It is difficult dealing with death. And more so when you come so close to experiencing it.
I had a full day of meetings on Friday, one of which was at Holy Innocents' - the school I was formerly teaching at. I was just about to leave for the meeting when my brother informed me over msn that one of our students had passed away in an accident in the morning. I gathered his name, and though I hadn't taught him before, I vaguely knew who he was.
It was evident that both teachers and students were traumatised by the accident. It definitely came as a sudden shock for many. Groups of students were seen being counselled in different rooms. And though many didn't know him, all had a common heart of compassion.
The chapel became a room of solace as a group of students and teachers came together in prayer while others penned down their thoughts in a book placed in front of the altar.
It was an especially sad day for the school, and for each one of us, the accident made us reflect in our own way.
With the passing of my uncle just a week before, another death created a deeper impact on me. It made me realise how fragile life is. And that it can end anytime. It can get scary sometimes, thinking that you may leave this world with lots of things left undone, and lots of things left unsaid.
I reflected on my life. I am one who has lots on her plate. I live by the day but plan by the year and beyond. I want to experience as much as possible and learn as much as possible. My philosophy was - if life was so short, I should maximise it, and do all I can while on earth.
However, sometimes, this is done at the expense of other things - spending time with my loved ones for example. And when the calculations are done at the end of the day, it's hard to decide which is more valuable. Both matter to me just as much.
The passing on of someone always makes us value our lives much more. And I wish it doesn't have to be this way. That we will learn to treasure our life and that of others every day. That we will learn to live our lives to the fullest every day. That we will learn to forgive or tell that someone we love him or her. That we will thank the one above for giving us the gift of life. That we don't have to experience the death of someone to remind us that life is precious and fragile. And that we should treat it with love and care.
I said a prayer for the souls of Gabriel and my uncle as I knelt down in church today. They probably had a lot left undone before leaving us. But I pray that they may rest in peace in the love of our God up in heaven.
26 August 2007
22 August 2007
My uncle.
My uncle (my mum's brother) passed away last Friday after a long battle with cancer. During the last two months when he was at the hospice, we prayed that he would be relieved of his suffering. It wasn't that we had wanted him to leave us, but that it pained us to see him suffering in pain.
Still, the hospice was a haven for him compared to the hospital he was in. His needs were met and the nurses gave him his dignity back in his last moments on earth. There wasn't much the doctors nor nurses could do except to inject him with yet more doses of morphine to ease the pain. But still, they took care of him as much as they could, checking on him and ensuring he was comfortable.
I saw my uncle at the hospice about two weeks before he passed away. He was sleeping and breathing uncomfortably from his mouth. His throat was filled with phlegm that he found difficult to clear away. It hindered his breathing and brought discomfort to his breathing passage.
I don't know if he heard me when I called him, held his hands and told him I had come to visit him. I didn't want to wake him up in case it made him unnecessarily tired. But deep in me, I hoped he knew I was there, holding his hands to comfort him and tell him to not be afraid to go back to God.
My uncle was especially close to my family. Not having any children on his own, he took his nieces and nephews as his children. He had his own way of caring. And in not so many words, he showed his love for us. My brother and I never forgot how he got us a TV when ours was taken away, and how he would lend his us DVDs to keep us entertained. He loved music, and shared this with us every Chinese New Year when we visited him in his home. With a large projection screen in his small flat, it was really like watching a movie in a cinema!
My uncle was simple man with a kind heart. My mum told me once that went to find out how to send money to a family who was involved in an accident once. And he went all out just to ensure that was done. It's not that he's rich. He just has a heart of gold.
This Christmas, it would be different without my uncle. We would miss him for sure. But we are happy that he has been relieved of his pain. And perhaps, he is up there in heaven with God, looking down on us.
Still, the hospice was a haven for him compared to the hospital he was in. His needs were met and the nurses gave him his dignity back in his last moments on earth. There wasn't much the doctors nor nurses could do except to inject him with yet more doses of morphine to ease the pain. But still, they took care of him as much as they could, checking on him and ensuring he was comfortable.
I saw my uncle at the hospice about two weeks before he passed away. He was sleeping and breathing uncomfortably from his mouth. His throat was filled with phlegm that he found difficult to clear away. It hindered his breathing and brought discomfort to his breathing passage.
I don't know if he heard me when I called him, held his hands and told him I had come to visit him. I didn't want to wake him up in case it made him unnecessarily tired. But deep in me, I hoped he knew I was there, holding his hands to comfort him and tell him to not be afraid to go back to God.
