It's My Life

2009-09-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hi angels, as promised, updates on remediation:

1) 2e6 and 2e7 maths lesson Tuesday 1pm to 3.30pm. Revision on algebra. Please bring your calculators and stationery.
2) 3a1 maths lesson Wednesday 10 am to 11.30am. Please bring your calculators, textbook and stationery. Cya peeps

The Road Not Taken

2009-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there,
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

– The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost (1874–1963)

2009-04-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

Your Brain is 80% Female, 20% Male

Your brain leans female

You think with your heart, not your head

Sweet and considerate, you are a giver

But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Lipstick and Personality

2009-04-04T00:11:00.001-07:00

Feeling rather bored so I went to google for lipstick personalities. Anyway, all my lipsticks look different but I decided to zoom in on my favourite lipstick from Anna Sui. It says something like this:

If your lipstick has a rounded shape with a pointed tip

You are attractive.
You devote yourself to your family.
You are a woman of your word.
You are a leader.
You are stay-at-home.
You are prone to exaggerate.
You are opinionated.
You are sociable.

Rather true. I didn't know a lipstick can say so much about a person. Probably that's why I love makeup :)

Sunflowers

2009-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

As usual, I had to pick my brother up from his workplace at 5.30pm. As I stopped by the roadside, I noticed a little garden on the kerb. Amidst an industry park in Ubi, this little garden seemed very much out-of-place but at the same time eye-catching and special. If not for the fact that I have to pick me brother up from work everyday, I wouldn't have noticed this little nook that is bursting with vibrancy and life.

Somehow I can't help but notice that this garden was well-maintained and that someone was tending to the plants in the small space. While I felt slightly down today due to work, the sight of the cheery yellow sunflowers almost immediately brightened up my tired day. Somehow God's hand is amazing. For once, I thanked God for flowers.

Work has been getting to me these days. Somehow I feel drained mentally and emotional everyday. My angels are rather challenging this year. While I am a person who reasons issues out with them, something tells me I am not getting through to them. Nevertheless I believe I will still press on, if I can. It is said that 'Faith can move mountains' and I will continue to have faith in these 38 unique individuals.

Cheer up, Nana. :)

The Best Time of the Year

2008-12-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but to me, Christmas is definitely the best time of the year. Beyond all the feasting and giving, there of course lies a greater meaning to the holiday itself. Well, if you are not sure what it is, you can ask me about it when you see me next time.

Anyway, I attended a total of 4 gatherings for Xmas this year, some better than the others. There's a 5th one coming up and it's not exactly a Xmas party but I get to meet my JC friends like once in a blue moon and it falls within the 12 days of Christmas so it's counted.

Hahaha... this is my blog so what I say counts. *winks*

Anyway, of all the gatherings, the meetup with my secondary school girlfriends today is something I will remember for a long time to come. Having known each other for more than a decade, my friends and I had a blast trying to overcome obstacles for Wii (Ramon Rabbid *think it's spelt this way), capture candid shapshots with Y's lomography camera, whip up our own sumptuous Christmas dinner and chilling out in the living room with a hot cup of coffee from A's new expresso machine. It was all in the name of fun. In fact, the conversation we had was hardly intellectual but highly entertaining for we shifted from topic to topic in a rather random manner.

For dinner, we had:

1) A's Lobster Bisque Soup

2) Y's Smoked Salmon Salad with Italian Dressing

3) Crackers and Cheese

4) Cocktail Sausages

(Pic from Y's Canon SLR)

5) X's Aglio Olio with Prawns and Scallops

(Pic from Y's Canon SLR)

6) T's French Fries

These were cleaned out rather nicely. I guess the fact that everyone chipped in (except me) to cook the food made the food taste better.

For dessert, we had

1) H's Choc.a.bloc's decadent chocolate cake

2) My carrot cake with cheese frosting (Not the black/white kind sold in the marketplace)

3) YY's melt-in-the-mouth Tiramisu which was absolutely to-die-for.

Imagine having 3 whole cakes all to ourselves! Of course, we didn't manage to finish them so some brought them back.

Accompanying all these, we had a mixture of dessert wine, lychee martini cum pina colada drink, coffee and even Chinese tea.

Hope these girlfriends will be around the rest of my life. They are such wonderful people and I don't know what to do without them.

Anyway, goodbye Christmas 2008, Hello New Year 2009!

Before I end, the presents my friends blessed me with today, knowing I'm a product freak.

Here goes...

A very blessed Nana Ho signing off ;)

Benefit

2008-11-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

For all shopaholics, presenting Benefit.

Recession is here

2008-11-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

The Golden Ticket

Recession is here so I'm stocking up my shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, curl hair definer. 2 years' worth of hair product.

Keep psychoing myself...

I'm spending to stimulate the economy.

The problem is, I'm going to help out the economy again at the Kose 70% sales tomorrow. And maybe at Loreal Expo sale next week. Can someone stimulate my bank account please?

Singapore's Weird Obsession

2008-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

After the short hiatus, I'm back again to blog, only because it's the holidays and I now have more time on my hands.

Anyway, my entry is as the title read: Singapore's weird obsession with ...drum rolls...

RUBBER.

Yes. You read it correctly. R-U-B-B-E-R.

Not to worry it's a perfectly teenage-safe entry. The rubber I am referring to is of course this.

(Image from http://www.crocs.com.sg/)

Strangely, while crocs are never the best-looking shoes around, they can definitely be crowned the most comfortable. The way the rubber envelops the feet, the way the shoes are designed to mould to the wearer's feet. the way the soles have a firm grip on slippery surfaces is astonishing.

In fact, I bought my first pair of crocs only 3 weeks ago at a recent Metro 20% sale and I'm now a crocs-convert.

Check out the cutesy-looking cotton candy Malindi I bought.

I heard you gushing and going awwww in the background. Aren't they sweet? Well, they have survived many shopping marathons and a trek up the Southern Ridges so they are also shoes with substance.

Well, what does my love have to do with Singapore anyway? Check this out!

As with many other Singaporeans, I made my way to Singapore Expo last Saturday, having heard that it was the first ever crocs sale. Thinking that it would be less crowded in the late afternoon, we (Mum and I) made our way to Hall 4A.

The queue we saw was enough to put us off. It snaked from Hall 4A all the way to Hall 3 and within. Yet everyone was patient enough to wait in line. Singporeans do love to queue!

The crowd in front of me.

The over-enthusiastic crowd

The ridiculous line of people

I waited for about 1 hour before we entered Hall 4A. The hall itself was a madhouse, with people grabbing whatever shoes they can lay their hands on and shouting out sizes they wanted. It was an ugly sight but I soon resorted to behaving like them. Haha.

Impatient shoppers

The queue to pay

Mom and I worked like a team. She hovered like a vulture at a corner, watching the shoes I painstakingly grabbed from the counters. Sizes and colours were limited but no one seemed to care as the shoes were almost at 60% off. We grabbed a total of 11 pairs but chose to buy only 6 pairs at the end. Must start to save now. Recession is here.

Anyway, payment was another round of queuing. We spent another 3 hours queuing to pay for the 6 pairs of crocs.

All in all, our loot.

The Holidays

2008-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well holidays are always to die for. Or so it seems.

This holiday has been pretty eventful for me so far, having spent 2 weeks at Temasek Polytechnic engaging in a 3-D Animation course and having even spent time at the hospital because of a minor surgery.

It was rather tedious to go back to school, having to shed my personna as teacher and becoming a student once more. Perhaps this minor stint as a student was refreshing enough for me to put myself in my students' shoes. Having experienced frustrations in my learning made me think of my students who struggle daily in their algebra. This experience made me sit up and reflect that learning can only make sense if the students understand the logic behind the content. It was also rather tormenting having to sit through lessons from 9am to 5pm daily. If not for my entertaining comrades during the course, I think I would have died there and then.

Anyway, I did enjoy myself thoroughly during the sessions, for I learnt to draw and animate 3-D objects. Oh yes, I met quite a number of ex-students at TP itself too. I believe I shocked a couple of them and they had to do a double take to check that it was really me that they saw. Haha. Anyway, I discovered that TP has fantastic facilities and its canteens serve fabulous Western food.

As I mentioned earlier, I had to undergo surgery recently. In fact, I was more relieved than scared when the doctor told me that I had to undergo surgery for my condition as the pain was more than I could bear. My time spent at the hospital was like a game of waiting. Waiting to see the doctor, waiting for the nurses to push me to the ward via wheelchair, waiting for the doctor to extract blood, waiting for my turn to go into the operating theater. All in all, I waited a total of almost 10 hours before operation.

Thankfully the nurses and doctors were reassuring and gentle. Ironically, the surgery was done extremely quickly. All I could remember was that I was being wheeled into the operating theater, the doctor administering some injection into my IV drip, me breathing into a gas mask and I was out. When I regained consciousness, I remembered that I had weakly asked for some painkillers as the pain was excruciating and the doctor mentioned in a matter-of-fact that they had given me some morphine after the operation to ease my pain. I'm still recovering from the operation and have to abstain from seafood according to my mother. Hopefully, I'll be ready to bounce when school reopens.

Anyway, I hope to rest this week before I go back to school next week. There's camp and meetings and lots of other stuff. Anyway, you take care too!

Till next time
xoxoxo

Brother's In Luck

2008-03-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Like I wrote on my subject, Bro recently won a whole bundle of X-Box 360 items together with a colour laserjet. Initially, I thought he was pulling my leg but I soon realised that he was extremely serious when I notice he had a wide grin on his face. The items were worth a total of

$1800! This boy actually won the top prize when others merely received the X-Box game alone. The only things I won from lucky draws are small items, never expensive, big items like these. But Bro did and I'm elated for him. That's because I get to share in the joy as well.

Well, my biggest splurge this month is credited to this game called Guitar Hero 3.

Thanks Bro! For because of you I can officially claim to be a Guitar Hero and Rock Star!

I hope Mommy doesn't gripe about me bringing the house down and causing a din in the neighbourhood! ;)

To Shan Dong

2008-03-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

In case you are wondering whether I had made a mistake, the answer is 'no'.

Yup, I'll be heading for China once more this year. Somehow, each time I visit China, the purpose is work. Anyway, I'm mightily pleased to be able to be on this trip. However, I'm not looking forward to the nasty cold weather, according to students and weather forecasts.

2 - 8 degrees celsius.

That's how miserable the weather is over there. That being said, I have Mummy's trenchcoat, windbreaker and a blue Timberland down jacket on loan from H. I'm sure I'll be able to survive the cold and emerge a victor. Freezing temperatures are never my cup of tea. It's my first experience of the closest call to winter.

I'm truly blessed to be able to ascend the Great Wall of China twice. The Chinese say that 'If you've never been to China, you cannot be considered a hero". Ahem...does that make me a superhero when I get back?

Apart from the depressing weather, the only other rant I have is that I have to lug my laptop to Shan Dong to set exam papers. So when the angels are snuggled deeply in their blankets, the teachers would be there burning some midnight oil. I'm not complaining...it's part and parcel of my job.

Anyway, I'll miss my angels and the Cross Country Run on Friday. I'm beginning to fall in love with the two classes I teach this year. Somehow we can click. Or maybe it's only a one-sided love affair. I don't know.

In any case, I'll see you when schools reopens(That is, if I don't freeze to death over there).

Adios!

The Mummy Returns

2008-01-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

Visited the Science Centre recently.

The most interesting item of the day - Astronaut ice-cream.

The Golden Ones

2008-01-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Was reminded of my blog by an angel. 'Neglect' is definitely the word used to describe the way I treat my blog. There has been a million events since my last blog but I was too lazy to update it.

Anyway, since the last time I posted a blog was Christmas, it is rather appropriate that I write one about Chinese New Year, which is slowly creeping in. Indeed, the malls are the perfect evidence that Chinese New Year is around the corner, with stores blasting familar new year tunes reminding shoppers to stock up for an abundant year and red signages wishing everyone a prosperous new year everywhere.

Age must be catching up with me, for I no longer feel the same wave of euphoria I felt when I was in my secondary school.

Last weekend, I was preparing from my lessons when I smelled a familar whiff of pastries from the kitchen. I knew my mum, her sister and my helper were then fiddling around with their once-in-a-year occupation - the making of the signature Ho family pineapple tarts.

Anyway, I tried my hand at making them and these were the ones I made.

My Golden Retriever Pineapple tart

Since this is the year of the Rat, I made some that looked like rats.

Tomatoes, anyone?

Happy Chinese New Year people!

Of Santa and Reindeers

2007-12-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

Santa came and left early this year.

Apparently, he must have a busy itinerary this year. In his haste, he seemed to have forgotten his reindeers.

Yup. You read it correctly. Reindeers.

They're now bunking at my house.

Three of them, in fact.

Contrary to belief, their noses are black, not red.

Don't believe? Check them out.

Presenting...

Rocky - The cheerful reindeer

Piggabom - The shy reindeer

Baby - The worn-out reindeer

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Change...

2007-11-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

... is the only constant. Or so they say.

I don't know.

Anyway, I was trying to pick up a tutorial from a freeware recommended by Uncle D.

This was what I did.

So Scary

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

I woke up with a start this morning.

I dreamt I was sitting for the O levels with M, S, J and the rest of the angels. Well, as fate would have it, it was the English paper. The 5 composition topics were a breeze but then I felt my teacher didn't prepare me for me.

I wondered why.

It was only when I woke up that I realised I was the teacher. Oh man, it was scary. Honestly I can't imagine myself going through the series of exams once more.

More Blessings...

2007-11-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! I must be one lucky girl.

I received another package from an online lucky draw I participated in. This time round, I got an eye cream to nourish my lined-with-fine-lines peepers. It's about time! It even says in the letter that I'm one of the lucky 20 to receive this. Now, how lucky can I get!

Having tried numerous brands of eye creams on the market, I must say that eye creams are a big farce.

They don't work.

Let's hope this one does.

Well, at least I don't have to shell out any money for it!

Anyway, I'm seriously one blessed woman. ;)

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Luck aside, all my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. Was doing some major packing when R turned around and suggested I capture some pictures of my table in the old school. Well, as you can see, my table was not in the best of condition for anyone to work on (It looked like it suffered an extreme bomb attack or a massive avalanche) so I usually end up usurping another teacher's table.

Luckily, I love my neighbours around me so they love me in return.

How do I know this?

Well, no one complained about the huge slump around them! That's why. I bet it would be a different situation if my staff room was in Everitt Road.

Anyway, somehow, somewhere deep in the recesses of my heart, something stirred in me when I took these pictures. Sentimental me told me that I'll miss the old school for sure. Will you?

The Ego Has Landed

2007-11-04T03:34:00.000-08:00

Rocky's been secretly training. In my last post (which was a zillion million years ago), I mentioned a new skill the pooch had recently acquired. It's the long lost art of balancing something on the head. Well, this ability seems to be rather innate. Apart from balancing small everyday objects, he has moved on to balance bigger ones. I'm pretty sure in no time at all, he'll have a huge flower pot on his head, performing alongside the acrobats I saw during my trip to Bejing last June.

Anyway, his head is getting pretty big these days. Check out the latest item we made him wear.

The ego has definitely landed.

Talents

2007-09-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

After watching the movie Ratatouille, I'm beginning to believe that "Anyone can cook". Of course, I concocted my own version of it to inspire my students that "Anyone can do Maths". My dog, Rocky, further illustrated this point when we discovered he had a special talent.

Don't laugh! It's a talent to balance something on his nose. Well, it may sound trivial to many but it's definitely not something any Tom, Dick or Harry can do. Don't believe? Try placing a pen on your nose and you'll see that I'm right.

