A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.
'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'
'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.
'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'
'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.
'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'
'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'
'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down. 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'
The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think, 'Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often.'
The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' he asked.
'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.
'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you, Daddy!' he yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled upbills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.
'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.
'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'
Time spent with our family is always priceless...
Monday, December 22
Sunday, December 21
You are Special!
One day, a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then, she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.
Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The church was packed with his friends. One by one, those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.
As she stood there, one of the soldiers, who acted as pallbearer, came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked.
She nodded, 'Yes.'
Then he said, 'Mark talked about you a lot.'
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew, without looking, that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.'
Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'
'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary.'
Then, Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued, 'I think we all saved our lists.'
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. Tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.
Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The church was packed with his friends. One by one, those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.
As she stood there, one of the soldiers, who acted as pallbearer, came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked.
She nodded, 'Yes.'
Then he said, 'Mark talked about you a lot.'
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew, without looking, that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.'
Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'
'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary.'
Then, Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued, 'I think we all saved our lists.'
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. Tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.
Thursday, December 18
Letter from God
Today, I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.
P.S. Remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in MY TIME, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic jam, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard-of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Count our blessings. So simple and yet hard to do! We are often bothered by what we don't have, rather than what we have. As such, life becomes complicated and an unhappy experience. When we count our blessings, life becomes simple and we can live much happier!
P.S. Remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in MY TIME, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic jam, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard-of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Count our blessings. So simple and yet hard to do! We are often bothered by what we don't have, rather than what we have. As such, life becomes complicated and an unhappy experience. When we count our blessings, life becomes simple and we can live much happier!
Wednesday, December 17
Happy Holidays!
Although I did not go overseas this holiday, this is by far one of the better holiday. Cos Mommy is on leave as well. We have been spending time doing things together... taking her out, doing things for her, watching telly together with her...
I think it has been a great holiday spent with Mommy.... she has been happy too! :)
I think it has been a great holiday spent with Mommy.... she has been happy too! :)
Sunday, December 7
April's Wedding!
April finally got married yesterday... after an almost decade-long courtship with Jun Hao, affectionally known as JH. It was so wonderful to see her settled down after all the trials in their relationship. To maintain a relationship for 10 years and grow into each other's best friend has not been an easy journey for them, but they have done it. Congrats!
It was a really beautiful wedding. The decor at Grand Hyatt was really classy. Plus the food was good. It was also a wonderful gathering of ex-colleagues. Unfortunately, there were quite a lot who were unable to make it. They were either overseas or fell sick. Despite that, everyone had a great time and April was thrilled to see everyone.
She wanted to linger with us to chat and take photos. Unfortunately, she had to go to other tables too. Anyway, I'm meeting her for lunch this Thurs, as a post-wedding celebration. I really wish her happiness in this journey ahead. ;)
April finally got married yesterday... after an almost decade-long courtship with Jun Hao, affectionally known as JH. It was so wonderful to see her settled down after all the trials in their relationship. To maintain a relationship for 10 years and grow into each other's best friend has not been an easy journey for them, but they have done it. Congrats!
It was a really beautiful wedding. The decor at Grand Hyatt was really classy. Plus the food was good. It was also a wonderful gathering of ex-colleagues. Unfortunately, there were quite a lot who were unable to make it. They were either overseas or fell sick. Despite that, everyone had a great time and April was thrilled to see everyone.
She wanted to linger with us to chat and take photos. Unfortunately, she had to go to other tables too. Anyway, I'm meeting her for lunch this Thurs, as a post-wedding celebration. I really wish her happiness in this journey ahead. ;)
Joys of car ownership!
My friend's bro (the one who got me a good deal for my car) has rented me a car to drive around and practice till my car arrives. I'm been driving myself around since Monday evening, a one week old driver... lolz.
Right now, I'm enjoying the bliss of car ownership. My mom commented that since I've started driving, I've become more happy. :)
Honestly, a car has provided me a lifestyle that I've always wanted. I am able to get from place to place, with less hassle and less time spent on transport. I've also been able to do more things for my dear mom and godma. I feel that with the car, I have been able to bless people I care about.
Monday
Drove Mom to my Uncle's house to see Grandma. Mom hasn't been there since Sept. My uncle stays in the middle of the Bukit Timah private houses. It's diff to get there without transport and Mom doesn't like to rely on my uncle and aunts to drive her back. Too much hassle for them.
Tuesday
Drove to school for meeting. Drove my colleagues, Ben and David, out for a yummy lunch at Yuhua Hawker Centre. Went hospital to see Godma. Pick Mom up after work - she carried more stuff back knowing I was going to pick her up.
Wednesday
Drove to school to settle finance issues. Went to my paternal Grandma's place for lunch. Collected a free gift at Techpoint for Mom. Went to buy my Hello Kitty car accessories. Visited Godma after her discharge. Drove out to hunt for drainage bags - hers had a leak.
Thursday
Survived the Orchard traffic by driving myself for gym lessons.
Friday
Drove to school to settle finance issue once again... sigh... Had lunch with David at IMM. Went for tuition. Met Mom at Toa Payoh Central where I went to the library and she bought a lot of things.
Saturday
Survived the Orchard traffic by driving down for April's wedding dinner. Went out for drinks with my colleagues. Drove Chee Chuen and Irene home.
Sunday
Took Mom to Ghim Moh Market - her fav market but we had no direct transport for. Went to Uncle's house to see Grandma with breakfast for all of them.
While I've enjoy the use of the car and made productive use of it, it is a huge financial drain. Plus, I also had a couple of minor accidents.
Accident #1 - Hit the kerb and punctured the air tube for the wheel. Had to change the entire wheel. Thank God, my friend's bro had a lobang who did it for him FOC. Just that I was v embarassed by it.
Accident #2 - Parked too near a pillar and ended up with a scratch in front. Sigh...
Accident #3 - Hit the kern at a sharp turn and the wheel cap flew out. Didn't even realised it till I got home. Had to drive back to the spot to find it. It was in the drain. Had to climb down the drain to pick it up. Luckily, Mom was with me. She held on to the wheel cap while I kicked it in. That's how I managed to fix that! :p
These accidents have helped me to be more careful. Let's hope the list ends here...
While it is expensive for me to maintain the car, seeing the satisfaction on Mom's face as I drive her around has made it all worth while. :)
My friend's bro (the one who got me a good deal for my car) has rented me a car to drive around and practice till my car arrives. I'm been driving myself around since Monday evening, a one week old driver... lolz.
Right now, I'm enjoying the bliss of car ownership. My mom commented that since I've started driving, I've become more happy. :)
Honestly, a car has provided me a lifestyle that I've always wanted. I am able to get from place to place, with less hassle and less time spent on transport. I've also been able to do more things for my dear mom and godma. I feel that with the car, I have been able to bless people I care about.
Monday
Drove Mom to my Uncle's house to see Grandma. Mom hasn't been there since Sept. My uncle stays in the middle of the Bukit Timah private houses. It's diff to get there without transport and Mom doesn't like to rely on my uncle and aunts to drive her back. Too much hassle for them.
Tuesday
Drove to school for meeting. Drove my colleagues, Ben and David, out for a yummy lunch at Yuhua Hawker Centre. Went hospital to see Godma. Pick Mom up after work - she carried more stuff back knowing I was going to pick her up.
Wednesday
Drove to school to settle finance issues. Went to my paternal Grandma's place for lunch. Collected a free gift at Techpoint for Mom. Went to buy my Hello Kitty car accessories. Visited Godma after her discharge. Drove out to hunt for drainage bags - hers had a leak.
Thursday
Survived the Orchard traffic by driving myself for gym lessons.
Friday
Drove to school to settle finance issue once again... sigh... Had lunch with David at IMM. Went for tuition. Met Mom at Toa Payoh Central where I went to the library and she bought a lot of things.
Saturday
Survived the Orchard traffic by driving down for April's wedding dinner. Went out for drinks with my colleagues. Drove Chee Chuen and Irene home.
Sunday
Took Mom to Ghim Moh Market - her fav market but we had no direct transport for. Went to Uncle's house to see Grandma with breakfast for all of them.
While I've enjoy the use of the car and made productive use of it, it is a huge financial drain. Plus, I also had a couple of minor accidents.
Accident #1 - Hit the kerb and punctured the air tube for the wheel. Had to change the entire wheel. Thank God, my friend's bro had a lobang who did it for him FOC. Just that I was v embarassed by it.
Accident #2 - Parked too near a pillar and ended up with a scratch in front. Sigh...
Accident #3 - Hit the kern at a sharp turn and the wheel cap flew out. Didn't even realised it till I got home. Had to drive back to the spot to find it. It was in the drain. Had to climb down the drain to pick it up. Luckily, Mom was with me. She held on to the wheel cap while I kicked it in. That's how I managed to fix that! :p
These accidents have helped me to be more careful. Let's hope the list ends here...
While it is expensive for me to maintain the car, seeing the satisfaction on Mom's face as I drive her around has made it all worth while. :)
Thursday, December 4
Godma is finally home... after 73 days in the hospital. This is her longest stay ever!
Anyway, she has been taken off the steriods for good and only given morphine to manage the pain. She's going to be on catheter to reduce risks of infection. Her bed has been changed to the hospital-bed-type so she will be more comfortable. The house has been done up for Christmas, her favourite holiday.
She looking good and happy. I hope things will continue to be better for her. :)
Anyway, she has been taken off the steriods for good and only given morphine to manage the pain. She's going to be on catheter to reduce risks of infection. Her bed has been changed to the hospital-bed-type so she will be more comfortable. The house has been done up for Christmas, her favourite holiday.
She looking good and happy. I hope things will continue to be better for her. :)
Tuesday, December 2
Thursday, November 27
I've finally made the downpayment for my ride. My friend's brother got me a very good deal. If my car loan gets approved, he can start bidding for my COE. I doubt there any chance of a $2 COE. If I can get it under $5K, I'm more than happy... lolz...
If everything works out well, my car should come before Chinese New Year. Hope I can get it in the colour I want. :)
If everything works out well, my car should come before Chinese New Year. Hope I can get it in the colour I want. :)
Monday, November 24
Tuesday, October 21
Latest Updates
I've been coping well with my driving lessons... a bit of an idiot I must say... I'm a nut who can park but have difficulties with lane changing and directional change. My instructors are having a good laugh at me. I can do the advanced stuff but not the easier ones... quite silly, right?
Godma's still in hospital. Wound is clean but not healing. She is not eating enough protein for the wound to heal nicely. Doctors cannot do the skin graft until they see some healing in the wound. Until the skin graft is done, she's still on contact precaution.
Pray that we see some changes soon.
Godma's still in hospital. Wound is clean but not healing. She is not eating enough protein for the wound to heal nicely. Doctors cannot do the skin graft until they see some healing in the wound. Until the skin graft is done, she's still on contact precaution.
Pray that we see some changes soon.
Sunday, October 5
Godma's MRI results
We were all very worried about the results and have been hoping for good news.
The good news was that there was no brain tumour, swelling or fluid build-up in the brain. However, the MRI showed a tiny spot in the lobe lining. At least that tumour (all mass are called tumours) is not present with symptoms like vomitting, dizziness or severe headaches. So the doctors will just leave it alone and monitor it closely. But if it starts to present symptoms, then they will operate and remove the spot.
Blood counts, platelet counts, hydration level, blood sugar and infection are all under control and looking good. The insulin drip has also been taken off and she is now on oral tablets instead. The only thing to watch closely is the infection in her leg and now that they have drained it, it should heal and she must be very careful that it does not get infected again. Diabetic nurse will be coming in everyday to teach Godma to identify the high and low blood sugar levels and what to do when either presents itself.
However, the infection has bacteria so she's on contact precaution. This means we have to gown up and put on surgical gloves before we enter the room. Other than that, Godma is looking well and should recover well. She is eating a lot more despite the taste of hospital food was yucky. I promised her that as soon as she is allowed outside food, I'll buy something nicer for her.
She's also bored and missed her Sci-Fi and BBC channels on cable TV... lolz... Hopefully, things stabilize soon and she can be discharged sooner. But definitely, we are not rushing the discharge. We don't want her to come down with another bout of infection when she gets home.
The good news was that there was no brain tumour, swelling or fluid build-up in the brain. However, the MRI showed a tiny spot in the lobe lining. At least that tumour (all mass are called tumours) is not present with symptoms like vomitting, dizziness or severe headaches. So the doctors will just leave it alone and monitor it closely. But if it starts to present symptoms, then they will operate and remove the spot.
Blood counts, platelet counts, hydration level, blood sugar and infection are all under control and looking good. The insulin drip has also been taken off and she is now on oral tablets instead. The only thing to watch closely is the infection in her leg and now that they have drained it, it should heal and she must be very careful that it does not get infected again. Diabetic nurse will be coming in everyday to teach Godma to identify the high and low blood sugar levels and what to do when either presents itself.
However, the infection has bacteria so she's on contact precaution. This means we have to gown up and put on surgical gloves before we enter the room. Other than that, Godma is looking well and should recover well. She is eating a lot more despite the taste of hospital food was yucky. I promised her that as soon as she is allowed outside food, I'll buy something nicer for her.
She's also bored and missed her Sci-Fi and BBC channels on cable TV... lolz... Hopefully, things stabilize soon and she can be discharged sooner. But definitely, we are not rushing the discharge. We don't want her to come down with another bout of infection when she gets home.
Thursday, October 2
Something about me...
I've been updating about Godma's condition lately and there's none about me... lolz...
Good News #1
I'm on to Stage 3 in my driving! Yay! Another step closer to getting my license and my 'Hello Kitty' car! :)
Good News #2
My convocation is next Thursday afternoon. I'm finally graduating! Sounds stupid since I've graduated last December but I somehow never felt quite graduated until the convocation is over and some dean gives you your certificate on stage.