My uncle was especially close to my family. Not having any children on his own, he took his nieces and nephews as his children. He had his own way of caring. And in not so many words, he showed his love for us. My brother and I never forgot how he got us a TV when ours was taken away, and how he would lend his us DVDs to keep us entertained. He loved music, and shared this with us every Chinese New Year when we visited him in his home. With a large projection screen in his small flat, it was really like watching a movie in a cinema!
My uncle was simple man with a kind heart. My mum told me once that went to find out how to send money to a family who was involved in an accident once. And he went all out just to ensure that was done. It's not that he's rich. He just has a heart of gold.
This Christmas, it would be different without my uncle. We would miss him for sure. But we are happy that he has been relieved of his pain. And perhaps, he is up there in heaven with God, looking down on us.
19 July 2007
A new teaching environment
It's just been three weeks since I started facilitating at the Republic Poly, and I must say, I really like the environment there. For one who's always embraced out of the box ideas, RP has certainly not disappointed me.
I facilitate two year one classes in Enterprise Skills, basically exposing students will work-related issues such as teamwork, performance, conflict and understanding how to be excellent employees, if not employers.
And I must say, there is something different about the pedagogy at RP that makes my year one students really endearing.
For one, they are self-motivated learners. I don't have to bug them to fill up their PDTs or do their RJs. I don't have to tell lecture nor teach. Instead, I facilitate a discussion that stimulates them to want to find out more. They google, they wikipedia, they encarta. They basically find everything they need to know on the web, resulting in learning, literally outside the classroom.
And, with a system that ensures they work in groups every day, and different groups for that matter, I find my students not working with their usual friends, but mixing and working well with everyone - across diplomas.
At the end of the day, I will say that these students will come out of school being more independent, resourceful, problem-solving individuals who can work well with others.
So what if RP had gotten rid of the books, the lectures, the tutorials, the exams and the internships? I think they've got a pretty darn neat system going with the students armed with laptops in hand and a critically thinking head.
I facilitate two year one classes in Enterprise Skills, basically exposing students will work-related issues such as teamwork, performance, conflict and understanding how to be excellent employees, if not employers.
And I must say, there is something different about the pedagogy at RP that makes my year one students really endearing.
For one, they are self-motivated learners. I don't have to bug them to fill up their PDTs or do their RJs. I don't have to tell lecture nor teach. Instead, I facilitate a discussion that stimulates them to want to find out more. They google, they wikipedia, they encarta. They basically find everything they need to know on the web, resulting in learning, literally outside the classroom.
And, with a system that ensures they work in groups every day, and different groups for that matter, I find my students not working with their usual friends, but mixing and working well with everyone - across diplomas.
At the end of the day, I will say that these students will come out of school being more independent, resourceful, problem-solving individuals who can work well with others.
So what if RP had gotten rid of the books, the lectures, the tutorials, the exams and the internships? I think they've got a pretty darn neat system going with the students armed with laptops in hand and a critically thinking head.
06 July 2007
This one's for my students!
When they said that teaching is a fulfilling job, they weren't lying. Indeed, I am touched that even after I've left the education ministry, my relationship with my students live on. Even after my students have graduated, I still keep in touch with them. Best of all, they treat me like a friend more than a teacher, but with respect and care.
And so, I thank especially my students...
From Alfred who calls me "Miss Chewie", or Justin who calls me "idiot", or Huishan who calls me "starfish", and Fionella, Debra and Abigail for tagging and leaving long comments on my blog (I love long comments!), I appreciate them all... Not to mention Anne, and Michelle, and Nicholas, and.... Thanks for tagging!
And for the girls in 2 Unity who asked my brother if I missed them (Yes, I do...) and Fidella who just wants to talk over msn to keep in touch, I appreciate it all.
And to my students who have since left school - Tok, Brandon, Zuliang...thanks for visiting before I left HIHS.. Jocelyn for shouting "yeh!! You're at RP with me! Let's have lunch!!" over msn.. and Xunfu and Michelle Lim too! Let's get together all at RP! :)
And to all the students I've taught before (and not mentioned here..)... Thank you for touching my heart. I hope I've touched yours too!
And so, I thank especially my students...
From Alfred who calls me "Miss Chewie", or Justin who calls me "idiot", or Huishan who calls me "starfish", and Fionella, Debra and Abigail for tagging and leaving long comments on my blog (I love long comments!), I appreciate them all... Not to mention Anne, and Michelle, and Nicholas, and.... Thanks for tagging!