Anyway, Bro's training him to balance the object on his nose, which means that he has to sit still and hold the object in equilibrium until Bro shouts 'OK'. Not many dogs have the patience and perseverence to hold up for 2 mins or more.

Piggabom can't.

Baby can't.

Rocky can.

It's hilarious yet amazing watching him. For he seems to be able to understand us perfectly.

Check these out.

The Troubled Baby

2007-09-07T01:13:00.000-07:00

Baby's in serious trouble recently.

As you know, all puppies are frisky and playful.

Like little children, she loves exploring new areas in the house.

Well, there's nothing wrong with that.

Except that,

Her idea of fun is ... covering herself in mud.

Not very fun for N, who has to clean up after her. It was quite an experience to witness mud-caked footprints all over the house.

The tell-tale tracks

The look of guilt

The mastermind - Baby's Daddy!

Happy Teachers' Day!!!

2007-09-05T02:52:00.000-07:00

This post will be a colourful one because I have tons of photos.

Anyway, I have been stuck at home for the past few days for the flu bug has struck once again. How dreadful, isn't it? I wish I could have been patrolling the malls but alas shopping is definitely the last thing on my mind these days. Perhaps that can be the first thing I'll do when I fully recover.

Anyway, here's a belated Happy Teachers' Day to all the teachers out there. Hope your teachers' day was well-spent, unlike me, who spent the whole day in bed nursing my cough and flu.

Guess what? I won myself a $40 NTUC voucher at the lucky draw during the Teachers' Day dinner at Furama Riverfront. Well, the vouchers were way better than any other prizes that night. So I'm mightily pleased with it!

Haha, I won a toaster/mini grill for Ms Asean Glitters - the theme of the night. The toaster was a good present for my domestic helper who would be leaving us at the end of the month. My family already has a functional toaster so there's no point hoarding one more in the cupboard.

Well, here's some snapshot of the gifts and cards I received on Teachers' Day.

Hey angels, thanks for making my day extra special and thinking of me. Of course, I made all the angels who wanted to wish me Happy Teachers' Day look me in the eye and shake my hand firmly before they could pass me the gift/card. It's all about manners, isn't it?

The presents which I lugged home. Thanks dudes!

The cards. Being the sentimental person that I am, I keep my cards in a cardboard box stashed in my drawer. Amongst them I have appreciation, birthday, Teachers' Day cards, all kept since I was 17 years old. Cards are very intimate and special items to me and that's probably the reason I keep them. ;)

A very special note from a special angel. Thanks for the wonderful effort. You deserve a special mention here!

Lovely cupcakes made by N. They look most delectable and yes, the flowers are edible. Amazing right? My angels are way talented.

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In spite of my flu, I managed to hit Comex 2007 on Sunday evening to hunt for a backup hard disk drive and a replacement HP laserjet cartridge (which is horrendously expensive).

Well, the eager crowd was more orderly than the one in March. Feeling a bit woozy, I snucked into the exhibition hall, grabbed the things I wanted and left in one piece. Of course, I didn't get to see many showgirls (not intending to anyway) but the sight of the litter within the premises irked me so much that I was whining and complaining about the lack of civc consciousness about Singaporeans.

Anyway, left the place to catch the movie Ratatouille. Well, I caught more than the movie there. Seems like the aircon was so cold, I caught the cold once again... :(

The Baby

2007-08-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

This is Baby, the puppy we kept. As you can see, she's a gorgeous female golden retriever who is looking more and more like her daddy. The only irony is she's probably not going to grow to be very much bigger. As it is, she's only bigger than a Chihuahua and our family is guessing that her growth is stunted. She'll be the smallest golden on the planet!

A Brand New School

2007-08-12T03:23:00.000-07:00

Something for you to ogle over - The new school. That's all I have.

No More Waiting

2007-08-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting for a bus is definitely one of the most painful thing on earth. The wait itself doesn't hurt one physically but it can definitely kill. Many a times I wait for a bus with bated breathe, wondering when that bus will come, only to discover its arrival 45 mins later.

Thankfully I saw this new system at Orchard which informs commuters when the bus will arrive. However, I'm still quite unsure how to decipher this information. Take No 14 for example, does it mean that bus 1 will arrive in 7 mins and bus 2 arrives 1 min after or that bus 1 will arrive in 7 mins and bus 2 arrives 8 mins after bus 1. Any idea, people?

Receiving

2007-07-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Indeed this year has been a year of blessings. To be able to receive blessings is a blessing by itself.

This year alone, I have received some full-sized beauty products merely by registering online. In disbelief? Let me show you some products I got:

Around Chinese New Year, I scored a Fancl Beauty Concentrate which costs a whopping $100+. I probably won't pay so much for something of this nature in the stores but since it was free, it was worth giving it a try.

It didn't do very much for my fine lines, but it did keep my skin taut, firm and well-mosturised for 2 months. For a $100+ product, I was not impressed.

The next 3 items I received were from a Woman's Weekly Nivea hamper. They consisted of a cleanser, mosturiser and some spot corrector serum.

In a Popular bookstore lucky draw, I won 2 free tickets to the Transformers movie which brought back truckloads of nostalgia.

A month ago, I received another full-sized product from this Japanese product, proclaiming to be an all-in-one product. Although I am usually sceptical of such claims, a free product usually means that I will use it willingly. The packaging was well-thought through but it's nevertheless a good marketing gimmick to make the consumer feel important. Anyway, this product costs a whopping $69 at Guardian.

After giving them some feedback online, guess what? They sent me another gift to thank me. Talk about good customer service. I think the Japanese win hands down.

Staying Cheerful

2007-07-24T03:15:00.000-07:00

Reviving an old post (which was not published quite some time ago) in November last year. Sounds contradictory to my previous post? Well, it is (Since this was written some time ago). Anyway it was a reminder of this verse 'The joy of the Lord is our strength'.

Sometimes it's tough to maintain a positive disposition when everything is piling up. Most of the times I try to force a smile and try to sound cheerful. This act itself makes me feel joyful.

Just the other day, a student I met was commenting that it's going to be tough for CO to get Gold for SYF next year for the choice of song is rather bizarre. My response I gave him even took me by surprise. This was what I told him, "As long as we do our best, does it matter whether we get a Gold or not?" I believe this was the exact response I gave him.

Students being students, most of the time they only view the end results as crucial. I don't deny that. I do that all the time as well. Very often, they forget the number of hours they put into training, their perseverance, their hard work, their successes and even disappointments along the way. These setbacks and successes help make them a stronger and more resilient person to prime them for the battle. Even adults feel that way, let alone students.

I love the words from The Three Kings "When the time comes, WE FIGHT!" Indeed, every single day is a battle for all of us. Who doesn't battle the constant stress at work? Who relishes the sarcastic 'friend' who is ever ready to pounce on you for every slip of the tongue? Who enjoys being critised and critiqued all the time? In reality, these words are neccessary evil at times. Very often they allow us to reflect and grow, though these words hurt like pins.

Don't lose hope.

Don't lose heart.

When the time comes, WE fight.

Not you, not me, but we are going to do it together.

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Eight months later

Trying very hard to keep up the smiles. ;)

Being Different

2007-07-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I'm totally exhausted and overwhelmed with all the things piling up this term. Despite having being in service for 5 years, somehow, I still lack the survival skills a good teacher needs, the inability to refuse someone who asks for help in some form and of course, still grappling with the relentless marking and endless meetings week after week after week.

Yup, I'm TIRED. Tired of all the nonsense I'm facing at the moment. While teaching may not be the most tiring job on earth, it may still remain as the most strength-zapping occupation ever. In comparison to my peers, I don't see them slogging at their computers after work, still furiously marking and keeping themselves awake at the stroke of midnight. Maybe it's just me? The perfectionist at work. If not for the grace of God sustaining me spiritually and emotionally, I probably have succumbed to temptation and would have thrown in my letter of resignation a long time ago.

Teaching to me means so much. So much more than a mere job. So much more than just trying to bring out the best in my angels. To me, teaching is a calling. Sometimes I wish I have a bottomless heart so that I can provide all the love, care and concern so many of my angels need. Sometimes I wish I have more time for lesson planning and exploring lesson ideas instead of having to slave over mindless and pointless meetings and committees. Sometimes I wish I can spend more time listening to students who need someone to speak too. Sometimes I wish I am not so affected by what I see, hear and feel. But the truth is, I am. I am just as vulnerable as you are.

I distinctly remember a close friend's husband, J, trying to dissuade me from entering the teaching profession. I was a lot younger but ten times more naive. This was the conversation in the car:

J: Are you sure you want to be a teacher? Teaching's not as easy as it seems. I have friends who quit teaching after 3 years.
Me: I've never felt so sure before. I want to be a teacher.
J: You're still young. Why not consider going into teaching after trying something else?
Me: That's precisely the point. I'm young. If I find teaching unsuitable for me after 3 years, I'll still be young when I exit after my bond.
J: Eh...you don't look nor behave like a teacher.
Me: That's why! I want to be a different teacher.
J: How different? Like GTO?
Me: Yup, something like that or even more. I want students to know that there are teachers who are different. I want to zoom into school on a Harley, make students love their lessons and change the stereotype of teachers.

Looking back, I was seriously naive. After all, how different can one be? After 5 years, I'm beginning to feel jaded, cynical and deeply disappointed. By selfish students. By unreasonable parents. By what I had set out to achieve. By what I have not achieved.

Now, I no longer feel the desire to want to be different. I no longer have the energy to throw starfish back into the ocean. I don't feel different from others at all.

Now, I'm just one of them. Just doing my job, staring vacantly into the distant, dreaming of riding on my Harley. Maybe one day, I will dare to be different so that I can break free from the chains of homogeneity.

One day.

I'm going to be different.

I Proclaim Friday DONUT DAY

2007-07-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Sincerity is when someone offers you a donut from Donut Factory. Yup, it's exactly what I had been lemming to try for the longest time ever, having read so many reviews from the magazines, newspapers, friends etc.

Photo taken from K's blog

The Peanut Butter-Chocolate Donut I ate

Last Fri, my cravings were finally satisfied when K came back to school, branishing her box of 12 donuts, claiming that they were only for "selected" people. Amazingly, I was one of the 12. Perhaps it was because I popped by the canteen at the right time. Anyway, thanks for the effort, K! I'm really appreciative, not because the donut was from Donut Factory, but because you spent 2.5 hours queuing up for them and taking the effort to bring it down to school for us. I certainly wish there are more angels like you around.

At around 1pm, another colleague offered me another donut. This time round, from Krispy Kreme. A student bought 6 boxes worth of donuts from Hong Kong. I had a glazed donut with an unknown filling.

Anyway, thanks for the donuts! I love them...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

More pictures of puppies I hear? Here you go...

Disrupted

2007-06-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Something happened to my laptop recently. This explains why I have not been blogging for some time. Guess I'll just take a break for the time being.

Be prepared for the flood of posts once my laptop is back!

Girls' Night Out @ Sushi Tei

2007-05-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Just For You

2007-05-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

An angel came up to me in the canteen and requested for more pictures of the adorable puppies. I don't know how she came to my blogpage when I don't even teach her.

Anyway angel, this is just for you!

Puppies are totally bizarre creatures. They are almost like babies I think. Don't misunderstand. I adore babies but I cannot comprehend why and how their system works - how they can eat, sleep, eat, sleep ... Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, these puppies are learning to walk.

Well...

Learning to walk = Can walk = Can move very fast = Can talk their pictures only when they sleep

This equation is rather simple and comprehensive. Let me know if you can't make sense and I will explain it to you using some mathematical 'x' and 'y' terminology instead.

Puppies, like babies, must learn to sit first before they can make their first steps. Bet you didn't know that, right?

Puppy crossing...

Puppy-Mania 2007; Winner = Pirate Ho

This is Pirate. He's the one with the pus-like object in his right eye.

If only I could sleep like them, I wouldn't have to bother about getting those mosturisers, eye-creams and anti-wrinkle creams from the Loreal Private Sale.

Temptation

2007-05-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

Because of this...

I bought these...

I'm now officially broke. I declare myself the poorest woman in the world. No more shopping!!! And the Great Singapore Sale is starting this weekend. -_-'''

The Paradox of Our Time

2007-05-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

Can't help but think this is so true.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit "Skip Ahead"...
By Dr. Bob Moorehead

http://www.xdude.com/paradox.htm

Puppies Version II

2007-05-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

These days, there's nothing I look forward these days except to go home and greet the puppies with my sharp and shrill voice.

The puppies have just opened their eyes and learning to walk. They are extremely adorable and huggable at this moment. Despite the fact that they spend most of their time sleeping and drinking milk, I can't help rousing them from their sleep and carry them. Haha... I feel almost like a mother myself. Talk about maternal instincts. ;)

Anyway, there are 2 puppies with some form of genetic defect. There's one whom I nicknamed 'Pirate' who has a red pus-like object on his left eyeball. We only discovered he was born this way when he opened his eyes 2 days ago. Anyway, we decided to keep this puppy since no one will adopt him and we would be able to provide the love and care that he so desperately needs. I'm not sure if the object is hurting him (though he whines a lot)but I'm pretty sure he's blind in that eye. Anyway, I suggested making an eyepatch for him in time to come. At least that will protect his eyeball because it's protruding at the moment.

We have another puppy with a crooked tail. Yup, you read it correctly. Unlike most dogs whose tails lie straight, hers has a right angle to it. We nicknamed her 'Funny Tail' (for the most apparent reasons). Anyway, 'Funny Tail' is ultra adorable. She's petite and all. I'm sure she'll make up for her size in time to come.

My Date with The Phantom of the Opera

2007-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

Some jazz singers serenading the crowd at the Concourse. They were good!

The Phantom of the Opera is here...

The Esplanade and the beautifully done up theatre setting.

Puppies Puppies...

2007-05-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed with 6 more puppies. Piggabom gave birth to 7 puppies in the wee hours of the morning today. I love puppies, despite the fact that they are only slightly bigger than hamsters for the time being.

Piggabom is strangely protective of her pups this time round. She even growls at us when she doesn't want us to touch her pups. However, I managed to touch them when she wanted to nurse them. Perhaps she understood my intentions were not malicious.

Anyway, more pictures coming soon.

Piggabom during her pregnancy

Check out her stomach!

1-day old pups

We did it!

2007-04-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

This post is specially dedicated to the 93 CO SYF 2007 students (SYF performers, reserves and helpers) who created a miracle on 4 April 2007 at 4pm.

Thank you for your amazing effort and hard work. You deserve every accolade you get. The Gold(with Honours) is definitely achieved not because of sheer luck or chance. This achievement is because of your hard work, determination and tenacity.

As a teacher-in-charge, I must thank you for believing in yourselves, your teachers, your instructors and Miss D. For I believe that this belief carried and propelled you to make your dreams come true. I know how tough it was, when you had intensive practices, having to shuttle from school to TECC, cope with a multitude of tests, homework and trying to keep your eyes and ears open in class. I know how rough it was, to be scolded continuously for playing the wrong notes, not paying attention and not knowing how to move with grace.

While you were onstage at TECC and in school, I was usually offstage, watching all of you transform from a lacklustre Chinese Orchestra team to one that was brimming with confidence and eluded charisma and grace on the day of the SYF itself. I must admit that the going was equally tough for you as it was for me. Many times I felt like throwing in the towel like you felt when the trainings got more and more intensive. I'm glad I persevered and I'm so grateful you persevered. If not, success will not be as sweet as it was when Mr H announced PRSS No 57 Gold with Honours. In fact, I was touched many times by the actions of the team amidst practices at TECC. I felt so proud when I was sitting in the Conference Hall watching you move with grace and pride as a PRSS performer. I must admit I was truly touched when it reminded me of the process and effort you put in to get this far.

