhaps my better half now would beg to differ. Sweetie, don't blame me ok? I don't have to heart to discard them yet.
I'm off to bed and thoughts of many kinds linger in my mind.
People are very interested in anime these days. Why? I have no affinity for the things and the computer animation, though nice, make women and men look like dolls, for they have teardrop eyes and long rebonded hair - and they always have great figures! they are modern day barbies! Perhaps I am lost in the whole transition period to anime and it has never caught on with me... don't blame me!
Another trend I noticed was that people tend to choose fancy names for their screen names. Another "WHY?" appears in my mind.. in fact mine is simple and mine. Literally. Shaen.blogspot.com. That's who i am and that's what I do.... others choose to have monikers for them to hide behind them - is that when they can truly be themselves? I hope not.
My better half (or what my relatives claim he is) says that the greatest asset I have is being true to myself and never changing despite the environment I am put in. I hope he's right, for that means more to me than anything anyone has ever said. To be steady and real, that's what I aim to be most of the time...... I'm sure you know then, I hate hypocrites.
Clearing my wardrobe I discover an ex's long sleeve shirt which I should've returned along with other items of clothing. Why do i still keep it? I still have certain items which I have not yet thrown, actually it's only a matter of time.. Now they sit in the crevices of my room aching to be thrown. It's not because I'm not over him, but ain't it a pity to throw things that are so pretty? Perhaps my better half now would beg to differ. Sweetie, don't blame me ok? I don't have to heart to discard them yet.
I'm off to bed and thoughts of many kinds linger in my mind.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Of families and stressed-up children
Today was an emotional one. I had to meet the parents of one of my students because he has been exhibiting behaviour which is to say the least, weird. He is an awfully stressed boy, by expectations, by parents and mostly by himself. Unable to control his emotions, it is exarcebated by his parents who place exceedingly high expectations on him and as a result scream at him the moment he does something wrong - which is often, in their eyes. He is a playful procrastinator - which his parents cannot accept. And he's only 10!
Truth to tell, i feel sorry for him. Terribly sad and upset, in fact. To think he's just my student, and not related to me. If i were his parents' friends, I'd tell them to go for family therapy; anything that will salvage this boy who is brilliant yet trying very hard to win family acceptance. Most families would be rejoicing if their child is bright, yet this family insists on him being able to take care of himself at the mere age of 10. It is upsetting what children these days have to go through.
This is the point where I tell myself I have to break free. I am getting emotionally tied to such children who deserve a loving and warm family. Why are parents going under the society's spell of being result-oriented? Can't a child be accepted and loved for who he is, instead of being punished for trying to be the person he wants to be? Instead, he is judged based on his performance in school and at home... all he wants is a home where no one nags and scolds.
A lesson to parents out there: your child needs a decent childhood!! Give it to him or her.
Truth to tell, i feel sorry for him. Terribly sad and upset, in fact. To think he's just my student, and not related to me. If i were his parents' friends, I'd tell them to go for family therapy; anything that will salvage this boy who is brilliant yet trying very hard to win family acceptance. Most families would be rejoicing if their child is bright, yet this family insists on him being able to take care of himself at the mere age of 10. It is upsetting what children these days have to go through.
This is the point where I tell myself I have to break free. I am getting emotionally tied to such children who deserve a loving and warm family. Why are parents going under the society's spell of being result-oriented? Can't a child be accepted and loved for who he is, instead of being punished for trying to be the person he wants to be? Instead, he is judged based on his performance in school and at home... all he wants is a home where no one nags and scolds.
A lesson to parents out there: your child needs a decent childhood!! Give it to him or her.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Que sara sara
Que sara sara, What will be will be. Que sara sara!
What shall be will be. True?
If we really believed that, i bet we would never be where we are today. Yet taken from another point of view.... it is what people still believe up to today. We are still not in control of our own fate so therefore might as well chill, que sara sara.
What do you think? I certainly do not believe in this...
What shall be will be. True?
If we really believed that, i bet we would never be where we are today. Yet taken from another point of view.... it is what people still believe up to today. We are still not in control of our own fate so therefore might as well chill, que sara sara.
What do you think? I certainly do not believe in this...
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Sunday, April 10, 2005
True Love
Charles and Camilla have finally wed.
True love or for some, truly horrible. I fall into the former category. They have borne criticism and disdain to finally come together, the not-so-perfect couple, just like we all. May they always be happy.