I went to collect my gown at Serangoon Broadway last Sunday. When the lady put the gown on for me to try and see if the size fits, I suddenly felt like tearing... the realisation that I am graduating has finally sunk it. That had made my last 4 years of work all worth it.
Maybe this might motivated me to take my Master's? Let's see how things go... ;p
Good News #1
I'm on to Stage 3 in my driving! Yay! Another step closer to getting my license and my 'Hello Kitty' car! :)
Good News #2
My convocation is next Thursday afternoon. I'm finally graduating! Sounds stupid since I've graduated last December but I somehow never felt quite graduated until the convocation is over and some dean gives you your certificate on stage.
I went to collect my gown at Serangoon Broadway last Sunday. When the lady put the gown on for me to try and see if the size fits, I suddenly felt like tearing... the realisation that I am graduating has finally sunk it. That had made my last 4 years of work all worth it.
Maybe this might motivated me to take my Master's? Let's see how things go... ;p
Godma was looking a lot better when I saw her yesterday. However, she has run out of veins to poke (her poor hands are all bruised) so a cannula line was attached. Drips, blood taking etc would be done through that.
Her condition is still rather inconclusive. A CT scan was done on Monday but no dye was used so there was not much contrast to show. Preliminary findings are not showing anything very serious aka no fluid collection. This probably equates to good news at the moment. An MRI was done today on the head, brain and nerves to see what the radiologist can pick up. This was done to rule out possible tumours in the brain. Doctors are worried because her vision is not good and there is an occasional double-vision.
The doctors wanted to do a minor op yesterday to remove the abscess in the thigh. Unless the pus is removed, the intravenous antibiotics could not get rid of the root of the problem. When they took blood to prepare for the op, haemoglobin level was low. As a result, they had to transfuse a packet of blood before the op. The transfusion took place when I left last evening. The op was done this afternoon at 2.30 pm. When I messaged Aunt Carol at 7 plus, she was still in recovery. I'll drop by tomorrow night to see how things are.
Her condition is still rather inconclusive. A CT scan was done on Monday but no dye was used so there was not much contrast to show. Preliminary findings are not showing anything very serious aka no fluid collection. This probably equates to good news at the moment. An MRI was done today on the head, brain and nerves to see what the radiologist can pick up. This was done to rule out possible tumours in the brain. Doctors are worried because her vision is not good and there is an occasional double-vision.
The doctors wanted to do a minor op yesterday to remove the abscess in the thigh. Unless the pus is removed, the intravenous antibiotics could not get rid of the root of the problem. When they took blood to prepare for the op, haemoglobin level was low. As a result, they had to transfuse a packet of blood before the op. The transfusion took place when I left last evening. The op was done this afternoon at 2.30 pm. When I messaged Aunt Carol at 7 plus, she was still in recovery. I'll drop by tomorrow night to see how things are.
Monday, September 29
Hospital visits in last week...
I made a trip twice to the hospital last week on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon.
On Thursday evening, things were not quite improved. She could barely recognized people... her medicine and chemo have affected her eyesight. On Tuesday, when she was warded, she did not even remember Aunt Carol, her own sister. At least on Thursday, focusing took a while but once she could recognize people, she would break into a smile. Lennel and Richard were there and she remembered the Mahjong game we had on her bed and how Richard didn't want to play. However, she had no memories of how she got warded and what the doctors and nurses are doing to her.
She was still on saline drip to combat dehydration, intravenous antibiotics and the doctors added one more... insulin drip. The reason why she was warded was the infection and high blood sugar caused her to become sleepy and caused hallucination. When I left, after 6 hours of insulin drip, her blood sugar level was high... unreadable on the machine. Seems like when she was warded, she was very lucky because if we were any moment later, she would have gone into shock. Once again, God's miracles are shining on her.
On Saturday, when I went, things were much improved. Doctors have limited visitors to 2 at a time to reduce infection risk. She is more aware of people and things around her, except she will ask the same questions over and over again... memory retention is rather poor. Blood sugar has come down so if things improve, they would put her on insulin jabs to monitor her response to it. That's going to add more routine to her regular one... once a day self-administered insulin jabs. She was still on saline and antibiotic drips.
She is sleepy all the time but this is good... I seriously think that she is making up for lost sleep for all the months she had been wheelchaired bound. Hopefully, with enough good and deep sleep, her body can rejuvenate and heal and repair faster.
For anyone who wants to visit, it is not encouraged at this point. Wait till she's discharged... Thanks! :)
On Thursday evening, things were not quite improved. She could barely recognized people... her medicine and chemo have affected her eyesight. On Tuesday, when she was warded, she did not even remember Aunt Carol, her own sister. At least on Thursday, focusing took a while but once she could recognize people, she would break into a smile. Lennel and Richard were there and she remembered the Mahjong game we had on her bed and how Richard didn't want to play. However, she had no memories of how she got warded and what the doctors and nurses are doing to her.
She was still on saline drip to combat dehydration, intravenous antibiotics and the doctors added one more... insulin drip. The reason why she was warded was the infection and high blood sugar caused her to become sleepy and caused hallucination. When I left, after 6 hours of insulin drip, her blood sugar level was high... unreadable on the machine. Seems like when she was warded, she was very lucky because if we were any moment later, she would have gone into shock. Once again, God's miracles are shining on her.
On Saturday, when I went, things were much improved. Doctors have limited visitors to 2 at a time to reduce infection risk. She is more aware of people and things around her, except she will ask the same questions over and over again... memory retention is rather poor. Blood sugar has come down so if things improve, they would put her on insulin jabs to monitor her response to it. That's going to add more routine to her regular one... once a day self-administered insulin jabs. She was still on saline and antibiotic drips.
She is sleepy all the time but this is good... I seriously think that she is making up for lost sleep for all the months she had been wheelchaired bound. Hopefully, with enough good and deep sleep, her body can rejuvenate and heal and repair faster.
For anyone who wants to visit, it is not encouraged at this point. Wait till she's discharged... Thanks! :)
Wednesday, September 24
Waiting for miracles...
Godma is back in the hospital again. There's an infection so she's now on intravenous antibiotics. She's also severely dehydrated. Doctors are observing her and putting her through scans to make sure everything's okie. Hopefully, this is yet another miracle for all of us...
Tuesday, September 2
Happy Teacher's Day!
Today, I took Godma on a Teacher's Day treat to The Cookie Museum @ Esplanade Mall. I must say that tea there is absolutely fabulous. We tried the Museo de Chocolate and the Three Queen's Teacake. Sinful but delightful! Very English and much to her liking...
The most fantastic was the cookie sampling. They had wonderful flavours of cookies of all kinds and they were preservative-free and low sugar. They even had savoury cookies like mushroom, nasi lemak, ikan billis and laska. Aruna bought the Madeline Rose and Laska while Godma bought Nasi Lemak.
This special treat is also to help her enjoy before she begins chemo tomorrow. She going to the hospital at 9 am tomorrow for a blood test and if everything works out well, chemo begins in the afternoon.
The chemo news, which I got last week, is a really good news. God is a good God and His timing is always perfect. When the doctors gave us news in April - May that there's nothing more to be done, we have all been praying for a miracle and been going for healing services monthly. Finally, the miracle came when the oncologist decided to book Godma for chemo last week. This was after she told Godma last year that she didn't want to try for anything cos there was no use prolonging Godma's life when she was going to be in pain (cos of the tumour in the spine) and she was not going to enjoy a good quality of life. Godma put off seeing her for a year because she didn't want to get affected by such news. After much nagging from the neurosurgeon, Aunt Carol booked an appointment and received the good news.
If this chemo works out well, Godma may enjoy another 2 - 5 years again. I believe that if God has made a way for this impossibility to happen, He will make another miracle to awe us with his great provision. After all, the pastor's wife has share with us that there were many mugs in Godma's life for God to fill and only two have been filled. His grace is sufficient for us and we were healed by His stripes. I believe that we shall see yet another miracle again.
Today, I took Godma on a Teacher's Day treat to The Cookie Museum @ Esplanade Mall. I must say that tea there is absolutely fabulous. We tried the Museo de Chocolate and the Three Queen's Teacake. Sinful but delightful! Very English and much to her liking...
The most fantastic was the cookie sampling. They had wonderful flavours of cookies of all kinds and they were preservative-free and low sugar. They even had savoury cookies like mushroom, nasi lemak, ikan billis and laska. Aruna bought the Madeline Rose and Laska while Godma bought Nasi Lemak.
This special treat is also to help her enjoy before she begins chemo tomorrow. She going to the hospital at 9 am tomorrow for a blood test and if everything works out well, chemo begins in the afternoon.
The chemo news, which I got last week, is a really good news. God is a good God and His timing is always perfect. When the doctors gave us news in April - May that there's nothing more to be done, we have all been praying for a miracle and been going for healing services monthly. Finally, the miracle came when the oncologist decided to book Godma for chemo last week. This was after she told Godma last year that she didn't want to try for anything cos there was no use prolonging Godma's life when she was going to be in pain (cos of the tumour in the spine) and she was not going to enjoy a good quality of life. Godma put off seeing her for a year because she didn't want to get affected by such news. After much nagging from the neurosurgeon, Aunt Carol booked an appointment and received the good news.
If this chemo works out well, Godma may enjoy another 2 - 5 years again. I believe that if God has made a way for this impossibility to happen, He will make another miracle to awe us with his great provision. After all, the pastor's wife has share with us that there were many mugs in Godma's life for God to fill and only two have been filled. His grace is sufficient for us and we were healed by His stripes. I believe that we shall see yet another miracle again.
Friday, August 29
Quotable Quotes about Teaching...
Why I teach?
Being a teacher is not just about teaching. A teacher is one who shapes, creates and mould lives.
It is about breathing life into the pages of textbooks and weaving magic into them everyday.
It is about inspiring curious young minds and recognising raw talent, challenging them to think beyond mere words.
It is about cultivating the thirst for knowledge that may be found in abundance between the covers of books but which can only be brought to life by a teacher.
Teaching is not one job, its many.
In fact, no other career matches the unique opportunities, challenges and satisfaction you will experience as a teacher.
Being a teacher entails being a role-model to his/her students.
Indeed, teachers play an important role in helping to inculcate in their students, sound moral values and strength of character.
Our students learn through participating in co-curricular activties and engaging in social interactions in school, at home and with their friends.
Teachers, together with parents and the community, are all partners in the process of nurturing the younger generation.
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To a mind of flint, the teacher must be iron, and strike sparks.
To the empty pitcher, the teacher becomes a well.
To the fallow mind, a planter of seeds.
To the cluttered mind, a gardener to weed, shape, and clear a space for growing.
To the lens, the teacher is light, and to the mind of light, a lens.
To the sleeper, the teacher is the wake-up call of birds at sunrise.
To clay, the teacher is potter, sculptor, and trainer in self-shaping.
To the wanderer, the teacher is a knowing guide.
To the developed mind, the teacher is colleague, listener, and friend.
To all, the teacher is a mirror that shows not only the self but the path and its choices, the task and its demands -- the difficulties, the joys.
To all and from all, the teacher is a learner, a person -- and a prism through which the ordinary continuously reveals itself to be miraculous.
Gerald Grow
For all Educators
The future of the world is in my classroom today, a future with the potential for good or bad.... Several future presidents are learning from me today; so are the great writers of the next decades, and so are all the so-called ordinary people who will make the decisions in a democracy. I must never forget these same young people could be the thieves and murderers of the future. Only a teacher? Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession of all! I must be vigilant every day, lest I lose one fragile opportunity to improve tomorrow.
Being a teacher is not just about teaching. A teacher is one who shapes, creates and mould lives.
It is about breathing life into the pages of textbooks and weaving magic into them everyday.
It is about inspiring curious young minds and recognising raw talent, challenging them to think beyond mere words.
It is about cultivating the thirst for knowledge that may be found in abundance between the covers of books but which can only be brought to life by a teacher.
Teaching is not one job, its many.
In fact, no other career matches the unique opportunities, challenges and satisfaction you will experience as a teacher.
Being a teacher entails being a role-model to his/her students.
Indeed, teachers play an important role in helping to inculcate in their students, sound moral values and strength of character.
Our students learn through participating in co-curricular activties and engaging in social interactions in school, at home and with their friends.
Teachers, together with parents and the community, are all partners in the process of nurturing the younger generation.
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To a mind of flint, the teacher must be iron, and strike sparks.
To the empty pitcher, the teacher becomes a well.
To the fallow mind, a planter of seeds.
To the cluttered mind, a gardener to weed, shape, and clear a space for growing.
To the lens, the teacher is light, and to the mind of light, a lens.
To the sleeper, the teacher is the wake-up call of birds at sunrise.
To clay, the teacher is potter, sculptor, and trainer in self-shaping.
To the wanderer, the teacher is a knowing guide.
To the developed mind, the teacher is colleague, listener, and friend.
To all, the teacher is a mirror that shows not only the self but the path and its choices, the task and its demands -- the difficulties, the joys.
To all and from all, the teacher is a learner, a person -- and a prism through which the ordinary continuously reveals itself to be miraculous.
Gerald Grow
For all Educators
The future of the world is in my classroom today, a future with the potential for good or bad.... Several future presidents are learning from me today; so are the great writers of the next decades, and so are all the so-called ordinary people who will make the decisions in a democracy. I must never forget these same young people could be the thieves and murderers of the future. Only a teacher? Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession of all! I must be vigilant every day, lest I lose one fragile opportunity to improve tomorrow.
Saturday, August 23
Thy will be done...
In the end, I didn't get the job. The bad news came last Thursday. And the reason that I was given sounded really crappy to me. The HOD told me that she spotted some syntax and grammatical errors in my lesson plan. Otherwise, everything was great and they would have loved to have me join them.
When I heard this, I was so stunned that I didn't know how to react. I dun think I had that many lines in my lesson plan that would highlight major syntax and grammatical errors, causing incoherence in understanding.