And for the girls in 2 Unity who asked my brother if I missed them (Yes, I do...) and Fidella who just wants to talk over msn to keep in touch, I appreciate it all.
And to my students who have since left school - Tok, Brandon, Zuliang...thanks for visiting before I left HIHS.. Jocelyn for shouting "yeh!! You're at RP with me! Let's have lunch!!" over msn.. and Xunfu and Michelle Lim too! Let's get together all at RP! :)
And to all the students I've taught before (and not mentioned here..)... Thank you for touching my heart. I hope I've touched yours too!
04 July 2007
It's all OK after all...
The first day of my facilitation at RP went well after all... well, minus the little fight outside my class, the fact that I couldn't project my PowerPoint slides, and that my students didn't fair too well at the daily test...
But that aside, I am proud of my little achievement, for keeping the nerves so in check that one of my students asked me - are you like an "old bird" here?
I thank my best friend for reminding me to focus not on myself but on the students instead. That helped lift the pressure a lot.. I also thank my lots-of-potential ex-student, Alfred for sending me that encouraging sms last night... and also all my dear Sec 2 Unity and 2 Charity students for tagging the encouraging words.. Even my former students currently studying at RP msned me to check on me - thanks Slowpoke! And Michelle Lim for popping by to visit me. :)
It's been a fulfilling day as I get to know another 22 students today and facilitated their learning on conflict management.
As I wind down for the day, I'd like to sit back and relish my little achievement. I do think I deserve this little break for now!
But that aside, I am proud of my little achievement, for keeping the nerves so in check that one of my students asked me - are you like an "old bird" here?
I thank my best friend for reminding me to focus not on myself but on the students instead. That helped lift the pressure a lot.. I also thank my lots-of-potential ex-student, Alfred for sending me that encouraging sms last night... and also all my dear Sec 2 Unity and 2 Charity students for tagging the encouraging words.. Even my former students currently studying at RP msned me to check on me - thanks Slowpoke! And Michelle Lim for popping by to visit me. :)
It's been a fulfilling day as I get to know another 22 students today and facilitated their learning on conflict management.
As I wind down for the day, I'd like to sit back and relish my little achievement. I do think I deserve this little break for now!
03 July 2007
The New Teacher
Tomorrow, I take the place of "the-new-teacher" in the class I'd be facilitating at RP. The previous facilitator left on short notice, so I come in as easy replacement.
It's not easy taking over a class. For one, the class has already formed their culture and habits. With you as the newbie coming in, you're in a position where you have to work harder to fit in.
On top of that, the pressure hits you harder when the previous teacher happens to be one that the students totally like. And I happen to be in that position.
Looking through the previous journal entries, it became apparent that the students really loved their previous facilitator - "awww man! I'll miss you!","come visit us!", "you're the best facilitator!".
Less than 24 hours before my first facilitation class at RP, I feel the pressure building up. Not only will I have to grapple with the new technology - uploading worksheets, marking attendance, keying in remarks etc all in a wireless and paperless environment, I will also have to remember all that I've been taught at PBL Foundation - AND try to fill in the shoes of the previous facilitator.
A part of me wished I had one of my former students in the class. A familiar face always helps calm nerves. But no luck. I checked the list. All fresh faces.
I take a deep breath and gather all the courage I have. Tomorrow, I intend to make a "starfish" difference. And I hope my new students be nice to calm my the-new-teacher jitters.
It's not easy taking over a class. For one, the class has already formed their culture and habits. With you as the newbie coming in, you're in a position where you have to work harder to fit in.
On top of that, the pressure hits you harder when the previous teacher happens to be one that the students totally like. And I happen to be in that position.
Looking through the previous journal entries, it became apparent that the students really loved their previous facilitator - "awww man! I'll miss you!","come visit us!", "you're the best facilitator!".
Less than 24 hours before my first facilitation class at RP, I feel the pressure building up. Not only will I have to grapple with the new technology - uploading worksheets, marking attendance, keying in remarks etc all in a wireless and paperless environment, I will also have to remember all that I've been taught at PBL Foundation - AND try to fill in the shoes of the previous facilitator.
A part of me wished I had one of my former students in the class. A familiar face always helps calm nerves. But no luck. I checked the list. All fresh faces.
I take a deep breath and gather all the courage I have. Tomorrow, I intend to make a "starfish" difference. And I hope my new students be nice to calm my the-new-teacher jitters.
