home sweet home...

I'm finally home from my 5D/4N trip to Cambodia. Pictures will be up later.

I must say that this has really been a very enlightening trip for me. I gotta admit that I was shaken by the extent of the poverty I saw. Yet, I was impressed by the tenacity of the people there...

Day 1

Met some of my group mates and had breakfast with them... was quite glad my group mates were really nice people. There wasn't any annoying or anti-social peeps on the trip.

On the plane, I met my roomie and she turns out to be my secondary school senior. Recalling fond memeories of our secondary school definitely helped us to break ice. She is a really nice gal and I was glad I got a nice roomie... we shared rooms for the next 4 nites.

Touching down, we visited the Angkor Silk Farm where we were educated on the intricate processes of silk making. Thereafter, we went to the Les Artisan d'Angkor where we learnt more about wood-working, stone carving and polychroming of objects.

Next, we went off for lunch and then back to the hotel for a short rest. About 3 pm (Cambodian Time, 1 hr behind Singapore Time), we left for the Floating Village of Chong Khneas, along the Tonle Sap Lake. It was a very humbling trip for me. Along the way, we saw the houses that the country folks lived in. It was so small and heart-wrenching. My own bedroom is even bigger than their small little house.

Along the Floating Village, I was amazed by the resourcefulness of the Cambodian people. They lived on the boats so that their house would float with them as the lake floods during the monsoon seasons. I was also struck by how simple their lives were. Play-time for the children were simply swinging on the hammock! The older boys would play pool at the "community centre / games centre" on a boat.

I now truly understood the meaning of the river as a source of life for the people. The people literally live off the river... They cook, wash and bathe from the river, do their " big and small business" into the river and fish from it.

We also saw the floating boats which went from "house" to "house" to sell goods. The Cambodians knew we were tourists so they chased our cruise boat to get us to buy food and drinks from them. The children leaped off their boat and clung on to our boat. These kids were really tenacious man!

After the boat trip, we adjourned to dinner with the Aspara Dance Show. Kinda reminds me of Balinese dances... We also went off for massage after that. It was Thai massage for US$6 per hour. It was my first Thai massage and I was shocked that it was rather painful. Left me some bruises for memories... lolz. But I must admit that I really felt very relaxed after that.

When we finally returned to the hotel, we heard voices along the corridor so my roomie and I went out to investigate. A bunch of them were playing games in the room. My roomie and I joined them to get to know them.



Day 2

After breakfast, we visited Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of Khmer. In the afternoon, we visited Angkor Wat. It was really beautiful and amazing standing on ancient relics and to witness the restoration work taken to save these relics. It was a sureal experience for me...

We had dinner before going off for massage again... This time, this place we went to wasn't as good as the first night. When we came back, we were invited yet again to play games but we din go cos we were too tired...

Day 3

After breakfast, we travelled by coach to Phnom Penh. The ride was a interesting experience. First, our coach was stopped by the police because we did not have a tour guide travelling with us to Phnom Penh. After some arguing with the police and phone calls to the company, we were on our way. Barely an hour later, our coach tyre experienced a puncture at the outskirts. Our driver had to change the tyre with a few of our heroic boys and gals.

The changing of tyre was a series of mishaps... first, the cross-bar and the part to turn the bolt were dented. He had to wait for another coach to stop so he could borrow parts. Then, in the midst of changing the tyre, he cut himself on the arms and his slipper also broke... We all felt so sorry for him so we increased the tips we gave him.

By the time we reach Phnom Penh, I was having a headache... Thankfully, lunch was good so I felt a lot better after that. The activities after lunch was a little depressing. We visited the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Uk. It was a dark Cambodian past and I felt very sicken by the horrors human beings can inflict on another human. Although one can say that the horrors should be laid to rest since it's history, history has proven to often repeat itself in different forms, different ways. I just hope that in this lifetime, I will never have to hear of such horrors again...

Dinner was a fantastic restaurant with fantastic ambience... I really needed that as a perk-me-up after the afternoon. By night, I was so exhausted that I collapsed in bed by 10pm.

