生きること

最幸福的事

2009-01-23T20:19:00.002+08:00

听完这首歌后，我哭了......可能是“老”了，常会为了一点小事而落下眼泪。不禁问起自己，最幸福的事是什么？

Wishes

2009-01-01T12:58:00.003+08:00

When I was young, every New Year, Christmas and birthdays, I would wish for a lot of things. However, as I grow older, what I ask and hope for become very standard everytime. I wish and pray for good health for my loved ones. That's are I pray for and that's all I asked for.

Just thoughts

2008-12-03T18:39:00.002+08:00

Back in Singapore again. Sigh. Don't get me wrong, I am a loyal Singapore citizen who loves my country a lot, but I do enjoy the fun and excitement of travelling overseas. I enjoy learning new culture, meeting new people and mostly importantly, exploring the world with my hubby. Planning where to go for next holiday liao. =)

**********************************************************************************
Saw one of my ex-pupils on Channel U last night. Nearly fell off my sofa! She has signed herself up for Campus Superstar 3 and has managed to "fight" her way thru to the 3rd round. Good for her. Taught her for a few years. Remembered that she loves to sing a lot. Shocked to see how much she has changed though. She was a very sweet, innocent girl. Now, she is a bit too "wild". Oversized sch uniform, torned socks and messy long hair, with make up on. Sigh. Hope she will change her image. People usually vote for those who looks wholesome, take a look at the past winners, both were decent-looking teenagers.

Hubby

2008-11-14T21:57:00.002+08:00

Whenever I am down, I can also count on my close ones to cheer me up. My hubby is one of them. When I get to cocky, he is the one that will drag me back to earth. When I feel down, he will cheer me up. When I can feel angry and frustrated, he is the one that can calm me down. He puts up with my tantrums, with my outbursts, and sometimes eccentric behaviours. I am grateful and thankful for that.

Fair

2008-11-11T19:45:00.004+08:00

吃饭时，跟老公“汇报”学校发生了什么事。真为一位同事感到不值，随口说了一句“ Not fair lo”。老公看我越说越激动，便对我说了一句“the fact that you are sitting down here, having dinner with me, is something that is unfair. Some people are born without hands and legs, some do not have enough food to eat or a roof over their heads. Some are not even aware of their own existence. "Fairness" do not exist at all. Accept this fact or you will be miserable."......

虽然我同意他的说法，但是我还是认为，有一些事是人为的，必须靠自己去争取。我认为一个人的命运是掌握在自己的手里的。我不喜欢向命运低头。

people......

2008-11-10T21:21:00.004+08:00

The world is filled with all kinds of people.
Some people received high pay but have a mindset of a factory worker.
Some slogged away their youth but get peanuts for their pay.
Some have a heck care attiude but likes to complaint that others are not doing a good job.
Some can't be bothered and expect others to behave like them......

As for me, I do what I can do, and in return, I hope to get (or fight to get) what I deserve.

PSLE Marking days......

2008-10-20T19:17:00.003+08:00

I always enjoy PSLE marking days. It's the time of the year whereby I can mingle with old friends and catch up with the latest gossip in other schools. (^-^) For the past two years, I am lucky enough to be in the company of fun-loving people, and I thanked god for that. Can't imagine going thru marking days without such "nice nice" people. Those who know me well would know that I can get really excited at times and forget about my age and "image". That was what happened this afternoon. One of my sch colleagues said that I looked happier during marking days and even called me " Xiao gin na" (hokkien for "crazy kid"). I was quite offended by the nickname, think it was rather rude of them to do so. What's wrong with smiling happily? But can't be bothered to "retaliate".

*************************************************************************************

Noticed a few teachers wearing super short skirts, all-dressed up as if they are going to the party. A few with dyed hair that are very obvious. Saw one wearing a pair of jeans so low that when she sat down, I can see half of butt and her 股沟......
I believe in the need to uphold certain level of professional image. All these teachers, they can wear what they like outside working hours, that is their freedom. However, when they turn up for work-related events, they should wear appropriately. Have you ever see a doctor in mini skirt? Or an engineer who turns up wearing high heels, short frocks or dresses? Common sense would tell us that we should not, and should dressed according to the function and occasion. A friend revealed that when her daughter was in pri 4, every day, she would tell my friend what was the colour of the under garments of her English teacher. As a result, my friend called up the school and spoke to the principal regarding the teacher's dress code.

Gokusen Theme Song

2008-09-14T10:57:00.001+08:00

Seigi no Mikata Theme Song

2008-09-14T10:53:00.001+08:00

教书

2008-09-06T15:48:00.002+08:00

教师的工作很琐碎。我们不只是得教书，也得策划课外活动等等。也就因为这样，常会听见一些牢骚。多数时候，我会坐在那儿静静地听。对于这一切，我已经习以为常。我心想：我们的薪水都是纳税人的血汗钱，如果薪水高，当然得做多一点咯，责任重一点，不是吗？在私人企业里不也是这样吗？一些对外人来说是浪费时间的活动，其实对孩子们来说是“有用”的。例如，一些课外活动可以培养他们的团队精神，培养孩子们的耐力、体力，价值观等。到学校来不只是吸收知识，更重要的是学会如何与人沟通，如何与他人相处。为了达到这些目的，教师的工作当然也不限于教书、批改作业等等。

My favorite Teachers' Day present

2008-08-30T13:19:00.002+08:00

Received a handmade card from one of my P6 girls. Quite plain, nothing fanciful but it is my favorite present for this year. What she wrote inside warmed my heart。

“一路上有您的教导，我才没有迷失方向。您教了我很多，什么是对，什么是错。谢谢您，老师！”

那孩子很懂事，上课时很专心，很积极。她送我礼物时，还提醒我一定要记得看卡片。虽然只是短短的几句话，但是我觉得这份礼物比什么都来得珍贵。

Incentives

2008-08-21T12:33:00.002+08:00

The government has came up with a lot of new added incentives to encourage marriage couples to have babies. I belong to that group of people that needed the "persuasion". However, if you ask me if I would consider having a baby because of all these added incentives, my answer is no. I believe in fate and I will let nature takes its course. I would make any extra efforts or go through all kinds of troubles to have a baby just because of those added bonuses. I leave everything to god. What will be will be, having a baby will be good, but that does not mean I am worse off just because I do not have one.

MP block visit

2008-08-03T11:00:00.003+08:00

National Day is round the corner. Every year, at around this time, we will get to see our MP's face - MP will visit us. Before each visit, the floors will be washed clean, the plants pruned and vandalised tables will be repainted. But if I ever have a chance to talk to him, I will say, " Please visit us more often." The reason is very simple. If he visits us more often, our estate will always be littered free and be in tip-top condition.

Jap influence

2008-08-02T14:01:00.002+08:00

When I was a teenager, I loved to watch Japanese dramas and listen to Japanese songs. In fact, till now, I still enjoy watching Japanese dramas. I am greatly influenced by this sub-culture. That explains why I love to visit Japan and had learned their language when I was younger. Must e getting old. Love to think of the past these days.... Below are some of the songs that I loved to listen. By the way, Onizuka is my favorite character! Guess he was the one that inspired me to be a teacher!

RHD

2008-07-21T20:21:00.002+08:00

Today is Racial Harmony Day. A long day for me but I am happy. Cos I am doing something I strongly believe in. All the coordinating and organizing energized me. After all the excitement, its back to marking books. (^-^)

Our loved ones......

