A Day To Remember
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to make a trip to Christalite Methodist Home(somewhere in Woodlands), an old folk's home funded by my church. I was not exactly looking forward to the trip there but my father asked my brother and I along. The home was having a Chinese New Year Celebration on that day and they threw a celebratory dinner for the old folks. Somehow, my instincts told me that I needed to make a trip there. So, we went in my dad's car, together with Mrs Poh(a 76 year old close family+church friend).

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the smell of faint dettol and a slight muskiness I could not put my finger to(perhaps it was the smell of age). The home had a sterile, clinical look and very much resembles a hospital. By then, the old folks had already congregated at the main hall, ready for the party to begin.

Somehow, the party atmosphere was rather different from the parties that I have been. Despite the fact that Chinese New Year songs were blaring in the background, no one actually stood up to dance, with the exception of 2-3 old folks whom I heard danced to the music regardless of the occasion. The old folks all looked as if they had the same expressions on their faces, looking blank and distant, almost as if they were deep in thought. Somehow, I felt a tinge of sadness, looking at their faces. It felt as if the world has left them behind and their heavily wrinkled faces spoke volumes of the life they had witnessed and their experiences with the world.

However, the gloom started to lift when the performancers(from The Third Place) danced and sang for the old folks. The weary faces of the old folks broke out into faint smiles and they clapped and responded actively to the music. Somehow, the atmosphere had transformed. There were jokes, laughing and perhaps some whispering as well. Even though the performance was not very well-rehearsed, I believe that the old folks were impressed by the love and warmth emitted by the performers.

We gave out the "Kum"(mandarin oranges) to the residents. Perhaps to us, 2 oranges may not mean very much. To them, the "Kums" allowed them a chance to interact with other people outside the home. Many were grateful when I pressed the "Kums" gently into their open palms and greeted them with with a cheery "Uncle/Auntie, Happy New Year" in Hokkien. Most were delighted.

The party ended not long after.

I have learnt so much from this trip. I realise that sometimes, we are so blessed, yet we simply take everything we have for granted. The old folks are grateful that they have food to eat, a roof to sleep and doctors and nurses to care for them. A little touch from us means so much.

On the way home, I was thinking about the number of old folks who have to resort to sleeping in the streets, with no one to care for them, with no proper bed to sleep in and no roof over their heads.

Somehow, I have learnt to give thanks for what I have. Somehow, the problems that I'm facing at work and in my life seem so trivial. It was this trip that has made me see things from a different perspective. I will learn to treasure what I have taken for granted all these years, my supportive family, my good friends who never fail to lend a listening year when I am down, even to some angels who add a smile to my face whenever work gets difficult. =)

- posted by NaNa @ 4:49 AM |

Those were the days...
Guess it's truly about time that I start blogging again.

It seems almost yesterday that I started blogging(actually it was 2.5 months ago) and I have managed to get 4400 hits already. Thanks for your support, everyone! It is through this form of encouragement that keeps me blogging and writing.

I had a fantastic time yesterday watching the Sec 2 students' Captain Ball Tournament organised by the Student Council. It was a refreshing sight to see students transform literally from peace-loving, docile and meek students to aggressive, sporty and menacing beasts on the courts. Indeed, it was truly a mind-opener for me to see a totally different side of the angels!
The Student Leaders are doing a wonderful job organising the activities. Despite the fact that many of them had to umpire and roast under the scorching sun, many of them took pride and glory in hosting the events for the students. I was most impressed by their leadership abilities and sacrificial spirit!

I was cheering the students on wildly. Haha, the angels would probably never expect to see this wild side of me in class as I am normally serious when I teach. I had probably shocked many people by screaming away in support of the classes I teach.

This reminds me of the time I spent in my secondary school and JC days when I too, took part in many tournaments, basketball, volleyball, rock-climbing to represent my class or my department. In the university, I took up fencing for approximately 7 months. Indeed when I reminiscence about the yesteryears, the fond memories I have will come rushing back to me fast and furious. Sigh... those were the days. I really miss being a student!

A nostalgic Annabel signing off

- posted by NaNa @ 3:19 AM |

English Websites
Dear Angels,

I have decided to fully utilise my blog to publish useful websites for you to explore and improve your English. Do take time to read through each of the components!

For Grammar Practices:
http://webster.commnet.edu/sensen/part1/index.html

Grammar Usage, especially SVA which many angels are weak in:
http://webster.commnet.edu/sensen/part2/index.html

For Tips on Writing:
http://webster.commnet.edu/sensen/part3/index.html

Ms Ho

- posted by NaNa @ 5:01 AM |

The Roar is Back!
Ironic as it seems, I watched the Tiger Cup finals between Singapore and Indonesia. Why the irony, you may ask? Well, it's simply because I am no ardent soccer fan; neither am I a die-hard Lions supporter but I watched the entire match. It's amazing that my attention span lasted longer that the stamina of the Lions. -_-

I was not at the stadium. Neither was I at the stands. Instead, I was lying down comfortably on my cushion at home watching the Lions and Indonesians struggle to kick a ball into each others' goal posts. Somehow, I felt exercised watching the Lions stretch, dribble and even stealing their opponents' ball from right under their noses. The reason I watched the match? Well, it was simply a psychological issue - that my support would make a difference to the Lions winning the match. Just as simple as that! I watched the Lions' first goal early into the match. When they had scored their second, I instanteously knew that the Indonesians' confidence would be shakened and their resolve to win would crumble. Somehow, deep down in my heart, I had a silent confidence that the Lions would not disappoint the crowd supporting them at the stadium and at home. Even when the Indonesian team made a breakthrough by scoring a goal in the 76th minute, I was unfazed and was certain that victory would belong to us.