Honestly, they dun have to tell me this but I know that the real reason had to do with qualifications. Having being a civil servant for the last 8 years, I dun need to be a rocket scientist to know the importance of paper qualifications in this field. I asked Godma if they would have rejected me if I had an honours degree from NUS or NTU. She admitted no.
I would seriously have preferred to hear the truth (even if it's rubbing salt on wound). It just felt very demeaning. I think that we live in such a politically correct world that the things we say to be politically correct ends up sounding more demeaning or stupid than the hard truth.
Anyway, I was initially quite disappointed. But after a good night's sleep and doses of heavenly wisdom (plus lovely encouraging sms-es from loved ones), I was alright. It is just not in God's will but I'm sure he will have other exciting things lined up for me.
I'm NOT SORRY that my degree came from SIM and I had to do a part-time degree. I admit that I screwed up my life... But I'm very proud of the fact that I picked myself up and I did something great with my life for the last ten years. My degree is the result of juggling heavy work and study achievements so no one can tell me that it wasn't worth it. I am not going to let a lil disappointment get me down.
Godma was worried for me. We made plans to have tea and do some shopping last Friday. When the news came on Thursday afternoon, she asked me if I was alright. Otherwise, we could postpone tea and shopping. I told her that we will go as planned. It was so rare that I had an afternoon off and I was not going to waste my time licking my wounds at home.
So we had a wonderful tea and shopping on Friday. The tea almost didn't happen cos we couldn't get a cab. When I got to her place at 2 pm, I was ready, she was ready but there was no cabs. We tried to 2.30... nothing. 3 pm... nothing. 3.30... nothing. So we finally had to settle for the $45 maxicab which got us to Plaza Singapura at 4 pm. The best thing... we had a $5 discount and even bumped into Audrey (whom we had tea with).
After tea, we had a fruitful shopping trip where we got all the things we wanted under 2 hours... so efficient. Even her maid, Lilik, was impressed that we managed to get everything we need. That's what happens to two gals who never say die!
The highlight of the shopping trip was me getting Godma up the travelator at Carrefour. When I wheeled her up twice, we went backwards and landed up back at the bottom. So we finally worked out a system that worked. I hooked everything on the wheelchair, while she got her hands ready at the brakes. The min the wheels touch the travelator, she would lock the wheels while I support from behind to make sure it does not roll backwards. It worked!
Now, I am going to plan a Teacher's Day treat for Godma. Let's see if I survive taking her out to the Marina area. Hehee...
When I heard this, I was so stunned that I didn't know how to react. I dun think I had that many lines in my lesson plan that would highlight major syntax and grammatical errors, causing incoherence in understanding.
Honestly, they dun have to tell me this but I know that the real reason had to do with qualifications. Having being a civil servant for the last 8 years, I dun need to be a rocket scientist to know the importance of paper qualifications in this field. I asked Godma if they would have rejected me if I had an honours degree from NUS or NTU. She admitted no.
I would seriously have preferred to hear the truth (even if it's rubbing salt on wound). It just felt very demeaning. I think that we live in such a politically correct world that the things we say to be politically correct ends up sounding more demeaning or stupid than the hard truth.
Anyway, I was initially quite disappointed. But after a good night's sleep and doses of heavenly wisdom (plus lovely encouraging sms-es from loved ones), I was alright. It is just not in God's will but I'm sure he will have other exciting things lined up for me.
I'm NOT SORRY that my degree came from SIM and I had to do a part-time degree. I admit that I screwed up my life... But I'm very proud of the fact that I picked myself up and I did something great with my life for the last ten years. My degree is the result of juggling heavy work and study achievements so no one can tell me that it wasn't worth it. I am not going to let a lil disappointment get me down.
Godma was worried for me. We made plans to have tea and do some shopping last Friday. When the news came on Thursday afternoon, she asked me if I was alright. Otherwise, we could postpone tea and shopping. I told her that we will go as planned. It was so rare that I had an afternoon off and I was not going to waste my time licking my wounds at home.
So we had a wonderful tea and shopping on Friday. The tea almost didn't happen cos we couldn't get a cab. When I got to her place at 2 pm, I was ready, she was ready but there was no cabs. We tried to 2.30... nothing. 3 pm... nothing. 3.30... nothing. So we finally had to settle for the $45 maxicab which got us to Plaza Singapura at 4 pm. The best thing... we had a $5 discount and even bumped into Audrey (whom we had tea with).
After tea, we had a fruitful shopping trip where we got all the things we wanted under 2 hours... so efficient. Even her maid, Lilik, was impressed that we managed to get everything we need. That's what happens to two gals who never say die!
The highlight of the shopping trip was me getting Godma up the travelator at Carrefour. When I wheeled her up twice, we went backwards and landed up back at the bottom. So we finally worked out a system that worked. I hooked everything on the wheelchair, while she got her hands ready at the brakes. The min the wheels touch the travelator, she would lock the wheels while I support from behind to make sure it does not roll backwards. It worked!
Now, I am going to plan a Teacher's Day treat for Godma. Let's see if I survive taking her out to the Marina area. Hehee...
Wednesday, August 13
Wednesday, August 6
Friday, August 1
This whole entire transfer thing is really the hands of God moving in my life.
I finally got an email arranging for the time of the interview on Thursday, 4 pm. However, I won't be able to make it so I went this morning at 9.30 am.
After meeting the vp, she was very frank and told me that they appreciated the fact that I was very keen and earnest. The only concern was the wide gap from primary school to college. They were willing to give me a chance to prove myself by conducting 1 lesson and I would be assessed from there.
At least it was not an outright no. If I can perform during the lesson observation, I would actually make it!
The interesting thing was the vp apologised to me at the end of it cos my application kinda got lost in the flurry of emails that the school gets daily so the clerk did not contact me. VP was also wondering how come I never came for an interview.
When I went for the Poetry Slam on Tuesday night and met the HOD, Godma did tell her about my transfer and we had a short conversation. When I told her that I was waiting for the office to contact me regarding the appointment, the HOD checked with the VP and I got my email on Wednesday.
If this is not divine intervention, I dunno what is... If I had not gone down on Tuesday, I might not have met the HOD and all these things would not have been set in motion.
While I'm still praying for my miracle, I somehow have a deep sense of peace... like God is in control of everything. When He is in control, what else do I fear. Just do my part well and let Him do the rest.
I finally got an email arranging for the time of the interview on Thursday, 4 pm. However, I won't be able to make it so I went this morning at 9.30 am.
After meeting the vp, she was very frank and told me that they appreciated the fact that I was very keen and earnest. The only concern was the wide gap from primary school to college. They were willing to give me a chance to prove myself by conducting 1 lesson and I would be assessed from there.
At least it was not an outright no. If I can perform during the lesson observation, I would actually make it!
The interesting thing was the vp apologised to me at the end of it cos my application kinda got lost in the flurry of emails that the school gets daily so the clerk did not contact me. VP was also wondering how come I never came for an interview.
When I went for the Poetry Slam on Tuesday night and met the HOD, Godma did tell her about my transfer and we had a short conversation. When I told her that I was waiting for the office to contact me regarding the appointment, the HOD checked with the VP and I got my email on Wednesday.
If this is not divine intervention, I dunno what is... If I had not gone down on Tuesday, I might not have met the HOD and all these things would not have been set in motion.
While I'm still praying for my miracle, I somehow have a deep sense of peace... like God is in control of everything. When He is in control, what else do I fear. Just do my part well and let Him do the rest.
Sunday, July 27
This weekend has been a really enjoyable one. I kicked off the weekend by having durian buffet @ Cafe Vic, Carlton Hotel with Rachel, Cherise, Jeanette, Sara and David on Friday night. The food was worth every bit of what we paid for. There was delicious braised crab soup, black pepper crabs, roasted lamb, steamed herbal chicken, grilled slipper lobster, grilled pork etc. And of course, the highlight were the durian dishes such as seared scallop with durian and mango, durian prata, durian chicken wrap, durian creme brulee, durian bobo chacha, durian pudding, durian fritters and best of all, freshly opened D24 durians... I could barely move after dinner, let alone sleep well. Was simply too stuffed! Plus had to down a can of beer to get rid of the heatiness.
With all that said and done, next year, I'll be looking forward to the next durian buffet that they would be having.
Saturday, I was at Vivo City having tea with Godma and an ex-college teacher. Pity I was never taught by him. The ex was there with his family and looking at his son, I am so convinced I am not cut out for motherhood at this point. Biological clock is definitely not ticking at all. Much as I like kids, I draw the line at carrying them for no more than 5 min. The only lucky babies to ever stay in my arms for 2 hours were Baby Chloe (Michelle's princess) and Baby Leanne (Jasmine's princess). Sadly, I seem to have no liking for male babies.
The strangest thing was the ex was not happy that I was joining for tea. He was worried that his wife would feel jealous. Whatever for? Me thinks that he has forgotten that I was the one who walked out of the whole relationship and has never looked back since. In fact, I would not be where I am today if I actually stayed n the relationship. Despite the many sacrifices that I had to make, there no regrets cos I am too much of a free spirit to be tied down. Anyway, Godma told him that if his wife had such feelings, it was probably because of him. Hooray for Godma! Lolz...
Tonight, I will be at Plaza Singapura with Godma and her family. We are going to celebrate Uncle Martin's birthday. It's teppanyaki at Sakae Sushi, my first time trying out the food there.
I better head down to gym later today... need to work out the calories after the weekend of feasting.
With all that said and done, next year, I'll be looking forward to the next durian buffet that they would be having.
Saturday, I was at Vivo City having tea with Godma and an ex-college teacher. Pity I was never taught by him. The ex was there with his family and looking at his son, I am so convinced I am not cut out for motherhood at this point. Biological clock is definitely not ticking at all. Much as I like kids, I draw the line at carrying them for no more than 5 min. The only lucky babies to ever stay in my arms for 2 hours were Baby Chloe (Michelle's princess) and Baby Leanne (Jasmine's princess). Sadly, I seem to have no liking for male babies.
The strangest thing was the ex was not happy that I was joining for tea. He was worried that his wife would feel jealous. Whatever for? Me thinks that he has forgotten that I was the one who walked out of the whole relationship and has never looked back since. In fact, I would not be where I am today if I actually stayed n the relationship. Despite the many sacrifices that I had to make, there no regrets cos I am too much of a free spirit to be tied down. Anyway, Godma told him that if his wife had such feelings, it was probably because of him. Hooray for Godma! Lolz...
Tonight, I will be at Plaza Singapura with Godma and her family. We are going to celebrate Uncle Martin's birthday. It's teppanyaki at Sakae Sushi, my first time trying out the food there.
I better head down to gym later today... need to work out the calories after the weekend of feasting.
Friday, July 18
Godma finally penned down her experiences to encourage her students... Read about it in http://gatsr.blogspot.com/
Honestly, I am very proud of her. She is the strongest person I've known... not in physical strength but by sheer will... She even told me that cancer is not a disease of the body but of the mind. When cancer patients lose hope, that's when everything deteriorate...
She's God's living testimony that miracles can exist.
On a brighter note, one of my colleague, who was very depressed when she was unsure if she could get her transfer, is finally getting the transfer. I believe that miracles happen and if the transfer is truly in God's plan for me, He will give me the miracle and protection I need to see me through...
Honestly, I am very proud of her. She is the strongest person I've known... not in physical strength but by sheer will... She even told me that cancer is not a disease of the body but of the mind. When cancer patients lose hope, that's when everything deteriorate...
She's God's living testimony that miracles can exist.
On a brighter note, one of my colleague, who was very depressed when she was unsure if she could get her transfer, is finally getting the transfer. I believe that miracles happen and if the transfer is truly in God's plan for me, He will give me the miracle and protection I need to see me through...
Wednesday, July 16
By the grace of God, the VP replied me and told me that the clerk will call me to arrange for a chat. Honestly, I'm very worried. Godma told me to keep my fingers crossed... it's a broad area i'm crossing so I may not get it and with competition from others applying, it might be tougher.
Anyway, my career thus far is made up of a lot of impossibilities... God has opened many doors for me to try out many things. No matter how tough they were and how many sacrifices I had to make, I have no regrets. I have been given opportunities to try out many new things.
I believe that if God has opened this window of opportunity for me, I believe that he will give me another miracle. Even if it does not work, I have no regrets cos at least I tried.
Anyway, my career thus far is made up of a lot of impossibilities... God has opened many doors for me to try out many things. No matter how tough they were and how many sacrifices I had to make, I have no regrets. I have been given opportunities to try out many new things.
I believe that if God has opened this window of opportunity for me, I believe that he will give me another miracle. Even if it does not work, I have no regrets cos at least I tried.
Monday, July 14
God will make a way
With faith as small as a mustard seed, God has answered my prayers and has made a way for me to apply for a transfer. Now, I'm believing for a miracle... that I will be called up for an interview, it will be successful, I will get a place and my P would actually be willing to let me go and not give me a hard time.
Friday, June 27
Always have Plan B!
A pretty woman was serving a life sentence in prison. Angry and resentful about her situation, she had decided that she would rather die than to live another year in prison.
Over the years she had become good friends with one of the prison caretakers. His job, among others, was to bury those prisoners who died in a graveyard just outside the prison walls. When a prisoner died, the caretaker rang a bell, which was heard by everyone. The caretaker then got the body and put it in a casket. Next, he entered his office to fill out the death certificate before returning to the casket to nail the lid shut. Finally, he put the casket on a wagon to take it to the graveyard and bury it.
Knowing this routine, the woman devised an escape plan and shared it with the caretaker. The next time the bell rang, the woman would leave her cell and sneak into the dark room where the coffins were kept. She would slip into the coffin with the dead body while the caretaker was filling out the death certificate. When the care-taker returned, he would nail the lid shut and take the coffin outside the prison with the woman in the coffin along with the dead body. He would then bury the coffin. The woman knew there would be enough air for her to breathe until later in the evening when the caretaker would return to the graveyard under the cover of darkness, dig up the coffin, open it, and set her free.
The caretaker was reluctant to go along with this plan, but since he and the woman had become good friends over the years, he agreed to do it.
