1) My England trip is cancelled because my poor friend is back in the hospital. She is undergoing surgery now. I hope she pulls through and God will annoint the surgeons with the skill to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
2) My back is in pain due to the strain from packing. Had to miss cell group, church and a colleague's wedding and spent my sunday lying in bed... what a bummer!
3) Depressing news... 5 Dragon boaters died in Cambodia. It's sad to see lives lost at their prime... I teared when I saw their bodies fished out of the river. That was the same river I travelled in almost 6 months ago. The only consolation was they died doing what they loved best... still, it's always sad to see young lives being lost...
Monday, November 26
Sunday, November 18
Last weeks in school
My last week at school was complete madness...
Mon and Tues:
I was frantically preparing for my exams... last minute, as usual... It was so hectic studying last minute and trying to cramp everything till my mind was ready to explode...
Finally, when Tues came, I was so stressed that I could not study. I threw in the towel at 3.30pm and headed off to Holland V for some destress time. When I reached the exam venue, I was so nervous that I was shaking and the butterflies were literally flying out of my mouth... haha...
It might seem strange that I should be nervous after so many exams but I was really scared... I was afraid that I would not feel suficiently prepared. Before I began my paper, I prayed...
Lo and Behold, God really blessed me with wisdom to complete the paper. I was so relieved that I was able to answer the 4 questions which I selected. I'm not sure what kinda grades I would get but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll pass...
If I pass, by God's grace, I would have finally graduated... no more studying... until I decide to begin my Master's.
Wed:
Mad rehearsal run in the morning, followed by me packing off to NUS's University Cultural Centre to prepare the logistics for our end of year musical. I was frezzing my butt off in the cold cold hall, while waiting for the man to set up the lights. After that, I had to lay out set.
Afternoon, when the kids arrived, it was mad rehearsal time. Mic test for 12 wireless mics, light and sound run, costume change run etc. By the time everything was over, it was 9 pm. I had to send the kiddos back to school. Luckily, my v kind colleague, Gabriel, got his father to drop me home. This helped to preserve some energy for Thurs.
Thurs:
Day of the actual end of year musical. I was so stressed that I slept v little. I went to bed at 3 am and got up at 5.30am. Went into school early and started work. When we reached UCC at 9 am, it was costume change and another round of lights and sound test. After that, we broke off for lunch and rest.
After lunch, it was time to get the kids dressed, ready etc and final peptalk before they appear on stage. When they performed, I cried backstage cos I was so proud of each and everyone of them. I felt like the expectant mom who has just completed her labour!
It was a pregnancy journey of sorts... the preparation, liaising with vendor and trainer, buying costumes, sewing costumes... I was the producer and part-director (along with my trainer, Faith, and Gabriel). I was really fearful before this cos to me, this was the year where the pupils were so unprepared. The kids were not disciplined and the harder we pushed them, the more they fell apart. I had v little confidence. But I must say, they proved me wrong. They rose to the occasion when it was needed the most (performance afternoon!).
Just when I thought I had loaded the lorry, sent things back to school and return the panels we loaned, the lorry had to break down... at the left lane, at a one way street junction... real bummer... Luckily, there was road closure so the police were able to help us direct the traffic as well while my collegue went to buy diesel. After that, the battery was too weak to pump the fuel so we had to call for the tow truck.
By the time everything was finished and we got back to school, it was already 9.15 pm. By the time I had my dinner, it was 10.30 pm - the latest time I ever had dinner.
Fri:
The most nostalgic day for my school - our closing ceremony. I started the day by making my children help me to clean the class. Then, we had prize giving day followed by class party. I was so tired that I ordered cheeseburger happy meal for all the kids and made them sit down with me to eat.
After that, we had the closing ceremony. When we sung the school song for the last time and folded the flag, I couldn't stop crying... Afterall, it was my second home for the last 4 and the half years... The funniest thing, I never wanted to be here in the first place. I was gearing up for a famous school so I could be proud to say I was teaching there... so shallow rite? Haha...
But in my last 4 and the half years, I realised that God had a purpose for me in my school. It was a school where the children really needed the teacher. The teacher was more than the one who taught them academic subjects, we were their surrogate of sorts. In extreme cases, I have told parents off as they have neglected their children.
My joys.... when my children improve their scores, behave well etc. My class is not a class where pass grades could be possible. By taking their marks and checking for progress, each child would be able to see their improvement and be motivated to studying harder.