2008-07-04T20:37:00.007+08:00

My father-in-law was hospitalised suddenly yesterday. We were told by the docs that his intestines might have ruptured and what is the worst scenario we could expect. A surgery was inevitable. Like all surgeries, it has its risks...... We were worried sick, but there was nothing much we could do except to pray and hope for the best. Luckily, the operation was a success and hopefully my father-in-law could recover without any complications.

**********************************************************************************

While in the hospital this afternoon, I received a shocking news from my colleague. One of my ex-pupils' mother had passed away yesterday. She had three wonderful girls. I have the privilege to teach two of the girls and though the youngest one was not taught by me, I know her quite well too, as she loves to tag along with her two older siblings when they came to my house. Nancy(the parent) was one of the nicest parents whom I have met. Beautiful lady with great love for her family. She listened to teachers' opinions and really cared about her children's studies as well as well-being......

I rushed down from SGH upon hearing the news. I know the family quite well and would like to pay my last respect to her. I was afraid that I might break down in front of the girls. I did not know what to say, for I know whatever I said could not make up for the sudden lost. I wanted to hug the youngest girl, she looked okay and was strong for her age. However, I am afraid that might trigger off an avalanche of emotions......

*****************************************************************************
When I was 13, my grandmother fell and hurt herself while she was having a shower. Nobody knew about this until hours later when she did not turn up for dinner at my house. She was hospitalised and within two days she passed away. She was closest to me and doted on me. But I was not there when she left. I was in school. Nobody told me about her death until she was all sealed up in the coffin. I did not have a chance to say goodbye. I remembered clearly the "numbness" I felt. Everything seemed so unreal. I looked brave in front of others for I believed that was what my grandma would want me to be - brave, but at night when everyone fell asleep, I would cried myself to sleep.

After the funeral, when everything settled down, I felt as if a big part of me was gone. The smiling face that used to greet me when I woke up was no longer there. The hot coffee that greeted me every morning was no longer the same(since then I do not drink coffee anymore).I could not forgive myself. I blamed myself for not spending more time with my grandma. Everyday, I sang the song "The end of the world" again and again. To me, it really felt like the end of the world then. The song somehow made me feel better. It was a way for me to say "Ah ma, I really missed you, I am sorry for not being there when you needed me" without making my parents worried about me. It took me quite a number of years to get over the sudden lost of my grandma.

********************************************************************************

I wanted to tell Nancy's girls (if you ever read this), cry if you must, tears are okay. It is not something you should feel ashamed about. It is okay to be sad, to mourn the death of your loved one. Do not bottled up your feelings. Although your mummy is no longer around physically, the love and memories she had created are still here. Remember her teachings, remember her ways, let her continue to live in your heart. In that way, she will always be around. And remember, you would never be alone......

眼睛

2008-06-28T19:26:00.002+08:00

一位好久不见的老同学写了这首诗：

眼睛，黑白分明。
告诉我们，
黑白，要分得清。

好话、坏话

2008-06-24T21:18:00.004+08:00

谎话，我不会说。好听的话，我不会说。我自小性格直率，想什么说什么。妈妈经常说我有时说话没有经过大脑，该说的说，不该说的也照说。
踏入社会后，我这“优点”成了我的绊脚石。我不会“做人”，不会说奉承的话，有时更掩盖不了自己的情绪。就因为如此，我不时在不知不觉中得罪了人也不晓得。虽然说几句“好听”的话，我的“路”会更平坦，更“光明”，但是我却坚持自己的信念。对就是对，错就是错，好就是好，不好就是不好，何必睁着眼睛说瞎话呢！至于得罪别人，我一向不怎么在乎这一点。要小心翼翼才能维持的关系 —— 我不需要。

Turkey - jewel of the Asian and European Continent.

2008-06-11T15:46:00.007+08:00

I have never been to Turkey before and before this trip, I do not know much about this country except that Turkey tried hard to get into EU but was rejected (I read this somewhere). After going there, I am glad I chose Turkey as my holiday destination.
Turkey has a bit of almost everything. Turkey is rich in its history and culture. It has a unique blend of eastern and western culture. It is a Muslim country but it is not ruled by Muslim law. It has mosques that are more than thousand years old, ruins from the Greek as well as churches, caves and underground city that was bulit way before Christ. Mesmerizing, is the one word that can describe Turkey. The standard of living there is almost the same as in Singapore, but the salary which the people are getting can be quite miserable. The pay of a teacher is around 1000YTL ( around $1000 ) and an engineer is 1500YTL. The locals are extremely friendly, especially the children. They are always eager to help and happy to chat. Although most of their time, we have to guess what they are trying to say, we can sensed that sincerity and friendship. These are the people who are poor in the pockets but rich in the hearts......

I am back!!!

2008-06-09T22:56:00.002+08:00

I am back from Turkey! Will upload pics and tell more later on. As for now, I just wanted to have a good night sleep......

The courage to make a difference

2008-05-23T22:58:00.003+08:00

"I was forced to do this....... I do not have a choice." This is an excuse commonly used by many. Heard someone said this this morning. I tried not to say this sentence. In fact, I do not allow myself to have this kind of attitude or thoughts.

I believe everyone has a choice, its whether you have the COURAGE to make the decision, whether you are willing to take the risk, whether you can accept the negative outcome of your decision. Do not blame others for the plight/situation which you are in. If you can't make a difference to your life, who can?

Exercise

2008-05-23T22:41:00.004+08:00

Yippie!!!!! Holiday is here!!! \(^0^)/ I am going to Turkey soon. But first of all, need to attend a week of meetings and courses......

I had a great time yesterday. Tried Archery and Tchouball. Fun Fun Fun. However, realised I really need to do something about my weight. Felt so heavy when I move about!! Really want to take up sports again. For the sake of my health. However, most of my close friends or colleages don't seem so keen. Think I need to look into other "sources" - eg my ex-pupils! (^-^) So if anyone of u is interested and would want to play badminton with your "old" teacher here, please contact me. Will see if we can use the school hall on Sat morning.

我真的受伤了

2008-05-19T14:10:00.001+08:00

觉得这首歌好好听。

缅怀往事

2008-05-19T13:37:00.002+08:00

Another one of my favourite singers - Aaron Kwok. I remembered I was only 17 when he first started out. Time really flies. I have grown and aged... but he still looks the same, even better .

Wonderful memories

2008-05-19T13:15:00.003+08:00

Came across this song in the youtube. It was one of my favourite songs when I was still schooling. Brought back wonderful memories......

Fragmented

2008-05-19T12:55:00.002+08:00

For some reasons, I am unable to sleep well at night. Doctors call it "fragmented sleep". I am tired and I fall asleep easily. But I would wake up in the middle of the night and would have trouble falling sound asleep again. I wish I knew what is the reason behind this. Stress? Maybe. My "Fragmented sleep pattern" only occurs during weekdays, when I need to wake up early to go to school. During the weekends, I usually do not have such problems.

Complaints......

2008-05-11T14:25:00.002+08:00

A friend, who is teaching in an all girls'school in the north, took a few days off to study for her uni exams. She got a shock when she went back to school. Apparently, one of the parents had filed a complaint against her - why must she go on leave during this crucial week when the pupils were having their exams?

I nearly fell off my chair when I heard this. How selfish can one get? I do not think an hour of revision will make much differences to that child. Miracles do not happen overnight. Sigh......真是一种米养百种人！

Free apples at NTUC??!!