I was neither shocked nor surprised when the Lions won the Tiger Cup. The determination to win was all written on the players' faces. Their desire to conquer the cup had spurred them on to defend their vulnerable goal post. It was a celebration indeed when the Lions brought home the trophy. No doubt they were advantaged as they were playing on home ground. However, as a Singaporean, I can now proudly proclaim that the Lions have regained their majestic roar, that their ardous training was not in vain! Kudos to the Lions!


- posted by NaNa @ 6:09 AM |

A Brand New Me
For the angels who have seen me around in school, perhaps you are already aware that I have deicided to adopt a brand new image for the brand new year.

To most people, my hair was literally my crowning glory. However, little did they know that if they had examined my hair close-up, they would have realised that my hair is dry, lacks lustre and I have split-ends at the hair-ends. Many people are thus deceived into believing that I have smooth, glossy locks worthy of admiration. Perhaps appearances can be so deceiving. My hair was also making me look run-down and wane. It too added years to my face.

Much as the fact remains that I have kept my hair length for 5 years and cutting it off would be akin to chopping off a limb of mine, deep in my heart, I know that I needed to do something about my hair. Perhaps something as drastic as snipping even half of my hair off to get back healthy hair. Somehow, I realised that I need to make a sacrifice, perhaps a painful one, in order to ensure that I do not have to make more painful decisions much later.

On Friday 07/01/04, I officially chopped off my long, permed tresses in exchange for a funkier, lighter look.

It was a dramatic move. However, it was definitely not one done on impulse. In actual fact, I was deliberating over cutting my hair half a year ago. I realise that sometimes I can be so secure with what I have that I am scared to venture and try new things. I guess this speaks for many angels as well, for I know that sometimes they can be quivering in their pants when it comes to change, or even try to change.

However, after my haircut, I am better able to tell myself, or my angels even, that if they try new challenges and take things in their stride, sometimes they might even receive a pleasant surprise, that things might turn out better than expected.

Just like my new haircut. It turned out better than I thought it would.

- posted by NaNa @ 1:36 AM |

An eventful week
This week is a week of madness. As school starts this week, it is a new period of adjustment for both the angels and myself (Other teachers included). Indeed, it would be even more mind-boggling if not for the fact that I am teaching most of the angels I have taught less year. That is one consolation. Looking at the sea of familiar faces somehow makes teaching easier. Perhaps it is because I already know these angels' strengths and weaknesses. However, at the same time, I am rather disappointed that I will not get to see my 1E1 angels, who I enjoyed teaching so much last year.

Perhaps I might not be able to blog so frequently as I did during the holidays. However, I will still pop in every now and then to update it when I have the time and energy to do so. My computer too, has crashed on me and I no longer have any Internet access at home. How can I survive without Internet, you might ask? Well, I guess I just have to learn to live with what I have until my computer is repaired. Luckily, I still have my trusty laptop to fall back on.

All right, it's back to hitting my marking at my desk in the Staff Room!




- posted by NaNa @ 1:20 AM |

Of Gloom and Miracles
For the past few days, the skies appeared to have donned their dullest clothes and looked as if they were in a state of deep mourning for the tsunami victims, some whose bodies can no longer be found. Indeed, it has been raining continuously, so much that I have started to wonder when I can sneak a peep at the sun's glory again. Not only does the gloomy, grey sky seem to be sapping away colour from the sun that we so often bask in, it seemed to be robbing the survivors of any opportunity to be rescued. While chances of anyone surviving are slim, I still think that we can never wipe out the possibility that somewhere out in the remote regions of Aceh, Sri Lanka or Phuket, someone might be fighting for his last breath, keeping his/her hope alive that he/she might be rescued in the nick of time before Death arrives with a cruel grin on his face.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed and my prayers going every night.

I do believe in miracles and they do happen when we believe strongly, firmly in whatever we do.

Just like the piece of news I received 3 days ago.

Hold your breathe!

Don't laugh.

Uncle George (my mother's brother) is getting married this coming 25th January 2005! What's so miraculous about it? Well, he's 58 and has been single all his life. Plus the fact that he's going to get married to a woman(Aunt Choo) whom he recently met. She's 60, I think. Imagine my reaction when I first heard the news. What was I doing? Well, I was reeling from non-stop laughter when my mother first told me about it with a straight face. Aunt Choo was his tenant and Uncle George had rented a room to her. Everything started from this tenant-owner relationship. Love started blossoming fast and before we knew, marriage was on the cards.

Haha... this is still too much for me to accept. I have met Aunt Choo and she seems like a rather easy-going person who doesn't look her age. I heartily congratulate them for finding each other after such a long search and having the guts to profess their love for each other at this age.

It's amazing! Nothing is impossible.

"Who know what miracles you can achieve? When you believe, somehow you will. You will when you believe." ~Lyrics from "When You Believe"


- posted by NaNa @ 2:24 AM |