26 June 2007
Project Happy Feet
For those of you who have read about my recent trip to Siem Reap, you would have heard my story about how the village children go around without footwear. And you would have heard about how I'd like to start a little project - Project Happy Feet to get a large number of slippers to be shipped over to them.
And so, far and wide, I am making a call to whoever who thinks they can contribute in some way to bring these slippers to the children. For example, if you...
a) Know a slipper manufacturer/supplier who can sponsor or sell cheap slippers
b) Know someone in the cargo company who can fly/ship the slippers over free
c) Would like to donate in some monetary terms
d) Can spread the word round so we have more hands to contribute
e) Think you can lend a hand in any way to Project Happy Feet
Do drop me an email at projecthappyfeet@gmail.com, stating how you can be contacted, and how you'd like to contribute.
Bless your good heart! I'm sure the children will be very thankful in whatever way you'd be contributing.
Let's make many happy feet!
:)
And so, far and wide, I am making a call to whoever who thinks they can contribute in some way to bring these slippers to the children. For example, if you...
a) Know a slipper manufacturer/supplier who can sponsor or sell cheap slippers
b) Know someone in the cargo company who can fly/ship the slippers over free
c) Would like to donate in some monetary terms
d) Can spread the word round so we have more hands to contribute
e) Think you can lend a hand in any way to Project Happy Feet
Do drop me an email at projecthappyfeet@gmail.com, stating how you can be contacted, and how you'd like to contribute.
Bless your good heart! I'm sure the children will be very thankful in whatever way you'd be contributing.
Let's make many happy feet!
:)
Taking ownership of learning
It was the first day of school for my former students yesterday. It was also the first day of me having to work by myself from home. For both of us, it was taking a step out of the usual routine we've been having for the last four weeks of holidays.
I had a choice to make - to laze the whole day away, or make full use of it. I'm glad I did the latter by scheduling appointments for the rest of the week. I'm almost all booked up and I take it as a positive sign for me as I move on to my next endeavours in the field of education.
Each day for me these days is a day of learning. A learning that I take full ownership of. It's not easy as it takes resilience, discipline and foresight to see how one's efforts today will yield a better harvest for tomorrow. It's about foregoing immediate gratification for something more in the future.
And as I learn these days, I hope that my former students keep in mind what I've told them before I left school - that the learning is their own. It's not about who your teachers are, or how they teach. It's about how you want to choose to learn.
I've chosen to take ownership of my learning, and I hope my students do the same for themselves too.
I had a choice to make - to laze the whole day away, or make full use of it. I'm glad I did the latter by scheduling appointments for the rest of the week. I'm almost all booked up and I take it as a positive sign for me as I move on to my next endeavours in the field of education.
Each day for me these days is a day of learning. A learning that I take full ownership of. It's not easy as it takes resilience, discipline and foresight to see how one's efforts today will yield a better harvest for tomorrow. It's about foregoing immediate gratification for something more in the future.
And as I learn these days, I hope that my former students keep in mind what I've told them before I left school - that the learning is their own. It's not about who your teachers are, or how they teach. It's about how you want to choose to learn.
I've chosen to take ownership of my learning, and I hope my students do the same for themselves too.
10 June 2007
Reflections of an Educator
The end of a journey marks the beginning of a new one. And as I am moving on to the next phase of my life, I'd like to take a moment to reflect.
They said being a teacher is a noble job. And having been through a year's training and three years' experience teaching, I must say that it is more than that. It requires more than just being able to teach. It's a whole load of responsibilities rolled in one - which makes it much like any other job. The difference? The life of a child is at stake.
If I think about it, what I do in the classroom, or how I interact with my students do play a part in the development in their lives. For the most of us who were called to be teachers, we are motivated by one single factor - to want to make a difference in the life of a child - a pretty noble and idealistic motivation.
Many like me, had quit the better paying private sector to want to make a difference. While some thrive in the new environment, others like me feel that there's so much more to be done than what's done in the schools. Still, more often than not, others blend into the system, and allow their enthusiasm drained by the load of emotional and physically-draining responsibilities.
With more than 100 students under your care at any one time, it is not easy to want to be able to care for all at once. It's different from parenting. And on top of ensuring the child excels academically, the teacher is often tasked with part-time parenting as well - disciplining and caring for the social and emotional well-being of the child.
It is easy to adhere to theories of the care of a child when we are dealing with individuals, but when the care involves masses, theories fail to hold as well as it purports.