Day 4

We visited the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda located within the palace grounds. We also visited the National Museum, which contained a vast collection of Khmer art. In the afternoon, we visited the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong) and the Central Market (Psah Thmey) where I had a great time shopping and bargaining for price. Only thing I din like... the Russian Market was extremely cramped and claustophobic... I nearly fainted there... lolz..

At night, we went on a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River, along the Phnom Penh riverfront. The feeling was so surreal that it was beyond words for me... After dinner, I finally got to visit a casino for the first time... Naga World Casino. It was very interesting watching how people play the casino games such as jackpot, bacarat, big/small and roulette. But I had no urge to do so... complete waste of money... lolz

There was a really nice fair across the road with rides, games and food! Much like the pasar malam I remembered when I was young... the pasar malam today no longer have as much rides and games. They mostly sell food, cds, clothes or hardware.

By the time we return to the hotel, I felt a little sad cos we had to pack up... in a flash, my holiday has just breezed past and I have to return to reality already... I only wished that it wasn't so soon... sigh...

I also re-thought a lot of things this holidays and will be re-aligning some aspects of my life to help myself live a fuller life.

Looking forward to hopefully take a short trip in December...

Your Birthdate: November 20

You are a virtual roller coaster of emotions, and most people enjoy the ride. Your mood tends to set the tone of the room, and when you're happy, this is a good thing. When you get in a dark mood, watch out - it's very hard to get you out of it. It's sometimes hard for you to cheer up, and your gloom can be contagious. Your strength: Your warm heart Your weakness: Trouble controlling your emotions Your power color: Black Your power symbol: Musical note Your power month: February

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Feeling quite bummed out that this holidays hardly feels like a holiday... been working everyday checking books and files... me thinks it's only a holiday cos I dun see my kids... sigh...

Cambodia... please come sooner... ;P

Here's a lil something to cheer everyone up... no offence to any Malaysians out there... I love Malaysia and have lots of Malaysian friends...

**************************************
WHY CHEWING GUM IS BANNED IN SINGAPORE
**************************************

A Singaporean was on holiday in Malaysia. He was having his coffee, croissants, bread, butter & jam at the hotel's coffee house. A Malaysian man who was chewing gum, sat down next to him & started a casual conversation.

Malaysian : "You Singaporeans eat the whole bread?"

S'porean : "Of course."

Malaysian : "We don't. In Malaysia, we only eat what's inside. The crusts we collect in a container, recycle it, transform them into croissants & sell them across to Singapore."

The Malaysian then had a smirk on his face while the Singaporean listened in silence.

Malaysian : "Do you eat the jam with the bread?"

S'porean : "Of course."

Malaysian (chuckling): "We don't. In Malaysia, we eat fresh fruit for breakfast, then we put all the peels, seeds & other left-overs in a container, recycle them, transform them into jam, before we sell it across to Singapore."

This time, the Singaporean retorted : "Do you have sex in Malaysia?"

Malaysian : "Why, of course we do"

S'porean : "Do you wear protection"

Malaysian : "Of course! We wear condoms."

S'porean : "And what do you do with the condoms once you've used them?"

Malaysian : "Stupid question ! Of course we throw them away."

S'porean : "We don't. In Singapore, the government secretly puts them in a container, recycle them, melt them down into chewing gum & sell them across to Malaysia, ... & that's the real reason why we banned chewing gum in Singapore."

Take the time to live ...

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in.

"Mom let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"Lets run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain,"

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran! We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...

So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. They say:

It takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them,
but an entire life to forget them.

Take the time to run through the rain... Take the time to live!!!

But don't forget to keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other!

You're Right

A husband and wife were involved in a petty argument, both of them unwilling to admit they might be in error.

"I'll admit I'm wrong," the wife told her husband in a conciliatory attempt, "if you'll admit I'm right."

He agreed and, like a gentleman, insisted she go first.

"I'm wrong," she said.

With a twinkle in his eye, he responded, "You're right!"