The woman waited several weeks before someone in the prison died. She was asleep in her cell when she heard the death bell ring. She got up and slowly walked down the hallway. She was nearly caught a couple of times. Her heart was beating fast. She opened the door to the darkened room where the coffins were kept. Quietly in the dark, she found the coffin that contained the dead body, carefully climbed into the coffin and pulled the lid shut to wait for the caretaker to come and nail the lid shut.
Soon she heard footsteps and the pounding of the hammer and nails. Even though she was very uncomfortable in the coffin with the dead body, she knew that with each nail she was one step closer to freedom. The coffin was lifted onto the wagon and taken outside to the graveyard. She could feel the coffin being lowered into the ground. She didn't make a sound as the coffin hit the bottom of the grave with a thud. Finally she heard the dirt dropping onto the top of the wooden coffin, and she knew that it was only a matter of time until she would be free at last. After several minutes of absolute silence, she began to laugh. She was free! She was free! Feeling curious, she decided to light a match to find out the identity of the dead prisoner beside her.
To her horror, she discovered that she was lying next to the dead caretaker.
Many people believe they have life all figured out..... but sometimes it just doesn't turn out the way they planned it.
Think of a 'Plan B'!
Over the years she had become good friends with one of the prison caretakers. His job, among others, was to bury those prisoners who died in a graveyard just outside the prison walls. When a prisoner died, the caretaker rang a bell, which was heard by everyone. The caretaker then got the body and put it in a casket. Next, he entered his office to fill out the death certificate before returning to the casket to nail the lid shut. Finally, he put the casket on a wagon to take it to the graveyard and bury it.
Knowing this routine, the woman devised an escape plan and shared it with the caretaker. The next time the bell rang, the woman would leave her cell and sneak into the dark room where the coffins were kept. She would slip into the coffin with the dead body while the caretaker was filling out the death certificate. When the care-taker returned, he would nail the lid shut and take the coffin outside the prison with the woman in the coffin along with the dead body. He would then bury the coffin. The woman knew there would be enough air for her to breathe until later in the evening when the caretaker would return to the graveyard under the cover of darkness, dig up the coffin, open it, and set her free.
The caretaker was reluctant to go along with this plan, but since he and the woman had become good friends over the years, he agreed to do it.
The woman waited several weeks before someone in the prison died. She was asleep in her cell when she heard the death bell ring. She got up and slowly walked down the hallway. She was nearly caught a couple of times. Her heart was beating fast. She opened the door to the darkened room where the coffins were kept. Quietly in the dark, she found the coffin that contained the dead body, carefully climbed into the coffin and pulled the lid shut to wait for the caretaker to come and nail the lid shut.
Soon she heard footsteps and the pounding of the hammer and nails. Even though she was very uncomfortable in the coffin with the dead body, she knew that with each nail she was one step closer to freedom. The coffin was lifted onto the wagon and taken outside to the graveyard. She could feel the coffin being lowered into the ground. She didn't make a sound as the coffin hit the bottom of the grave with a thud. Finally she heard the dirt dropping onto the top of the wooden coffin, and she knew that it was only a matter of time until she would be free at last. After several minutes of absolute silence, she began to laugh. She was free! She was free! Feeling curious, she decided to light a match to find out the identity of the dead prisoner beside her.
To her horror, she discovered that she was lying next to the dead caretaker.
Many people believe they have life all figured out..... but sometimes it just doesn't turn out the way they planned it.
Think of a 'Plan B'!
Thursday, June 19
First Scrapbook Attempt Completed!
My first scrapbooking is finally completed!Nice?
I really think it's not too bad for my first attempt... considering how I was the bane of all my Art teachers cos I used to fail art.
This will definitely inspire me to create more... especially when doing this is so therapeutic
My first scrapbooking attempt
I am probably one of the most uncreative person around but after hearing my colleagues rant and rave about scrapbooking and a trip to Laine's Papeterie at Wheelock Place, I was inspired to begin my first.
Now, all I need are the pictures to complete it. Stay tuned for the update! kekee...
Now, all I need are the pictures to complete it. Stay tuned for the update! kekee...
Wednesday, June 18
My Life Thus Far
This June has been a very good holiday for me. For the first time in my life, I neglected work... going to school only on the days required. The 2 weeks break which we were officially given, I did not step into school at all!
My Melbourne Trip was fantastic! Now I finally understand why people like to retire in Australia. I loved the winter weather which had an average temperature of about 8 - 12 degrees. We stayed in Trueman's Cottage at Rosebud. The cottage was beautiful!
Here is the lovely garden right outside our door. There is a lovely fountain, although with no water. The tree has Christmas lights strung around it so it will direct Uncle Martin where the cottage is.
Here's
the room which I shared with Rosy, my godma. Notice Crinkles sitting on the bed? Crinkles is the teddy bear who has travelled with her on all her holidays. Unfortunately, with all her things and the wheelchair, we forgot to take him out. He spent most of his time in the room. Poor Crinkles!
His consolation? We took him out to Great Ocean Drive where he got to enjoy lovely Devonshire Tea with us.
Even the Macdonald's in Oz is more interesting than what we have here. While I was there, they were having Flavours of the Games promotion, to celebrate the Olympics. There was McEurope (which was yummy!), McAmerica, McAfrica, McAsia and McAustralia burgers which were launched every 2 weeks. Wish I was there long enough to try everything!
I also enjoy my first theatre performance overseas. We watched Boeing, Boeing at The Comedy Theatre. The most fantastic thing? You are actually allowed to eat and drink in the theatre. We had ice-cream during the intermission. This might sound a lil crazy but I actually really love eating ice-cream during winter.
Other places we visited were Moralto's vineyard, Arthur's Seat and the Moonlight Sanctuary where I had so much fun feeding kangaroos, bettongs and tawney frogmouth (a breed of owl). I only wished I could stay there a little longer. Will definitely want to return there again soon.
Over last weekend, I spent it at Batam with friends for spa and shopping. Personally, I found it a rather boring place for shopping. The only shopping delight? Groceries. It is always half the price you would pay here. No wonder there were people carrying large boxes of instant noodles and huge bags of groceries on the return ferry.
I think this was the best 2 weeks of my hols I have spent in the last 2 years. I was totally relaxed!
However, I think I'm seriously allergic to hot weather work. The minute I returned to Singapore and back to school, the migraines have started. Sigh...
Well, I guess we always have to count our blessings. At least, I really enjoyed the 2 weeks. Although term 3 has not begun, I'm already looking forward to the Sept hols... haha... hope the 10 weeks pass quickly and hols come faster.
My Melbourne Trip was fantastic! Now I finally understand why people like to retire in Australia. I loved the winter weather which had an average temperature of about 8 - 12 degrees. We stayed in Trueman's Cottage at Rosebud. The cottage was beautiful!Here is the lovely garden right outside our door. There is a lovely fountain, although with no water. The tree has Christmas lights strung around it so it will direct Uncle Martin where the cottage is.
Here's
the room which I shared with Rosy, my godma. Notice Crinkles sitting on the bed? Crinkles is the teddy bear who has travelled with her on all her holidays. Unfortunately, with all her things and the wheelchair, we forgot to take him out. He spent most of his time in the room. Poor Crinkles!His consolation? We took him out to Great Ocean Drive where he got to enjoy lovely Devonshire Tea with us.
Even the Macdonald's in Oz is more interesting than what we have here. While I was there, they were having Flavours of the Games promotion, to celebrate the Olympics. There was McEurope (which was yummy!), McAmerica, McAfrica, McAsia and McAustralia burgers which were launched every 2 weeks. Wish I was there long enough to try everything!
I also enjoy my first theatre performance overseas. We watched Boeing, Boeing at The Comedy Theatre. The most fantastic thing? You are actually allowed to eat and drink in the theatre. We had ice-cream during the intermission. This might sound a lil crazy but I actually really love eating ice-cream during winter.
Other places we visited were Moralto's vineyard, Arthur's Seat and the Moonlight Sanctuary where I had so much fun feeding kangaroos, bettongs and tawney frogmouth (a breed of owl). I only wished I could stay there a little longer. Will definitely want to return there again soon.
Over last weekend, I spent it at Batam with friends for spa and shopping. Personally, I found it a rather boring place for shopping. The only shopping delight? Groceries. It is always half the price you would pay here. No wonder there were people carrying large boxes of instant noodles and huge bags of groceries on the return ferry.
I think this was the best 2 weeks of my hols I have spent in the last 2 years. I was totally relaxed!
However, I think I'm seriously allergic to hot weather work. The minute I returned to Singapore and back to school, the migraines have started. Sigh...
Well, I guess we always have to count our blessings. At least, I really enjoyed the 2 weeks. Although term 3 has not begun, I'm already looking forward to the Sept hols... haha... hope the 10 weeks pass quickly and hols come faster.
Saturday, May 31
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
"I Love You" are three words that are so easy to say but often very hard to act on. Trials and tribulations are therefore set to test us in our understanding of love.
Love is a dependency. When we love, we will always depend on others even as we draw strength from them. It is always easy to say we love God but we often have no time to prove we do. There will always be things that will take us away from simply spending time in His presence. While God does not create trials and tribulations, he allows them to happen so that we will learn to draw strength from Him. Therefore when we are weak, these are the moments when we have to fall to our knees and pray even harder so that His grace and love will surround us and give us strength to see us through our trials and tribulations.
Of a more earthly nature, Gary Chapman talks about five languages of love - words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. For me, while I do show love through all five ways, the main channel is still through acts of service.
To me, God has given me the gift of servant-hood to apply myself in service to others. My life seems to be one of service, be it in the professional and social aspect. Whenever I serve, it is always a sacrifice I make to better the life of another. It can inconvenient me as well as drain me in the physical, emotional and spiritual sense. However, He has never let me down. Whenever, I am discouraged by the trials and tribulations placed in my service to others, He will always bring me down to my knees and teach me to pray even harder to depend of His wisdom and strength. In doing so, I get strength to continue serving people and in doing so, serving God. I never realised it until He slowly reaffirmed this time and time again.
Recently, there have been many trials and tribulations that have weaken me.
Professionally, I don't feel I'm managing so well. I feel like I have lost my internal compass and is not too sure of the direction I should continue to take. The direction which I was very sure to go seems to have done nothing but to add to the stress that has ravaged my poor health. As a result, I seem to be having a declining quality of life. This has left me rather distressed and frustrated because I hate not knowing what I am doing or where I should continue to go.
After endless cries for wisdom and guidance, His answer was to focus and concentrate on what I do best at... teach. I have in no way failed because of a lack of ability. Merely, the want to do well in all things have led to a high level of stress I am subjecting myself to, leading to ravaged health. I believe that for me to focus on merely teaching is not to declare that I have failed. Rather, it is for me to restore and strengthen the foundation of my health and pedagogical skills so that when I do rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes, I will come back stronger and better, able to soar higher than before.
Socially, it was not good news to see Rosy's legs grow weaker day by day till present state. However, God has given her strength and wisdom to face life's everyday challenges. On my part, I am very glad to be of service to the family in anyway I can. For the first time today, I helped to shower Rosy. While she was embarassed by the incident, I am glad that God has placed me there to be of service to her. She was there to guide me when I was at my weakest. This is the little I can do for her to show how much I love and care.
Our prayers have slowly been coming to pass and I believe God's miracles will happen. We just have to wait for His, not our, right moment for them to happen.
1 Corinthians 13:13
"I Love You" are three words that are so easy to say but often very hard to act on. Trials and tribulations are therefore set to test us in our understanding of love.
Love is a dependency. When we love, we will always depend on others even as we draw strength from them. It is always easy to say we love God but we often have no time to prove we do. There will always be things that will take us away from simply spending time in His presence. While God does not create trials and tribulations, he allows them to happen so that we will learn to draw strength from Him. Therefore when we are weak, these are the moments when we have to fall to our knees and pray even harder so that His grace and love will surround us and give us strength to see us through our trials and tribulations.
Of a more earthly nature, Gary Chapman talks about five languages of love - words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. For me, while I do show love through all five ways, the main channel is still through acts of service.
To me, God has given me the gift of servant-hood to apply myself in service to others. My life seems to be one of service, be it in the professional and social aspect. Whenever I serve, it is always a sacrifice I make to better the life of another. It can inconvenient me as well as drain me in the physical, emotional and spiritual sense. However, He has never let me down. Whenever, I am discouraged by the trials and tribulations placed in my service to others, He will always bring me down to my knees and teach me to pray even harder to depend of His wisdom and strength. In doing so, I get strength to continue serving people and in doing so, serving God. I never realised it until He slowly reaffirmed this time and time again.
Recently, there have been many trials and tribulations that have weaken me.
Professionally, I don't feel I'm managing so well. I feel like I have lost my internal compass and is not too sure of the direction I should continue to take. The direction which I was very sure to go seems to have done nothing but to add to the stress that has ravaged my poor health. As a result, I seem to be having a declining quality of life. This has left me rather distressed and frustrated because I hate not knowing what I am doing or where I should continue to go.
After endless cries for wisdom and guidance, His answer was to focus and concentrate on what I do best at... teach. I have in no way failed because of a lack of ability. Merely, the want to do well in all things have led to a high level of stress I am subjecting myself to, leading to ravaged health. I believe that for me to focus on merely teaching is not to declare that I have failed. Rather, it is for me to restore and strengthen the foundation of my health and pedagogical skills so that when I do rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes, I will come back stronger and better, able to soar higher than before.
Socially, it was not good news to see Rosy's legs grow weaker day by day till present state. However, God has given her strength and wisdom to face life's everyday challenges. On my part, I am very glad to be of service to the family in anyway I can. For the first time today, I helped to shower Rosy. While she was embarassed by the incident, I am glad that God has placed me there to be of service to her. She was there to guide me when I was at my weakest. This is the little I can do for her to show how much I love and care.