Anyway, remember that you achieved because you first believed! Hold this belief true to your heart. In future, when you encounter difficulties or problems, recall how hard you worked for SYF 2007. Remember that hard work and determination can bring you success.

Remember the message I wrote to encourage you during the SYF Briefing?

I’ve seen your hard work and efforts.
I’ve seen you put in your best.
I’ve seen your desire to be the best.
I hope you know what you are working for.
Retain this honour and glory your seniors have worked for.
Be proud to represent PRSS in SYF 2007.
Everything is possible if you put your hearts to it.
It’s in your hands.
Remember ‘We will achieve because we first believed’.
SYF 2007- where 80 hearts will beat as one and play as one.
Let’s end SYF 2007 with a big bang.
First time SYF Gold with Honours.

Remember “When the time comes, we fight!”

I'm proud of you! I'll miss the Sec 4s though.

Nana

Time

2007-03-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish time could be a commodity. This way, I can buy or sell the amount I need. With SYF, exam setting and EV around the corner, it seems as if my holidays are very much over.

Anyway, these are the things I have to do this holiday:

1) Sat - Attend Homecoming Dinner.
2) Sun - My last guitar lesson at TECC.
3) Mon - Set my exam papers.
4) Tues - Extra lessons for 1E6 and 2E6. I certainly hope they will show up.
- More exam paper setting
5) Wed - EV meeting & finalise my exam paper
6) Thurs - CO camp + Dawn's wedding
7) Fri - CO camp
8) Sat - CO camp + 2E7 BBQ
9) Sun - J's wedding

Can I ask for more holidays? Please....

I'm Blessed

2007-02-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

My Ang Bao haul for the year 2007. Yes, I still receive Ang Baos ;)

I received another blessing from Fancl - a bottle of serum that cost $100+ FREE. I signed up for some online trial quite awhile ago simply to try my luck. Think I'm one of the lucky few to be chosen. 2007's a good year!

Rocky the Menace

2007-02-12T02:20:00.000-08:00

Observe the innocence my 8-month old puppy, Rocky, displays at the sight of a camera. Notice his puppy-like eyes and harmless face.

Well, as I always say, looks can be deceiving. Don't be taken in by his looks of innocence or even his doeful eyes that invite pity.

My golden has been termed 'Rocky the Ripper' at home. For he has chewed up countless pairs of shoes left unattended. I believe he has a strong fetish for high heels for his choice of shoes he chose to leave his marks on were heels. Sadly, even visitors to my home have not been spared. Rocky went on a shoe rampage and chewed up 3 pairs of my colleagues' shoes until they were beyond recognition in a matter of hours.

Check out the evidence below:

Colleague's heels 1

Ma's new heels 2

PH's crocs' accessories.

Having learnt our lesson, we try to keep our shoes on the rack at all times. Sigh...

*Edited to add* Rocky struck again today! At my shoes...-_-

Second Chances

2007-02-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

Children Live What They Learn

If a child lives with criticism,he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,he learns to feel shy.
If a child lives with shame,he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,he learns patience.
If a child lives with encouragement,he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,he learns to have faith. I
f a child lives with approval,he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,he learns to find love in the world.

-Author Unknown-

Somehow the above sounds too idealistic too happen in a real world.
I have been pondering over this notion of a second chance for the past few days. Was rather heartbroken when I heard the news of an angel who made a grave mistake. One that was made out of folly. He was genuinely sorry and looked rather regretful over what he had done. Anyway, I certainly hope that he can be given a second chance and that he can learn that the world is actually a place filled with forgiveness and make amends for the silly act of his.

In my schooling years, I have been blessed enough to receive second chances, time and again. These second chances were fundamental to my growth as a teenager who was struggling with issues like studies, pride, fun and friends. I must admit that I was never the teacher's pet nor mama's girl. I disliked the idea of studying then for I felt there was no purpose in reading textbook after textbook. There was always an underlying strain of rebelliousness in me. It was not a surprise when I did badly in my JCs, so badly that my dad had to pay a visit to the VP's office. The orginal intention of the VP was of course to send a clear signal that I had to set my priorities right. Instead, Dad went in and gave the VP a severe tongue-lashing, for not giving his daughter a second chance to work on her subjects. I was rather taken aback by Dad's behaviour but thought nothing of it till I grew much older. Thinking back, I'm definitely grateful that Dad showed his support for me by giving me space and time to grow. For in his own ways, he gave me a second chance. For although the JC syllabus was demanding, I was totally disinterested in studying then. Perhaps the subjects did not appeal to me at all - demand and supply in economics, polar coordinates were all alien and lacked relevance to me.

I only found greater passion in my studies during my university years. Perhaps the increase in freedom and the appeal to take up Psychology and Maths spurred me to learn beyond the mere confines of the syllabus. The 17-period a week timetable allowed me to find myself back again in time. I found my confidence and love for studying for I was passionate about the things I did.

Somehow, now that I'm a teacher, I always hope that my angels can be given that second chance when they fall. I always believe that the best time to make mistakes is while one is in school. Of course, students always have the luxury of youth and innocence to use as their trunp cards. The real world is never so forgiving.

I'm one who believes in giving out second chances, having been a recepient of it myself. It's not that I'm kind, weak-willed or easy-swayed. But I'm sure, in time to come, these angels, like me, will appreciate the second chance they were given.

One thing that is for sure: second chances don't come thrice.

Le Saigon (Day 4)

2007-02-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

This entry is most belated. Who blogs about their holidays after more than a month? Hahaha, I do! With the huge amount of marking piling up, I have no time to breathe, let alone blog.

Anyway, Day 4 of the Vietnam trip was the "coolest" ever. In fact, it was the most memorable day across the 5 days we spent in HCMC. We were all looking forward to the Mekong Delta experience, after hearing so many raves about in on forums and the Lonely Traveller website. Day 4 was definitely a day to remember.

Started the day with a heavy international breakfast spread at the hotel coffeehouse. Had a piping-hot bowl of beef pho, other food and tons of Vinamilk Yogurt.

On our way to pick up the remaining travellers at Palace Hotel, the excitement had already started. Somehow, we managed to witness what we thought was a riot. It turned out to be a walk for some cause instead. It was rather traumatic, sitting in the bus, not knowing what was happening outside on the streets. We took these pictures from the bus.

Spotted this pink shop which sells hats and more hats. Imagine having a 2-storey shop selling hats! In case you are surprised, Vietnamese women wear hats everywhere they go. Talk about having good sun protection. I bought a pageboy hat (not from this shop though).

On the way to the Mekong Delta, we stopped over at another "Happy House". It came in the guise of a tourist souvenir shop hawking wares at totally inflated and exorbitant prices. In any case, we bought nothing but took tons of pictures instead.

Spotted some beautiful pictures made entirely from butterfly wings. Lovely creations but it's hard to appreciate its beauty in entirety when it dawns on you that approximately 100-500 butterflies are used in the making of one picture. Out of curiousity, I asked the salesgirl for the price of one butterfly painting - US $75. Ouch.

A random picture of a rooftop which I found rather intriguing

A random picture of a lotus pond

After a 2-hour ride, we finally reached the terminal where we boarded a boat for our Mekong Delta cruise. The sun was especially fierce that day. Luckily I had brought my ugly fisherman's hat along.

The way of life in Mekong Delta

We stopped over at one of the islands for a seasonal fruit-tasting session. This was all that was remaining after 5 minutes. Basically, we had our fill of ramutans, small bananas, cikcus, pineapples and jackfruit. Even the tasting of the fruits had to follow a specific order from the least sweet(pineapple) to the sweetest(jackfruit), least we do not taste the fruits at their best.

I think I have a strange but huge affinity with Chinese Orchestra. Being a CO teacher is not enough, for I am reminded again of CO in Vietnam while on holiday. Imagine my surprise when I saw these musicians playing instruments similar to the erhu and pipa. The music was similar to CO music as well. Hmmm... maybe a cultural exchange with the Vietnamese Orchestra? Haha

The musicians entertaining the diners with their song.

The Pipa lookalike. Hey, I mean the instrument, not the man.

The Vietnamese Erhu "Shou Xi". JX you have competition!

This biazarre-looking fruit is actually a "water coconut". I didn't try this so I can't tell you what this tastes like. My best guess is that the Singaporean equivalent is either the "sea coconut" or the transparent, chewy oval-shaped objects you find in ice-kachang. Can't remember what you call it at this point.

A random picture of a pomelo tree

Check out the murky waters of the Mekong Delta.

Proceeded to the second island where we received one surprise after another. On this island, we were shown the makings of coconut candy. Since coconut is readily available on the island, hence they make full use of the coconut fruit. They use the juice and meat to make the sweets and even the husks to keep the fire going. How environmentally friendly!

The man is the picture was my Mekong Delta guide. A rather animated character I must say for he was really earnest at telling us the stories of the Mekong. He's 25 and already married.

The Cooking Process

See the huge amount of coconut husks used as fuel?

The rolling and kneading of coconut candy

Stretching the candy before cutting

The retail counter. In my anxiety to purchase coconut candy, I paid around $10 more than required (6 packets cost $5) . The lady in white simply kept mum about it. Luckily I discovered the booboo in advance. My first nasty experience in Vietnam. Sigh...

Dad and I

After the coconut candy session, we took a ride on a horse-drawn cart around the island. Indeed this reminded me of the rickshaws in Bejing.

Bro carrying the bags of coconut candy which were surprisingly heavy.

Next stop on the island was to sample some honey lime drink which was surprisingly refreshing in the hot water. The most challenging part about this experience was to sip your honey lime drink while bees buzz around you. Some bees even kamakazied into the drink in a desperate attempt for a taste of honey. Of course, I tried to remain calm and composed despite the fact that I was fearing for my life. It didn't help matters that I had earlier watched a documentary on bees prior to the trip. Anyway, it was here that I managed to take a picture with a huge python. twirled around my shoulders. Cool!

After walking down a dirt track, we discovered some boats waiting to ferry us for a miniature boat trip along the narrow waterways on the island.

Basically the island has many mangroves. We saw mangrove after mangrove after mangrove.

Check out our driver. Think she's only 9 years old and has to ferry 4 adults around to make a living. This trip has definitely taught me to count my blessings.

Here's the highlight of the trip - A special dish called "Elephant-ear fish"(the fish looks like an elephant's ear i guess), fried to crisp-perfection, scales and all. From the pictures, it looks as if the fish is infested with maggots. Trust me, it looked the same when we saw it for the first time. In fact, we thought the fish looked like a normal luohan fish that was cleverly disguised as a special dish to unsuspecting tourists who eager and game to try anything and everything. Yup, we were clearly disgusted but tried the dish nevertheless, with scales and all.

Basically you scrape the meat and wrap it like a normal rice roll and dip into tangy fish sauce. Between bites, you can taste the crunchiness of the fish scales and the dish was definitely not a palatable one for me. I tried my best not to look at the leftover remains of the fish on the table while chewing on the rice roll. It was not an easy task. Hahaha

Another bee hoon roll.

Finished lunch rather quickly and decided to walk around the "restaurant" for a breather. Was grateful that I had my walkabout after my lunch for I discovered the place where the "elephant-ear" fish were housed in - a pool infested with algae and filled with murky water from the nearby drain. Goodness. For once, I'm grateful for the level of hygiene even in Singapore hawker centres.

Where they kept the "elephant-ear" fish.

Squirrels kept in cages. I think they cook them too. Ewwww... *wrinkling my nose in disgust*

On the way back, we saw street hawkers hawking the meat of wild animals by the road. Business was actually rather brisk!

Notre Dame Cathedral, the place to be seen on Christmas Eve. The sermons were also in Vietnamese.

HCMC Central Post Office

The interior.

We were greeted with another surprise upon arrival at our hotel rooms. Chocolates were given to guests as Christmas gifts. We spent the evening chilling out at the hotel lounge.

Wedding

2007-01-27T01:25:00.000-08:00

In memory of Noi and Keith's wedding on 27th January 2007.

The bears, dinner favours, are rather 'Princess Hours'. If you had caught the Korean drama, you'll probably know what I mean. Perhaps I shall place them in my staff room and who knows? You may catch a glimpse of them while passing through.

Le Saigon (Day 3)

2007-01-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

Day 3 was the dullest one in the entire tour. As mentioned in the previous post, we spent the night at Vungtau, a well-known coastal resort 125 km (3 hours bus ride!)southeast of HCMC.

As you can see from the photo, the letters "EL" are missing from the word "HOTEL". Our best guess was that the words were inadequate in withstanding the force of Typhoon Durian, which struck Vungtau 2-3 weeks prior to our arrival. Perhaps in the cover of darkness and in a haste to arrive the night before in Vungtau, we failed to notice the amount of destruction the typhoon had caused to the town. In the morning, it was clear for all to see. Roof tiles from newly constructed houses were randomly missing, leaving unsightly gaps in the roof. Trees were uprooted and fell to the ground. Even the Summer Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai were closed to visitors for fallen teak trees had to be cleared. The fortunate thing - we were blessed that we arrived after the typhoon had gone. Our family had originally intended to visit Vietnam during that time.

After a simple breakfast at the hotel, we went to the Jesus Monument, which overlooks the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.

This is the Jesus Monument. As you can see, the monument is situated at the top of the mountain. We had to climb a total of 1000 steps in order to reach it. Ha, it was a tiring and challenging climb as we encouraged each other not to give up. As a result, Bro and I were amongst the first people to make it to the top. I was rather surprised that even Dad and Mum made it, for the climb was rather tedious.

This is the base of the monument. We had to climb many more flights of stairs in order to reach the shoulders of Jesus which overlooks the sea, perhaps the Pacific Ocean. This climb reminded me strongly of the time the CO students and I ascendeded the Great Wall of China together.

Bro's feet were made for walking.

The scenic view at the top of the Jesus Monument.

The Whale Temple was the next place we visited. Most Vietnamese are Buddhists, Taoists or Confucianists. However it was rather surprising that the majority of the locals residing in Vungtau are Catholics. Perhaps this was due to the early missionaries who come forth to Vungtau to spread the gospel. Anyway as the name implies, the Whale Temple is a temple meant to worship the whale! The whale is a sacred creature revered by the fishermen whose lives depend on their catch. In the temple itself, there is a gigantic carcass of a whale.

The 3-hour ride back to HCMC was painful. My over-active bladder was screaming since the early part of the journey so I was silently praying for a stopover. Amazingly, we did. It was at this handicraft shop that produced lacquered ware, especially those made from mother-of-pearl and egg-shells. Interestingly, although the shop is meant to equip the disabled with some form of job, I hardly saw anyone with some form of disability there.

A worker using eggshells to complete his work of art.

Lacquer ware which were priced at exhorbitant prices.

The next visit was to the War Museum in HCMC. Over at the Cu Chi Tunnels, the picture of the valiant Cu Chi Guerillas were painted. Over at the War Museum, the sufferings of the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War were for all to see. Although the Americans were portrayed as the aggressors and Vietnamese as the victims, I sensed that the display was rather prejudiced. As a mark of respect, I decided not to take any pictures of the war victims who were scarred both physically and mentally.

The traffic in Vietnam can only be described using one word - chaotic. With almost everyone in Vietnam riding motorbikes and scooters, it's pretty amazing how the driver Vic weaved his 40-seater, swerving pedestrians and motorists. Traffic lights are scarce in Vietnam. In fact, we spend many death-defying moments on the roads. Thankfully Vic has superior driving skills. We witnessed a terrible accident when a motorcyclist collided head on with a truck. I don't think the victim survived the accident. According to Hua, 12 000 motorists die as a result of traffic accidents each year. Most Vietnamese can't afford to go to the hospital when they are sick.