Question and Answer

A father and son went fishing one day. After a couple hours in the boat, the boy suddenly became curious about the world around him.

He asked his father, "How does this boat float"?

The father thought for a moment, then replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

The boy returned to his contemplation, then turned back to his father, "How do fish breathe underwater"?

Once again, the father replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

A little later, the boy asked his father, "Why is the sky blue"?

Again, the father replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

Worried he was going to annoy his father, he says, "Dad, do you mind me asking you all of these questions"?

"Of course not, son. If you don't ask questions, you'll never learn anything!"

Rosy

When I think of Rosy, all I can think of is: To God Be The Glory

She's my college teacher who has been through a lot over the last 10 odd years. I have never met anyone as strong as she is, battling 3 different types of cancer and surviving 12 surgeries. Her body may have been battered and butchered by surgeons but her faith is strong. She is so optimistic and has never stopped believing God for a miracle.

To me, she is already God's miracle child. She is a living testimony that with God, anything is possible. He is Jehovah Shammah and Jehovah Rapha. He is our healer and is always present with us.

During her first cancer scare, she was battling breast and ovarian cancer. She survived that and was back in school teaching after a year. That was when I first met her. Having survived cancer, she taught me to live life to the fullest and how our lives must serve a purpose. Her purpose was in her dedication to her profession and students, moulding and shaping lives. She was the one who taught me how to open up my mind and look beyong the superficial.

The year I left college, she had spots in her liver and lungs. The spot in her liver was removed but not the ones in her lungs. She underwent chemotherapy for that to prevent them from spreading.

The third cancer scare was last January when she had a tumor in her spine. God is good and the surgeon managed to removed most parts of it while using radiation to tackle the rest.

This time, the tumour in her spine returned and she has undergone surgery to remove most parts of it. However, there are still some bits clinging on to the nerves, causing her pain in her right thigh. Just when the orthopedic surgeon has given up hope, God bless her neurosurgeon and modern technology. She will be undergoing radio surgery where gamma rays will be used to blast the tumours away.

However, they would be permanent side effects, from pain to numbness in her right thigh. I am believing God for a miracle for her once again, that the tumours can be removed with minimum side effects.

In all these things which are happening around me, I feel that God is reminding me that our lives are not lived according to our timing but to His. There is a time and season for everything and right now, I just wanna live out my purpose and be a comfort to people around me who have touched me deeply.

Cambodia... here I come!

I'll be off to Cambodia for a 5D/4N trip from 15 June to 19 June...

I'm very excited about going cos the historian in me loves the looking and spending time with ruins... Yup... I'm a self-confess geek whose once upon a time ambition was to be an archaelogist

Here's my itinerary for the trip:

Day 1 - Arty Farty @ Siem Reap!

I'm off to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" to look at Cambodian artistry & Silk Farm to look at the silk creation process. At night is off to the local market and apsara dance show!

Day 2 - Angkor Wat!

This is the day my cultural self will soak in the presence of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

Day 3 - Phnom Penh!

Another cultural day where I'll be off to the Independent Monument, National Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the Wat Phnom Temple.

Day 4 - Gory Affair!

I'll be visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (a remembrance of the Pol Pot regime. Then I'll be off to some fun visiting the Russian Market and Central Market. I'll also be visiting the Naga World Casino and cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront in the sunset.

Day 5 - Home sweet home!

I'll be taking an early flight back to my loved ones back home...

Can't wait for the trip to materialise... except I have to get through my exam period first.... What a bummer... lolz

At least something sweet awaits me this June hols... amidst the book checking, the resource packing blah blah...

Which baby are you?

January

Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-Earth. Stubborn.

February

Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest And loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

Mar

Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others.

April

Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confidant. Sensitive. Positive Attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and/or make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive. Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains.

May

Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High-spirited.

June

You've got the best personality and are an absolute pleasure to be around. You love to make new friends and be outgoing. You are a great flirt and more than likely have an a very attractive partner. a wicked hottie. It is also more than likely that you have a massive record collection. You have a great choice in films, and may one day become a famous actor/actress yourself - heck, you've got the looks for it!!!