A short post tonight, then, as I struggle to keep my lids open. I have spent the weekend sleeping, literally! I am still feeling the effects of the long drawn out week and yet another dawns upon me in a matter of a few hours. I am also unwell, my head feeling way heavier than it actually is. *Sigh*.
Off to bed, kisses to my significant other. Thank you for making me feel so much better.
True love or for some, truly horrible. I fall into the former category. They have borne criticism and disdain to finally come together, the not-so-perfect couple, just like we all. May they always be happy.
A short post tonight, then, as I struggle to keep my lids open. I have spent the weekend sleeping, literally! I am still feeling the effects of the long drawn out week and yet another dawns upon me in a matter of a few hours. I am also unwell, my head feeling way heavier than it actually is. *Sigh*.
Off to bed, kisses to my significant other. Thank you for making me feel so much better.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Pope's passing amongst other things
As a non-Catholic, it doesn't touch me as much that Pope John Paul II has passed away. However, he does seem like quite a figure not only in the Catholic world but on the world front. He was compassionate and yet passionate, not only about religion but about literature, apparently. In an interview which I watched yesterday, it was said that the Pope simply loved performing and that this whole life he has viewed himself as a performer and that his death was simply the final performance. And indeed, he died with dignity.
Having survived multiple illnesses and even an assasination attack it would have been wonderful to read about his life story. Sadly he will not be the one to write it, but i'm positive that there will be those, worshippers and non-worshippers who will record his journey. That might be something to look forward to.
On another note, it has been an extremely tiring week, and somewhat emotional as well. I discovered that I am not as good at multi-tasking as i have always imagined; I discovered that I am not as capable as others think I am; I discovered that in the midst of my positivity which I seem to spread to others, I feel somewhat lost. It is not surprising, however, that I feel this way. Caught up in a system which I do not embrace and even worse, having to be an instrument of this system, I feel depressed. It goes against every pore in my skin, having to be at the centre of the education system, yet be unable to actually educate. Someone once told me that the job satisfaction of being a teacher should far outweigh the stresses that come along with it. However, that person obviously does not have enough personal experience to understand that being a teacher is no longer just a job - it is a lifestyle.
Think about it: you don't only have to be a teacher i.e. teach, but you have to mother, inspire, correct, discipline, manage, administrate, attend meetings and etc etc. Where's the time for oneself? It's not that you have no time for others - your family, significant other, but where's the time to reflect? Nighttime is a quick affair, after marking and eating dinner, poof! you're off to sleep and dreamland. Then the alarm clock sounds again and poof! it's another gruelling day at work.
Do I sound like i'm whining? Well, too bad. It's just not my cup of tea and I'll have to whine to get through it or go bonkers. And trust me, I'm not the only one going through such torment. Other jobs can be just as bad, and the hours can just be as long as mine.... but find a job which requires you to have the heart to nurture, yet have the head to discipline and finally have the ability to inspire the young minds of tomorrow? I don't think you will be able to find many people who have the nature to willingly take this upon themselves. At least I am not one of them.
Having survived multiple illnesses and even an assasination attack it would have been wonderful to read about his life story. Sadly he will not be the one to write it, but i'm positive that there will be those, worshippers and non-worshippers who will record his journey. That might be something to look forward to.
On another note, it has been an extremely tiring week, and somewhat emotional as well. I discovered that I am not as good at multi-tasking as i have always imagined; I discovered that I am not as capable as others think I am; I discovered that in the midst of my positivity which I seem to spread to others, I feel somewhat lost. It is not surprising, however, that I feel this way. Caught up in a system which I do not embrace and even worse, having to be an instrument of this system, I feel depressed. It goes against every pore in my skin, having to be at the centre of the education system, yet be unable to actually educate. Someone once told me that the job satisfaction of being a teacher should far outweigh the stresses that come along with it. However, that person obviously does not have enough personal experience to understand that being a teacher is no longer just a job - it is a lifestyle.
Think about it: you don't only have to be a teacher i.e. teach, but you have to mother, inspire, correct, discipline, manage, administrate, attend meetings and etc etc. Where's the time for oneself? It's not that you have no time for others - your family, significant other, but where's the time to reflect? Nighttime is a quick affair, after marking and eating dinner, poof! you're off to sleep and dreamland. Then the alarm clock sounds again and poof! it's another gruelling day at work.