Our prayers have slowly been coming to pass and I believe God's miracles will happen. We just have to wait for His, not our, right moment for them to happen.
Friday, May 23
Yay! The holidays are here!
This holiday is especially special to me cos it is a time for me to really rest well to build up my ill health. Hopefully, my vacation overseas will really help me to recharge my batteries.
This holiday will also be home improvement time! I will be quite busy at home, helping to tidy up the place. Went with Mom to Courts at Toa Payoh today to buy new furniture to replace our sofa, a new wardrobe for more storage area as well as a drawer for my room.
It's time to role-switch from teacher to homemaker! lolz...
This holiday is especially special to me cos it is a time for me to really rest well to build up my ill health. Hopefully, my vacation overseas will really help me to recharge my batteries.
This holiday will also be home improvement time! I will be quite busy at home, helping to tidy up the place. Went with Mom to Courts at Toa Payoh today to buy new furniture to replace our sofa, a new wardrobe for more storage area as well as a drawer for my room.
It's time to role-switch from teacher to homemaker! lolz...
Sunday, May 18
Heat is driving me nuts!
The temperature in Singapore has been soaring and it can get extremely unbearable in the afternoons for me. And with my flu not completely recovered, the heat is inducing chronic migraines ie migraine practically every afternoon. This really sucks cos I have to teach in the afternoon sessions.
Thanks to my migraine, my social life has completely been screwed. I can't really go out very much cos my migraine usually strikes in the afternoons... haven't been going to my gym, cell group and even service. Sigh...
In the end, I have been attending service at the church opposite my house so that with less travelling, my migraine will ease. Can't say that helped a lot... but at least it was the pain was reduced to a dull throb.
I must be a strange Singaporean to be allergic to heat.
Btw, Happy 17th birthday Josh! Even if I spent the afternoon sleeping in your house...
Thanks to my migraine, my social life has completely been screwed. I can't really go out very much cos my migraine usually strikes in the afternoons... haven't been going to my gym, cell group and even service. Sigh...
In the end, I have been attending service at the church opposite my house so that with less travelling, my migraine will ease. Can't say that helped a lot... but at least it was the pain was reduced to a dull throb.
I must be a strange Singaporean to be allergic to heat.
Btw, Happy 17th birthday Josh! Even if I spent the afternoon sleeping in your house...
Friday, May 16
Holidays are coming...
It's a sorry state of your career when all you can look forward to are your holidays. After working for the last 8 years, I've reached a career burn-out. I'm dragging my feet to school each day cos I'm really tired of all the stress that I've been put through. To make things worse, my health is suffering... for the last 3 weeks, I've been down with flu and migraines. The meds are no help cos they are only symptomatic treatments.
Anyway, all systems go for this June hols. I'm off to Melbourne with Rosy and the family from 4th to 10th June and to Batam with some friends from 14th to 15th June. Everything has been booked, payments have been made, I'm ready to have a good time and rest well this hols!
Where shall I go at the end of the year? Korea seems to be calling me back again... kekee...
Anyway, all systems go for this June hols. I'm off to Melbourne with Rosy and the family from 4th to 10th June and to Batam with some friends from 14th to 15th June. Everything has been booked, payments have been made, I'm ready to have a good time and rest well this hols!
Where shall I go at the end of the year? Korea seems to be calling me back again... kekee...
Tuesday, May 6
Sleepless in Queen's
Since the weekend, I have been sleeping very poorly. Tomorrow the kids begin their English paper. I am very worried about the results. The thought of the post exam results analysis is enough to drive me to the depths of depression. I really hope they do well and I can escape a blood bath... sigh...
Thursday, April 24
Rosy - my second mom
These two days were a real awakening to my cowardly nature and my inability to take bad news. I must have been 'sunny' or 'desperately trying to remain sunny' for so long... dealing with the crap that Life throws at me until I can't seem to recognise when I really need to rant and rave to get negative emotions out of my system...
Yesterday afternoon, I received bad news from Aunt Carol (Rosy's sister) that the MRI results are out and the last bout of radiosurgery which she went through in Jan did not managed to blast the tumour in the spine away. In fact, her doctors have said that there is nothing more medical science can help her at this point. They have refered her to the Pain Management Unit and Hospice Care to help her deal with the pain.
When I heard the news, I was kinda shell-shocked. The first thing I thought of was to rush to the hospital and sit with her. Although I didn't stay for very long, at least I was there to hear what the doctor had to say.
Praying for a miracle is not great news that any patient wants to hear but that's what's I'll be praying for nightly. I really believe that Rosy has been God's miracle child for the last 10 years... by sheer will, she has overcome the obstacles that have been placed. And each time as the doctors seem to lose hope, there would be medical breakthroughs just in time to renew hope. This time, even as her doctors keep a lookout for new medical breakthroughs, I'll be praying that God will answer my prayers and the breakthroughs will be just in time.
It seems strange that I should take it so hard even though we have no blood relation. If fact, when both my grandfathers passed away, I was not even a least bit affected. The only time I cried was when they were about to be cremated.
Maybe cos I have not thanked her enough for all she has done to me. In fact, I will always be indebted to her. She was more than my college Literature teacher... she taught me about life, saw hope in me when I didn't even see any in myself. In fact, part of the success I have today is thanks to the skills that she taught me.
I was not much of a bookworm in school. I was always the underperformer. Instead of running after me for what I couldn't do, she gave the job of the Drama Club Secretary, making me run after people. It is this people management skill that has served me well in my workplace till now.
She has also encouraged me to keep educating myself, upgrade to keep it. Maybe I should really start thinking seriously about taking up a Masters'.
The friendship we have built over the years have transcended that of ordinary friends. To me, I go to her for advice more than I actually go to my mom. Though I've never told her, she's like my second mom.
Right now, I just wanna spend more time with her... quickly get a license so I can buy a car and drive her around... treasure her while I still can...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.
- Auguries of Innocence William Blake
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yesterday afternoon, I received bad news from Aunt Carol (Rosy's sister) that the MRI results are out and the last bout of radiosurgery which she went through in Jan did not managed to blast the tumour in the spine away. In fact, her doctors have said that there is nothing more medical science can help her at this point. They have refered her to the Pain Management Unit and Hospice Care to help her deal with the pain.
When I heard the news, I was kinda shell-shocked. The first thing I thought of was to rush to the hospital and sit with her. Although I didn't stay for very long, at least I was there to hear what the doctor had to say.
Praying for a miracle is not great news that any patient wants to hear but that's what's I'll be praying for nightly. I really believe that Rosy has been God's miracle child for the last 10 years... by sheer will, she has overcome the obstacles that have been placed. And each time as the doctors seem to lose hope, there would be medical breakthroughs just in time to renew hope. This time, even as her doctors keep a lookout for new medical breakthroughs, I'll be praying that God will answer my prayers and the breakthroughs will be just in time.
It seems strange that I should take it so hard even though we have no blood relation. If fact, when both my grandfathers passed away, I was not even a least bit affected. The only time I cried was when they were about to be cremated.
Maybe cos I have not thanked her enough for all she has done to me. In fact, I will always be indebted to her. She was more than my college Literature teacher... she taught me about life, saw hope in me when I didn't even see any in myself. In fact, part of the success I have today is thanks to the skills that she taught me.
I was not much of a bookworm in school. I was always the underperformer. Instead of running after me for what I couldn't do, she gave the job of the Drama Club Secretary, making me run after people. It is this people management skill that has served me well in my workplace till now.
She has also encouraged me to keep educating myself, upgrade to keep it. Maybe I should really start thinking seriously about taking up a Masters'.
The friendship we have built over the years have transcended that of ordinary friends. To me, I go to her for advice more than I actually go to my mom. Though I've never told her, she's like my second mom.
Right now, I just wanna spend more time with her... quickly get a license so I can buy a car and drive her around... treasure her while I still can...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.
- Auguries of Innocence William Blake
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Monday, April 21
The closer I walk with God, the more sensitive I become to his prompting. I've learnt to become less stubborn and listen more.
Recently, a well-meaning tried match-matching me with her bf's friend. I wasn't all that interested but I wasn't adverse to it either. It doesn't hurt to go out a couple of times to see how things might turn out.
Well, after 2 dates, I started feeling rather uneasy. During a quiet time, God gave me a verse.
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"
(2 Corinthians 6:14)
I don't consider myself extremely staunch or religious. But as this verse kept appearing in my mind over and over again, it has to be a sign.
Maybe it just isn't time for me yet. It is just as well.... I just have too much things on my plate at this time. If I had the time, I wanna spend more time with my loved ones. Especially when a very close friend has been in and out of hospital lately...
No one knows what tomorrow may bring... I would rather live for the present moment so I won't have future regrets. When the time is ripe, things will just naturally occur.
Afterall, there's a time and season for everything.
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Recently, a well-meaning tried match-matching me with her bf's friend. I wasn't all that interested but I wasn't adverse to it either. It doesn't hurt to go out a couple of times to see how things might turn out.
Well, after 2 dates, I started feeling rather uneasy. During a quiet time, God gave me a verse.
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"
(2 Corinthians 6:14)
I don't consider myself extremely staunch or religious. But as this verse kept appearing in my mind over and over again, it has to be a sign.
Maybe it just isn't time for me yet. It is just as well.... I just have too much things on my plate at this time. If I had the time, I wanna spend more time with my loved ones. Especially when a very close friend has been in and out of hospital lately...
No one knows what tomorrow may bring... I would rather live for the present moment so I won't have future regrets. When the time is ripe, things will just naturally occur.
Afterall, there's a time and season for everything.
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Friday, April 4
Jokes galore
1. Losing all your friends
Man comes home and finds his wife with his friend in bed. He shoots his friend and kills him. Wife says 'If you behave like this, you will lose ALL your friends.'
2. Brother wanted
A small boy wrote to Santa Claus, 'send me a brother'....
Santa wrote back, 'SEND ME YOUR MOTHER'....
3. Meaning of WIFE
Husband asks, 'Do you know the meaning of WIFE?
It means 'Without Information Fighting Everytime'!'
Wife replies, 'No, it means 'With Idiot For Ever'!!!'
4. Importance of a period
Teacher: 'Do you know the importance of a period?'
Kid: 'Yeah, once my sister said she has missed one, my mom fainted, dad got a heart attack & our driver ran away.'
5. Confident vs. confidential
A young boy asks his Dad, 'What is the difference between confident and confidential?'
Dad says, 'You are my son, I'm confident about that. Your friend over there, is also my son, that's confidential! '
6. Anger management?
Husband: 'When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?'
Wife: 'I clean the toilet.'
Husband: 'How does that help?'
Wife: 'I use your toothbrush .'
Man comes home and finds his wife with his friend in bed. He shoots his friend and kills him. Wife says 'If you behave like this, you will lose ALL your friends.'
2. Brother wanted
A small boy wrote to Santa Claus, 'send me a brother'....
Santa wrote back, 'SEND ME YOUR MOTHER'....
3. Meaning of WIFE
Husband asks, 'Do you know the meaning of WIFE?
It means 'Without Information Fighting Everytime'!'
Wife replies, 'No, it means 'With Idiot For Ever'!!!'
4. Importance of a period
Teacher: 'Do you know the importance of a period?'
Kid: 'Yeah, once my sister said she has missed one, my mom fainted, dad got a heart attack & our driver ran away.'
5. Confident vs. confidential
A young boy asks his Dad, 'What is the difference between confident and confidential?'
Dad says, 'You are my son, I'm confident about that. Your friend over there, is also my son, that's confidential! '
6. Anger management?
Husband: 'When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?'
Wife: 'I clean the toilet.'
Husband: 'How does that help?'
Wife: 'I use your toothbrush .'
Sunday, March 2
Before You formed me in the womb, You knew me;
Before I was born, You set me apart;
(Jeremiah 1:5)
Right from the very beginning, my life was not my own to walk. You have set my path before me and I was merely a traveller of my destiny. You gave me many opportunities to get to know You. Each time You took one step towards me, I took one step back. I kept running from You. Maybe I always knew what You demanded from me and I was not willing to give...
You never promised me that my life would be easy. I merely assumed that it would be. By my own foolishness and sheer stubbornness, I strayed from the path that you set for me. In that process, I stumbled and fell many times, losing myself and the potential You placed in me. I ranted and raved at You for not giving me any short cuts and keeping my battles tough. I never understood until now...
Through my battles, You moulded my character. You set a great destiny for me and You knew that I would never get there unless You toughened me up. You knew that I would run from You but You never wasted the moments that I struggled through. Because of them, I gained wisdom and could now share my experiences with others. With You, there was never a wasted moment... it was just merely part of my destiny.
Through my struggles, I was never alone. My experiences may have left me deep scars from the wounds I have received. However, You were always there, healing and mending my broken heart. Because of You, I was kept broken before you but I was never a broken person. Because of that, I am now a much stronger person. I have confidence to wear my scars on my sleeves because I'm not ashamed of who I was.
From the time I took one step towards You, You took many steps towards me, revealing the destiny that You have set for me. While it amazes me with what You have in store for me, it also frightens me. What You have set for me demands great capacity and there are moments I doubt the capacity you have placed within me. Am I really destined for this greatness You have set for me?
Whenever I cast self-doubt, You give me fresh revelations that only serve to frighten me. Whenever I get frightened, You open new doors for me to rise up another level. You send angels in the form of my family and friends to minister to me and encourage me. Bit by bit, You have torn me down. You filled me with a hunger to be less of myself and more of you.
Today, what You revealed to me only served to remind me of the calling You have given me, the destiny that you have placed in me. Thank You for reminding me that everything I do is making a difference by serving the people around me. That the work that I do daily is shaping a life, day by day. Thank You for reminding how to be Your good and faithful servant - my ministry towards you. Thank You...
As You take me up another level, these are moments I need to be filled with Your wisdom over and over again. I need to walk in Your revelation. Teach me to lean not by my own understanding but by Yours. Give me grace that abounds greatly so goodness and mercy can follow me all the days of my life.