July

Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Love s to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

August

Outgoing personality. takes risks. feeds on attention. No self-control. Kind hearted. Self-confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an "every thing's peachy" attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. in need of "that someone". Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by "no pain no gain" caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. "charming" or "beautiful" to everyone. stubborn. curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter.

September

Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand.

October

Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all.

*November*
Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind.

December

This straight-up means you are the most good-looking person possible... Better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music. Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive.

Colorgenics Test

Came across this colorgenics test from a friend's blog. Seeing it's 90% accurate for her, I decided to try it out at this link:

http://www.paulgoldin.com/colorgenics.htm

Here are my results... pretty accurate, I must say...

You work hard, seeking success. You are self-sufficient and in spite of all the trials and tribulations that have beset you in the past you carry on regardless. You are one to be admired because you pursue your objectives single-mindedly and with initiative. You know that you can 'do it' and what is more, you will - without necessarily being dependent upon the goodwill of others.

You 'need to be needed'. As an idealist you are intolerant of anything short of special consideration from those close to you. If you do not get what you seek you are apt to become reclusive and you will close the doors on all those within your sphere of influence.

You wear your heart on your sleeve and since you are an emotional person you are apt to give your all - heart and soul - to all those that show you a little affection; but take care - it would appear that you have been extremely hurt in the past and you keep leaving yourself wide open for punishment.

For some time now your hopes and expectations have been denied and because of this you are becoming withdrawn and introverted. Continual disappointment has manifested itself in you becoming both suspicious and restrained you have become withdrawn from others and have receded more and more into yourself. You seem to have lost your innate enthusiasm and imaginative nature, for fear that you may be carried away by it only to find that you are wasting your time. You loath to trust people, as in the past your trust has been misplaced. You seem to be keeping yourself cautiously aloof from others. At this moment in time your attitude is to trust nobody - until they can prove themselves to you.

You are presently worried about your future and you feel that whatever you do will go wrong. At this time you are your own worst enemy. All the disappointment that you have experienced, coupled with the fear that there is no point in formulating fresh goals, have led to anxiety. You would like recognition and a position of trust but you are concerned that these hopes and dreams may not be realised. You are very argumentative and insistent that you are right - maybe you are - but you are pushing too hard. Take it easy, let go, and smile. Smiling and agreeing with people works wonders - try it and see.

Try it out and see if it works for you.

Woman stopped by unannounced at her son's house. She knocked on the door then immediately walked in. She was shocked to see her daughter-in-law lying on the couch, totally naked. Soft music was playing, and the aroma of perfume filled the room.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm waiting for Justin to come home from work," the daughter-in-law answered.

"But you're naked!" the mother-in-law exclaimed.

"This is my love dress," the daughter-in-law explained.

"Love dress? But you're naked!"

"Justin loves me to wear this dress," she explained. "Every time he sees me in this dress, he instantly becomes romantic and ravages me for hours."

The mother-in-law left.

When she got home she undressed, showered, put on her best perfume, dimmed the lights, put on a romantic CD, and laid on the couch waiting for her husband to arrive.

Finally, her husband came home. He walked in and saw her lying there so provocatively.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"This is my love dress," she whispered, sensually.

"Needs ironing," he said, "What's for dinner?"

Is this what many years of marriage does to one? lolz....

for the feminists...

For all those men who say, "Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?"

Here's an update for you: Nowadays, 80% of women are against marriage, WHY?

Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.

Men are like....

1. Laxatives ... They irritate the crap out of you.

2. Bananas ... The older they get, the less firm they are.

3. The Weather ... Nothing can be done to change them.

4. Blenders ... You need one, but you're not quite sure why.

5. Chocolate Bars .... Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.

6. Commercials ... You can't believe a word they say.

7. Department Stores ... Their clothes are always 1/2 off.

8. Government Bonds ... They take soooooooo long to mature.

9. Mascara ... They usually run at the first sign of emotions.

10. Popcorn ... They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

11. Snowstorms ... You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12. Lava Lamps ... Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13. Parking Spots ... All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.