And so, the initial enthusiasm generated by teacher training melts away all too quickly, resulting in disillusioned young teachers who would actually be instrumental in creating that paradigm shift in education.
My four years in the education ministry isn't exactly a picture of gloom. For one who refuses to live life with regrets, I make it a point to tease out learning points for every decision I make. "I wouldn't have learned this if I hadn't chose to walk this road."
My students are my greatest source of inspiration - and stress. They are also my greatest source of motivation - and a lack of. They affect my mood, my emotions, my thoughts. And if you multiply that by a hundred or more times, you can understand why teachers are one of those who find themselves having psychological problems.
Still, I've learnt the best things from my students and any teacher who teach or have taught will agree with me the fulfillment teaching gives that no other job can.
At the end of it all, it is really up to the individual to decide the road to embark on in education. The education scene has changed so much that it offers so many possibilities to define education. Others get excited while others get confused.
As for me, I've decided to walk another road, and define my own space in education.
But the motivation still remains the same - to make a difference.
They said being a teacher is a noble job. And having been through a year's training and three years' experience teaching, I must say that it is more than that. It requires more than just being able to teach. It's a whole load of responsibilities rolled in one - which makes it much like any other job. The difference? The life of a child is at stake.
If I think about it, what I do in the classroom, or how I interact with my students do play a part in the development in their lives. For the most of us who were called to be teachers, we are motivated by one single factor - to want to make a difference in the life of a child - a pretty noble and idealistic motivation.
Many like me, had quit the better paying private sector to want to make a difference. While some thrive in the new environment, others like me feel that there's so much more to be done than what's done in the schools. Still, more often than not, others blend into the system, and allow their enthusiasm drained by the load of emotional and physically-draining responsibilities.
With more than 100 students under your care at any one time, it is not easy to want to be able to care for all at once. It's different from parenting. And on top of ensuring the child excels academically, the teacher is often tasked with part-time parenting as well - disciplining and caring for the social and emotional well-being of the child.
It is easy to adhere to theories of the care of a child when we are dealing with individuals, but when the care involves masses, theories fail to hold as well as it purports.
And so, the initial enthusiasm generated by teacher training melts away all too quickly, resulting in disillusioned young teachers who would actually be instrumental in creating that paradigm shift in education.
My four years in the education ministry isn't exactly a picture of gloom. For one who refuses to live life with regrets, I make it a point to tease out learning points for every decision I make. "I wouldn't have learned this if I hadn't chose to walk this road."
My students are my greatest source of inspiration - and stress. They are also my greatest source of motivation - and a lack of. They affect my mood, my emotions, my thoughts. And if you multiply that by a hundred or more times, you can understand why teachers are one of those who find themselves having psychological problems.
Still, I've learnt the best things from my students and any teacher who teach or have taught will agree with me the fulfillment teaching gives that no other job can.
At the end of it all, it is really up to the individual to decide the road to embark on in education. The education scene has changed so much that it offers so many possibilities to define education. Others get excited while others get confused.
As for me, I've decided to walk another road, and define my own space in education.
But the motivation still remains the same - to make a difference.
03 June 2007
遇见
This is probably the first almost all Mandarin posting I have. Bought myself Stefanie Sun's My Story, Your Song album two weeks back and it's been on my CD player these days. Even my friends and students who see me listening her songs over the msn have exclaimed in surprise.. "Wah! You listening to Chinese songs ah?!" - well more like a tone of shocked disbelief.
Amongst the many songs I like, mostly ballads, I like this one (also because I can't seem to find the lyrics of the others on the web).
遇见
听见冬天的离开
我在某年某月醒过来
我想我等我期待
未来却不能因此安排
阴天傍晚车窗外
未来有一个人在等待
向左向右向前看
爱要拐几个弯才来
我遇见谁会有怎样的对白
我等的人他在多远的未来
我听见风来自地铁和人海
我排著队拿著爱的号码牌
我往前飞飞过一片时间海
我们也曾在爱情里受伤害
我看著路梦的入口有点窄
我遇见你是最美丽的意外
总有一天我的谜底会解开
Way to go in supporting our local artistes!! :)
Amongst the many songs I like, mostly ballads, I like this one (also because I can't seem to find the lyrics of the others on the web).