Do I sound like i'm whining? Well, too bad. It's just not my cup of tea and I'll have to whine to get through it or go bonkers. And trust me, I'm not the only one going through such torment. Other jobs can be just as bad, and the hours can just be as long as mine.... but find a job which requires you to have the heart to nurture, yet have the head to discipline and finally have the ability to inspire the young minds of tomorrow? I don't think you will be able to find many people who have the nature to willingly take this upon themselves. At least I am not one of them.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Importance of being sha-en
For the first time today, I felt how 'important' I am. Today I had a meeting with some guys about a Creative Writing Programme we are piloting in school. As I am involved in not 1 but 2 of their programmes I had to be there to contribute my ideas for both! It was so tiring, considering it was 3.45pm and I had just finished supplementary classes with my ever excitable class. (Actually they're adorable).
Well, yesterday I was sick so I had to take medical leave from school... and boy many people were looking for me. Where is Sha'en? Is she ok? I had to run a CCA but was not able to go and so the HOD had to take over for me.. On top of that I was supposed to see the same people (from today's meeting) yesterday but had to postpone it because I was not there. I am starting to wonder if being efficient and smart is a liability? In the sense that I am now tasked with so many things to do!! Not that I think I am but that must be what they think of me - otherwise why are they pushing so many things on my shoulders?! As it is, I have a mountain of things to mark.
Yikes. Anyway I felt bad for having to stay at home and not that it was that pleasant anyway cos I was sick! Ugh. I only felt better in the later part of the day and was even beginning to think I wouldn't even make it to school this morning.
Well, yesterday I was sick so I had to take medical leave from school... and boy many people were looking for me. Where is Sha'en? Is she ok? I had to run a CCA but was not able to go and so the HOD had to take over for me.. On top of that I was supposed to see the same people (from today's meeting) yesterday but had to postpone it because I was not there. I am starting to wonder if being efficient and smart is a liability? In the sense that I am now tasked with so many things to do!! Not that I think I am but that must be what they think of me - otherwise why are they pushing so many things on my shoulders?! As it is, I have a mountain of things to mark.
Yikes. Anyway I felt bad for having to stay at home and not that it was that pleasant anyway cos I was sick! Ugh. I only felt better in the later part of the day and was even beginning to think I wouldn't even make it to school this morning.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Time
Time is not for us to keep. It passes too quickly when you're having fun (in this case, on holiday) and passes way too slowly when you're not (working, marking books etc...). It's going to be the start of a new week in 3 days. My goodness. Last Friday I was just saying "Ahh, 1 week of solid rest." While I have slept in more, I find myself struggling to keep a hold on Monday, then Tuesday and then somehow or rather, it's already Friday. What ever happened to Wednesday and Thursday? Ordinarily, it would only be miserable Wednesday and there's still the last 2 days of the week still to come.
Ah, well, I should just be thankful for the week's break. And next Friday is Good Friday, meaning another long holiday. It's going to be relax-away time again. My golly, I am delighted.
I've got to go into school tomorrow. Again, memories flood back of the time I was in practicum, oblivious of the tasks facing me potentially. And now as a permanent teacher, I realise practicum was just a passing phase... It was much easier and much less demanding.
Anyway, looking ahead to next week, the consolation is that it's mid March and that in 7.5 months i'll be having a 6 weeek holiday. Woo hoo!
Ah, well, I should just be thankful for the week's break. And next Friday is Good Friday, meaning another long holiday. It's going to be relax-away time again. My golly, I am delighted.
I've got to go into school tomorrow. Again, memories flood back of the time I was in practicum, oblivious of the tasks facing me potentially. And now as a permanent teacher, I realise practicum was just a passing phase... It was much easier and much less demanding.
Anyway, looking ahead to next week, the consolation is that it's mid March and that in 7.5 months i'll be having a 6 weeek holiday. Woo hoo!
Monday, March 14, 2005
Holidays
My one week school holiday has officially begun. It feels GREEEEAT! Did i already mention that I FEEL GREAT? Ha ha.
It's been a good start to the week because I woke up at 1115am. Wonderful being able to sleep late and not worry that i'm late for work! Incidentally that happened to me last week and I woke up with a start!!! I should have been at work at 7am but only work up at 730am. Thank goodness I could get to work in 5 minutes..... Else I really don't know what would have happened. Would I have to get an MC?