This blog entry was inspired by Corrinne May's Scars (Stronger for life) from her Beautiful Seed album.
I just want to run
Just want to hide away
Close my eyes to your gaze
Just want to leave
Don't want to hear them say
"You're no good at this"
When the world swirls with naysayers
Broken wings and torn pages
The road ahead, drowning in my tears
Break me open
Tear me down
Into pieces
Broken crumbs
On the ground
You can mould and shape me
In your image
Breathe your life
You know I need it
Scars make us stronger for life
Losing myself
Gaining it back again
Forging strength from weakness
All that I am
All that I'm meant to be
Melting in your hand
Let the world swirl with naysayers
Pickled hearts and sour faces
What is real is what I cannot see
Cut away
All within me
That won't bear fruit
Cut away
All within me
PS: Thanks Corrinne for this beautiful song. You are truly an amazing singer/songwriter. May God continue to annoint you with more beautiful songs.
Before I was born, You set me apart;
(Jeremiah 1:5)
Right from the very beginning, my life was not my own to walk. You have set my path before me and I was merely a traveller of my destiny. You gave me many opportunities to get to know You. Each time You took one step towards me, I took one step back. I kept running from You. Maybe I always knew what You demanded from me and I was not willing to give...
You never promised me that my life would be easy. I merely assumed that it would be. By my own foolishness and sheer stubbornness, I strayed from the path that you set for me. In that process, I stumbled and fell many times, losing myself and the potential You placed in me. I ranted and raved at You for not giving me any short cuts and keeping my battles tough. I never understood until now...
Through my battles, You moulded my character. You set a great destiny for me and You knew that I would never get there unless You toughened me up. You knew that I would run from You but You never wasted the moments that I struggled through. Because of them, I gained wisdom and could now share my experiences with others. With You, there was never a wasted moment... it was just merely part of my destiny.
Through my struggles, I was never alone. My experiences may have left me deep scars from the wounds I have received. However, You were always there, healing and mending my broken heart. Because of You, I was kept broken before you but I was never a broken person. Because of that, I am now a much stronger person. I have confidence to wear my scars on my sleeves because I'm not ashamed of who I was.
From the time I took one step towards You, You took many steps towards me, revealing the destiny that You have set for me. While it amazes me with what You have in store for me, it also frightens me. What You have set for me demands great capacity and there are moments I doubt the capacity you have placed within me. Am I really destined for this greatness You have set for me?
Whenever I cast self-doubt, You give me fresh revelations that only serve to frighten me. Whenever I get frightened, You open new doors for me to rise up another level. You send angels in the form of my family and friends to minister to me and encourage me. Bit by bit, You have torn me down. You filled me with a hunger to be less of myself and more of you.
Today, what You revealed to me only served to remind me of the calling You have given me, the destiny that you have placed in me. Thank You for reminding me that everything I do is making a difference by serving the people around me. That the work that I do daily is shaping a life, day by day. Thank You for reminding how to be Your good and faithful servant - my ministry towards you. Thank You...
As You take me up another level, these are moments I need to be filled with Your wisdom over and over again. I need to walk in Your revelation. Teach me to lean not by my own understanding but by Yours. Give me grace that abounds greatly so goodness and mercy can follow me all the days of my life.
This blog entry was inspired by Corrinne May's Scars (Stronger for life) from her Beautiful Seed album.
I just want to run
Just want to hide away
Close my eyes to your gaze
Just want to leave
Don't want to hear them say
"You're no good at this"
When the world swirls with naysayers
Broken wings and torn pages
The road ahead, drowning in my tears
Break me open
Tear me down
Into pieces
Broken crumbs
On the ground
You can mould and shape me
In your image
Breathe your life
You know I need it
Scars make us stronger for life
Losing myself
Gaining it back again
Forging strength from weakness
All that I am
All that I'm meant to be
Melting in your hand
Let the world swirl with naysayers
Pickled hearts and sour faces
What is real is what I cannot see
Cut away
All within me
That won't bear fruit
Cut away
All within me
PS: Thanks Corrinne for this beautiful song. You are truly an amazing singer/songwriter. May God continue to annoint you with more beautiful songs.
Saturday, March 1
Catharsis
The term in drama refers to a sudden emotional breakdown or climax that constitutes overwhelming feelings of great sorrow, pity, laughter or any extreme change in emotion that results in the restoration, renewal and revitalization for living.
(compliments of dictionary.com)
That was how I felt when I watched 'The Leap Years' today. It's a beautiful movie... albeit a lil sappy. In this story, Li-ann (played by Wong Li-lin and Joan Chen), an idealistic Literature teacher (who is born on 29 Feb), meets Jeremy at Windows cafe and was inspired to ask him out to fulfill the tradition of 29 Feb which allows women to propose dates to men. This begins their love story... with a date that only can happen every 4 years.
In the story, many facets of love has been played out.
We see unrequited love played out in the form of Qi Yiwu as KS who was in love with Li-ann since they were children.
There is the foolish hoping against all odds for something that may not materialise in the form of Li-ann hopelessly waiting for the second leap year to see Jeremy again, only to be disappointed when she realises that she was a third party and that he is married and has a daughter.
There's the acting brave to show others you are on the stage of recovery in the form of Li-ann pretending to be married and having a 2 year old daughter when she meets Jeremy.
There's also the pretending to be happy when in fact settling for second best since you can't have what you want, hoping that you can convince everyone you have moved on.
In the movie, there was a line from Jeremy where he says that it takes courage to be single as many people settle in relationships for the fear of being lonely.
That line was like cartharsis for me. Why? I have clung on to a relationship, where I settled knowing that we are just too different. I gave 'Him 1' chances again and again so we could come to middle ground, only to realise that I was the one who constantly gave in, walking over to his 'middle ground', losing myself in that process. I became a different person, gradually losing my spirit, becoming a shadow of my former self. It was only after he left for an overseas posting, friends who saw me commented that without him by side, my spirit was gradually returning and I was my bubbly, spirited self again. This was the wake up call that I could okie by myself and there was no need to settle in a relationship for the fear of being lonely.
I have also fallen in love 'Him 2' cos we seemed to have great chemistry and communication. Though there was never any step forward, I clung on, hoping that he would one day accept me. However, it ended up as an unrequited love when I realised it was not meant to be cos he was too self-absorbed.
There's also 'Him 3' where he had strings attached to an unresolved relationship. I ended up the third party whom he turned to when he was 'lost'. The first breakup with him devastated me to the point I was unable to concentrate on work. My depression led to me falling sick frequently during that period. After a month, he came back to me and I accepted him again. There began an emotional roller-coaster which dragged for almost a year. In the end, it took wisdom to realise that it was never meant to be and walk away from it all.
After these failed relationships, I bummed around like an emotional zombie, acting brave and pretending to be happy on the outside to show others I was okie. I just didn't want people to worry about me.
Thankfully, time really did heal most wounds. I have gained wisdom from these relationships as well as watching friends' successful relationships to realise what most important in a relationship. However, deep wounds do leave scars and although I've come out of my experiences stronger, I'm also battle-scarred by my experiences.
Right now, I don't think I'm ready for any relationship. Seriously, I don't think I can survive another heartbreak again. If I do commit this time, I hope to have a 'happily ever after'. Maybe to some, I might be a romantic fool. I'm really just a romantic idealist who still believe in 'love happily ever after' and is still searching for my 'happily ever after'.
Maybe sometimes, patience is the key to finding what I'm still searching and waiting for. Hopefully, reel imitates real and my patience can yield results one day, allowing me to find the 'Him', my Platonic 'other half'.
(compliments of dictionary.com)
That was how I felt when I watched 'The Leap Years' today. It's a beautiful movie... albeit a lil sappy. In this story, Li-ann (played by Wong Li-lin and Joan Chen), an idealistic Literature teacher (who is born on 29 Feb), meets Jeremy at Windows cafe and was inspired to ask him out to fulfill the tradition of 29 Feb which allows women to propose dates to men. This begins their love story... with a date that only can happen every 4 years.
In the story, many facets of love has been played out.
We see unrequited love played out in the form of Qi Yiwu as KS who was in love with Li-ann since they were children.
There is the foolish hoping against all odds for something that may not materialise in the form of Li-ann hopelessly waiting for the second leap year to see Jeremy again, only to be disappointed when she realises that she was a third party and that he is married and has a daughter.
There's the acting brave to show others you are on the stage of recovery in the form of Li-ann pretending to be married and having a 2 year old daughter when she meets Jeremy.
There's also the pretending to be happy when in fact settling for second best since you can't have what you want, hoping that you can convince everyone you have moved on.
In the movie, there was a line from Jeremy where he says that it takes courage to be single as many people settle in relationships for the fear of being lonely.
That line was like cartharsis for me. Why? I have clung on to a relationship, where I settled knowing that we are just too different. I gave 'Him 1' chances again and again so we could come to middle ground, only to realise that I was the one who constantly gave in, walking over to his 'middle ground', losing myself in that process. I became a different person, gradually losing my spirit, becoming a shadow of my former self. It was only after he left for an overseas posting, friends who saw me commented that without him by side, my spirit was gradually returning and I was my bubbly, spirited self again. This was the wake up call that I could okie by myself and there was no need to settle in a relationship for the fear of being lonely.
I have also fallen in love 'Him 2' cos we seemed to have great chemistry and communication. Though there was never any step forward, I clung on, hoping that he would one day accept me. However, it ended up as an unrequited love when I realised it was not meant to be cos he was too self-absorbed.
There's also 'Him 3' where he had strings attached to an unresolved relationship. I ended up the third party whom he turned to when he was 'lost'. The first breakup with him devastated me to the point I was unable to concentrate on work. My depression led to me falling sick frequently during that period. After a month, he came back to me and I accepted him again. There began an emotional roller-coaster which dragged for almost a year. In the end, it took wisdom to realise that it was never meant to be and walk away from it all.
After these failed relationships, I bummed around like an emotional zombie, acting brave and pretending to be happy on the outside to show others I was okie. I just didn't want people to worry about me.
Thankfully, time really did heal most wounds. I have gained wisdom from these relationships as well as watching friends' successful relationships to realise what most important in a relationship. However, deep wounds do leave scars and although I've come out of my experiences stronger, I'm also battle-scarred by my experiences.
Right now, I don't think I'm ready for any relationship. Seriously, I don't think I can survive another heartbreak again. If I do commit this time, I hope to have a 'happily ever after'. Maybe to some, I might be a romantic fool. I'm really just a romantic idealist who still believe in 'love happily ever after' and is still searching for my 'happily ever after'.
Maybe sometimes, patience is the key to finding what I'm still searching and waiting for. Hopefully, reel imitates real and my patience can yield results one day, allowing me to find the 'Him', my Platonic 'other half'.
Friday, February 29
Thursday, February 28
Wednesday, February 20
What does happiness means?
According to Wikipedia, Happiness is emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense joy. This definition is, however, a synonymous one. A more clarified one is almost impossible to conceive due to the capacity by which a human can allocate the correct words into an appropriate and meritable sentence that would describe happiness.
Haha... such a 'cheem' definition for a simple emotion. Indeed, happiness means different things to different people.
Today, I had dinner with my girlfriends from secondary school. We have all left school for over 10 years already and we are all at different stages of life. One of them is awaiting the birth of her baby girl, another two are in relationships and me, the happy single. Looking at how far we have come, I feel happy for my friends that they are contented with where Life has led them to.
On the way home, I can't help musing about what happiness could mean to different people. For some, it can be being happily settled in their roles as mothers, wives and daughters. They may define their identity in their relationship with others (people around them).
For some, the fear of loneliness may drive them to find happiness in being in a relationship, even if it seems so clear to others that there is clearly no future in the relationship.
Seriously, I think the key to happiness in really contentment. As long as we are contented in what we have, it's happiness.
However, there are many unhappy people around because they are all chasing elusive dreams like waiting to find Mr 'Right' (which seems more like Mr 'Perfect'), chasing their millions, chasing after promotions etc.
After observing many married and attached friends (happily so or otherwise!), I've learnt that there is really no Mr 'Right'. There is only Mr 'Right' for you. Afterall, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, if we waste too much time looking out for Mr 'Perfect', we may actually miss Mr 'Right For Us'. While it's true that tall, dark, handsome, rich and spiffy dresser are very attractive qualities, they are also not qualities that build foundations for marriage. There are more important qualities to build a marriage like being generous, giving, caring, gentle etc.
Chasing millions and promotions are also not a way to be happy. I've been through the stage of chasing for promotions and higher salaries only to find myself extremely fatigued by that experience. Now, I just want to do my best at my work cos I want to put the pupils' interest first. If promotions, increments and bonus come, then praise God for more money.
In fact, I don't even wish to to have a responsibility at work if I can help it. I think I've been pushing myself too hard the last 5 years and now, I just wanna take a back seat a little. To me, happiness now is finding time to do the things I like such as planning quality lessons I can be proud of, completing my marking on time, going to the gym, giving tuitions (allows me to teach subjects I otherwise have no chance to do so in school), watching my favourite Korean dramas, go dancing when I feel like it, watch movie marathons when the mood strikes, go on holidays when I can afford to... most important of all, being paid a salary that matches the kind of work that I do.
Realistically speaking, while we cannot worship money, I'd rather be miserable and rich than miserable and poor. After all, with money, there is a certain level of happiness we can buy. Not worrying about where your next meal comes from is a very great happiness already!
Happiness can really be very simple. The key: Contentment.
Haha... such a 'cheem' definition for a simple emotion. Indeed, happiness means different things to different people.
Today, I had dinner with my girlfriends from secondary school. We have all left school for over 10 years already and we are all at different stages of life. One of them is awaiting the birth of her baby girl, another two are in relationships and me, the happy single. Looking at how far we have come, I feel happy for my friends that they are contented with where Life has led them to.
On the way home, I can't help musing about what happiness could mean to different people. For some, it can be being happily settled in their roles as mothers, wives and daughters. They may define their identity in their relationship with others (people around them).