2008-05-10T13:28:00.004+08:00

Saw a foreign Chinese woman with her young child at the NTUC supermarket today. Was appalled by what I saw. That woman picked an apple from the display and passed it to her child. Her young girl then started to eat the apple as if there is nothing wrong with that!!!! I was staring at them but that woman seemed oblivious to my stares. I wonder whether they would pay for the apple. I guess not. Oh my god! Can't stand such people. Wished I had took a picture of them!!

Simple life

2008-05-04T19:57:00.006+08:00

Doing housework is something not many people enjoy. When I just got married, I did not enjoy doing household chores but as time passed by, I have learnt to accept that is part and parcel of marriage life and have even find some joy doing them. I love the touch of a clean floor, love to see the dust-free tables, chairs and shelves, love the perspiration that tickles down my face and back while I mop the floor. Simple things, simple joys. Seem to have therapeutic efforts on me. A simple home cooked meal with hubby - priceless. I am ready to face the challenges of tomorrow......

Salmon fillet with rosemary and black pepper, spaghetti, potato salad and cherry tomatoes

无奈

2008-05-03T11:43:00.004+08:00

A few incidents happened during the past few days. However, I won't be elaborating on that. My observations and experiences in the past few days could be summed up into two phrases.

"Bullshit will get your way through" - literally "靠一张嘴吃饭"！

"Don't do the right things, just do the things right!" ......

It seems that lots of people are "practising" the above "idealogies". 悲哀。。。。。。

做多错多？

2008-04-25T22:50:00.002+08:00

有人曾经跟我说过：“说多，错多。所以应该少说为妙！”

今天在学校里，发生了一些事，给我自己带来了一些不必要的“惊吓”。因此一位同事就对我说：“做多错多，做好该做的就够了！不必多做，免得惹麻烦！”

忙与盲

2008-04-17T19:13:00.002+08:00

很多都市人都很忙，忙着工作、忙着讨生活。我也不例外。我常常问自己为什么这么忙，到底为了什么而忙。我不希望变成像一些我所认识的人一样，为了什么而忙都不知道。他们已经“盲”了。他们已经忘记了自己的梦想、忘记自己为什么而活，整天只为钱钱钱。我不希望在都市的大染缸里迷失了自己。

Tired

2008-04-16T19:00:00.002+08:00

Today, I met my ex-pupil Amanda. She mentioned that I looked tired and asked me if I am feeling stressed out again.

She was right. I am tired. Imagine working from 7am to 5 pm, how can anyone not be tired? In addition, when I reached home, I still have to do some household chores and plan for tomorrow's lesson. It is tiring to be a Chinese teacher nowadays. You have to work doubly hard, and you might not be "rewarded" for all your efforts.

Yes, I am tired. Can bearly keep my eyes opened when my dad drove me home just now. I must be really exhausted.

Recognition

2008-04-06T11:31:00.002+08:00

All of us likes to be appreciated for what we have done. March is always a "stressful" time for teachers. This is when we know how much our hard work has been appreciated.

Since young, I was told by my elders that if you work hard, your work will eventually be appreciated. I always think so and firmly believed in " you reap what you sow'. That was in the past. I still believe that if you want something, you have to work hard for it, but at times, no matter how hard you worked, it is still useless. Reality do not work in that way. The truth hurts. I do not mind if the recognition goes to someone whom I think deserved it. But at times, rewards and recognitions go to a few whom I think do not deserve it. That is when I feel injustice have been done......

Sick again

2008-03-29T19:06:00.002+08:00

I am sick again!!! This time round, it is more serious than the last one. For one whole day yesterday, I was sleeping and did not have anything for one whole day, except a few sip of porridge!!
Not sure wheher I will be well enough to go school on Monday. The fever seems to come and go. Still very weak. I still croak when I speak. =(

Doraemon

2008-03-21T13:01:00.003+08:00

Never know there are mini-doraemons. When I was young, I like to watch doraemon but I always think 大雄(Nobita) is a wimp. So thinks so.

Taiwan

2008-03-20T22:29:00.017+08:00

Went to Taiwan with my parents and my hubby during the one week break. Had a fantastic time there. Love the food and people there. Super friendly. Hmmmm....Maybe should retire there.....

No, I do not regret anything

2008-03-05T19:27:00.002+08:00

Years ago, I heard of this name - Edith Piaf. At that time, I knew that she was a famous french singer, and that was it. Really love her song " Life in Pink" ( La Vie En Rose ). However, I never bother to find out more. Managed to remember her name because it was so special and simple - piaf, which means "sparrow" in french.

Recently, I manged to catch the movie "La Vie En Rose " which is a biography of Edith. Only then I know how great a singer she was, how she had embraced life and how tough her life was. Feel in love with this song - Non, je ne regrette rien which means " No, I do not regret anything". She was singing about herself and her life. Tough as it was, she struggled to survive and to live. Fantastique!

Memory

2008-02-29T20:12:00.002+08:00

I must be getting old. There are certain things I really can't remember. For example, I rented a DVD today. Passed a ten dollar note to the cashier, by right, he should return me a five dollar change but he did not. The terrible part is that it took me around ten mins to recall the whole incident. By the time I remember, I was on the shutter bus on my way home. This afternoon, my collaegue wanted me to return her a book which I have borrowed. The thing is I could not remember this incident. I remembered asking her to bring the book, but I could not recall anything else besides that. I don't remember ever touching the book. Sigh.

My hubby said that I have selective memory. I choose to remember certain things and for the rest, I just chunk them aside. Well, there is some truth in what he said. Working non-stop has made me very tired. As time passes by, there are a lot of things which I choose not to remember. Limited "space" in my brain. Do not wish to tire myself out.

我不想懂得

2008-02-17T17:40:00.002+08:00

女人就是女人。不管多大年纪，还是会喜欢一首好的抒情歌曲，一个浪漫的爱情故事......

Recent Buzz

2008-02-17T14:54:00.003+08:00

Edison Chen and the erotic photos of his companions has been the talk of the town since late Jan when the photos were first released on the internet. As I am not a fan of his, neither am I a fan of his various female companions, I could not be bothered to find out what the buzz was all about.

The news did not capture my attention until recently when my colleagues were talking about it. They were saying that Edison is a pervert and the acts were disgusting and immorale. Blah blah blah......

I have not seen any of the pictures (not even the ones on local newspapers), neither do I know anyone of them personally, so I am not going to judge their characters and moral values based on what others and the media has said. To me, they were the victims. Yes, maybe that Edison guy has weird sexual inclinations, however, that is his personal life. Who are we to judge and to intefere? I think the only immorale people in this whole incident are the ones that upload the pictures on the internet. They have invaded into other people's privacy. The people who are supposed to fix the laptop have no rights to post the photos on the net. However, little is said about them. They were not the ones being condemned by the public. Well, what can I say, except that we live in a strange world.

生きること

2008-02-08T22:05:00.000+08:00

”後悔するのは悪いことじゃない。でも，明日は後悔しないよういに，今日を生きていきたい。”

后悔不是一件坏事。但是为了让明天没有任何“后悔”，我会好好地过今天。

Thank you Mum.