Our Driver Vic. He taught me to say "I love you" in Vietnamese but I can't remember how it goes already. ;(

My favourite place. Cho Ben Thanh, similar to Chatuchak, houses everything from clothes to coffee powder. Daddy bought many fake Adidas jerseys there. I tried my best to reprise my role to bargain for the best price.

Well, here's a typical conversation with the shopowners I made:

Me: Sin Cho (Hello in Vietnamese)
Seller: Sin Cho
Me: How much? (in a weird accent)
Seller: USD or dong? (payment in dong is usually cheaper because of the exchange rate)
Me: Dong
Seller: *** dong
Me: Ma Qua! (Expensive in Vietnamese) Lower... Lower *finger points to the floor*
Seller: Give me another price
Me: *** dong

and the bargaining continues.

It was rather surprising to find that like the Chinese, the Vietnamese too, value the first and last customers of the day for they believe that a good start/end makes a difference.

The traffic situation after shopping for merely one hour.

We had our dinner on board a cruise ship. Nothing fantastic though.

Le Saigon (Day 2)

2007-01-04T03:14:00.000-08:00

My hotel room at Winsor Plaza Hotel, a 5-star accommodation. One of the newest hotels built in Ho Chi Minh City, Winsor Plaza Hotel is the first 5-star hotel built by a Vietnamese. The best part? There's a shopping plaza and wholesale market just a walking distance away from the hotel itself! Sadly, there was hardly any time for us to shop.

Ho Chi Minh City(HCMC) - where I made my first million!

Actually, one million dong is peanuts in comparsion to the Singapore dollar. For the un-informed, one million dong is actually equivalent to $100 Sing. Haha, the exchange rate is probably one reason why many Singaporeans are flocking to Vietnam for shopping. Anyway that was all I spent in HCMC but the bulk went to buying presents for my gfs.

This was the first place where we spent our dong on the second day. As you can see from the picture, it's called Rice Paper Village, a place which makes and sells rice paper (used to make the famous Vietnamese Spring Rolls). You can even d-i-y! There even make fried crackers made of rice and sesame seeds which almost taste like the Singaporean version of prawn crackers.

This was also where we spotted some grotesque-looking objects. Upon closer examination, we discovered that there are in fact bottled rice wine soaked with creatures like snakes, pythons, geekos, scorpions or even seahorses supposedly to boost a man's virility. This came as an initial shock to us but after some time, we realised that snake wine is as common to the Vietnamese as chicken rice is to Singaporeans.

As with all Singaporeans whose favourite occupation is shopping, this tiny shop in the middle of nowhere successfully managed to occupy the 31 of us for at least 30 minutes. This was because we seized the opportunity to visit the toilet at the shophouse before we reached the Cu Chi tunnels.

I managed to snap a picture of the funky looking toilets (the tour guide calls them 'Happy House'). My best guess is that the cubicle on the left is for taller ladies and the one on the right is for the vertically challenged.

Not funny?

Nevermind.

For those who are interested, I went to the left cubicle. Hehehe...

Soon the bus arrived at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a MUST-GO for all visitors in HCMC! The visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels turned out to be an educati onal adventure in itself. It was hardly surprising that I was able to pick up more historical facts and general knowledge than any book or encyclopedia about Vietnam. "The Tunnel Network represents the undaunted will, intelligence nd pride of the Cu Chi people. It is also a symbol of the revolutionary heroism of the Vietnamese people. Due to this, Cu Chi has been bestowed the title of 'The Steel Land and the Bronze Citadel'." (Cu Chi Tunnel Brochure)

As you observe from the photo, this is an entrance to an underground hideout. The opening is only slightly larger than my Acer TravelMate laptop, which is already pretty small. These tunnels, accessible by the smaller-built Vietnamese are well-camouflaged and usually inconspicious to the naked eye. It was rather comical that my brother managed to squeeze himself into the tiny hole but could not fit his arms in.

This tall, dark and handsome man happens to be our tour guide, Hwa for our entire trip. Oozing with boyish charm, Hwa made us laugh throughout the entire trip. From him, I learnt how to speak English tinged with an Vietnamese accent.

Hmm... I wonder if there are any more tall, dark, handsome and funny men around?

But the way, in the photo above, Hwa was describing the way the Vietnamese outsmarted the Americans in the Vietnam War through the ingenious use of readily-available materials from the nearby jungle. In fact, simple devices like booby traps were created not to kill the American soldiers but most of the time to render them immobile or paralysed. It's rather shocking to learn the primitive devices used were more effective than the heavy artillery used by the Americans in the forested area.

What lies beneath?

Look before you leap!

The self-made weapons gallery was an eye-opener in itself. Using bamboo or steel for spikes, these traps had a variety of fanciful names like rolling trap, klipping(spelling error?) armpit trap, window trap, folding chair trap and even see-saw trap. I was intrigued by the fact that the Vietnamese could engineer such simple yet incapitating devices even in times of war. Trust me. Either you end up crippled or dead. Though amazed, I couldn't help but shudder when I imagined the number of American soldiers who were killed becaused of these traps.

The many booby traps.

These were the footwear worn by the Vietnamese guerillas during the war. Crafted entirely out of tires, these sandals were light-weight, allowed the soldiers to move about silently and lasted up to seven years! These were the sandals worn by Mr Ho Chi Minh (the Father of Vietnam) as well.

The tunnels were of course the highlight of the day. We were given the guerilla experience when we journeyed into the tunnel. Cold, dark and narrow. These adjectives aptly describe the Cu Chi Tunnels. Though the tunnels were enlarged for the foreign tourists, it was a rather eerie experience being down on all fours, groping your way in the dark when you couldn't even see your hands in front of you. Although we went into a 40m tunnel, the journey felt like it was never going to end. Perhaps in my anxiety to get out of the tunnel, I crawled a little too fast and kept bumping into an unknown auntie's buttocks in front of me. Gross!

Cu Chi Tunnel - definitely not a place for the claustrophobic! We were all very much relieved to see light streaming in from the other end of the tunnel. I cannot imagine that the guerillas had to spend days and nights in the tunnels itself, hiding, plotting and even living in the tunnels!

The day's journey was largely occupied by the bus journey itself. In fact, we spent almost 9 hours on the bus, shuttling between HCMC-Cu Chi Tunnels-HCMC-Vungtau (Sammy Hotel).

Vietnamese Coffee. Thick, aromatic brew that has a hint of vanilla and even cocoa.

We had our dinner at VungTau and were grateful to arrive in one piece (will explain in the next post) for dinner and eventually at Sammy Hotel (a 3-star accommodation)

Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007!

2007-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

To those who made my 2006 more memorable and enjoyable - Thank You!
To those who uplifted me with your words of encouragement - Thank You!

2006 has been a good year. As Pastor E put it, 2006 was a year of favours. For I've received much blessings and can bless others in return. I'm looking forward to 2007, a year where new doors will be opened.

Goodbye 2006!

Hello 2007!

Le Saigon (Day 1)

2006-12-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

The place I stayed. Windsor Plaza Hotel.

I'm only blogging about my Vietnam Trip (21 - 25 Dec) now because I had no access to Blogger for the past few days. Probably due to the earthquake in Taiwan, the internet connection to Blogger has slowed down tremendously. Nevertheless, I want to capture the special memories I had in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in words while they are still freshly linger in my mind.

Vietnam - a destination filled with vibrance and mystery. Indeed Ho Chi Minh City turned out to be a stunning package(I had never expected that Vietnam would actually appeal to me). On hindsight, I went with little expectation for I always thought that Vietnam was a place flooded with paddy and rice fields; undeveloped and backward in development. This trip to Vietnam changed all these.

For I discovered that Vietnam is 'a land of contrasts' (as Thomas Cooks put it). For there you see history and traditions, side by side with economic prosperity and development. Indeed, Bangkok to me was a boring place. Vietnam provides the raw edge and charming innocence that I have not seen in other places. Perhaps this can only be offered because the tourist industry in Vietnam has just started to open up. Perhaps Vietnam will be another Bangkok or Bejing in time to come due to commercialisation. However, I liked what I saw and experienced in Vietnam. The lack of packaging, the spectacular scenic beauty and the rich history of Ho Chi Minh has made me fall deeply in love with it.

Anyway, I had only managed to finish setting my re-exam the day itself of departure so packing was the last thing on my mind then. Luckily I didn't forget to bring anything . Anyway the shopping started the minute we entered the dfs lounge. Haha! I bought 2 Clarins slimming cream(1 for myself and the other for bro's gf) and a mosturizer from Jurlique. Met K(a Sec 1 CO student) with her mum along the way and I was rather surprised when she mentioned she was going to Vietnam too! It was such a coincidence that we were on the same flight - SQ178.

The plane was freezing cold as we bundled and made ourselves comfortable for take-off. Anyway, I managed to catch the movie Step Up on KrisWorld (half of it actually).

Step Up to the Groove

Silly me actually felt proud that I was taking the national carrier. Due to budget constraints, it has been a long time since I flew SIA. Anyway, it helped that the air steward was rather cute and attentive!

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, we felt totally overwhelmed by the huge throng of locals and tour guides eagerly waiting for the arrival of their friends/visitors. We were then ushered into a waiting bus nearby and headed for dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant. To us, this was the best dinner we had throughout the entire trip. Perhaps it was the first meal in Vietnam that added to the appeal. However, I believe that it was the hunger and fatigue after a long day that made the meal special. Check out the sumptous feast we had!

The place where we had our dinner

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Fish Sauce

Crunchy Squid Salad

Succulent Beef Cubes with Putu Mayam (Our family's favourite dish)

Some fresh water fish that reeked of mud. We didn't touch much of this.

Vietnamese Hot Pot

Vietnam... Here I come

2006-12-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

It feels exhilarating to get away from everything, leaving work behind for a meagre five days while I bask in the warm sunshine of Vietnam, slurp my beef pho and sip an indulgent cup of Vietnamese coffee all at the same time.

I'm looking forward to the sights and sounds of Ho Chi Min, the fastastic shopping in Ben Thah Market, the food and of course the bonding I have with my family. Hee.. I'm leaving for the airport in 15 minutes time.

Meantime, Merry Christmas! May this Christmas be special for you as well.

An excited Nana =)

Transformation

2006-12-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Books Galore!!!

After a hard day's packing, what you see is what you get! Managed to transform my messy table into its original and chic state. Hopefully this can last me 3 months. *Prays hard*

The remaining pile of books I have on my table.

A Faithful Servant; A Loyal Friend

2006-12-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'

Matthew 25:21

Nicky breathed his last today. He lived a wonderful 14.5 years(equvalent to a 101.5 year old man) with us. It was a heart-wrenching decision to have to put him to sleep.

Pain.

That was how we felt simply looking at him waste away the last week. He couldn't walk, urinate nor stand. Instead he simple lay on the grey granite floor, whimpering in pain, with a faraway look in his eyes; almost as if he knew his time was up.

Painful.

It was simply painful watching him suffer in silence as pain wrecked his entire body. He had no way of expressing his pain, except by whining the entire night. Bro sat with him the night before, offering him words of comfort and tried to pat him to sleep. Watching him suffer was the worst thing.

I remember when I gingerly cradled him in my arms for the first time. I was in Secondary One and eagerly selected him from among the entire litter of eight pups. He was the chosen one and was named Nicky as I always wanted a white dog by that name. I remember his fluffy white fur and the curious way he used to sniff at me each time I came home from school. I remember that he was never one to be intimidated, for he even took on dogs much bigger than him. He has definitely brought the family much joy with his whimsical antics, 14 years of loyalty and friendship. I remember vividly the time when we cornered a rat in the house and how Nicky valiantly took on the role of an aggressor. These were the beautiful memories.

Sadly, I did not have the opportunity to see him off.

I wished I had.

There's this weird atmosphere in my house for the loss of a family member is never easy. Bro's gf cried so hard.

I'm glad that he has found the peace he deserves. For all dogs go to heaven. I believe Nicky will too.

Finding Strength

2006-11-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I hate myself for trying hard.

Do I have to do so much?

It makes me wonder if anyone actually sees the effort.

Sometimes I ask myself whether all the many things I do are worthwhile,

After all, I'm broken and mangled once more.

I'm already trying my best,

Almost threw in the towel,

But picked myself up again.

I'm trying to look on the brighter side

For 2 months ago, all I saw were dark clouds.

I never knew it could be so difficult;

I never knew you could be so difficult.

I wonder what you need me to do,

For I'm already doing what I can,

Holding on to what I believe.

My conscience is clear.

My heart is whole.

I'm glad He knows,

And that's more than sufficient.

Lost and Found

2006-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the experience when you lost something important?

Well, careless me lost my entire bag today at VCH during the rehearsal for RIH'06. I had dumped my bag on one of the front row seats in the auditorium, attended to my 2 emcees and when I turned around, to my horror, my entire bag was gone. I was in total disbelief for the bag was gone in a jiffy! I even thought I had misplaced my bag or that it had fallen between the gaps in the seat. It was only 10 minutes later that I went up to someone to tell them that my bag was missing. Disgusted with my own carelessness, I felt insecure and lost, all at the same time.

I told J, W and a few students and all hunted high and low for the bag but to no avail. I even had to borrow $20 from J to get home. To others, I could only offer a scanty description of the bag - black with brown straps. Utterly crestfallen, I found myself thinking of my bag and not the emcees whom I was there for. Putting everything aside, I tried my utmost to focus on my job. I must admit that I took approximately 30 minutes before I could fully let go. It was then that one of the teachers informed Mr T about my missing bag. He then entrusted all the DHS to hunt for it, even to check the dustbins. Who was I, to have the whole CO hunting for my bag? I'm not even their teacher-in-charge. Nevertheless, this action touched my heart. Almost everyone chipped in their extra bit to help. Sadly, their generous actions made me feel worse. For I felt like a total retard, having lost my bag because of sheer carelessness on my part.

Anyway, some teachers advised me to cancel my cards, handphones and others. Others reminded me that several incidences like this had happened before and the bags were never to be found again. My wallet was stolen several years ago when I was a practicum teacher at BSS. However, this time round, though I was ready to give up, I tried to convince myself that I must continue to have faith in students. Perhaps someone had taken my bag by mistake. It was then that I realised that I had yet to pray. I had done everything except pray.

I then stood in one corner of the hall, a more obscure corner and prayed. I was not concerned about the money in my wallet but more so about the cards, important documents for the coming EOY workshop and SYF in the bag itself. I then told J to pray for me on his way home.

Amazingly enough, my bag was found during the interval with everything intact. My students brought it up to me, claiming that some N students had found it amidst their belongings. Apparently someone had taken the bag by mistake.

Praise the Lord!

I learnt 3 things today:
1) That I need to take care of my belongings.
2) That I can always rely on Him in times of need.
3) That I must always seek Him first

Great day. Great lesson.

Get to know yourself better

2006-11-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

Did a quiz on getting to know myself better. In case you think I'm very free in the holidays, the answer is NO. I just need a break from SEM and work for the moment. How true is it? ;)

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. (Yup, I'm blunt. Just say it straight in my face) You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties. (That's because I'm a Libran)

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true. (Nods my head in agreement)

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person. (Guess so)

The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. (Not really! Seductive... nah!) The opposite sex finds this very attractive(Don't think so), and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms (I wish this would happen...haha). But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can. (Bingo! Hey this quiz is accurate. That's why I'm an educator!)

The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life. (See, now you know why I'm teaching?)

How do you view success:

You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying. (Keeps my fingers crossed)

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you. (I'm INDEPENDENT for sure!)