This really makes great laugh... ;)

The work load hasn't been reduced... I'm still stressed but no longer frustrated. By the grace of God, I have managed to cut it down already. He is always faithful especially when he has multiplied my time...

I was becoming quite stressed about my piling work. God bless a colleague who comes back every Saturday to work. In this way, I am able to come back every Saturday to clear up my marking and lesson planning that I barely have time for between Mon to Fri.

God also bless my lil bro who came to pick me up. As such, I could lug some books over last weekend to clear up my marking.

I am really grateful to the people around me who has shown me a lot of love and concern. While reflecting during my quiet time on Tuesday night and talking to a friend on Wednesday, I am marvelled at how God works in us.

He gives each of us a calling to fulfill, regardless of our capability. As long as we have availed ourselves to his calling, he will always fill us with the capability to perform tasks that he has placed for us.

The calling he has placed for me has been tough. At times, I come close to giving up and throwing in the towel. However, he has never let me fall. Each time I come close to giving, he reminds me of my purpose through quiet time and angels he sends around me. He has also placed understanding bosses around me who have never given me a hard time. Their encouragement has spurred me on to greater heights in the things I have done.

Maybe it might seem strange as to why I have been praising him in my blog lately. That is because these few months has been really tough for me. If by my own strength, I would have failed. I am only able to succeed because of his strength and guidance.

It is true that God draws closest to us when we are at our weakest. This is his way of reminding us to constantly seek him first...

I'm highly stressed and darned tired... This has gotta be the most tiring week of my life...

This has been a week of rushing my psychology assignment (last one! Thank God!) and vetting of papers. All this amidst my ton of marking and courses I have to atttend. Plus had to be down with food poisoning on Tuesday... Make me feel almost tired and miserable!

Fortunately, I'm too much of an optismist to get depressed for long. Be it your happy or miserable, life still goes on AND the things that you have to do are STILL waiting for you to do it. Might as well do it happily... That's my mantra in life. It has indeed served me well through all my down periods... :)

More updates... God has spoken so I have decided to go to the new school... I think my kids will be super happy. From their recent journals, they were telling me how much they like me and how much they will miss me... so sweet rite? At moments like this, I'm glad I'm a teacher.

Envy me for this... BUT don't envy the lesson plans, worksheets and exam papers I have to set, the exam papers I have to vet (6 levels, mind you!), the reflections I have to do, the courses and meeting I have to attend, the admin matters I have to handle, the tons of marking I have to do, the moments my kids and I drive each other crazy, the nights I have to burn midnight oil for my assignments and exam preparation...

Makes me really wonder how I actually managed to stay so optismistic and not go mad... All I can say is the grace of God.

Job Description of Parents

POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

- Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment.
- Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
- Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.

- Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
- Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
- Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
- Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
- Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
- Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
- Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
- Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
- Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
- Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
- Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

None! Get this! You pay them!

- Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
- A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
- When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Haha... how funny but its so true...

Little Davie jokes

Little Davie attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs, rump, and chest.

After a few minutes, Davie asked, "Dad, why are you doing that?"

His father replied,"Because when I'm buying horses, I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy."

Davie, looking worried, said, "Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom."

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

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!" After a few seconds, Little Davie stood up.

The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Davie ?"

"No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

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

Little Davie watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.

"Why do you do that, mommy?" he asked.

"To make myself beautiful," said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

"What's the matter?" asked Little Davie.

"Giving up?"

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

The math teacher saw that little Davie wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said, " Davie! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?"

Little Davie quickly replied, "NBC, CBS, HBO and the Cartoon Network!"

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

Little Davies's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals.

One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.

"Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want very badly to capture him."

Little Davie asked, "Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"

dilemma... dilemma

Recently, my bosses have been asking me if I will be going to the new school... That's like a question that is so heavily steeped in dilemma...