2008-01-27T11:56:00.000+08:00

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Facebook and Friends

2008-01-26T12:17:00.000+08:00

Facebook is the latest craze. Everyone seems to have one. I have one too. (^-^)

Recently, I received two invitations to join Facebook - one of them from my hubby's ex-colleague and the other one from a pupil's father. I rejected both invitations. I am not sure how others define "friends" but to me, a friend is someone whom you can talk to, who have some common interest with me. I need not see them everyday, neither do I have to communicate with them everyday. But when we meet, things would just fall in places and we would know where to continue our conversation without any awkwardness. People and colleagues that I meet everyday, might not necessary be my friend. We might talk about work but other than that, if I know nothing else personal about that person, that is not my friend. My hubby's ex-colleague only met me twice. We did not even talk to each other, except say "hi" and shook hands. That is definately not my friend. The parent e-mails me frequently about his child. That's it. That is certainly not my friend. I suspect the reason why they invited me is just to increase the number of "friends" they have. Some have over 100 and 200 of friends. I always wonder are those numbers for real? Are those truly friends or merely acquaintances?

Sick......

2008-01-24T12:50:00.000+08:00

I am sick and am supposed to rest at home now, but my mind is telling me to work, work and work!! My mind simply can't rest. In the end, I have no choice but to start some physical "exercise". I took out a cloth and started to wipe. That works! For around half and hr, it took my mind of work, and mentally I managed to have a rest. However, after that "work-out session", my whole body aches even worse now...... Sigh -_-;;

Just thoughts

2008-01-22T20:03:00.000+08:00

"the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." by Edward Kennedy

Feel foreign in my homeland

2008-01-19T19:30:00.000+08:00

I wondered if anyone out there ever feels this way - as if you are foreigner in your own country.

I went to my chiropractor today. She is an American. After the session, I went to buy a packet of Cha Siew Rice. The female stall assistant who took my orders was from China (judging from her accent). I am OK with her till she did not return my change of 30 cents. I told her politely that I have given her a 50 cent coin and she was supposed to give me a change. To my surprise, she argued loudly and insisted that I have given her a 20cent coin and no change is required. I am sure that I had given her a 50cent coin as I have tried to search for a 20cent and there was none. As I did not wish to make a scene over 30 cents, I left swearing under my breathe that I would never patron that stall again as long as that woman is there.

Went for my facial in the afternoon and realised that my beautician was, in fact, from Ipoh , Malaysia. Another foreigner. Took the LRT home and it was filled was Mainland Chinese, Filipinos and a Caucasian.

Nowadays, I feel foreign in my own country. I miss the times when foreigners could only be found in city areas; when the residents in my neighbourhood were mainly Singaporeans; when the stall assistants were mainly local aunties and uncles. I miss those days. I love my homeland dearly, but as more and more foreigners join us, I can't help but feel foreign in my homeland. Ten years down the road, would I still be able to "recognise" this homeland? Would I still feel at home here?

未来になる

2008-01-11T22:16:00.000+08:00

做决定之前

2008-01-11T20:51:00.000+08:00

真希望有一些人在作出某一种决定时，能先想一想，到底自己的决定会不会影响到别人？那一个人到底会觉得如何？愿不愿意接受这样的决定？那一个决定对这个人公平吗？

原来一本正经，满口仁义道德的人也不过如此。

THANK YOU

2008-01-06T08:46:00.000+08:00

Need to say a big thank you to my ex-pupil - AMANDA.

Was feeling rather down yesterday. Her smses managed to cheer me up. I was never her MT teacher. Gave her tuition for 3 years. She always managed to lighten the atmosphere and brighten my day. She used to say that my classes were fun. However, she never realised that the lessons were fun cos SHE WAS THERE. It takes both hands to clap. If the pupil is unappreciative, no matter how hard the teacher tries, the lesson will never be fun.

She is in Sec 3 now. Must be really busy. However, she still manage to squeeze in sometime to sms her "old" teacher. 试问一个老师的教学生涯中,有多少个学生会这么做。Not many I guess.

So to Amanda and a few others : Thank you for your support all these years. I might have given up a few years ago if not for you people.

ps. sounds like 红星大奖的谢词。哈哈哈! a little mushy, but they are from the bottom of my heart le. (^-^)

Exhausted

2008-01-03T23:11:00.000+08:00

I feel so exhausted after two days in school. I missed pupils from last year, especially my P6 class. Sigh. Have so many thoughts in my mind, wanted to write down everyting, but now, I could not organised my thoughts, could not put them into words.

2007年的最后一天

2007-12-31T17:04:00.000+08:00

在2007年的最后一天里，你在做些什么？想些什么呢?

2007年的最后一天，如同往常一样。没有什么特别。但今日，我的心情与前几天的不一样。前一阵子的“怨气”已经随风而逝。没什么好怨的，没什么好气的。已经收拾好心情，准备在新的一年里冲刺。

老公原本想出去“走走”，可我不喜欢人挤人，结果他只好皱着眉头，随我回家。

待会儿，吃了晚餐后，我打算坐在沙发上，听着音乐，喝着绿茶，欣赏我家前面的“风景”。忙了一年，在最后的这一天，该是静下来的时候了......

"I am Legend"

2007-12-26T21:47:00.000+08:00

Watched the movie " I am Legend" this afternoon.Left the cinema with a heavy heart.

Will Simth is a very good actor. Basically, it is a one-man show. He is able to portray the feelings of being the sole survivor very well-the feeling of loneliness,the hope of meeting other survivors etc. I shed a few tears when his dog -Sam died......

The reason why I left the cinema feeling down is because there is a possibility that such a plague might actually happen. Of course, the possibilty of human turning into vampires or monstors is low. However, millions of people might die. Think of the Ebola, Sars and bird flu. If these illnesses are to spread like wild fire, will the human race have a chance to "retaliate", to come up with a vaccine in a short time? Will it be like the Flu Epidemic that took place in 1918, where miliions died? ......
I could not help but wonder. Just the thought of it sends shivers down my spine. Human beings might actually be the ones that bring about the downfall of mankind. Moral of the story - Do not play GOD.

Excuse me, are you a local ?

2007-12-20T23:08:00.000+08:00

My hubby related the following incident to me yesterday :

On his way home last night, he came across a group of China women at Little India MRT station. They seemed to have encountered some difficulties and were unable to seek help from the MRT staff as the MRT staff could not speak Mandarin. They approached my hubby and he acted as an interpreter and helped them solved the problem.

At the end of it, they thanked my hubby and asked him, " 你的华语说得很好，请问你是本地人吗？" ......

We both agreed that, though that was a simple question, but it speaks volume. The women were surprised that a Singaporean could speak fluent Mandarin. What does it show? I guess, even a fool would know the answer.

My Favorite Things

2007-12-19T12:44:00.000+08:00

With 2008 round the corner, it is time to wrap things up. Decided to come up with a list of things/places that I personally like in 2007. (Distant drum beats......) And the "winners" are :

Most readable book - "Only a Mother Could Love Him" by Ben Polis ( non-fiction )
Favorite movie - Well, it has to be " Transformers". What else?
Favorite song - Too many. Unable to decide which one I love most.
Favorite Jap drama - Nodame Cantabile
Favorite cook - Who else but The Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver
Favorite Composer - Joe Hisaishi
Favorite OST - OST of Korean Drama, Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi 太王四神记
Favorite TV series - Brothers and Sisters
Favorite Restaurants - Sushi Tei( at Serangoon Gardens ), Ichiban Sushi
( Woodlands ), Gayatri ( Indian Restaurant along Race Course Road )
Country that I would love to stay in( other than Singapore ) - Its still Japan
Place that I would love to revisit - Melbourne ( met some wonderful people there)

My way 我自求我道

2007-12-19T09:24:00.000+08:00

My friend, KiKi shared this song with me.

" My Way" was sang famous by Frank Sinatra in the 1960s, I think. Although this song is about how a dying man felt, I find it very meaningful.