For some, the fear of loneliness may drive them to find happiness in being in a relationship, even if it seems so clear to others that there is clearly no future in the relationship.
Seriously, I think the key to happiness in really contentment. As long as we are contented in what we have, it's happiness.
However, there are many unhappy people around because they are all chasing elusive dreams like waiting to find Mr 'Right' (which seems more like Mr 'Perfect'), chasing their millions, chasing after promotions etc.
After observing many married and attached friends (happily so or otherwise!), I've learnt that there is really no Mr 'Right'. There is only Mr 'Right' for you. Afterall, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, if we waste too much time looking out for Mr 'Perfect', we may actually miss Mr 'Right For Us'. While it's true that tall, dark, handsome, rich and spiffy dresser are very attractive qualities, they are also not qualities that build foundations for marriage. There are more important qualities to build a marriage like being generous, giving, caring, gentle etc.
Chasing millions and promotions are also not a way to be happy. I've been through the stage of chasing for promotions and higher salaries only to find myself extremely fatigued by that experience. Now, I just want to do my best at my work cos I want to put the pupils' interest first. If promotions, increments and bonus come, then praise God for more money.
In fact, I don't even wish to to have a responsibility at work if I can help it. I think I've been pushing myself too hard the last 5 years and now, I just wanna take a back seat a little. To me, happiness now is finding time to do the things I like such as planning quality lessons I can be proud of, completing my marking on time, going to the gym, giving tuitions (allows me to teach subjects I otherwise have no chance to do so in school), watching my favourite Korean dramas, go dancing when I feel like it, watch movie marathons when the mood strikes, go on holidays when I can afford to... most important of all, being paid a salary that matches the kind of work that I do.
Realistically speaking, while we cannot worship money, I'd rather be miserable and rich than miserable and poor. After all, with money, there is a certain level of happiness we can buy. Not worrying about where your next meal comes from is a very great happiness already!
Happiness can really be very simple. The key: Contentment.
Monday, February 18
Teacher mocks 'poor' essays by pupils in blog
fron http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20080218-50182.html
A teacher has come under fire after his blog entry mocking his Primary 3 pupils was discovered and its URL passed to other netizens. The relief teacher had posted online four excerpts from different compositions written by his pupils and accompanying them, he had commented: "I have three terribly ridiculous compositions... a source of entertainment, I should say... I will type it out... no corrections or whatsoever... enjoy!" He later added a fourth composition.
A primary school teacher who only wanted to be known as Ms Wong, 28, felt the blogger was not professional. "If he puts it on his blog such that the children can improve, it's okay. If it's to amuse himself, then it's not," she said.
Parents my paper spoke to also had harsh words for the teacher. Madam Jearina Champion, a 36-year-old homemaker whose son is in Primary 6, said: "As a teacher, he has forgotten his role. If he thinks the compositions are bad, he should keep it within the boundaries of the classroom. As a teacher, he should care for the emotional well-being of the child." If her son had been one of the pupils whose compositions were criticised on the blog, she would "have a word quietly with him", if she is close to and respects the teacher. If not, she would "write to the teacher and send a copy (the e-mail) to the principal".
Madam Pee Hian Hwe, a 48-year-old mother of a Primary 5 pupil, agreed. "It's not up to me to say whether teachers have a right to do this on their personal blogs, but I guess the school should have rules as to what teachers can or cannot put online," she said.
Technology... love it or hate it but you never know how many people read your blog until something happens. I always thought of my blog was my outlet for my intellectual ramblings and doubted anyone would be interested in my otherwise mundane life. Until the day I posted an emotional problem I was overcoming...
For me, I had my problem worked out already and it was merely airing of my thoughts. Suddenly, all my friends started asking me if I was ok and it got me puzzled. I was wondering what they were refering to... turns out it was the blog entry. I was touched by the sudden outpouring of concerns. =)
I believe that as adults, you have to use your digression to decide what to blog and what not to blog. As a teacher, I do share about my life as a teacher, sometime good and bad. However, I'm not so insensible to post my kid's names, put up their personal information or their writings. Like doctors have code of ethics, so do teachers!
A teacher has come under fire after his blog entry mocking his Primary 3 pupils was discovered and its URL passed to other netizens. The relief teacher had posted online four excerpts from different compositions written by his pupils and accompanying them, he had commented: "I have three terribly ridiculous compositions... a source of entertainment, I should say... I will type it out... no corrections or whatsoever... enjoy!" He later added a fourth composition.
A primary school teacher who only wanted to be known as Ms Wong, 28, felt the blogger was not professional. "If he puts it on his blog such that the children can improve, it's okay. If it's to amuse himself, then it's not," she said.
Parents my paper spoke to also had harsh words for the teacher. Madam Jearina Champion, a 36-year-old homemaker whose son is in Primary 6, said: "As a teacher, he has forgotten his role. If he thinks the compositions are bad, he should keep it within the boundaries of the classroom. As a teacher, he should care for the emotional well-being of the child." If her son had been one of the pupils whose compositions were criticised on the blog, she would "have a word quietly with him", if she is close to and respects the teacher. If not, she would "write to the teacher and send a copy (the e-mail) to the principal".
Madam Pee Hian Hwe, a 48-year-old mother of a Primary 5 pupil, agreed. "It's not up to me to say whether teachers have a right to do this on their personal blogs, but I guess the school should have rules as to what teachers can or cannot put online," she said.
Technology... love it or hate it but you never know how many people read your blog until something happens. I always thought of my blog was my outlet for my intellectual ramblings and doubted anyone would be interested in my otherwise mundane life. Until the day I posted an emotional problem I was overcoming...
For me, I had my problem worked out already and it was merely airing of my thoughts. Suddenly, all my friends started asking me if I was ok and it got me puzzled. I was wondering what they were refering to... turns out it was the blog entry. I was touched by the sudden outpouring of concerns. =)
I believe that as adults, you have to use your digression to decide what to blog and what not to blog. As a teacher, I do share about my life as a teacher, sometime good and bad. However, I'm not so insensible to post my kid's names, put up their personal information or their writings. Like doctors have code of ethics, so do teachers!
Sunday, February 17
Death Note Marathon
Yay! It's finally here! Finally get to catch a Death Note Marathon... Wanted to catch the last one Golden Village organised but couldn't get tickets. Finally able to get tickets for this one!
I'll be catching it at GV Plaza with 2 other friends.
Date: Friday, 22 February
Time: 8.30 pm
Ticket Price: $29 per pair (includes free flow of popcorn & drinks)
Programme:
2030hrs - DEATH NOTE (130 mins)
2240hrs - 20 mins break
2300hrs - DEATH NOTE 2: THE LAST NAME (140 mins)
0120hrs - 20 mins break
0140hrs - DEATH NOTE SPIN OFF - L CHANGE THE WORLD (130 mins)
Hope I survive my first movie marathon... hehee...
I'll be catching it at GV Plaza with 2 other friends.
Date: Friday, 22 February
Time: 8.30 pm
Ticket Price: $29 per pair (includes free flow of popcorn & drinks)
Programme:
2030hrs - DEATH NOTE (130 mins)
2240hrs - 20 mins break
2300hrs - DEATH NOTE 2: THE LAST NAME (140 mins)
0120hrs - 20 mins break
0140hrs - DEATH NOTE SPIN OFF - L CHANGE THE WORLD (130 mins)
Hope I survive my first movie marathon... hehee...
Wednesday, February 13
Tis a great news indeed!
I've been finally emplaced... which means that I have been placed on the graduate scale and receiving graduate pay! Yay!
Although the increment isn't much (only $100 plus more), it's still more moolah... definitely worth my last 4 years of pain, stress and sleepness nites.
This also means I can start to think carefully about making plans to achieve my dreams! That's good news coming in pairs for me today!
Praise God!
Hopefully, I'm able to find great teaching opportunities so I can spread my wings a lil! =)
Although the increment isn't much (only $100 plus more), it's still more moolah... definitely worth my last 4 years of pain, stress and sleepness nites.
This also means I can start to think carefully about making plans to achieve my dreams! That's good news coming in pairs for me today!
Praise God!
Hopefully, I'm able to find great teaching opportunities so I can spread my wings a lil! =)
Sunday, February 10
Chinese New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!
I like Chinese New Year... It's a great time to catch up with family and friends plus feast on goodies. (diet starts on Monday! haha...) Had a great time honing my mahjong playing skills (but lost out on luck this year!) and playing with friends' babies. I helped to carry baby Chloe and feed her. Chloe even fell asleep in my arms! Passed Mommyhood 1.01 already! =)
However, it can also feel a lil depressing at times... like going to my paternal side of the family. Whenever I go to my paternal grandma's house on the first day, it feels very weird cos we're supposed to be family (same surname, same blood running through our veins) but somehow, they dun feel so family either. My bro and I are the only kids without parents there plus I haven't seen my dad in 4 years either. Only the occasional phonecalls on my birthday. How depressing can it get...
Maybe I should travel next CNY... my spirits needs rejuvenation already....
I like Chinese New Year... It's a great time to catch up with family and friends plus feast on goodies. (diet starts on Monday! haha...) Had a great time honing my mahjong playing skills (but lost out on luck this year!) and playing with friends' babies. I helped to carry baby Chloe and feed her. Chloe even fell asleep in my arms! Passed Mommyhood 1.01 already! =)
However, it can also feel a lil depressing at times... like going to my paternal side of the family. Whenever I go to my paternal grandma's house on the first day, it feels very weird cos we're supposed to be family (same surname, same blood running through our veins) but somehow, they dun feel so family either. My bro and I are the only kids without parents there plus I haven't seen my dad in 4 years either. Only the occasional phonecalls on my birthday. How depressing can it get...
Maybe I should travel next CNY... my spirits needs rejuvenation already....
Thursday, January 24
Study confirms the link between caffeine and miscarriage
US researchers said Monday they have conclusive proof to show that women who drink a lot of caffeine on a daily basis in the early months of pregnancy have an elevated risk of miscarriage, settling a longstanding debate over the issue.
To be absolutely safe, expectant mothers should avoid caffeinated beverages of any kind during the first five months of pregnancy, the researchers said in a paper published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The concept that pregnant women may be putting their babies in jeopardy by drinking large amounts of caffeine on a daily basis is not new.
Previous studies have suggested that consumption of three cups of coffee, or 300mg of caffeine a day, corresponds to an elevated risk of miscarriage compared to women who eschew the stimulant altogether.
However, critics argued that the results of those studies were skewed by the fact that women with healthy pregnancies tended to avoid coffee or caffeine because of morning sickness.
In order to get to the bottom of the issue, researchers with Kaiser Permanente monitored more than 1,000 women as they went through their pregnancies -- all of whom continued drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages in the same quantities as they did before conceiving.
The results were unequivocal.
The researchers found that a woman's risk of miscarriage increased in line with rising daily caffeine consumption, be it from coffee, tea, hot chocolate, caffeinated beverages, or a combination of all of these.
Women who consumed 200mg or more of caffeine a day had twice the risk of losing their baby as women who avoided the stimulant entirely.
For the purposes of this study, 200mg was said to be equivalent to two 7.5 oz cups of coffee or five 12-oz cans of a caffeinated soda drink a day.
"Women should consider giving up caffeine for the first three or four months of their pregnancy," said De-Kun Li, an epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, California.
"If they have to have caffeine, they should limit it to one cup of coffee a day or switch to decaf."
Li noted that the study did not identify how much caffeine a mother-to-be could safely consume, and urged mothers to play it safe, noting that this is one of the few risk factors for miscarriage that they can control.
Scientists believe caffeine can be detrimental to the fetus because it readily crosses the placenta but cannot be easily metabolized by the fetus's under-developed metabolic system.
The stimulant can also cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to decreased blood flow to the placenta.
Researchers with Kaiser Permanente, a health care organization, studied 1,063 pregnant women between October 1996 and October 1998 for this study.
From: http://news.sg.msn.com/topstories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1199886
To be absolutely safe, expectant mothers should avoid caffeinated beverages of any kind during the first five months of pregnancy, the researchers said in a paper published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The concept that pregnant women may be putting their babies in jeopardy by drinking large amounts of caffeine on a daily basis is not new.
Previous studies have suggested that consumption of three cups of coffee, or 300mg of caffeine a day, corresponds to an elevated risk of miscarriage compared to women who eschew the stimulant altogether.
However, critics argued that the results of those studies were skewed by the fact that women with healthy pregnancies tended to avoid coffee or caffeine because of morning sickness.
In order to get to the bottom of the issue, researchers with Kaiser Permanente monitored more than 1,000 women as they went through their pregnancies -- all of whom continued drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages in the same quantities as they did before conceiving.
The results were unequivocal.
The researchers found that a woman's risk of miscarriage increased in line with rising daily caffeine consumption, be it from coffee, tea, hot chocolate, caffeinated beverages, or a combination of all of these.
Women who consumed 200mg or more of caffeine a day had twice the risk of losing their baby as women who avoided the stimulant entirely.
For the purposes of this study, 200mg was said to be equivalent to two 7.5 oz cups of coffee or five 12-oz cans of a caffeinated soda drink a day.
"Women should consider giving up caffeine for the first three or four months of their pregnancy," said De-Kun Li, an epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, California.
"If they have to have caffeine, they should limit it to one cup of coffee a day or switch to decaf."
Li noted that the study did not identify how much caffeine a mother-to-be could safely consume, and urged mothers to play it safe, noting that this is one of the few risk factors for miscarriage that they can control.
Scientists believe caffeine can be detrimental to the fetus because it readily crosses the placenta but cannot be easily metabolized by the fetus's under-developed metabolic system.
The stimulant can also cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to decreased blood flow to the placenta.
Researchers with Kaiser Permanente, a health care organization, studied 1,063 pregnant women between October 1996 and October 1998 for this study.