Well... everything is in God's hands!
Mon and Tues:
I was frantically preparing for my exams... last minute, as usual... It was so hectic studying last minute and trying to cramp everything till my mind was ready to explode...
Finally, when Tues came, I was so stressed that I could not study. I threw in the towel at 3.30pm and headed off to Holland V for some destress time. When I reached the exam venue, I was so nervous that I was shaking and the butterflies were literally flying out of my mouth... haha...
It might seem strange that I should be nervous after so many exams but I was really scared... I was afraid that I would not feel suficiently prepared. Before I began my paper, I prayed...
Lo and Behold, God really blessed me with wisdom to complete the paper. I was so relieved that I was able to answer the 4 questions which I selected. I'm not sure what kinda grades I would get but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll pass...
If I pass, by God's grace, I would have finally graduated... no more studying... until I decide to begin my Master's.
Wed:
Mad rehearsal run in the morning, followed by me packing off to NUS's University Cultural Centre to prepare the logistics for our end of year musical. I was frezzing my butt off in the cold cold hall, while waiting for the man to set up the lights. After that, I had to lay out set.
Afternoon, when the kids arrived, it was mad rehearsal time. Mic test for 12 wireless mics, light and sound run, costume change run etc. By the time everything was over, it was 9 pm. I had to send the kiddos back to school. Luckily, my v kind colleague, Gabriel, got his father to drop me home. This helped to preserve some energy for Thurs.
Thurs:
Day of the actual end of year musical. I was so stressed that I slept v little. I went to bed at 3 am and got up at 5.30am. Went into school early and started work. When we reached UCC at 9 am, it was costume change and another round of lights and sound test. After that, we broke off for lunch and rest.
After lunch, it was time to get the kids dressed, ready etc and final peptalk before they appear on stage. When they performed, I cried backstage cos I was so proud of each and everyone of them. I felt like the expectant mom who has just completed her labour!
It was a pregnancy journey of sorts... the preparation, liaising with vendor and trainer, buying costumes, sewing costumes... I was the producer and part-director (along with my trainer, Faith, and Gabriel). I was really fearful before this cos to me, this was the year where the pupils were so unprepared. The kids were not disciplined and the harder we pushed them, the more they fell apart. I had v little confidence. But I must say, they proved me wrong. They rose to the occasion when it was needed the most (performance afternoon!).
Just when I thought I had loaded the lorry, sent things back to school and return the panels we loaned, the lorry had to break down... at the left lane, at a one way street junction... real bummer... Luckily, there was road closure so the police were able to help us direct the traffic as well while my collegue went to buy diesel. After that, the battery was too weak to pump the fuel so we had to call for the tow truck.
By the time everything was finished and we got back to school, it was already 9.15 pm. By the time I had my dinner, it was 10.30 pm - the latest time I ever had dinner.
Fri:
The most nostalgic day for my school - our closing ceremony. I started the day by making my children help me to clean the class. Then, we had prize giving day followed by class party. I was so tired that I ordered cheeseburger happy meal for all the kids and made them sit down with me to eat.
After that, we had the closing ceremony. When we sung the school song for the last time and folded the flag, I couldn't stop crying... Afterall, it was my second home for the last 4 and the half years... The funniest thing, I never wanted to be here in the first place. I was gearing up for a famous school so I could be proud to say I was teaching there... so shallow rite? Haha...
But in my last 4 and the half years, I realised that God had a purpose for me in my school. It was a school where the children really needed the teacher. The teacher was more than the one who taught them academic subjects, we were their surrogate of sorts. In extreme cases, I have told parents off as they have neglected their children.
My joys.... when my children improve their scores, behave well etc. My class is not a class where pass grades could be possible. By taking their marks and checking for progress, each child would be able to see their improvement and be motivated to studying harder.
Well... everything is in God's hands!
Sunday, November 11
A Mayonnaise Jar Story
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large & empty mayonnaise jar & proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles & poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand & poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table & poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends, & your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost & only they remained, your life would still be full."
"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, & your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life."
"If you spend all your time & energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house & fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand & inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
This is a wonderful story and the timing is kinda timely... in the midst of being sick and flu-bugged... I really had a lot of time to think about a lot of things. There are lots to say about being frustrated. I believe God gives us moments of frustrations so we can really drop everything in life to re-prioritize what's important to us.