Every now and then, I would feel restless and have an urge to break free. (Yes, I am in my 30s and sad to say,I still have the untamed spirit of a teenager at times.) This is especially so when my beliefs clashes with the social norms. When I was young, my mum ever told others that I was like a wild horse - try to conform me, I would struggle with my life. I was like that, and I still am like that. Guess, that is the reason why I could relate to this song, especially the last phrase.

My Way

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

Poem

2007-12-18T20:21:00.000+08:00

Hee hee... While cleaning my store room today, I found some diaries. Came across one peom which I wrote when I was in Sec one.

Let me be who I am

I have the right,
To choose my own beliefs,
Without having somebody,
Laugh at me.
just because I don't,
Believe in what you believe in,
I am not mad,
But using my rights.

“怨气冲天”

2007-12-18T19:00:00.000+08:00

老公说我这一两天怪怪的。我同意。我一肚子的怨气没地方发泄。向他坦言后，却被他说我自寻烦恼！其实，他说得也对，我一定是最近吃饱了没事做，才会这样。太闲了！

怨气一：为什么物价一直涨涨涨？可怜了老百姓！
怨气二：为何有一些人的薪水那么高了，还要再加？
怨气三：新加坡人的taste到底出现了什么问题，造就了一个Ah Beng Ah Seng的“本土天王”?
怨气四：为什么一些人那么假？问题明明就在眼前，自己明明就是不喜欢，还要自欺欺人。
怨气五：我不介意“外来人才”，但我不喜欢那一些混口饭吃，又嫌“那口饭不好吃”的人。
怨气六：为何自己怨气那么重？为何放不下？以上的事又关我屁事！真是庸人自扰！！！

闲谈：好老师

2007-12-14T09:30:00.000+08:00

昨晚，我问先生：“怎样才算是一个好老师？”他愣了一会儿，接着对我说：“要有心。”

他解释说，一名教师当然得要有一定的知识，但那并不代表知识丰富、满肚子学问的人就是一名好老师。一位拥有博士学位的人并不一定是一个好老师。反观，一名只拥有A水准文凭的人，可能是学生心目中的好老师。一位好老师要有“爱心、恒心、耐心”。

我又问：“如果一个老师有爱心，有耐心，但课室管理方面是一团遭，那又怎么说呢？” 他回答道：“老师最基本的工作是教书。那人连书都不能好好教，还能谈得上是好老师吗？”......

EATEN ALIVE BY FISH!!!

2007-12-13T22:27:00.000+08:00

I shared an interesting experience with my colleague, J today. We went to a place called " Kampong Fish Therapy" to be "eaten alive" by the fish!! (^o^) Don't Worry, we were not fed to sharks. We did not feed any food to the fish, we were the "fish food". For 30 mins, small little fish nibble off dead skin on our feet. Well, at first I giggle non-stop. It was extremely ticklish and it felt as if I have hundreds of needles pecking at my feet! 有触电的感觉! On the other hand, J was super "steady" lo. Very CALM...... Sigh. Made me feel so useless. Hee... Intend to bring hubby there next week. Would love to see his reaction.

"Worshipper" of the West 2

2007-12-10T17:05:00.000+08:00

Visited my Chiropractor again today. As I was early for my appointment, I need to wait for a while. Other than moi, there were others waiting as well. One funny thing is that though all of them are asians, all spoke with an accent. Nothing wrong with Asians speaking with an accent except that they sounded fake!! If one listens carefully, it is easy to find some loopholes here and there.

爱心晚餐 2

2007-12-09T22:24:00.000+08:00

Improvised steamboat - by putting solid fuel in a tiny metal plate wrapped with aluminium foil.

Salmon "steamboat" with vegetables and liang dou fu.

End of the "special dinner" - black black pot! Luckily I was not the one in charge of washing!

Being happy might not be good

2007-12-09T12:12:00.000+08:00

Not too long ago, an article in the Straits Times caught my attention. The headlines stated that "Singaporean Children have a happy life here" . Well, that's good news, or is it?

Over the last few days, I have seen "happy" kids. A boy eating in the train; a boy placed his foot on the glass window in a bus; a girl who jumped up and down in the lift, making rude facial expression to strangers; a young girl shouting loudly at her maid, and the list goes on. Those children were HAPPY. They were free to do whatever they like. Their parents just sat or stood beside them, oblivious to everything the kids did.

From what I see, working parents try hard to please their children. If they have the means, parents will satisfy whatever material needs the children wants. Parenting has been "outsourced" to maids, tuition teachers and the school.

In the past, the Chinese have 二十四孝孩子，now in Singapore, we have 二十四孝父母!! Parents listen to the children. I ever suggested to a parent that her child did well, and it would be best to place the child in a "better" school. She told me that particular sch was too far and she was afraid that the journey might tire the child. In addition, the child might feel lonely without any friends in the same sch. From her tone (very 不爽), I have the impression that she could not be bothered with what I said, and hence dropped the matter. (After all, it was just a suggestion. Who ask me to be a KPO and call her le? )

The point is making children feel happy might not be the best for them. For example, if the child refuse to go to sch, does that mean that in order to make him happy, parents let him stay at home instead?

I was not always happy with my parents decisions when I was young. I felt angry at them at times. However, I am grateful that they did not follow my wishes and did what was best for me. Making me unhappy once in a while is worth it, if in the long run, I benefit from it.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_181781.html

放手，才是真正的爱

2007-12-08T17:12:00.000+08:00

昨晚陪两老去吃“煮炒”。好久没三人同行了。弟弟和老公都得加班，所以不能去。

谈着谈着，谈到小弟结婚以后该住那儿。妈妈提议要他搬出去住，过独立的二人世界。爸爸一听到妈妈这么一说，好生气，说什么既然孩子不要搬，何必逼他呢？

他俩都疼爱小弟，只是方式不一样。妈妈要他“展翅高飞”，而老爸却不舍得小弟离开他。

相比之下，妈妈的爱比爸爸的更伟大。我深信如果可以的话，她希望我们永远都留在他们身边，就像小时候一样，但她知道这是不可能的。妈妈曾经说过她虽不舍得大弟出国留学，但却不会阻止他。孩子长大了，本来就应该离开父母的身边，到外头开拓自己的世界。这是自然的规律。

妈妈没紧“抓”着我们不放。她放开手，让我们自由“飞翔”，寻找自己的天地。她这一种爱，才是真正伟大的母爱。

Rhapsody in Blue By George Gershwin

2007-12-08T00:27:00.000+08:00

Classical music + Jazz = Rhapsody in Blue = Priceless \(^0^)/

Enjoy.