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve. (Definitely spot on! I'm EMO, according to J)

Breathe Again

2006-11-07T03:31:00.000-08:00

Artist: Juwita Suwito

Have you wondered how it feels when it's all over?
Wondered how it feels when you just have to start anew?
Never knowing where you're going
When you face a brand new day
It used to be that way
Now I just close my eyes and say

I just want to breathe again, learn to face the joy and pain
Discover how to laugh a little, cry a little, live a little more
I just wanna face the day, forget about the woes of yesterday
Maybe if I hope a little, try a little more
I’ll breathe again

Starting out again is never easy
Disappointments come and go but life still moves on
With a bit of luck
It’s a brand new start
That might just work my way
No need to walk away
Don't want to live on life's replay

I just want to breathe again, learn to face the joy and pain
Discover how to laugh a little, cry a little, live a little more
I just wanna face the day, forget about the woes of yesterday
Maybe if I hope a little, try a little more
I’ll breathe again

Things will work out fine
If you can find the courage to look past the night
To see the break of dawn

I just want to breathe again, learn to face the joy and pain
Discover how to laugh a little, cry a little, live a little more
I just wanna face the day, forget about the woes of yesterday
Maybe if I hope a little, try a little more
I'll breathe again

I'll breathe again...

Sick

2006-11-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

I hate being sick. Period.

Passion

2006-10-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

Was just chatting to an ex-student K on MSN a while ago.

He's now 19, studying in TP. I taught him for 10 weeks when I was doing my Practicum in BSS 4.5 years back. He mentioned that he remembers me for herding him from the basketball court back to the classroom for my Maths remedial lesson on Factorisation. Guess I was the nasty one. For I remember that I was so furious with him that he skipped my Maths lesson to play basketball then. It was his fortune, or misfortune, that I happened to look out of the window to spot him at the court, dribbling away.

Looking back, I find it funny that I behaved that way. Maybe at that time, my main focus was to get K to pass Maths. Maybe it was because as a trainee teacher I had all the time in the world to spend with my students. I believe that I had the passion of teaching in me, to want to make all students do well in Maths.

It was tiring, but worthwhile.

Seriously, I wonder if I have the energy to do what I did then.

I still don't know.

Anyway, K, thanks for acknowledging my presence in my short stint at BSS. Take care and when you get your degree, let me know. I would be so happy for you.

Pa's Away

2006-10-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Pa left for the Walk to Emmaus (3-day retreat) yesterday. Hmmph... I didn't even get to say goodbye at all.

Well, before the walk, Pastor M rang Mum up to get the entire family to pen notes of encouragement for Pa during his retreat. Sad to say but it was actually the first time I wrote a personal letter to Pa. Somehow it just feels weird to write to Pa for it is not a common practice in our family. I write notes of encouragement readily for my colleagues, friends and even my angels, but strangely not to my parents.

Anyway, I wrote the letter rather quickly for I knew what to write the moment my pen touched the surface of the paper. Feelings poured fast and furious, thanking Pa for trivial things he did that I have always taken for granted, like waking up at an ungodly hour to drive me to school when he could have continued with his sleep. I gave him my blessings and hope that he can receive more wisdom after the entire trip. Ma and Bro were struggling with the letters when I finished in almost 10 minutes.

Anyway, I kind of miss my Pa's presence in the house. Hopefully the letters will strengthen Pa these few days!

Reminded

2006-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Kai reminded me that my blog has been neglected.

Remember Rocky? My retriever puppy I kept? He's grown so huge that he's almost the size of Piggabom - all in a short span of 6 months.

This was what he looked like:

Now he looks like this:

Yup. He's grown. Too fast. Too quickly. Much as I have a selfish desire for him to remain at his puppy stage, I adore his current self as well. He's now more agile, adorable and receiving some obedience training from my brother and Uncle Richard. Rocky now knows simple commands like 'come', 'sit', 'heel', can differentiate a left handshake from a right handshake. He even waits till we say 'Amen' before he eats. All thanks to Uncle Richard who comes faithfully every Saturday to coach him.

Having lived all my life with dogs(I had a Boxer, Pug, Japanese Spitz), it's rather demanding to entertain 3 attention-seeking dogs all at one go. Nevertheless, it's worth it!

That reminds me. I have yet to take a picture of all 3 dogs together. Of Nicky, Piggabom and Rocky.

Till next time I guess...

P.S: Thanks T for leaving the jell-o on my table for my birthday. It was such a sweet gesture. =)

High and Low

2006-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ironically, with every high I feel, there comes a low that strucks me hard, like the tsunami on Boxing Day 2 years back.

I'm tired.

Don't think I want to bother anymore.

You can choose to do what you like.

For I don't want to end up disappointed once again.

Lead your life the way you like it.

I don't enjoy scolding you anyway.

It hurts you as much as it hurts me.

Forget it.

I don't get a salary increment nor a word of thanks.

I'll leave you alone next time.

Sorry, I don't think there'll be many such chances anyway.

Take care...

Thank You! Thank You!

2006-09-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

As you can guess, this entry is written to thank all my angels for their gifts, cards, wishes and notes on Teacher's Day. It's extremely belated but I certainly hope that they do not mind their names on my blog.

Dearest...

Mingli, thanks for the lovely mug filled with smiley faces. I must remember to smile more often and this mug is definitely a good reminder. Thanks for remembering me despite the fact that you have graduated. Really miss your presence in CO.

Boon and Sihan. Really glad to see you girls coming back. Thanks for the wishes. Boon, you need to eat more. Sihan, don't be worried over your promos. It will be over in no time at all!

Su Juen, thanks for the yummy chocolates! I really appreciate you remembering me year after year, on Teachers' Day and my birthday. I teared so much after reading your card. Yup, the words definitely touched a raw nerve in my heart! ;)

Vanessa, thanks for the chocolate chip cookies you baked. They were delicious abet a bit on the hard side. I especially love the huge heart-shaped cookie. How did you do that? Have you tried the ones I baked? Maybe one day I will bake some of mine for you to try as well.

Qianhui, thanks for the cushion. I now have something to lean on when my back aches. Must remember to bring it back to the Staff Room though. It's now lying on my bed. Hehe...

Cheryl, thanks for the unique flower magnet with the special message. Now I know why you sent me that sms.

Jobel, thanks for the second round of cookies. Really appreciate that you went through all that trouble baking them for me. Haha the cookies could be further improved. Don't give up just like that. By the way, I'm glad to know that I love you! =)It wasn't like that when you first came into 2E7, right?

Malcolm, thanks for the 3-D Teachers' Day card. It was extremely sweet of you!

Ruixue, gracias. Is the keychain supposed to be a miniature cross? It seems rather complicated or is it meant for other purposes?

James, thanks for the adorable pair of rabbits. I'm not exactly a fan of stuffed toys but I will probably use them on my wedding car when I get hitched! *Ha*

Melissa, thanks for the figurine. I'm using it as a paper weight on my study table at home. I initially thought it could glow-in-the-dark!

Corrina, thanks for the chocolate delight. Work on it, girl! I'm sure one day some man will appreciate the fact that you can cook up a storm.

Haimei, for the handmade card that is totally unexpected since I haven't taught you before.

I-can't-remember-who but an angel passed me a Forever Friends mug and another blessed me with a Kit Kat Chunky. Do identify yourselves. I'm old and my memory is failing.

CO Exco, was really touched when I saw your card waiting for me on my table. I didn't expect anything from you guys.

Erhu Section, thanks for the back-breaking cugel for me to pound my aching sholders with. Hehe, I had a hard time figuring out what it was meant for, until Nic told me about it. By the way, I'm still waiting for you to give me a better present - your full attendance. ;)

Yanting, thank you for the lovely sunflower photo frame with a ladybird. Was it you who gave me the present? I can't remember because Miss Neo was the one who passed the pressie to me. Let me know, yah?

Izzati, thanks for the thoughtful card with the lovely message. I just found it today in my pigeon hole. Thanks dearie!

Angels in 2E7. Hope you had a great time playing the game "Follow the Leader" and "Sa-Fan Sa". Thanks for the preparation and buying snacks and drinks for the mini-party. I really appreciate it!

Angels who voted me for Matter-of-Fact Teacher Award. Thanks dudes, even though I don't see myself as matter-of-fact. I guess I got the award as the other contenders are not so matter-of-fact?

Any other angels who I have forgotten to thank?

Anyway, in case you think I'm materialistic, I'm not. This entry is meant to appreciate the angels who showed me some form of appreciation on Teachers' Day. Thanks guys!

I'm waiting for the best present ever - that my angels i teach will do well for their EOY examinations.

I'm waiting...

An appreciative teacher

Nana

A Letter to God

2006-08-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

Dear God

This letter is to affirm your presence in my life. Thank you for always being there for me, for you have seen me through rough patches. I'm grateful that you have brought me into teaching, for teaching has given me some of the best experiences I've ever had in my life.

Many a times when I was at my lowest in morale and spirit, you were there for me.

When I felt weary and beaten, you comforted me with your words and revived the tired spirit.

When I felt like giving up, you gave me strength to stand firm once more.

When I felt totally redundant, you reminded me of the sacrifice you have made for me and me alone. That I am worthy of your ultimate sacrifice and that I am precious in your eyes.

When I tasted success, you celebrated with me.

When I overcame my problems, you gave me a pat on my back.

When I need someone to speak to, you send not one but many people into my life.

Thank you for sending me angels, year after year, who I can relate to.

Thank you for sending me angels who bless me with cards and gifts every Teachers' Day. This Teachers' Day is extra special for the words and actions of the angels have touched deep in the recesses of my heart. For only you know the problems I face and the joy I feel in my job.

I know I am not someone who is made perfect.

For you created me and gave me tears so these can be shed when I feel low.

For you gave me eyes so I can see and appreciate how imperfect we are, opening my eyes to the strengths and weaknesses of my angels so that we can work on them together.

For you blessed me with a strong heart so that I can shield the angels from the difficulties they face in their school, family and even relationships.

Thank you for giving me listening ears for angels can pour out their problems readily to me.

Thank you for giving me the ability to relate to most(not all, sadly) of my students.

Thank you for allowing students to trust me as a friend, a mentor and a teacher.

Thank you for giving me a healthy body so I can see my angels grow day by day.

Thank you for granting me a cheerful heart so I can bring laughter to those around me.

Thank you for making me a teacher so that I can thank you on this day.

Thank you for all you have done! For I will trust in you all the days of my life.

Thank you, Lord!

Annabel

Totally Smittened...

2006-08-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

I'm in love.

Seriously so.

With

My Lovely Samsoon, a Korean Drama currently on air.

It's totally hilarious. I haven't laughed so hard in months.

Just on Friday, I had casually mentioned to bro that I want the DVD series in a joking manner. Today, after finishing work, he came home, claiming that he has a surprise for me in his bag.

Guess what?

He bought My Lovely Samsoon specially for me!

Haha, I'm such a blessed sister. *Muacks* I love you, Bro!

A Productive Day

2006-08-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

I definitely count today as one of my most efficient moments in my life. Having decided to check myself into Cafe Cartel the minute I left school, I embarked on a mission to finish marking my stack of common test comprehension and compositions.

Perhaps it was because I had an objective in mind.

Perhaps Cartel is really a conducive place for marking.

Perhaps the Chicken Chef's Salad and Ice Mocha were enough to motivate me.

Guess what?

I stayed from 3 to 6pm, marking furiously at the Cartel tables, oblivious to the weird stares I received from the customers and staff there. I simply marked and mugged, exactly the way I did when I was in the uni. The concentration and momentum was there and before I knew it, I finished marking the entire stack of comprehension sans summary. The reason why I skipped the summary was because I didn't bring along the descriptors, not because I couldn't do it.

A most productive day, I would say. Perhaps I should check out Cartel more often. Am comtemplating bringing my exam marking there. Anyone wants to join me?

My Buangkok Experience

2006-08-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Buangkok was yesterday when I went with Z and Y to visit M and baby. Since it's the first time I stepped into Buangkok MRT, I managed to persuade Z to snap a picture of this white-elephant MRT station that has generated so much controversy over its opening. Anyway, the MRT station was rather deserted at 5pm and the only people using the station were some construction workers and the three stooges who were trying to find our way to M's house. It's rather eerie as the space and silence in the station were overwhelming despite the fact that I had company. *shudders*

The Heart of a Teacher

2006-08-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

I was in a foul mood today.

Somehow the student who spoke to me received an irritated "I'm in a bad mood. Can I speak to you again another time?"

On my way home, I kept pondering about my lack of control, having vent my anger on K. I have been reading the book "The Heart of a Teacher" and I definitely am aware that my words were hurtful. Sorry K, I really didn't mean it. I can imagine how hurt I would be if I were in your shoes. I don't want to find excuses for this terrible outburst but I can just bring it down to one word 'Disappointment'. Not with you, K, but with another batch of students.

Like everyone else, I do have my moods. I've been praying for God to curb negativity in any forms and to equip me with the fruits of gentleness and kindness. However, I must honestly admit that I was utterly disappointed after marking some test scripts today. Well, somehow I can't seem to motivate these angels enough. Their behaviour in class today was exceptional. They were on-task and attentive. However, their test revealed otherwise. Most of the questions should be relatively easy to clear. That is, if they had studied. If they had studied, that is.

These angels had frittered their marks away because of the lack of revision and carelessness. Perhaps that perfectionist in me is at it again, trying to expect the most out of my students. When X told me not to worry, that the class would do well in the exams as NO ONE studies for common test, my heart sank another inch. What is the point of giving you an assessment then?

Is this the mentality and attitude of angels nowadays? I don't know. But I certainly have this impression.

Must you be pushed before you perform? Have you been spoon-fed so much that you are now rendered immobile? Must there be a carrot before you take up another challenge?

Whatever happened to intrinsic motivation? The pride to do well because it is your duty to perform? The willingness to go all out?

I'm sorry. No one enjoys being criticised. However, as a teacher, as your teacher, I urge you to set your priorities right. That studies should be your main focus. That this is your year of streaming and no one can help you if you refuse to budge. That you will continue to be stagnant if you don't seek improvement.

I know the truth hurts. Yet I don't believe in pleasing the masses. I am infamous for being a direct (abet blunt person) and I don't believe in mincing my words.

Yes, you can probably tell that I'm writing in an emotional manner, that I'm perturbed by the nonchalence displayed, that my confidence in my angels have been visibly shaken.

Yet, I am still holding on to the hope that you will rise from the ashes once more. Show me the pride, the responsiblity and the zeal.

Make me proud to be a teacher once again. Please!

Motherhood

2006-08-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Somehow the latest craze among my girlfriends is having babies.

Today I received an sms from J informing me that she had just given birth to baby D. It weighs a whooping 3.6kg! 2 weeks ago, M delivered a healthy and chubby baby boy.

It seems just yesterday that we were giggling over boys and here they are, mothers already.

M & J have babies. Me? I have a puppy.

Life's not so bad after all.

Anyway, congrats M & J and J & V!

Will be paying you a visit shortly! =)

Happy Birthday Singapore!

2006-08-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy 41st Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you

=)

Gathered

2006-08-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I met up with a few of my pals from secondary school. Interestingly, I didn't know that G and J would be joining us until I met the girls at TCC Cineleisure.

We had such a blast, laughing at how we were like in secondary school, the classmates we had and of course, we didn't miss out the teachers. How ironic! Since I am a teacher myself and I can absolutely imagine the angels jesting about me in the same manner.