I don't know who's reading this, but for my friends overseas, I miss you guys!! I hope to be able to come visit maybe this June or the next. Oxford Street! JD! Leicester Sq Haagen Dazs! Gosh, I do miss those times.
It's been a good start to the week because I woke up at 1115am. Wonderful being able to sleep late and not worry that i'm late for work! Incidentally that happened to me last week and I woke up with a start!!! I should have been at work at 7am but only work up at 730am. Thank goodness I could get to work in 5 minutes..... Else I really don't know what would have happened. Would I have to get an MC?
I don't know who's reading this, but for my friends overseas, I miss you guys!! I hope to be able to come visit maybe this June or the next. Oxford Street! JD! Leicester Sq Haagen Dazs! Gosh, I do miss those times.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Meeting friends
Meeting up with friends has become very difficult. Actually, is it really?
Keeping in touch with someone is usually a simple affair. If it's someone you love, you'd want to pick up your phone the moment you wake up just to hear his/her voice. If it's your mom, you'd think twice. Just kidding.
In this day of technology and SMSes, you would think that keeping in touch is a piece of cake. Yet, reports of people who say they are disconnected from the world (even with mobile and email, yes!) are aplenty. Does that mean that the technological boom has backfired on us? Unwittingly, perhaps.
Yesterday, i picked up my phone to SMS a friend I hadn't heard from in a couple of months and we agreed to meet up to play badminton and have tea. It was simple. It just took an SMS to reestablish contact. Of course, though, it makes a difference that he actually replied! Now, if he didn't... then, well... you get the idea. It takes two hands to clap.
At this tender age of 24 (old or not?) i've cut down my circle of friends to a few close ones and of course my bf. Then there are those whom i speak to mainly online because they're not in Singapore and then more others whom have meant something special to you (not in a relationship sort of way but just made a difference). Beyond that, acquaintances from primary school up to University remain far out of reach. A phone call might be in order, but does that person really want to hear from you?
It certainly does make me wonder.
Keeping in touch with someone is usually a simple affair. If it's someone you love, you'd want to pick up your phone the moment you wake up just to hear his/her voice. If it's your mom, you'd think twice. Just kidding.
In this day of technology and SMSes, you would think that keeping in touch is a piece of cake. Yet, reports of people who say they are disconnected from the world (even with mobile and email, yes!) are aplenty. Does that mean that the technological boom has backfired on us? Unwittingly, perhaps.
Yesterday, i picked up my phone to SMS a friend I hadn't heard from in a couple of months and we agreed to meet up to play badminton and have tea. It was simple. It just took an SMS to reestablish contact. Of course, though, it makes a difference that he actually replied! Now, if he didn't... then, well... you get the idea. It takes two hands to clap.
At this tender age of 24 (old or not?) i've cut down my circle of friends to a few close ones and of course my bf. Then there are those whom i speak to mainly online because they're not in Singapore and then more others whom have meant something special to you (not in a relationship sort of way but just made a difference). Beyond that, acquaintances from primary school up to University remain far out of reach. A phone call might be in order, but does that person really want to hear from you?
It certainly does make me wonder.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Gossip...
It's funny how gossip starts. Is someone always on the lookout for new things to talk about? New things that they see, or things which could potentially be juicy? It's funny. I don't take any pleasure in talking about other people....
Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily apply to all people. I've become part of a gossiping session, thanks to my interaction with a fellow colleague. Of course, the colleague is male. Does it really mean that men and women cannot be friends just because they are of the opposite sex? It's ridiculous that in this day and age, talking to a male colleague leads to people talking about you two as if something is going on! For goodness sakes, I'm not that desperate. Ha ha ha to the people who were talking.
So, it's time to start displaying my bf's photo a little more conspicuously so that gossip can be allayed, till which time there is another potential "male colleague" whom people think I can lay my hands on. I guess, the staff room can get pretty boring that others need excitement like this.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset one bit. It just amuses me that people can make up a story e.g. "Wah, you both sitting on the grass chit chatting, look very compatible leh!" just based on an afternoon! And by the way, we had to be there because they put us there! A conspiracy, perhaps? Whatever.
All i can say is... these people have nothing better to do.
words of the day: why so k-poh?
Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily apply to all people. I've become part of a gossiping session, thanks to my interaction with a fellow colleague. Of course, the colleague is male. Does it really mean that men and women cannot be friends just because they are of the opposite sex? It's ridiculous that in this day and age, talking to a male colleague leads to people talking about you two as if something is going on! For goodness sakes, I'm not that desperate. Ha ha ha to the people who were talking.
So, it's time to start displaying my bf's photo a little more conspicuously so that gossip can be allayed, till which time there is another potential "male colleague" whom people think I can lay my hands on. I guess, the staff room can get pretty boring that others need excitement like this.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset one bit. It just amuses me that people can make up a story e.g. "Wah, you both sitting on the grass chit chatting, look very compatible leh!" just based on an afternoon! And by the way, we had to be there because they put us there! A conspiracy, perhaps? Whatever.
All i can say is... these people have nothing better to do.
words of the day: why so k-poh?
Monday, February 28, 2005
Ugh.
Damn! The Oscars are showing on TV at 10pm tonight, ruining what I thought would be a Desperate Housewives Night. Grand. Have i really become so addicted to that TV series, which is actually more soapy than Days of Our Lives? Jeesh.
Once again I find myself wanting to sleep but thinking of too many things. This time it's work related. What are the factors that will affect staff morale? To working souls out there, what could the management do that will significantly increase your joy and happiness of working where you are, besides the salary? Non-tangible rewards? Hm... It's a mammoth task I am taking upon myself but it's going to be worth it. At least, it will benefit me.
My rabbits are so loving it makes me realise that there is LOVE everywhere, even in the animal kingdom. My female rabbit called Sara would snuggle up to my male Bee and they'd just sit and snuggle, even if one is facing the other's butt. Upon questioning my bf whether he'd do it, he just laughed amusedly to himself and the next thing trying his best to imitate the what-i-once-thought-was-cute action of the rabbits. Oh thank you my love.
Another thing i've noticed is that they've both picked up each other's habits and are starting to behave like one another, much like human companionship. Soon what distinguishes them is the colour of their fur and brightness of their eyes. The mannerisms and behaviours can almost mesh perfectly. Ahh, the wonder of Mother Nature. Have i mentioned I love my rabbits? *Grin*
That aside, I have also realised that my emotional self doesn't do much good in school except to win the hearts of the children. While one may say that is good, it isn't good discipline for the child when the teacher (ahem, me) is too soft to punish them severe enough. Bad ol softie heart getting to me again! Oh, frustration frustration.
1010pm and i'm still writing. Oscar fever has definitely not hit me this year, as bf and I never watch movies ($8.50 per pax) as nothing beats going out to the beach or just chilling at home. So, yeah, not very Oscar-ie this year. Whatever!
My bed beckons after a long day at work. My wrist is going to work OT tomorrow as I mark the CA papers for English. Good night all.
Once again I find myself wanting to sleep but thinking of too many things. This time it's work related. What are the factors that will affect staff morale? To working souls out there, what could the management do that will significantly increase your joy and happiness of working where you are, besides the salary? Non-tangible rewards? Hm... It's a mammoth task I am taking upon myself but it's going to be worth it. At least, it will benefit me.
My rabbits are so loving it makes me realise that there is LOVE everywhere, even in the animal kingdom. My female rabbit called Sara would snuggle up to my male Bee and they'd just sit and snuggle, even if one is facing the other's butt. Upon questioning my bf whether he'd do it, he just laughed amusedly to himself and the next thing trying his best to imitate the what-i-once-thought-was-cute action of the rabbits. Oh thank you my love.
Another thing i've noticed is that they've both picked up each other's habits and are starting to behave like one another, much like human companionship. Soon what distinguishes them is the colour of their fur and brightness of their eyes. The mannerisms and behaviours can almost mesh perfectly. Ahh, the wonder of Mother Nature. Have i mentioned I love my rabbits? *Grin*
That aside, I have also realised that my emotional self doesn't do much good in school except to win the hearts of the children. While one may say that is good, it isn't good discipline for the child when the teacher (ahem, me) is too soft to punish them severe enough. Bad ol softie heart getting to me again! Oh, frustration frustration.
1010pm and i'm still writing. Oscar fever has definitely not hit me this year, as bf and I never watch movies ($8.50 per pax) as nothing beats going out to the beach or just chilling at home. So, yeah, not very Oscar-ie this year. Whatever!
My bed beckons after a long day at work. My wrist is going to work OT tomorrow as I mark the CA papers for English. Good night all.
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