The Golden Compass

2007-12-07T23:34:00.000+08:00

Caught the sneak preview of the movie "Golden Compass" on Wed with my hubby. We both agreed that it did not match our expectations and that we prefer "Stardust". However, that does not mean that I dislike the movie. In fact, I like it. One of the similarities that both movies mentioned above share is that the main characters dare to be different. They dare to dream, to ask and to explore.
Anyway, I took a personality test to find out which animal is my "daemon". Guess what, my daemon is a Pereus. Never heard of that animal before. Anyway, it looks like a fox. The test reveal that I am : responsible, dependable, a leader, assertive and modest. Ha ha ha pretty good comments. Interested? Can visit the official website and take the test too.

http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/

Worshipper of the west

2007-12-06T11:51:00.000+08:00

This holiday, I am seeing a chiropractor who is an American. According to a colleague, this doc is really good and chiropractic can actually make my health better, and improve my migraine condition.
The doc is friendly and helpful. A very nice lady. However, I can't say the same for her Chinese Singaporean assistant. From what I observed, she has a common trait that can be found in many Asians. I cannot remember the term for it in English, but in Chinese its 崇洋。 From what I observed, she worships the Caucasians. When she speaks to Caucasian patients, she will fake an American accent. The service is super GOOOOD, always with a smile and a chat. Her attitude changes when she speaks to Singaporeans, she becomes Mdm 苦瓜脸 (even though most of them were polite and had a smile on our faces) and is very rude. But of course, there are some exceptions too. She is nice to the RICH Singaporeans (you can tell from the bags they carry and the clothes they wear.) Her attitude towards the NS boys are the worst.
As for me, for some reason, she will fake that American accent when she speaks to me, but without the smiling face. I always wonder why. To show that her English is more "powerful" than moi ? To show her superiority cos moi is just a poor Chinese Language Teacher?
Nonetheless, I enjoy studying her behaviour while waiting for my turn to see the doc.

快乐

2007-12-04T18:32:00.000+08:00

快乐既是一种心情，也是一种态度。在有值得让你快乐的事发生时，此时的快乐是一种心情；而当事情的发展不如你意时，深呼吸一口，把心情调整到快乐，这就是一种态度。

A long lost friend

2007-12-04T01:18:00.000+08:00

The reason why I am awake now is that I have been trying to figure out how to make my "facebbok" more presentable. To many, that is very simple. To me, "techno 白痴", I am still trying to figure out why it is so HOT! I do not like to leave things till tomorrow, hence here I am. I managed to find a long lost friend - WX ,who went to the same sec sch as me. Woa! She has changed a lot. Working in a big offshore bank now. Must be doing very well, cos even her wedding photo was taken in Australia.
Sigh. After looking at her photos, I have this weird feeling which I can't explain. It is not envy, neither is it jealousy. After joining the teaching profession, my life has become so "enclosed" and "protected". I remembered we ( WX and I ) used to go home together. During our one hr plus journey home, we usually talk about our hopes and ambitions. She was the blur blur one who did not know what she really wanted. As for me, I knew I wanted to be SOMEBODY someday. I had aimed for the sky. However, look where I am right now - just a teacher. Sigh. I never regret my choice to join the teaching profession, but as I looked at her photos, I could not help but wonder what my life would turn out to be if I have made a different choice somewhere along my life, where I would turn up to be. Would it be better, or would it be worse, I could not help but wonder......

Pain

2007-11-30T20:41:00.000+08:00

I do not know the 5 young men who died in Cambodia recently. Neither do I know their family members. But somehow, I feel sad. I know how it feels to lose a loved one all of a sudden. The anguish,the grief, and the regrets. You would wish that you could turn back the clock, to spend more time with him or her, to say good bye. Life can never be the same again......

The "blaming game"

2007-11-27T18:54:00.000+08:00

Around a week has passed by since the released of PSLE results. Met a few parents in the past few days (by coincidence), one or two have accepted the truth well but the others are still playing the "blaming game". WHO is responsible for their kids' poor results? To them, the possible culprits are namely, the school, the principal, the teachers and their own children. Most common complaints are : "School standard is too low", "the school only takes good care of the good pupils", "the school never stretch their children's potential to the limit", "the teacher is too fierce", "the child is too lazy" etc. The funny thing is they will never blame themselves. I have heard of a parent who walked away angrily who she learnt of her child's result. The mother left the poor child standing there, in tears.
There are parents who are simply "bo chap". For the past 6 years, they did not "push" their children to excel for fear of giving them stress. They are too busy to even check their daily homework or weekly spellings. Some even have no clue who their children's teachers are. On meet the parents' day, it is always no show for them. The excuses given are they are too busy or no point going as what the teachers said are the same every year......
It takes two hands to clap. The school and teachers will definately do our part, but we really need the parents' cooperation in order to make things work. There is no use crying over spill milk. There is no point "playing the blaming game."

My pupil - JJ

2007-11-25T10:25:00.000+08:00

I have taught JJ for 2 years.
I heard stories about him from the moment I knew I was to teach him. He was a rather "difficult" child. When he was in the lower primary, he refused to attend lessons, walked out of the hall if the talk was too boring for him, dozed off in class and even tried to jump from the second floor!
I remembered on the very first day of sch, he slept through my lesson. Unlike other kids, he was unable to focus and concentrate. He would walked around in the classroom, doing things he liked. At first, I would tried to make him sit down. As time passes, I realised that it was not his fault, he just could not comprehend and understand what he did was wrong. What made things worse was that kids would teased him and said he was crazy. Whenever JJ was teased, he would not have much response except to tell his classmates that he is not sick! However, if one is to attack him physically, he would fight back. There was once it took three male teachers to nail him down!
After half a yr of observation, I sent him to the EP. He was then diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. I finally know why he was such a "difficult" child. It is very difficult for a child with ADHD to study. With an ADHD and dyslexic child, it is almost impossible ( especially when the teacher has other 30 pupils to account for).
Knowing his condition, somehow makes his life easier for him. Instead of emphasing on his studies, I tried to build up his self esteem, by asking him to help me, by praising him in front of the whole class. I explained to the others that he is not crazy and stopped kids from teasing him. After a while, I see the change in JJ. His behaviour has improved tremendously and he listens to my instructions (though at times, nothing I said seems to work). But sad to say, academically, he did not learn much from me. Listening and oral skills, maybe, but not written work .
At times, I feel bad, cos I think more can be done for him.

成绩放榜了！

2007-11-22T21:31:00.000+08:00

每一年的这个时候，一定有人欢喜有人忧。
今天一大早，一大群的小六老师便围在电脑前，等教育部把成绩传来。气氛非常紧张。我在那儿站了老半天，但却没有什么感觉。我可以理解他们的焦虑，但对我而言，我已经尽力了，学生们多数也尽力了，如果真的考不好，我们又能怎么样？小六会考虽然重要，但他们往后要走的路还很漫长。何必因为一次的失败而气馁呢？我深信只要他们拥有正确的价值观，态度积极，将来长大后一定没问题的。加油吧！！ This is not the end, it is only the beginning of many great things to come! (^-^)

My blogskin

2007-11-22T08:09:00.000+08:00

As you know, I tried changing the blogskin but was unsuccessful. Since I did not know how to upload the BEAUTIFUL ones done up by others, I decided to attach a photo to my blog, and change the colours. Quite happy with it. In fact, I am glad that the upload from blogskin did not work out. Now my blog is really my kind of style. Simple and nice. The photo was taken in June in Melbourne. A snapshot that turned out quite nice. (^-^)
Moral of the story : There are more than one way to do something. If things don't work out, try others. It won't be the end of the world.

I give up!!

2007-11-20T00:01:00.000+08:00

Tried for two hrs plus to change the blogskin but was stuck at the final part. Somehow, don't seem to understand the instructions given by my pupil. Sigh. Tired. Falling asleep Zzzz......

大切物

2007-11-19T21:44:00.000+08:00

あなたにとて一番大切の物は何?　お金ですか?　キャリアですか?　または家族ですか?　

Exam Results

2007-11-17T23:27:00.000+08:00

Finally receieved my exam results. Its a B+. Hee hee..... Not bad for someone who never studys. Rejoice with me !!!!! Yeah!!!!!! Wa Ha Ha Ha......

P.S Losing my mind. Time to let my hair down cos it is HOLIDAY!!!!