After resting the whole of yesterday, I realised that I've spent a lot of time on the "pebbles" and "sand" in my life and missed out the "golf balls".
At least, I am taking steps towards it. I've been spending a lot of time with my mom, with close friends and meeting them up for meals occassionally. I'm also going off to England in December with my close friend and teacher, to spend time with her and her family.
Indeed, where everything fails you in life, it is only your friends and family who will remain by your side, supporting you always. The last thing I want is to regret not spending enough time with them while I still can...
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles & poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand & poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table & poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends, & your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost & only they remained, your life would still be full."
"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, & your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life."
"If you spend all your time & energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house & fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand & inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
This is a wonderful story and the timing is kinda timely... in the midst of being sick and flu-bugged... I really had a lot of time to think about a lot of things. There are lots to say about being frustrated. I believe God gives us moments of frustrations so we can really drop everything in life to re-prioritize what's important to us.
After resting the whole of yesterday, I realised that I've spent a lot of time on the "pebbles" and "sand" in my life and missed out the "golf balls".
At least, I am taking steps towards it. I've been spending a lot of time with my mom, with close friends and meeting them up for meals occassionally. I'm also going off to England in December with my close friend and teacher, to spend time with her and her family.
Indeed, where everything fails you in life, it is only your friends and family who will remain by your side, supporting you always. The last thing I want is to regret not spending enough time with them while I still can...
Thursday, November 8
Tis the season for good news!
Good news #1:
Best friend is having a baby gal, as I predicted! I feel so happy for her and I really hope the rest of the pregnancy months and the delivery will be smooth!
Good news #2:
My best buddy at work is getting married! 6 Dec 2008! She going to make a deposit for the ballroom this weekend! I feel so happy for her because she has been with her fiance for so many years and they are finally tying the knot!
In view of such great news, there is hope for me that there's still a special someone out there for me... kekee...
Good news #3:
After weeks of 'ding-donging', my end of the year travel plans are finally confirmed. I'll to off to England from 7 Dec to 17 Dec. I really can't wait to go!
I've always wanted to go but could not afford. I had to dump all money into my studies every semester. Now that I can, all thanks to my connect plan from the government, I am going! I really need a break after so many years of hard work and being holiday deprived... :(
This is my pseudo-graduation trip...considering that I will only know my results on late Dec. The best part of this is:
1) I'll be back in time for Bro's birthday!
2) I met angels who will sponsored accomodations and food for me... all I had to do was to pay for my air fare. Thank God for the blessing!
Good news #4:
I finally cleared all my assignments. Thank God for the favour in my studies and I was able to score well in my assignments. Despite it being a more difficult module, my grades were the highest of all my assignments in the last 4 years.
Now... I must bravely battle the exams next Tuesday. I am believing for a miracle to clear the paper so I can finally graduate!
I feel really blessed to be surrounded with good news... I'm believing in more to come!
Best friend is having a baby gal, as I predicted! I feel so happy for her and I really hope the rest of the pregnancy months and the delivery will be smooth!
Good news #2:
My best buddy at work is getting married! 6 Dec 2008! She going to make a deposit for the ballroom this weekend! I feel so happy for her because she has been with her fiance for so many years and they are finally tying the knot!
In view of such great news, there is hope for me that there's still a special someone out there for me... kekee...
Good news #3:
After weeks of 'ding-donging', my end of the year travel plans are finally confirmed. I'll to off to England from 7 Dec to 17 Dec. I really can't wait to go!
I've always wanted to go but could not afford. I had to dump all money into my studies every semester. Now that I can, all thanks to my connect plan from the government, I am going! I really need a break after so many years of hard work and being holiday deprived... :(
This is my pseudo-graduation trip...considering that I will only know my results on late Dec. The best part of this is:
1) I'll be back in time for Bro's birthday!
2) I met angels who will sponsored accomodations and food for me... all I had to do was to pay for my air fare. Thank God for the blessing!
Good news #4:
I finally cleared all my assignments. Thank God for the favour in my studies and I was able to score well in my assignments. Despite it being a more difficult module, my grades were the highest of all my assignments in the last 4 years.
Now... I must bravely battle the exams next Tuesday. I am believing for a miracle to clear the paper so I can finally graduate!
I feel really blessed to be surrounded with good news... I'm believing in more to come!
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