We reminiscenced about the times we spent in old DHS, the way the class was united over competitions, the way we rushed down every recess and after school to ensure we had a place to play volleyball and how the whole group of girls would flock to the toilets the minute the bell rang. We recalled the way we tried to hide our stash of textbooks in every imaginable place to evade the keen eyes of our draconian discipline master and how we made our teachers boil with rage at times. We remember how we exasperated out Maths teacher, Miss L and our form teacher, Mdm L then. Definitely, we were never the angels in their eyes.

We also recalled teachers who made a personal difference to our lives, the ever-caring Miss O, who tries her utmost to reach out the the students who had given up on their Chemistry(one of them being me), the hilarious Maths teacher, Mr Teo and Mr W, who constantly aired a segment of BBC English every week without fail. Of course, we were also grateful for strict teachers like Miss L who prompted us to prove ourselves. We had such a hoot trying to laugh at ourselves, at our innocence and disobedience then.

X then proposed the idea of having a high school reunion. Haha! I wonder if this idea will ever succeed. After all, our class was infamous for having too many different cliques. Anyway, it was a poignant moment when we talked about the occupations of our then fellow comrades. We have peers who are now doctors, gynae, lawyers, working in banks and not forgetting teachers.

Come to think of it, I really enjoyed my years in secondary school. For these were the years I learnt that schooling was not only about academic grades but it was more than that. For school brought me laughter, tears(when we lost the volleyball competition), teachers who gave their all freely and friends to share my life with.

Secondary school life is indeed a phase of my life which I will and can never forget. Let's try the reunion. Who knows? Perhaps we can rekindle and revive the memories we once had as a class?

Your Learning Site

2006-07-28T02:54:00.000-07:00

Dear angels

For the un-informed and ignorant, the school currently has an online learning website for you to learn outside the classroom. It's simple.

Go the the following website , type in your user name and password and voila, you get to learn at your own pace at home.

For my Maths angels, once you log in, click on the Mathematics icon --> Maths --> Course.
Once there click on Sec 2 Maths --> Topics --> Expansion/ Factorisation.

This will allow you to recap on your topics at your own time and pace at home. I have tried using the resources and I would highly recommend it.

I have also added a quiz for my Sec 2E3 and 2E4 angels on Expansion.

For my 2E7 angels, I have placed the debating slides in the course folder for your access. You have to go into the quiz folder as well. I have a cloze passage there waiting for you. Your scores will automatically be recorded.

Please spread the word. Do leave a comment if you have read this. Thank you.

Ms Ho

Everybody and Nobody

2006-07-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

A story I took off the internet:

This is a little story about four people named
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and
Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that
Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when
Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I wonder why, but I simply can't help agreeing to the story.

Anyway, I've made an important decision today. It took me a long time but I finally made up my mind. Shan't tell you what it is for you will know in due course!

I'm blessed!

2006-07-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

I have come to terms with the issues I am facing. Thanks everyone for your words of comfort. Life is definitely not y = c. For angels who are learning graphs with me now, you can probably grasp that I mean life is not a constant. Whereas change is the only constant.

For I can definitely say that I am blessed, with so much.

My problems do pale in comparison to the many people around me:

An aunt, who is suffering from cancer and has to undergo chemotheraphy.

My angel, who has family problems.

My friends, who have family commitments.

My colleagues, who have so much on their hands.

For I have many things that I can count on in these times.

I have:

A omnipowerful Father who promises to be my refuge.

An understanding family who is supportive of me.

A group of tolerant friends who bring me comfort and a smile to my face.

Trustworthy colleagues who I can confide in.

3 dogs who seem to understand me, especially when I am troubled.

I am blessed. For I have so much. And I have so much to offer.

Wisdom

2006-07-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a coffee session with a good friend from work. I managed to pour out all my thoughts to her.

It's ironic that I can actually speak to her so freely about my problems when at times I can hardly put my finger to them. Yet, she managed to point them out.

One by one.

It feels weird because I am not someone who bares my soul to everyone. In fact, I keep most of my thoughts in my heart - closely-guarded.

Undoubtedly, I spoke about my problems at work and my sense of loss and disorientation. I'm not sure if she understood all of them. However, I'm grateful she spared me time to listen. For it's been long since I could speak freely to someone I trust.

She casually remarked that I have changed.

A lot.

That I am no longer the cheery, confident and bubbly Annabel she once knew. In its place is a more cynical and negative Annabel who lacks the motivation, confidence and drive. For to her, I am no longer passionate about the things I once spoke about. For to her, I am now hiding in my shell, frightened about things not working out. That I am too clouded by so many things that I am disorientated and lost my focus.

Have I changed?

I don't know.

I only know that I was not like that 2 years ago.

Somehow I feel that she's right. That I am no longer the Annabel that has optimism as her strength. That I am no longer the Annabel that is still confident. I am lost. Lost. That is the word I hate to hear but sadly I have to admit it. I am.

That I have a million questions in my head that are unanswered. And I cannot find the answers to.

I need to think. For I need to work this out. On my own. For I need to come out of my shell. On my own. For I need to find the person I once knew. On my own.

As you can see, my thoughts are all over the place. Let me sort this out.

Thanks Friend, for I appreciate what you have done. Despite the fact that I have let you down many times, I know you have not. Thanks for being there when I needed you. Thanks for the words of comfort. Thanks for the generosity you have showed me. Thanks for the words of wisdom you offered.

For I will find my strength back again. For I will stand back on my own two feet and be stronger than ever. For I want to be a pillar of strength in your life as you are in mine. I will find back my focus in my life.

At least I know I will try. Very much harder.

The New Term

2006-07-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

The school holidays ended as quickly as it started. The unsatisfied me still wants to lament over the fact that the holidays have ended and school has begun. As I mentioned in the earlier blog, this holiday has been good. At least I managed to get a decent break in Bejing before the work cycle begins once more.

Apart from the break in Bejing, there has been much spiritual uplifting as well. Indeed, I feel recharged, refreshed and 'on fire' after the Fire Conference last Friday. In the beginning, I questioned why I was placed in certain areas in school, especially when I feel no passion for them. Now, as the year slowly unfolds, I begin to see God's purpose and direction in placing me in the respectively areas. I have learnt to place a greater trust in Him and to take comfort in his words. The doubts I had of myself have been replaced with confidence. The negativity I had in the earlier part this year have vanished. Praise the Lord!

This term I know would be tougher and meaner than ever before. For the break given would propel me much further for I know my September and December holidays would be occupied with work.

Having been teaching for 4 years, I must say that I have felt every emotion a teacher ought to feel: the anguish with the job, disappointment with angels. Yet I, too, had my fair share of happiness as well. For in my four years of teaching, I have witnessed my students' growth, numerous unexpected victories, received encouragement from my students in affirming that I am a competent teacher. I must admit that though I want to be perfect in everything I do, I know that my limitations are there.

This term, I expect a personal change in myself. For once more, I want to find the joy in teaching as I once did, to place my angels on a higher pedestal, to be able to make a difference in the lives of many angels. For these were the reasons why I joined teaching in the first place and these will continue to be the reasons why I continue to teach. For I hope to find the passion I once had to teach. Hopefully the angels will continue to be receptive to my teaching and be able to witness the effort I put in. For I have finally realised that my angels are my priority and I hope to stay true to this cause.

Frankly speaking, I do not know how long I would be able to last in this career but at least I hope to leave a mark in the hearts of the angels I teach.

Nana =)

2006-06-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

6 Nights In Bejing

2006-06-19T02:16:00.000-07:00

All along, the Bejing trip was something that I did not look forward to originally.

Perhaps it was because it was a 6-day trip.

Perhaps it was because the responsiblity was great, to look after 41 angels.

Perhaps it was because I heard so many negative things about the people and the toilets.

The trip, however, changed my mind completely. To say that the trip was enjoyable is definitely an understatement. For this trip has made me grow to love Bejing for what it is all about - its 9000+ years of history, its unique culture, its people, its food and obviously the shopping.

In fact, I am beginning to miss Bejing. Somehow, there is a longing within me that tells me that I will be going back to Bejing in time to come.

The 6 days in Bejing were well-spent. We managed to visit many famous places of interest in China, like the Great Wall of China, Gugong, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, the Hutongs (the disappearing alleys due to modernisation), Qin Huang Dao and so much more.

Each place had something special and taught me something different. While the teachers had their debrief with the students every night, I, too, thought about what I had learnt from each place of interest.

The Great Wall of China - This is the only place which can be viewed from the space satellites. Built as a wall of defence to protect enemy invasion, the Great Wall stretched across 12 provinces. Like in the Mulan cartoon, each tower was well-guarded and in the case of enemy invasion, the generals would light up wolf dung(as it produced the best smoke), tower to tower. Climbing up the stairs was an challenging task, for the steps were of varying height. Coupled with the fact that everyone was scrambling to get to the towers and with the sun fiercely beating on our backs, it was both a mental and physical challenge. For mid-way through, I felt totally exhausted and was gasping for breath. However, to give up mid-way would mean that my efforts I had put in earlier were wasted. Therefore, we (with 2 groups of angels) persevered and managed to climb to the top. For it is every Chinese's dream to ascend the Great Wall, it had been mine as well. I can now proudly announce to the world that I have conquered the Great Wall.

Tiananmen Square - The place where the national anthem is sung with gusto every morning at 4am. No, I didn't get to witness the grand event but the huge sprawling ground is a reminder of the vast amount of land space China has. Indeed, I felt insignificant at Tiananmen. Like a child, we went running amok trying to get good pictures. I am still waiting for the picture I took with J and L, adopting the communist pose.

Forbidden City - The place where the Sons of God (Emperors) stayed in the past. If Tiananmen Square was vast, Forbidden City was many times bigger. In fact, we only managed to visit 6 palaces before we were totally zonked out. Perhaps it was due to the fact that there are no trees in the palace itself (to prevent assassins), it was rather tedious trying to walk under the sweltering heat. Thankfully, I had my Chairman Mao cap, which helped to block some of the sun's rays. It was at Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City that we met with 2 weirdos. I shall not further elaborate on them. Just the thought of them makes me sick.

Shopping at Hong Bridge Centre - It was great fun, trying to fetch a good bargain there. In fact, I discovered that I actually had a flair for bargaining. I managed to grab several good buys over there, especially the "LeSportSac" pouches and some "Billabong" T-shirts. I didn't buy very much but the angels did. In fact, they seem to be loaded with wads of cash for they bought so many things that they lost track of time. In fact, we were badly reprimanded by the coach-driver the lack of punctuality!

Hutong(Alleys) - The hutong is one of the most fascinating places we have been to. Having absolutely no sense of direction, I can almost picture myself getting lost in a hutong. For the hutongs are alleys which lead to areas of residence within the heart of Bejing. Hutongs were originally built to house the entire household. My sense is that this was more relevant for extended families. However, with China's one-child policy and modernisation, it was rather meaningless for the presence of Hutongs any more. Hence, I call them the 'disappearing hutongs'(though they are under conservation). It was at the hutongs that we had the ride of our lives on trishaws. For these trishawmen can go at incredible speeds, even when the road was winding. Even now, I can feel the wind in my hair as I think of the trishaws rushing down the hutongs. Sadly, our trip was cut short when the trishawmen spotted some "gong-an"(policemen) along the main road (Trishaws are not allowed on the main road). We therefore had to walk the rest of the way. For the ride, we were supposed to tip the trishawman 5 yuan(equivalent to $1). Imagine my surprise when R & A told me that the trishawman threw their money back and shouted angrily at them. It was after they showed me their note that I realised what had happened. These 2 guys gave the trishawman 0.05 yuan(equivalent to $0.01). No wonder the trishawman was appalled by their act!

All in all, the trip was a good break for me.

From this trip, I learnt some things:
1) I have a knack for bargaining. Ask me to bargain the next time we go to China together.
2) I can now speak in a high-pitched heavily accented Mandarin, if I want to.
3) Looks can be deceiving. Day in day out, I see some angels in school. If not for this trip, I will never get a chance to know them better or even change my opinion of them. I have made countless god-children, god-grandchildren and even got to know my colleagues better.
4) I realise that my family's the best. Everyone sent me off at the airport and Bro and Dad came to pick me up the minute I arrived. Somehow, I was glad to come home to Singapore. The only sad thing - Dad gave 4 puppies away in my absence =( Now I am only left with Snowball(renamed as Rocky) and Ginger.
5) I have only a few days left till school reopens. Arrghh... I need a longer holiday!

Bejing...Here I come!

2006-06-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

With a hectic week of camp preparations, 2 days of camp, a wedding, I am now totally exhausted.

Indeed, God is good. For after the busy two weeks of planning, co-ordinating and executing my duties as a teacher and friend, He has given me a week of rest so I can revive my weary soul and seek rejuvenation in a foreign land.

Originally, my plan was to bring my laptop along to Bejing so I could get some work done over there. However, as God had planned to give me a week of rest, my laptop died on me yesterday. Despite my several attempts to resusitate it, the windows refused to load.

Perhaps it was timely.

For I am looking forward to a fruitful trip with loads of shopping and to bring back some juicy bits to share with my angels in school. I'm leaving on the 12 am flight tonight.

Will see you guys again on the 19th. Hopefully, I will bring back tons of photos. =)

Porta Porta

2006-06-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Went back to school after half a day of workshop yesterday. Met S & S and they suggested lunch at this restaurant in Changi by the name of Porta Porta. Interestingly, we thought the name of the restaurant was pretty catchy.

S drove and we soon arrived at a quaint little restaurant tucked away in remote Changi. I was most taken aback by the cosy outlook of the place, for the restaurant could take at most 25 diners at one sitting. I love the interior of the restaurant. For Porta Porta, an Italian restaurant was tastefully furnished. The walls were filled with pictures and photos, a testament of the owners' marriage, love and their youth. There was also a mandolin and some costumes displayed on the wall.

Anyway, we ordered the beef set lunch which consisted of some appetizers and bread, a soup, lasagna, some meat, tiramisu and coffee. By the time, I finished the meat, my stomach was protesting wildly, making way only for the enticing tiramisu.

When the bill arrived, S paid for the lavish meal. I thought that $82 was rather expensive for lunch. Normally, I would be easily satisfied with a $1 bowl of noodles in school. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time there so I guess the $82 was worth it after all.

The Litter

2006-06-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

I bet many of you are eager to check out the 6 blonde hunks and beauties I have at home. Not to worry, this is nothing indecent. The subject is, of course, my puppies. (Hmmm... what were you thinking of?)

Anyway, the 6 pups have grown so much. It's a rather beautiful experience to see them grow stronger and bigger, day by day.

Their names? Brownie, Ginger, Nova, Novo, Snowball and Snowie. Witnessing their births was amazing. Watching them grow is doubly amazing. For like mushrooms, they seem to grow so much bigger, overnight. For now, they can prance, jump, do double skips, chase and bite almost anything in sight.

I love these babies of mine.
I wonder what I will do when they are given away.
For I know the day will be approaching.

Anyway, in the meantime, cherish the photos. Oh yes, I have removed the tagboard but you can now comment at the end of each entry if you wish. =)Thanks to Kai that I have it up and running. She insisted that she did not do much. Once again Kai, thanks for not doing much then!

The Litter

The puppy who lived in a shoebox

Check out the look on his face

Doing a Snowball Stretch

The Grumpy-looking Fatty a.k.a. Brownie

This guy can sleep anywhere

Princess Snowie

Nana Strikes a Rebound

2006-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

For those who are wondering whether your eyes are playing tricks on you, the answer is NO.

Yes, I have decided to reopen my blog. Don't call me fickle-minded though I'm a Libran and can be indecisive at times.

Here are some reasons:

Perhaps it is because I miss my blog too much.

Perhaps it is because the holidays are here and I have time on my hands.