My IT skills

2007-11-17T23:19:00.000+08:00

I was never good at IT. In fact, my hubby was surprised that I actually know how to blog. It took me two hrs just to figure out how to add the music and songs onto my blog!! I finally got it right with the help from my old friend XZ. Sigh. Pathetic. My next "target" - to learn how to change my blogskin to a BEAUTIFUL one. Ke ke....... Wonder how long that will take me. Anyone out there who can show me step by step how to do it?

Graduation

2007-11-16T20:43:00.000+08:00

Yippie its the last day of school!!!!!! Always like this time of the year!!!!! The P sixes had their graduation ceremony today. As usual, at the end of it, most of the gals were crying and the boys ended up laughing at their friends. They would always remember this day, I guess. However, sad to say, there are some pupils who prefer to stay at home. They did not know what they have missed out. The singing and actions might seem lame to some, but the song in fact speak of hopes and aspiration. That was also the last chance they stood on the school's stage and performed with their friends. To those who bother to wake up early, and who had willing to forgo a few hrs of gaming time to attend this ceremony, good for you. You might not fully understand the purpose of this ceremony, but when you grow older, you would cherish this moment forever.

Perfection might not be so perfect after all

2007-11-13T17:46:00.000+08:00

These few days, school is a "happening" place with quite a number of activities being carried out. There were the Sports Carnival, the P3-4 Chinese Proficiency Test, pupils were also away for the Leadership Camp and of course, the Prize Giving Day rehearsal has been on going almost everyday.
Speaking of the Prize Goiving Day rehearsal, P6 pupils had told me that they are pretty sick and tired of the whole thing and they just want to get it over and done with. I can't blame them.From the teachers point of view, practise made perfect. However to the pupils, repeating the same song and actions over and over again, wear away the joy and excitement that they initially felt bit by bit.

Stardust

2007-11-11T21:50:00.000+08:00

Watched the movie "Stardust" on Friday nite. Though the story is a little bit kiddy as compared to other fantasy movie such as "Lord of the Rings", I love it. It is a mixture of fantasy and romance. Love the theme song by Take That.

You lied the sky, up above me
A star so bright, you blind me
Yeah yeah
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t fade away, don’t fade away
Oh
Yeah you and me we can ride on a star
If you stay with me girl,
We can rule the world
Yeah you and me we can light up the sky
If you stay by me sideWe can rule the world
If walls break down, I will comfort you
If angels cry, oh I’ll be there for you
You’ve saved my soul
Don’t leave me now don’t leave me now
Yeah you and me we can ride on a star
If you stay with me, girl,
We can rule the world
Yeah you and me we can light up the sky
If you stay by me side
We can rule the world
All the stars are coming out tonight
They’re lighting up the sky tonight
For you, for you
Yeah you and me we can ride on a star
If you stay with me, girl,
We can rule the world
Yeah you and me we can light up the sky
If you stay by me side
We can rule the world
All the stars are coming out tonight
They’re lighting up the sky tonight
For you, for you

Interview with the ah pek who was bullied

2007-11-03T23:33:00.000+08:00

Bullies from UK

2007-11-03T15:06:00.000+08:00

Knew of this incident recently. Although the ah peh was bullied by them, I think he has reached a stage whereby these mindless acts do not bother him that much anymore (read news report from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=490946&in_page_id=1770). Kudos to the uncle. I feel sorry for the 3 british. This whole incident only showed how childish, immature, inconsiderate and uncivilised they are, and they actually post it on the web to tell the whole world that they are just a bunch of grown up babies!! Shame on them! Pray hard our kids don't behave like them in the future.

Exams

2007-10-30T20:19:00.000+08:00

Just had my exams today. Although I am no longer yound and have experienced counless tests and exams, I still have butterflies in my stomach before the exams!! Luckily the paper was not too tough. Think should be able to pass, though I don't think I can score an A. (^-^) But can pass can already. Not asking for more. Done my best.

My kids

2007-10-27T17:01:00.000+08:00

One of my pupils asked me this question recently, " Teacher, when are you having a baby?" I told him a reply he never expected. " I have 97 children. Do I need anymore?"
Having a baby is a super private subject and I do not wish to discuss the topic here. But the fact that I have 97 children is true. My chidren even changes every year. (^-^)
The pupils I teach are my kids. For one whole year, I would treat them as my own. Scold them when they misbehaves, cry with them when they feel hurt, laugh with them (^-^) when they feel happy. Of course, there are few cases whereby no matter how hard I tried, I can't seem to treat them as my "kids". Those are the very few that 和我八字不合, I guess. However, I am glad to say that usually sums up to less than 5 per year. Parting with them at the end of the year is always a hard thing for me to do. Over the years, I have learn to "let go" of "my kids". Although I still feel somewhat sad at around this time of the year, I am glad that I have a chance to meet and teach them.

爱心晚餐

2007-10-21T21:55:00.001+08:00

One look at me face, majority would say I don't cook, or I can't cook. But they are wrong. Though I am not as good as my mum, I am not that bad (as compared to some friends and colleagues my age). I love to cook. Cooking helps me to de-stress.

Tonight I prepared some spaghetti ( tuna , tomatoes cooked with olive oil) , salad (celery stick and seafood stick with thousand island) and salmon pizza ( wrap, tomatoes, pineapple, cheese and salmon). Hubby never said much but he finished everything. That's his way of saying the food were delicious. (^-^)

My children's work

2007-10-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

Recently conducted a lesson on global warming with my P4 pupils. Told them to come up with a Chinese poster on effects of global warming or what we can do in order not to make our "earth" sick. These are some of their works. Most of them had took this assignment seriously (although I told them that this assignment is not compulsory and that if they don't hand in, I won't penalise them) , coming up with different ideas. Think I have quite a number of artists in my class. (^-^)

A dish collector

2007-10-20T17:04:00.000+08:00

Went to "Botak Jones" to makan yesterday. The food was delicious and as usual, I enjoyed "people-watching" there. Among all, one "ah ma" caught my attention. She is one of those "dish collectors" at the coffee shop, and looks as if she is in her eighties. Although she is hunchback, she moves swiftly from table to table, collecting dishes. Unlike some dish collectors whom I have met, she looks happy and healthy, and is polite to everyone. I admire her working attitude. From what I observed, she is always the first one to walk to a "dirty" table to collect the dishes. Within seconds, the table is spick and span.
I wonder does she have any children? Why is she still working at this age? I have this sudden urge to find out more about her, about her life. Perhaps, the next time I go AMK , will "visit" her again.

Beauty and Youth

2007-10-18T23:19:00.000+08:00

PSLE marking days are usually the time to mingle and to catch up with old friends, ex-colleagues and make new ones. Heard that Poi Ching Pri Sch conducted a grooming course for teachers. When I heard of that, I was pretty excited and told my colleagues that it would be good if we have one too. I jokingly told a male teacher that he would have 眼福if all teachers dressed up nicely. To my surprise, he told me seriously that he thinks that there is no eye candy in our sch and that beauty is not everything and it would not last long. He said that we will aged eventually, and blar blar blar......
Many associate beauty with youth. To them, only the young ones are beautiful. I, on the other hand, beg to differ. I believe that 二十岁有二十岁的美，三十岁有三十岁的美，四十岁有四十岁的美......
Yes, inner beauty is something that will last forever. However, I think the appearance is also very important. We do not have to dress like models, but we have to be neat and dressed up approriately. Taking care of our apperances do not mean that we do not care about the "inner beauty", and that we are bimbos. No offence to my fellow colleague, but to me, his perception of "beauty" is too "narrow" and "shallow".