From: http://news.sg.msn.com/topstories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1199886
Sunday, January 13
Forgiveness and Restitution
We must learn to forgive if we want to learn to love... We forgive to let go of the past and embrace our future...
1) Forgiveness is unconditional
2) Forgiveness doesn't minimise the seriousness of the offence committed
3) Forgiveness is not resuming a relationship without change
4) Forgiveness is not forgetting about what has happened
Life is 10% 'what happened' and 90% 'how we react to it'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's sermon was very good cos God has answered my many frustrations about forgiveness. I was frustrated over a friend who wronged me cos I felt I had forgiven her but I was frustrated by my inability to forget the wrongs. I felt a lil disgusted with myself for being petty. But after today's sermon, I felt liberated cos I felt I could put many things in perspective already.
This friend took advantage of my kindness and went to the extent of borrowing my things without permission. She didn't even have to courtesy to bring back the item she borrowed. It was until she saw me searching for it, then she 'remembered' she 'borrowed' my thing. (How can it be borrow when no permission was asked!?!) By the time she confessed and offered to go home to get it for me, I was already late for my gathering.
The best part... she didn't seem sorry for taking my thing for her use without permission. She only told me she felt 'pai seh' or embarassed. That's not the same as 'I'm sorry'. It might have seemed like it meant the same to her but it definitely didn't mean the same to me!
At another incident, I went out with some friends for supper and asked her if she was joining us. At first, she didn't want to go so I asked her if she wanted to spend more time with her bf teasingly. After that, she joined us so I didn't think much about it. The best part? I was scolded by her bf later for 'forcing' her to go cos I teased her! I was like 'What the $#%^&^?'
Since then, I have given her a wide berth and till this day, we don't exchange more than a few sentences. I just felt as if I had nothing else to say to her already...
Now in retrospective, especially after today's sermon, I realise that it was not unforgiveness but simply a breach of trust that had caused the wide berth. I'm not one of those who can communicate well with people I can no longer trust. Plus, she has also not done proper restitution. She simply bought me a pack of chocolates... It might have been some form of restitution to her but not to me. I felt that she was brushing aside a serious matter like breach of trust with something insignificant.
Perhaps she didn't even realise what the problem was! To her, she just thinks I'm angry with her so she has also gone out of the way to avoid me. It's fine with me cos if she doesn't seem to know what the problem is, then we can never be good friends cos our frequency is not in sync. For friends like Jasmine and April, we can become very close friends, almost like sisters, cos our frequency is in sync with each others. So, for me and this friend, that's that...
I also made restitution with another friend I have not seen in 5 years today. Before I met him, I was very apprehensive cos I didn't know what to expect. But after meeting him today, I realise that I have packed up all feelings for him (good and bad) into a coffin and cremated it a long time. I can remain unaffected by things he say... like when he was talking about his wife and son.
In fact, after seeing him today, I realised that things between us could never have worked out cos we were innately very different people. His priorities and mine were always different but I clung on and accomodated for 4 years cos I didn't want to 'lose my investment'. I felt that as long as I worked hard, I could work things out with him.
Anyway, I was glad that things never worked out cos I would have been miserable if I married him. My mom was telling me that I accomodated so much in the relationship that I lost myself in the process. In the last 5 years, I have redirected my life's focus and rebuilt myself. The me that I am today has moved on so much that the girl I was 5 years back is simply a shadow from my past.
In the last 5 years, I've made bad emotional investments, having loved and lost. But each time, I've bounced back stronger and faster. Now, I'm not as emotionally frail and I have learnt how to open up my eyes much more and to make better emotional investments.
I've been told by some friends that I'm simply too picky. The truth is there is a certain quality of life I want for myself to live. Now, I'm living up the quality I want and I'm no longer willing to settle for second or third best. If I cannot live up my current quality or have it better, then I'm willing to remain single and happy than married and miserable.
Although it has taken me the last 5 years to fully figure it out, I'm glad that at 26 years, I'm still young enough to get things right and live right. I didn't have to wait till I'm 50 to figure this out.
I have made restitution with myself for the last 6 months and I'm glad I had. Now, I can truly say I'm in love with myself. I've learnt how to prioritise my life and live it in fulfilment. I can truly say that I no longer live for the recognition of others. As long as it's right and I am not conscience-stricken, I think I can live with myself.
C'est la vie!
1) Forgiveness is unconditional
2) Forgiveness doesn't minimise the seriousness of the offence committed
3) Forgiveness is not resuming a relationship without change
4) Forgiveness is not forgetting about what has happened
Life is 10% 'what happened' and 90% 'how we react to it'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's sermon was very good cos God has answered my many frustrations about forgiveness. I was frustrated over a friend who wronged me cos I felt I had forgiven her but I was frustrated by my inability to forget the wrongs. I felt a lil disgusted with myself for being petty. But after today's sermon, I felt liberated cos I felt I could put many things in perspective already.
This friend took advantage of my kindness and went to the extent of borrowing my things without permission. She didn't even have to courtesy to bring back the item she borrowed. It was until she saw me searching for it, then she 'remembered' she 'borrowed' my thing. (How can it be borrow when no permission was asked!?!) By the time she confessed and offered to go home to get it for me, I was already late for my gathering.
The best part... she didn't seem sorry for taking my thing for her use without permission. She only told me she felt 'pai seh' or embarassed. That's not the same as 'I'm sorry'. It might have seemed like it meant the same to her but it definitely didn't mean the same to me!
At another incident, I went out with some friends for supper and asked her if she was joining us. At first, she didn't want to go so I asked her if she wanted to spend more time with her bf teasingly. After that, she joined us so I didn't think much about it. The best part? I was scolded by her bf later for 'forcing' her to go cos I teased her! I was like 'What the $#%^&^?'
Since then, I have given her a wide berth and till this day, we don't exchange more than a few sentences. I just felt as if I had nothing else to say to her already...
Now in retrospective, especially after today's sermon, I realise that it was not unforgiveness but simply a breach of trust that had caused the wide berth. I'm not one of those who can communicate well with people I can no longer trust. Plus, she has also not done proper restitution. She simply bought me a pack of chocolates... It might have been some form of restitution to her but not to me. I felt that she was brushing aside a serious matter like breach of trust with something insignificant.
Perhaps she didn't even realise what the problem was! To her, she just thinks I'm angry with her so she has also gone out of the way to avoid me. It's fine with me cos if she doesn't seem to know what the problem is, then we can never be good friends cos our frequency is not in sync. For friends like Jasmine and April, we can become very close friends, almost like sisters, cos our frequency is in sync with each others. So, for me and this friend, that's that...
I also made restitution with another friend I have not seen in 5 years today. Before I met him, I was very apprehensive cos I didn't know what to expect. But after meeting him today, I realise that I have packed up all feelings for him (good and bad) into a coffin and cremated it a long time. I can remain unaffected by things he say... like when he was talking about his wife and son.
In fact, after seeing him today, I realised that things between us could never have worked out cos we were innately very different people. His priorities and mine were always different but I clung on and accomodated for 4 years cos I didn't want to 'lose my investment'. I felt that as long as I worked hard, I could work things out with him.
Anyway, I was glad that things never worked out cos I would have been miserable if I married him. My mom was telling me that I accomodated so much in the relationship that I lost myself in the process. In the last 5 years, I have redirected my life's focus and rebuilt myself. The me that I am today has moved on so much that the girl I was 5 years back is simply a shadow from my past.
In the last 5 years, I've made bad emotional investments, having loved and lost. But each time, I've bounced back stronger and faster. Now, I'm not as emotionally frail and I have learnt how to open up my eyes much more and to make better emotional investments.
I've been told by some friends that I'm simply too picky. The truth is there is a certain quality of life I want for myself to live. Now, I'm living up the quality I want and I'm no longer willing to settle for second or third best. If I cannot live up my current quality or have it better, then I'm willing to remain single and happy than married and miserable.
Although it has taken me the last 5 years to fully figure it out, I'm glad that at 26 years, I'm still young enough to get things right and live right. I didn't have to wait till I'm 50 to figure this out.
I have made restitution with myself for the last 6 months and I'm glad I had. Now, I can truly say I'm in love with myself. I've learnt how to prioritise my life and live it in fulfilment. I can truly say that I no longer live for the recognition of others. As long as it's right and I am not conscience-stricken, I think I can live with myself.
C'est la vie!
Saturday, January 12
Pros and Cons of Afternoon Session
The interesting thing about afternoon session is that I apparently an extra 2 hours and 15 minutes everyday! Dun ask me how I came out with this figure... I didn't. April's mom did some form of calculation from the time we leave home to the time we return and this figure popped out.
Pros of Afternoon Session:
1) Can sleep in later... although it's only an extra 1 and the half hour more...
2) Can plan driving lessons in the mornings... no peak hour charge
3) Visit the bank in the morning
Cons of Afternoon Session:
1) Only knock off at 7 plus... Can only make it for the 9 pm gym class (as compared to the 6.30 one last year)
2) Cannot plan facials, body treatments, massages or hair treatment on week nights (last appoint at 6.30 or 7 pm)
3) Spend weekends going for facials, body treatments, massages or hair treatment (make my weekends very cramp with things to do) - not enough time to relax during the weekends
4) Cannot plan tuition on week nights - not enough time to relax during the weekends
5) Cannot stay back to mark books. Can only come in earlier the next day (doesn't feel any different from morning session)
6) Cannot come back earlier to watch my 7 pm Korean dramas on Channel U - need to resort to taping (then have to stay up to clear tapes)
Verdict? I still prefer being in the morning session... Hopefully we can have a chance to go single session again... :(
Pros of Afternoon Session:
1) Can sleep in later... although it's only an extra 1 and the half hour more...
2) Can plan driving lessons in the mornings... no peak hour charge
3) Visit the bank in the morning
Cons of Afternoon Session:
1) Only knock off at 7 plus... Can only make it for the 9 pm gym class (as compared to the 6.30 one last year)
2) Cannot plan facials, body treatments, massages or hair treatment on week nights (last appoint at 6.30 or 7 pm)
3) Spend weekends going for facials, body treatments, massages or hair treatment (make my weekends very cramp with things to do) - not enough time to relax during the weekends
4) Cannot plan tuition on week nights - not enough time to relax during the weekends
5) Cannot stay back to mark books. Can only come in earlier the next day (doesn't feel any different from morning session)
6) Cannot come back earlier to watch my 7 pm Korean dramas on Channel U - need to resort to taping (then have to stay up to clear tapes)
Verdict? I still prefer being in the morning session... Hopefully we can have a chance to go single session again... :(
Tuesday, January 8
Now that I no longer have to study, I feel a lil bored at times... especially on Tues nites when I dun have to rush for classes any more.
Thank God for Facebook. I've been very entertained by my facebook lately... from superpoking to feeding my pets to petting other's pets! It's even more fun than friendster. There are a lot more applications to download and things to do online. When I first started, I got a lil frustrated. Now, I'm getting the hang of it so it's becoming more fun.
As for school, I'm starting to settle down and get into the work routine. But I'm still not running at full speed... more like 30 km/h. I think I have really rested during the Dec hols until I can't tune back in to school. :p
Hopefully, I'll be more settled as the year progresses...
Thank God for Facebook. I've been very entertained by my facebook lately... from superpoking to feeding my pets to petting other's pets! It's even more fun than friendster. There are a lot more applications to download and things to do online. When I first started, I got a lil frustrated. Now, I'm getting the hang of it so it's becoming more fun.
As for school, I'm starting to settle down and get into the work routine. But I'm still not running at full speed... more like 30 km/h. I think I have really rested during the Dec hols until I can't tune back in to school. :p
Hopefully, I'll be more settled as the year progresses...
Sunday, January 6
I've survived my first week in school!
I'm so glad to have survived my first week in school... even though it is a 3 day work week... guess I can't complain on that account.
I'm doing double English this year... while it may be tiring, I love it! Cos English is my pet subject. I have 2 classes to take care of, one is my form class, the other is my English class. However, since the form teacher is a Chinese teacher who does not teach the kids, I end up doing the form teacher duties for that class.
The kids I have this year are also very cute... very funny antics from them sometimes that brings a smile to your face. Think this year is definitely going to be a better year when it comes to the kids...
Other good news... my letter from SIM came so I can finally submit my application for emplacement. That means more $$$ for the work I am doing now and hooray to no more studying!
Actually... not quite true. My studying goals for 2008 is to get my driving license by June and then sign up Japanese classes. I'm currently looking for opportunities to teach in Japan next year so they might come in handy.
Hopefully, in 2009, I get an overseas teaching opportunity... keeping my fingers crossed till then! In the meanwhile, I must survive 2008 first!
I'm doing double English this year... while it may be tiring, I love it! Cos English is my pet subject. I have 2 classes to take care of, one is my form class, the other is my English class. However, since the form teacher is a Chinese teacher who does not teach the kids, I end up doing the form teacher duties for that class.
The kids I have this year are also very cute... very funny antics from them sometimes that brings a smile to your face. Think this year is definitely going to be a better year when it comes to the kids...
Other good news... my letter from SIM came so I can finally submit my application for emplacement. That means more $$$ for the work I am doing now and hooray to no more studying!
Actually... not quite true. My studying goals for 2008 is to get my driving license by June and then sign up Japanese classes. I'm currently looking for opportunities to teach in Japan next year so they might come in handy.
Hopefully, in 2009, I get an overseas teaching opportunity... keeping my fingers crossed till then! In the meanwhile, I must survive 2008 first!
Tuesday, January 1
What a way to start the new year!
Since I've gone back to school, I've been nursing a really nasty flu bug. It has left me coughing, sneezing and feverish since last Thursday.
Yesterday, while everyone was at my aunt's place counting down to the new year, I was counting down alone at home. Didn't want to be anywhere.
Tomorrow school starts... pray for good health and less stress and MCs this year...
Yesterday, while everyone was at my aunt's place counting down to the new year, I was counting down alone at home. Didn't want to be anywhere.
Tomorrow school starts... pray for good health and less stress and MCs this year...
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