Perhaps it is because I have concerned angels asking me to reopen my blog.

Perhaps it is because I miss the times when I can used my blog as a means of communication.

Perhaps it is simply because I crave writing to an audience.

All in all, I'm back with a vengence and I have so much to blog about.

2006-05-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Blog Closure

2006-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I have decided to close this blog of mine. No more of my personal life will be written here. My initial intention in creating this blog was for my angels I taught 2 years ago. Now that they have moved on, there's no point in keeping this blog. Also, I have zillions of things to write but too tired after work to pen them down.

What's more, I have been receiving some unpleasant remarks on my tagboard. I guess the individual(s) will be happy that my blog is closed. I really hope you find true happiness, not at the expense of others though. I'm sure you can sense my disappointment for writing is something I find true joy in. Nevertheless, I wish that I have or had never taught you before for I always believe that the students I teach all understand the meaning of integrity. Criticising others under the anonymity of the internet is definitely what someone of integrity would never do.

I am not angry, nor saddened but just disappointed. I have been pondering over this issue for some time already and have finally come to a decision.

I will probably blog elsewhere but this time round in discreet as writing has become my passion(and will still be!). To all my angels and friends, thanks for your wonderful encouragement all these years. The memories that I have in my board will remain for these memories are the ones I treasure in teaching. The tagboard, however, will be removed.

Angels: See you in school!

Friends: Will let you know of my new blog once I have created it.

All the best
Nana Ho =)

The Birth of the Pups

2006-04-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hey guys

I promised pictures of the pups. So here they are.

The Young Ones

Trying to get some rest

Piggabom's water bag burst just as I reached home from the VOX concert. I thought Pa was just over-reacting and I proceeded to eat my dinner. Pa soon came running into the hall and whispered with a proud grin on his face that Piggabom had given birth to a pup. Soon 5 more pups arrived in a span of 2 hours. To some people, it may be pretty gory watching the birth. However, to our family, the moment was a special one as we watched and waited for the arrival of the puppies one by one, with bated breath. The pups are the size of big hamsters and almost immediately, Piggabom started to suckle them. At 12 midnight, we decided that Piggabom could handle the situation and we went back to our rooms. At 2 plus, we came down to check on Piggabom and her pups when we heard some scratching noises from below. We found Piggabom, looking terribly exhausted with 2 more pups lying on the floor. This time, they were blue and lifeless. As Bro and I gingerly cradled their small, fragile bodies, we tried ways and means to bring them to life. I tried rubbing them to give them heat. Bro tried to give them some CPR.

Alas, it was too late.

As the warmth sapped away from the bodies of the pups, we knew we had done our utmost. We had no tears in our eyes but in our hearts, we were mourning silently for them. We put them away in a biscuit box and uttered a short prayer that they would be in heaven. I named them Golden(Male) and Goldie(Female) before going off to bed at 3 am.

Good News

2006-03-29T02:47:00.000-08:00

Since Piggabom came into our family, we noticed that she had been steadily putting on weight. We thought we were giving her way too much food. Her enthusiasm for a game of fetch soon gave way to lethargy. We thought it was because she was becoming lazy.

Until we realised that SHE'S PREGNANT!

Yippee! I'm going to be an aunt!

I even felt the puppies give a strong kick when I placed my palm on her belly last night.

It's miraculous.

My pup is giving birth to more pups.

My whole family is excited at the prospect of a whole litter of retrievers at our home. We intend to clear one of our rooms to make Piggabom and her litter comfortable.

1 more month.

I can't wait...

CO Concert "Spring Arrives In Lion City 2"

2006-03-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Those who are going for the Chinese Orchestra concert "Spring Arrives in Lion City 2" this Sat and Sun, the venue is at 151 Bencoolen Street (Along the Burlington Square stretch, within walking distance from Bugis MRT). If you are free and have nothing to do on that day, do come down and support us. The concert starts at 7.30 pm.

Piggabom's here!

2006-03-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

Meet Piggabom - the latest member of the HO family. She's a gorgeous 16-month old Golden Retriever who came to our family quite recently. I got hold of her through a colleague's friend who had to give her up. It turned out to be a blessing for our family, for we had prayed for a dog. We almost adopted a Husky pup but somehow things just didn't work out for the pup.

Piggabom's equally mischievous and playful. Imagine that at 16 months, she is already towering over my existing 14-year old dog, a male Spitz. Obviously, Piggabom exercises her build to her advantage as my spitz, Nicky, is rather intimidated by her. He now hides under the kitchen table and refuses to come out when Piggabom's around.

It's almost comical seeing the two dogs in the house.

Piggabom

The Innocent Face

Membership

2006-03-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hey guys

I have a new member in my family. Will tell you more about her in my next post!

An elated Nana signing off =)

The Zhap Gou Meh Feast

2006-02-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

This entry is rather late, but well, better late than never!

If you are Chinese, you'll probably know what Zhap Gou Meh means. It means the fifteen day of the lunar calendar. Normally, the Chinese will get together on the last day of Chinese New Year. For us Singaporeans, it means getting together to feast. At least for my family and some of my church friends.

Well, my dad decided to organise a get-together for some close church friends. I guess he must have many close friends for he invited 30+ people. Anyway, it was fortunate that he made it potluck style, otherwise my mum, maid and I would never be able to cook up a storm.

Anyway, Mama Poh brought along an 8.9kg orange-peel ham. Don't ask me what that is. All I know is that the citron gave the ham a tangy taste. I guess the picture actually speaks for itself. For your information, the slices of ham virtually melted upon contact. Haha that's how delicious it is!

Mama Poh's 8.9 kg ham

Mama Poh's garlic spread also put the ones at Pizza Hut to shame. The bread was spread with a generous serving of garlic spread before they were popped into the oven. Not long after, the tantalising aroma of garlic soon drifted into the kitchen. After the bread was ready, they were cooled for a further 5 mins before they were popped into the oven once more. This time round, the bread turned crispy and golden brown.

Mama Poh's garlic bread

Auntie Irene volunteered to cook her signature dish - Mee Siam. It was delicious even without the gravy.

Auntie Irene's Mee Siam

Ma spent the whole Saturday afternoon rolling her famous Ngoh Hiang (Minced pork and Prawns encased in beancurd sheets). The recipe for Ngoh Hiang was passed down from my grandmother. The ingredients had to be minced before mixing them altogether and placing them on carefully cut beancurd sheets. They had to be steamed. For better taste, my family normally cuts them up and deep fry them till they turned brown.

Ma's Ngoh Hiang

Oh, I helped out in this. My job for that day was to shred chickens. I shredded 1 whole chicken and 4 breasts. After the experience, I never wanted to look at another chicken again. ROTFL. However, I was complimented by Mama Poh for the detailed shredding.

Chicken macaroni

An auntie (Edna) I think brought a Kueh Lapis.

Kueh Lapis

Carved Ham

Another auntie brought a box filled with mangoes. Auntie Mary brought a huge plate of Yu Sheng. We brewed 2 jugs of fresh coffee.

It’s crazy just looking at the amount of food there was.

Mangoes

Bro and I made fruit punch and added a special dash in the name of Vodka. For dessert, we had a concoction of Ching Chao and ice-cream.

Vodka

At the end of the day, we were stuffed. I guess this will be a great year since our Zhap Gou Meh was food-ful!

Testing Testing...

2006-02-22T02:42:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I would blog more often. Looking back at my posts, blogging is definitely something that helps keep my mind sane.
Therefore, I shall persevere because I have tons of new stuff to blog about.

I was rather disappointed with a group of students yesterday because they didn't turn up for CCA as they wanted to study for their common tests. Frankly speaking, there's nothing wrong with studying for common tests. I was a student once and I can perfectly understand their anxiety to perform well.

Perhaps I was like them once. Equally fervent, equally anxious.

Now that I am an adult, my views have altered quite significantly. Indeed, the common tests do push these students to revise their topics and stretch their ability to be more consistent. It’s definitely of great benefit to these angels.

When I see these angels struggling so hard to do well in their tests, somehow I paused to think: Are we preparing these angels for a life of tests or the test of life? These 2 mean very different things to me. A life of tests would probably mean preparing for 1 test after another but preparing them for the test of life would mean that we equip them with the necessary skills and attitudes for them to overcome and resolve any problems they have by adaptation.

Frankly speaking, I don’t feel adequate to answer the question that I myself have put forth. However, I do believe that the latter would bring these angels further in their journey in education. After all, how much can an A1 in a subject speak of a person? Can it tell the person’s attitude, personality or even work performance?

I doubt so.

Rather, I have seen people with great attitudes with mediocre grades achieve more success in life. Somehow, a piece of paper can only bring you a certain distance. To go a greater distance, attitude plays a more solid role.

An acquaintance passed away on Monday. When I first got to know her, she was a student from the same secondary school. Later that year, I realized that she was also a distant cousin of mine when she came to my house for CNY visitation. I never had a chance to get to know her better. For me, it was always ‘hi’ and ‘bye’, accompanied by a shy smile on my face. I have heard much about her, her vibrant personality, her bubbly character, and sense of optimism, her quick-wittedness and so much more. Even when we met each other again in NUS, we remained as mere acquaintances.

The day before, I received news from my father that Z had passed away. The minute I heard it, I recoiled in shock before I stammered in asking my dad for confirmation. Obviously, it was a piece of news I was unprepared in receiving. For Z was in her prime. The last time I saw her in NUS, she was an attractive and vivacious young woman who was outgoing yet enthusiastic about the subjects she took. I later heard that after graduation, she became an air-stewardess but quit due to poor health. She soon joined a coffee company. What I never expected that she was struck by cancer of the lymph nodes.

Yesterday, I caught a news report of Z in the Chinese newspaper, proclaiming her zeal and zest for life even though she was struck by a disease which would have rendered many wallowing in depression. She fought hard against the virus in her body; to the extent of having to shave her head bald for chemotherapy.

I cannot imagine having to shave my head bald. Yet, she did it without any resistance.

In her illness, she continued to work even harder, for she knew she didn’t have much time left. Because of her zest for work, she was awarded with certifications for excellence in service despite her illness.

When I saw Z in the coffin, my heart went out to her. For I no longer saw a slim and vivacious Z I once knew. Her bloated face spoke volumes of the suffering she had undergone for 2 years. However, the endless stream of relatives, friends and colleagues told me a greater story of the wonderful legacy that she had left behind. The legacy of a warrior and a fighter. Despite the fact that the cancer had taken over her body, she had left behind something more.

I wonder what I would have done if I were in her shoes.

Dear angels, in life, create a legacy that extends beyond a piece of paper. For it would be this ability to conquer the test of life that would be far more valuable than a life of tests. Do well in your studies but don't make studies your only purpose in life.

For life is so much more than that.

Puzzling Puzzles?

2006-02-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

I promised new posts this week so here's a fresh one.

Anyway, I happened to pass by this shop in Marine Parade a few weeks ago and found some steals there. These puzzles were retailing at only $1 each, regardless of shape or size. If you have bought these Mathematical puzzles before at shopping centres, you'll probably realise that $1 for a puzzle is a great buy in comparison to the usual $8-10 one pays. They are ultra-portable and I bring them when I go out sometimes.

Anyway, here're some of the Mathematical puzzles I bought:

Puzzle 1

The Task - These green and pine wooden cubes are strung on a string. Using your spatial sense, try to fix the string of cubes into a 3x3x3 cube.

*Solved*

Puzzle 2

The Task - This 3-D star consists of 6 symmetrical pieces. Disassemble the star and assemble it again with the pieces held firmly against each other.

*Solved by Wen and I picked up the solution too*

Puzzle 3

The Task - Disassemble the puzzle and assemble it again with the pieces held firmly against each other. This time round, ensure that the wooden ball is placed in the centre before closing the gaps.

Puzzle 4

Woah, this looks complicated but basically we have to disassemble and reassemble it, with the pieces held firmly together.

Puzzle 5

This looks simple but I have yet to find out how to remove the pieces.

Tangram

Tangrams are used to form specific shapes. It tests creativity and thinking skills since all the pieces are required to form a particular pattern.

The Whole Lot

I love puzzles but I shall put the other puzzles on hold for the time being.

- A puzzled-by-puzzle Nana signing off -

A Creative Experience

2006-02-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

I have so much to blog about what has happened over a span of 2 weeks.

I feel much better now. To all the angels who have expressed their concern and encouragement, thank you so very much. I feel uplifted by your smiles, your words of encouragement and of course giving me time to get over this very difficult time.

Anyway, I’m going to have a few interesting posts this weekend so watch out for them.

==================================================================

If you remember, I bought a Creative Zen sometime a year back. One year later, the Zen has malfunctioned twice. The first time was due to a phonejack issue and the second time, I suspect, is the same problem.

On Saturday afternoon, after my CO practice, I headed down to Jurong East with my Bro to get the device fixed. It was a mad rush as CO ended at around 5.15 and Creative closes at 7pm.

Anyway, little did we expect the journey to be an adventure in itself.

I have pictures to show. So here's why:

Bro reading the papers while waiting for the MRT

After the 40 minute ride on the MRT, we decided to take a shortcut to Creative. Since we could visibly view the Creative Building from where we were, we figured things couldn't go very wrong. It appeared to be pretty nearby, perhaps a 5-minute walk or so.

How wrong we were.

The Creative Building

It took us 30 minutes to make our way there and it was a rough hike amidst the slippery wet ground. My white Birkenstocks were all splattered and caked with unsightly mud. The dirt track we walked on initially actually morphed into a mud track in no time at all. Obviously it was then we regretted taking the short cut but sensing that we had walked quite a distance, we were reluctant to backtrack.

Lesson 1: Never ever take short-cuts.

The Mud Track

Gooey-Icky cakes of Mud

My Bro's feet during the 'hike'

Anyway, the mud track was only the beginning. We soon had this close encounter with a dog along the way. We soon realised that we had stumbled into his territory and he wasn't too happy about it! Common sense told us we needed to walk as inconspiciously as possible. So we doubled our paced and this action probably managed to appease the dog, for he was no longer hot on our heels.

Lesson 2: Never ever take short-cuts, especially when there are dogs around.

Panting madly, we realised that the Creative Building was within reach.

As with all good narrative stories, there had to be complications and climax.

We soon realised that from where we were, there was a huge drain separating us from the building. A steep slope provided us with another hurdle.

Looking grimly at my Bro, I told him, "Let's do it!" Under normal circumstances, I would have chickened out. However, since Creative was just another 5 minutes away and it was already 6.25pm, I decided to take the slope.

Lesson 3: Never ever take short-cuts, and regret later. Stay true to the path you have chosen.

A mini-slope

Thereafter, we had to cross three shaky planks which were the only means across the dreaded drain. At that time, my Bro was complaining like mad already.

The mini drawbridge

Finally, we reached Creative at 6.35pm, with time to spare. We spoke to the CSO till 7.25 pm.

Anyway, I spent 2 weeks trying to persuade the Creative staff to get my Zen fixed without me having to pay a single cent. And I did! It was tedious though but my stand was firm: I want my Zen to be fixed no matter what. Of course, the fact that I had good vocabulary and the gift of persuasion helped!

Lesson 4: Good English helps anytime.

Anyway, after the whole Creative experience, Bro and I went over to IMM where we spotted this weird invention- Cotton buds for giants.

Weird, isn't it? I wonder where the Japanese use it on.

A Weird Find

Feeling Weary

2006-01-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Something is definitely not right this year. I feel it in my bones. Yet, I can’t put my finger to what’s wrong.

It’s only the beginning of the year and yet I see gloomy faces everywhere I go. The usually bright and cheery L claims to feel alone. Even the angels seem to have their own rants. I am beginning to feel down as well.