If I go, the travelling distance will be as far as I have been travelling for the last four years and frankly, there are days where the distance really gets to you. Especially when you are fatigue and taking a cab home during the peak hour can cost you as much as $13 (no kidding... I was stuck paying $6 at the Holland Road jam! Bummer...)

However, if I don't go, my conscience will get to me... there are just a lot of people I can't let go...

(a) students - my adorable T and A who struggle with reading, my Z who seems to have endless family problems getting in the way of his studies, K who has started to put in effort albeit inconsistent and even the irritating A (YES! I still haven't given up on you no matter how many times I have to send you out!)

(b) colleagues - the friendships built over the last 4 years

How? How? How?

Only solution...



Deep inside, I hear God calling but I'm just a stubborn ole thing... so I asked God for 3 signs... 2 have since materialised (in neon blinking lights, I must add)...

Now I'm looking for the last...

When it appears, I know God has truly called and I will do according to his will...

In the meantime, pray...

God works in mysterious ways...

This year began as a very frustrating year for me, with endless problems that seem to crop up... my self-esteem simply took a nose-dive. I became upset and depressed with everything...

1) I don't feel successful at work...

problems managing the monkeys at teach, not so creative lessons, falling behind my level teachers due to time wasted on classroom management...

There were the days when I simply doubted my own ability and considered a career change...

2) My studies dun seem to go so great...

I haven't been going for lectures and tutorials, just so much things to do that I felt so bummed out. For my assignments, I haven't been able to hand up one on time... God bless my tutors for extensions...

Not such a great student after all...

Just when I wanted to throw in the towel, God reminded me that His ways are higher than mine and I just have to let things work according to his plans... He would not short-change my efforts...

At work, my performance bonus came in and as usual, my bosses are fair... My efforts at work did not go un-noticed. In fact, I'll be getting my promotion (provided I do not do any stupid acts!) By next year, if I do survive this year and not have to repeat, I'll get my emplacement...

Three cheers to more pay!

I'm not materialistic but having more pay is just a reflection that I am getting somewhere in my career...

As for my studies, my hear sank when I read the comments from my tutors... too dramatic in expressing my opinion, not enough supporting argument... blah blah... I thought they would fail me. Instead, I ended up with 75 and 70 for my Psychology assignments and 70 for my English assignment.

Even my church work has praise reports... friends that I have brought to church have accepted Christ and are finding the peace of God in their life... I feel so happy for them!

When doors seem to close, it is not really a closed door. Just that, it is not time for GoD to open them. Even when the doors are not open, his favours continue to pour into your life. He has not forsaken or abandoned us. Just that, we are often blinded because of our own expectations. When the time is ripe, his doors will naturally open and his blessings will pour out so great that you become shocked by the power of his grace.

That's the power of God's love...

Motherhood at 60

With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth to a baby. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, her relatives came to visit.

May we see the new baby?" one asked.

"Not yet," said the mother."I'll make coffee and we can visit for a while first."

Thirty minutes had passed, and another relative asked, "May we see the new baby now?"

"No, not yet," said the mother.

After another few minutes had elapsed, they asked again, "May we see the baby now?"

"No, not yet," replied the mother.

Growing very impatient, they asked, "Well, when can we see the baby?"

"WHEN HE CRIES!" she told them.

"WHEN HE CRIES?" they demanded."Why do we have to wait until he CRIES?"

"BECAUSE I forgot where I put him."


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*

That was a teaser for laugh...

Life's lessons...

In our life as we are growing, it's inevitable that we meet some ups and down.
We have to learn to protect ourselves, as well as love ourselves.

The score of life depends on how we are going to compose it.
Avoiding does not mean we will always get by,
Facing it does not mean it will be difficult.

What we achieve, may not last forever,
What we have lost, may not mean we will not earn back.

Turning away does not mean cowardice.
Do not say that there's no choice.

There's no absolute right or wrong answers,
There's is more then one answers to problems.
We will always have road ahead of us to go forward.

If we can find a reason to be sad,
We can also find one to be happy.

Those who learn how to let go, finds tranquility.
Those who learn how to forget, finds freedom.
Those who learn how to care, find true friends...