Changing Times

2007-10-17T20:54:00.000+08:00

PSLE marking is always the time to "people watch". Noticed a significant change this year.
In the past, CL teachers are mostly the worst dressed. Really I am not kidding. CL teachers are usually the humble lot, with minimal fashioned sense and majority of them are over the fifties.
This year when I went there , I had a pleasant shock. More than 80% are younger than forties and some of those in their twenties really know how to dress up. They are dressed fashionably and go to the marking centres with full make up on their faces!
That's when I realised that times have change. Time and Tide really waits for no man......

伤害

2007-10-11T21:18:00.000+08:00

今天，教了三年级学生这么一个词 -“伤害”。“伤害”不只是指肉体上的伤害，也可以是心灵上的伤害。我要求他们告诉我，在什么时候，我们会伤害到一个人。我刚说完不久，就有一位女生告诉我：“老师，有些人一生下来就没有爸爸，他们被别人取笑时，他们心灵上就会受到伤害！”听到她这么说时，我的心都碎了。这孩子来自单亲家庭，想必她所说的“有一些人”就是自己吧！
据我所知，班上有一些学生是来自单亲家庭的。一些是因为父母离婚了，另一些则是因为父亲或母亲已病逝。小小年纪的他们虽然没有说什么，但偶尔，我可以感受到他们的悲伤。他们不敢告诉其他人，他们来自单亲家庭。他们知道自己的家庭背景与其他人不一样......
我听了她那句话后，对全班同学说，没有爸爸，没有妈妈，并不是他们的错，也不是他们所要的。虽然这一些孩子失去了父爱或母爱，但不代表他们就会变坏，或与常人不一样。取笑来自单亲家庭的孩子的人，是非常不懂事，不会关心别人的人，我们不需要理会他们的话。
希望我的那一番话能鼓励、安慰到那几个孩子。希望他们能健康，快乐地成长。

Suffocated

2007-10-07T17:47:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I do feel "suffocated" by all the expectations that the society and ministry expect from teachers. Feel like shouting out this : Teachers are not saints! Teachers are just ordinary human beings trying our best to earn a living!
I wonder how many out there feels the same as me.

“山上的人”

2007-10-06T12:36:00.000+08:00

人都喜欢往高处爬。因为爬得高，就能看得更远。但是身在“高处”的人是否就是看得最清楚的呢？那不一定。以我个人“登山”的经验而言，身在高处时，虽能看得很远，但却无法看清山底的事物。

同样的道理，职位高的人是否就比职位低的人更了解一切呢？那未必。很多时候，当一个人达到某一种身份地位时，他就会忘了“山下的人”,也看不清“山下的事物”，眼前他所看到的是远处那更高的山峰。

我的6D学生

2007-10-06T10:23:00.000+08:00

我发现我在这个BLOG里从未提到他们。他们是我另一班的小六生。比起6F的学生他们静多了。他们上课时，多数都是静静的，不出声，不给我添麻烦。他们当中有几个偶尔会迟交功课，或不做功课。他们的学业成绩虽比不上6F的一些学生，但我认为他们在学习态度和品行上不会输给6F的学生，甚至在某一些方面会比他们来的强。

他们知道自己的成绩不如其他人，因此有一些特别用功，特别努力。他们对老师有礼貌，懂得关心他人，不计较太多。一个很好的例子就是：叫他们捡起地上的垃圾时，他们会乖乖照做，不会像一些其他的“好班”同学那样，说垃圾又不是他们丢的，为什么要捡起来。

我深信只要拥有正确的态度和价值观，他们往后一定不成问题。

Difference between children and adults

2007-09-28T23:39:00.000+08:00

When I told my hubby that I won't be dancing together with my fellow CL colleagues and will be joining the P3 teachers on stage instead, his immediate reaction was that, that was a poor PR move. He advised me to join the CL team too, or else others would think that I have no team spirit.

When the pupils did not see me dancing away with the rest of the CL teachers, one or two asked me why. My answer was : my main purpose was to "entertain" them. Once would do. Since I am a P3 form teacher, its only logical that I join the P3 teachers. They smiled and seemed satisfied with my answer.

I had the same answer for both of them, yet their reactions were so much different. Adults tend to think too much, care too much what others think of them at times. Children are more innocent, less complicated.

When handling such situations, I prefer the children's way of thinking.

Good Bye , Serene

2007-09-22T13:38:00.001+08:00

Someone I used to know passed away recently. We were from the same sec and jc. Took me a few days to link her name with her looks. Although I did not know her well, I remembered she was a nice gentle gal.
Sad and shocked to hear that someone my age had passed away. Life is so unpredictable. Fate can be so cruel......

もう疲れた

2007-09-22T12:30:00.000+08:00

最近いろいろことがありました。本とに疲れました。現実から逃げたい。この冷たい世界が嫌い。私はもう疲れた ......

背痛啊！

2007-09-15T22:07:00.000+08:00

昨天早晨醒来，赫然发现自己的背非常僵硬，很痛很痛。我无法转动我的头，连低头都有困难！昨天看了西医，今天见了中医，到处寻找能减轻我的病痛的“灵丹”。医生们都说我这病是职业病，是长期坐着批改书本所造成的，也可能是压力造成的。不管是什么原因也好，我只想快点好起来。还有很多事等着我去做，我不能病倒。

Quote from Hazel

2007-09-14T23:37:00.000+08:00

Hazel 对我说了一句很有意思的话。应该是从电视上学来的。

“我什么都有，但也什么都没有。
我什么都没有，但也什么都不缺。”

致6F的学生

2007-09-11T23:29:00.000+08:00

我今天虽失望，但也感到欣慰。失望是因为你们当中有些人做了一些不该做的事，欣慰是因为你们勇于认错。It takes lots of courage to admit one's mistake. 你们能坦然面对自己的过错，为自己的行为负责，我感到很高兴。希望你们将来做什么事前，都要考虑后果，勇敢地面对一切。

生きること

最幸福的事

Wishes

Just thoughts

Hubby

Fair

people......

PSLE Marking days......

Gokusen Theme Song

Seigi no Mikata Theme Song

教书

My favorite Teachers' Day present

Incentives

MP block visit

Jap influence

RHD

Our loved ones......

眼睛

好话、坏话

Turkey - jewel of the Asian and European Continent.

I am back!!!

The courage to make a difference

Exercise

我真的受伤了

缅怀往事

Wonderful memories

Fragmented

Complaints......

Free apples at NTUC??!!

Simple life

无奈

做多错多？

忙与盲

Tired

Recognition

Sick again

Doraemon

Taiwan

No, I do not regret anything

Memory

我不想懂得

Recent Buzz

生きること

Thank you Mum.

Facebook and Friends

Sick......

Just thoughts

Feel foreign in my homeland

未来になる

做决定之前

THANK YOU

Exhausted

2007年的最后一天

"I am Legend"

Excuse me, are you a local ?

My Favorite Things

My way 我自求我道

Poem

“怨气冲天”

闲谈 ： 好老师

EATEN ALIVE BY FISH!!!

"Worshipper" of the West 2

爱心晚餐 2

Being happy might not be good

放手，才是真正的爱

Rhapsody in Blue By George Gershwin

The Golden Compass

Worshipper of the west

快乐

A long lost friend

Pain

The "blaming game"

My pupil - JJ

成绩放榜了！

My blogskin

I give up!!

大切物

Exam Results

My IT skills

Graduation

闲谈：好老师