Honestly, I have never felt so low before. It has absolutely nothing to do with my angels. Somehow I just cannot bring myself to smile because I know how I feel deep in my heart itself. Perhaps the only times when I can manage to wring a smile are when I see my angels wishing me a chirpy ‘Good Morning, Miss Ho’ and when I am in class.

I reached home yesterday evening at around 6pm feeling depressed. I went to bed immediately, only waking up at 10 pm for my dinner. Obviously, it was a day when I didn’t feel like talking so I merely shoved spoonfuls of tasteless rice into my mouth, satisfied my growling belly and shut myself in my room again.

Today, I woke up feeling the same as I did yesterday. I never felt this way before last year.

Perhaps it’s the overwhelming workload.

Perhaps it’s the 1001 things I am tasked to do this year, coupled with the sky-high expectations.

Perhaps it’s because I can hardly find someone I can talk to now, just like L as everyone is housed in different staff rooms.

Perhaps it’s because staff room 5 is too far away from my teaching block. Sometimes I make up till 10 different trips to and fro, sapping away my existing energy.

Perhaps it’s because I’m worn out, just like a pair of basketball shoes that have been used for 3 ½ years.

I’m tired, even exhausted. Forgive my rants for I need an outlet.

I came into teaching, brimming with ideas, ideals, hopes and aspirations for the angels I teach. Sometimes I feel that the energetic part of me has died away, leaving behind the lack of zest.

It’s sad but true.

My teachers have always told me that teaching is a consuming job. I never believed it till now. I find it difficult to keep myself upbeat and optimistic this year. I never thought that weariness can overcome someone my age.

So far, I have been trying to keep my blog entries bright and chirpy. My blog entries definitely reflect my moods and not faked. I try to write about my wonderful and indelible experiences for they are special to me because optimism is me.

I definitely want to continue to inject the remains of my enthusiasm and optimism into my further blogs.

Give me time.

I’m trying. Really.

The Rainy Day

2006-01-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

The weather was gloomy.

Puddles or pools of water were in sight everywhere.

Trees fell.

On this eventful rainy day, my cousin San finally got hitched.

To a man worthy of her in every way, compatible in every manner and loving her every day.

It's amazing, even as I think of how the couple got together.

It's even more amazing to see the transformation in her spiritual self, her beliefs and her trust in Him.

She had a simple church ceremony at The Armenian Church.

It was a beautiful moment as Kai and San exchanged their vows. Time seemed to stop there and then. The radiance and happiness on the newly-weds were evident for all to see.

The whole wedding was beautiful.

*Gasp* I feel weird.

Somehow, upon seeing other people getting married, I feel like doing so myself.

To walk down the aisle with someone I want to spend my life with...

Of New and Old Angels

2006-01-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

New year+New angels+New challenges+New jobscope= New Hair!

This is not a typical equation I teach in class.

3 simple reasons for the new hair(fringe actually, because I am growing out my hair):

1) My fringe is poking into my eyes! Haha, believe it or not, I looked like I had a curtain on my face. Go figure!

2) San's wedding is held this Sunday. I can't possibly be one of her "Ah-Yis"(can't really explain what an "Ah-Yi" is but we are supposed to stop the groom from getting into the house till he offers a bribe in the form of a red packet.) looking like I have a curtain on my face.

3) I love going to the salon, simply to relieve stress. It's true. The visits to K helps. Stress = Visit to salon = Hair cut! Guess you can roughly figure out the amount of stress I had last year...

Actually the angels this year seem quite promising. It's only the first week I see them so no conclusion yet. However, I must admit I do miss the angels from last year. After teaching them for 2 years, there has to be some emotional attachment to them. I'm human after all.

It's truly amazing to be a teacher; to be able to witness these angels maturing and morphing into young adults. Even the boys look 3 years older with their long pants. The Sec 1s of yesteryears are now in Sec 4.

It certainly feels weird.

Looking at them, I feel old already *sob sob*

An old lady by the name of Annabel signing off

Sleepless

2005-12-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it was due to school reopening jitters.

Perhaps it was due to exhaustion after a long day of painting banners.

Perhaps it was due to the news I received yesterday.

Anyway, I had a rough time last night, tossing and turning in bed, trying my utmost to sleep but to no avail. The last time I checked my handphone for the time, it was 5.15 am.

Yes, I slept at 5.15 am last night.

Perhaps it was because I was thinking too much. It was no use trying to quieten the hyperactive brain of mine. I tried coaxing my brain cells to cease all activities but somehow I failed. My brain cells were overactive and firing like mad last night as I looked in envy at my brother who was already deep in slumber.

Perhaps it was the serenity of the night that allowed me to ponder clearly over the path I am going to take next year. There were probably too many things on my mind but the stillness of the night was surprisingly therapeutic and allowed me to reflect comprehensively. I was (and probably still is!) someone who can think, work and study better at night.

I have never felt so lost yet so sure that there was a purpose in my inability to sleep last night.

Perhaps it was the still of the night that was reassuring. I felt totally relieved when I woke up at 10 am this morning, knowing what I am going to do.

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Looking back at my entry in Dec 2005 last year, I decided to relook my resolutions I had set for myself.

Remember these?
My resolutions for 2005:
1) I hope to complete most of my work in school instead of bringing them home. This is so that I can spend more quality time with my family and friends.

Not really fulfilled. Need to work on this resolution in 2006 since the new school is so much closer to my home.

2) Learn new strategies on how to make my lessons more exciting and experiential for all my new angels.

Haha. I would say this year has been good in terms of innovative teaching and learning. Together with E, we tried to make EL lessons more fun for the angels. However, I am still not satisfied. More work on this next year, with emphasis on Maths lessons since I would be taking on more Maths classes next year.

3) Allow students to take up more responsiblity in their own learning(Still thinking of how to do this).

I think getting students to take responsiblity in their own learning is not an easy task. I believe it's painful for the students in the beginning but I always emphasize on the fact that students need to take control of their learning.

4) Get a new hair cut.

Done this so many times. I guess 2005 is memorable because of this.

5) Lasik my eyes (Still deliberating whether or not to perform lasik).

Postponing this to 2006 as I am still waiting for an ideal moment and for the price to go down even further. I really hope I don't chicken out on this!

6) Exercise more to get a trimmer and leaner figure.

2005 has been a year of sloth for me. I believe I have put on quite a bit of weight. Come 2006, more exercise for a healthier me! I don't believe in dieting and abstinence of food at all.

7) Learn to relax and not over-panic.

Probably after 3 1/2 years of teaching, I have learnt to be more patient and react calmly to situations. Perhaps after dealing with 1001 emergencies, the other situations seem so trivial in comparision.

8) Relate more to students on a personal level.

I hope I managed to do this, especially to my angels in my home class, CO, the classes I teach. This is something that only these angels will know.

More resolutions for 2006:
1)Put God first, all the time, anytime, everytime.
2)Focus on improving my teaching pedagogy.
3) Value-add to students' learning
4) Keep my tresses long.

For my blogders, I hope 2006 will be a year of transformation for you.

For my angels, I know you are no longer angels from 1E1 and 1E2 so I would be doing some spring-cleaning to my links, so let me know if you want your blog page to be linked to mine. Put in your best in whatever you do.

Happy New Year!

A sleepless Nana signing off

Spring Cleaning and books

2005-12-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have been going back to school these 2 days for 2 reasons.
1) To attend Staff Meeting
2) To unpack my boxes and decorate my table.

Yes, you have not read it wrongly.
I decorated my table. Some people may find this ludicrous but decorating my table is a yearly ritual I take personal pride in. Since I would be spending at least 50% of my day in school, therefore having my personal space makes a difference to my teaching life. What can be more aesthetically pleasurable than to have my favourite items to ogle at while at work? Haha, don't misunderstand. By this, I am not talking about the male teachers. I was pretty satisfied with my work this time round. Of course there were some boo-boos when the plastic wrapper I had brought to school was way too small for my table. I then went round the school like a mad woman, hunting for a 1-m long plastic wrapper. I only found it when I went to the shops situated opposite the school.

Since you are at my blog, I shall let you have a sneak peek at my table in Staff Room 5.

Remember this? A picture of my table last year

Tata, my masterpiece after 2 hours.

The mighty transformation

Here's what I have on my table. These are the things I absolutely adore and cannot resist!

We have Mango models strutting their stuff

MAC postcards and of course, reminders that God is working in my life

Gorgeous, right?

Anyway I have been doing some reading this holidays so I decided to put up some books I have read.

The boxed set I wanted

I wanted these but they turned out too dear for my wallet so I ended up with the version below, at $23+ instead.

The cheaper version I bought

Are you creative?

A pretty inspiring read.

Timeless Wisdom & Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life's Challenges & Opportunities

For me to recharge and prepare myself for 2006 and beyond!

The course I attended earlier this month

Hi everyone

2005-12-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

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Merry Christmas! May all your wishes come true.
Enjoy the remains of the holidays! *evil grin*

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Of Leadership and Integrity

2005-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

I was reading the article on the NKF fiasco reported by HC today. I must admit that the article was brutal. Brutally honest. In fact, all the facts were laid out one by one, stark naked on the many pages of The Straits Times. In disbelief, I read about one ridiculous justification after another from the old NKF. It's sad how an abuse of public funds can occur unnoticed. LA study trip(What study trip? To study can-can girls you mean), first class air tickets, gold-plated taps, encashing unused leave, inflation of subsidy claims, getting NKF to pay for wife's cashcard? All these and more are ridiculous!

It's simple ridiculous how a leader can assume a leadership position, given top-notch responsiblities to handle millions of dollars and yet cannot showcase integrity. How can one abuse the trust of the public by lining his own pockets? Indeed, I always believe that integrity and leadership should go hand-in-hand. They are not two separate entities. Imagine a person who is extremely capable, can help raise the company to the next level but short of a clear conscience. I shudder just imagining the possibilities.

I believe that one should always hold on to the values and integrity. For without these, the person would only be an empty shell. I guess this article is a wonderful reminder to each and every one of us that we should lead a principled life.

Think about what I just wrote.

A disgruntled Nana signing off

Indulgence...is Bad!

2005-12-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty long since I last updated my blog, considering that it's the holidays and that I have so much time to blog. These last 5 days have been spent on feasting and indulging myself.

14th: CO chalet & BBQ

It was a great bonding session for all CO members and teachers alike. The chalet we had was Changi Aloha Chalet B, which had an open veranda, loads of space to run around and was only 400m away from the sea. Set in an idyllic location, everything was almost perfect with the exception that the chalet was a mosquito-infested region! No kidding here. The minute one remains still, the bloodsuckers will land on one's skin. As a result, we armed ourselves with mosquito coils and repellant. We wiped the repellant shelves clean of repellant. I can almost see the shopkeeper grinning from ear to ear after our purchase. Anyway, the climax was when a rat ran into the chalet at around 3 am in the morning. As I was trying to sleep on a bed, I was shocked to hear screams of "Rat, rat" from the living room outside. I was pretty curious and wanted to take a peek but decided against it as I was afraid that the rat would dart into my room instead.

15th: 2E7 BBQ at Pasir Ris Park

I would definitely say that the 2E7 was a definite success. You must be wondering how I was going to eat any BBQ chicken wings the next day immediately after a BBQ. Well, I didn't know myself. However, I must admit that the BBQ was extremely well-planned, thanks to F and S. The chicken wings the students bought from NTUC were extremely well-marinated abet a bit on the saltish side. As I even told some of the angels that I could chew the wings right to the bone. Yup, it was that delicious! I am really grateful that the angels took care of the BBQ entirely, buying the ingredients, co-ordinating the BBQ, booking the pit, starting the fire, cooking the food... I was greatly impressed that everyone chipped in to help, be it to start the fire, toasting marshmallows on a tiny pit or even to keep the fire going. I must say these angels have grown so much within this one year in terms of maturity and taking on responsiblities. In my heart, I was deeply touched. Sadly, the only things lacking were the other members who could not make it to the BBQ.

16th: Steamboat Dinner with family in celebration of Dad and Mum's birthdays

Having missed Dad(8th) and Mum's (10th) birthday celebrations, we(the family) decided to come together for a family dinner that Friday night. Being the only child that is working, I was the one to give the treat (not that I mind, of course!) We shelved our original plans to go Tung Lok for a simpler, cosier restaurant near East Coast Road. We invited Mama Poh and C along to share the joy. Surprisely, the dinner turned out to be pretty affordable. It merely cost $100+ for 7 of us when I had intended to fork out $400+. I guess Dad saved me some money. Thanks Dad!

18th: X'mas gathering at Auntie Mary's place

Wow! Auntie Mary(a church friend) seems to surpass herself each time I visit her for Christmas. I was rather taken aback at the amount of food as I stepped into her front porch. It was pretty amazing(and still is) what she and her maid could manage to cook up in a day for 30 people. It was culinary heaven and the sight and smells of the food held me spellbound. We had steamed assorted vegetables, chicken pie, seafood pasta with generous portions of prawns and mussels, turkey with cranberry sauce, potato gratin with cheese and bacon and stolen.

Mama Poh brought along her signature honey-baked ham, a whooping 8.9 kg's worth. It was a sight to behold, the ham i mean. I have never in my life seen such a huge ham before. A 4-kg ham can last my family for 3 months but two-thirds of the ham were devoured in no time at all by the hungry adults. I bet it took a lot of effort and strength to whip the ham into shape. I heard that Mama Poh didn't even have the strength to lift the ham from the pot. It must have been a work of love, I believe.

I felt that I was abusing my already stretched tummy when Auntie Mary handed me some tiramisu that was almost impossible to resist. Earlier, I helped to decorate the tiramisu with strawberries so I guess that was my reward for my hard work. Even before I finished the tiramisu, Auntie Joyce handed me a slice of decadent, extremely sinful triple chocolate fudge cake. By then, my stomach was so bloated but I managed to make space for this i-wonder-how-many-calories slice of fudge cake. I saw some apple crumble and ice-cream but my poor stomach was too abused to take any of it.

To Touch and be Touched

2005-12-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a poem I wrote for my 2E7-ians when I was at TECC some time back. It is specially dedicated to my 40 angels in 2E7. I put it up some time again but removed it as I thought it was pretty mushy. Anyway, I thought the angels deserve the accolade so here it is again. From the bottom of my heart, I present A Dedication to 2E7

A Dedication to My Home Class 2E7

It’s amazing how we much we had transformed.
From the time we first met
41 strange faces (including mine)
Met each other for the first time
Discomfort and silence occupied the entire room.
This did not last long.
Soon, unfriendly stares and awkward smiles
Were replaced quickly by laughter and comfort in each other’s presence.
It’s truly amazing
How we fought
How we encouraged each other
How we bonded together
How we bickered
And made up.
How firm friendships were forged
And how much you held fast to it.
I saw a tinge of sadness
On the faces of many on the last day of school.
This goes to how much 2E7 meant to you.
As much as it meant the same to me.
While I was the encourager in the beginning
I was much encouraged by the level of maturity of many in the class.
As much as I was the teacher,
You made me feel young again (I’m not very old anyway).
Ever-inspired by your readiness for actions,
Your zest for learning
And your zeal for life
I was ready to fight the battle together with you this year
To help pave the way for your streaming.
Each individual is unique and gifted in his own way.
Perhaps this is the reason why the class is so special.
I love to inspire this class
For it first inspired me.
It’s sad that I would not be seeing most of you next year
However, when our paths cross,
Do not forget to say a warm hello or give a silent wave
For memories of you 40 angels will be deeply etched in my heart.
These indelible memories will never be forgotten.
2E7- Thank you for the music!
This music will never fade….