遇见
听见冬天的离开
我在某年某月醒过来
我想我等我期待
未来却不能因此安排
阴天傍晚车窗外
未来有一个人在等待
向左向右向前看
爱要拐几个弯才来
我遇见谁会有怎样的对白
我等的人他在多远的未来
我听见风来自地铁和人海
我排著队拿著爱的号码牌
我往前飞飞过一片时间海
我们也曾在爱情里受伤害
我看著路梦的入口有点窄
我遇见你是最美丽的意外
总有一天我的谜底会解开
Way to go in supporting our local artistes!! :)
02 June 2007
Packing Up and Counting Down
I'm packing my things and counting down til 8 June, which marks my last day at Holy Innocents' High School.
And as I pack my things and look through my files, I realised how much I've grown and changed in my teaching methods through the three years. Once an amateur, referring to reference books all so often, I've moved on to using authentic materials and adapting them to suit the profile of my students.
Snapshots of how I've thrown the starfishes as and when I could into the sea in my four years in the education service - from my NIE days right til the 8 June - come to mind, giving me a little sense of achievement. And though there have been bad days, I shrug these off. Afterall, there must be rain to have a rainbow.
I will miss my students in a way, and I hope they will grow up to be fine young people. Closest to my heart will be my Media Club writers, and the students I've taught since Sec 1 - my 1 Unity 2004 kids. They are now in Sec 4, and boy have they grown! All the best for your O levels this year!!
As for my form class this year, I hope they will heed my advice and work hard to improve. Life is not fair sometimes and we have to work harder than others. But that makes us stronger people, and we'll know how to pick ourselves up if ever we should fall again. "The greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
As for me, I'm moving on to the next phase in my life as well. It's filled with uncertainty, but with a heart and passion for a greater good. Not that what I'm currently doing isn't good enough, but that the call to do bigger things is much too strong for me to resist. And reaching out to the less fortunate seems the right thing to do.
I wish all my students the best in the future undertakings, and if ever they see a starfish, may they remember to smile, and recall all that I've taught them. One day, I hope they will join me in throwing starfishes in the sea.
:)
m.c.
And as I pack my things and look through my files, I realised how much I've grown and changed in my teaching methods through the three years. Once an amateur, referring to reference books all so often, I've moved on to using authentic materials and adapting them to suit the profile of my students.
Snapshots of how I've thrown the starfishes as and when I could into the sea in my four years in the education service - from my NIE days right til the 8 June - come to mind, giving me a little sense of achievement. And though there have been bad days, I shrug these off. Afterall, there must be rain to have a rainbow.
I will miss my students in a way, and I hope they will grow up to be fine young people. Closest to my heart will be my Media Club writers, and the students I've taught since Sec 1 - my 1 Unity 2004 kids. They are now in Sec 4, and boy have they grown! All the best for your O levels this year!!
As for my form class this year, I hope they will heed my advice and work hard to improve. Life is not fair sometimes and we have to work harder than others. But that makes us stronger people, and we'll know how to pick ourselves up if ever we should fall again. "The greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
As for me, I'm moving on to the next phase in my life as well. It's filled with uncertainty, but with a heart and passion for a greater good. Not that what I'm currently doing isn't good enough, but that the call to do bigger things is much too strong for me to resist. And reaching out to the less fortunate seems the right thing to do.
I wish all my students the best in the future undertakings, and if ever they see a starfish, may they remember to smile, and recall all that I've taught them. One day, I hope they will join me in throwing starfishes in the sea.
:)
m.c.
16 May 2007
Back to the doctors
My stomach didn't feel too good today, plus I woke up with a fever. So I went down to the doctor with my brother, who has been having a fever since Sunday.
My diagnosis - gastric and a suspicious lump on my lower left abdomen. The doctor said she observed that it was there since my previous visit. And so she sent me off to clear out my intestines and to return to her for a check again, just in case it's some growth. Yikes!
My brother's condition is much worse - doctor suspects it's either dengue or malaria. He's had a blood test and will only know the results tonight. I'm crossing my fingers that it's nothing serious. I wouldn't want him to experience what I did when I had the viral fever the last time during the SARS period. Feels horrible.
The doctor suggested we got mosquito repellents in our house, just in case. And so we did.
I hope the fever goes away for myself and my brother, so that we know it's nothing too serious to worry about.
:)
My diagnosis - gastric and a suspicious lump on my lower left abdomen. The doctor said she observed that it was there since my previous visit. And so she sent me off to clear out my intestines and to return to her for a check again, just in case it's some growth. Yikes!
My brother's condition is much worse - doctor suspects it's either dengue or malaria. He's had a blood test and will only know the results tonight. I'm crossing my fingers that it's nothing serious. I wouldn't want him to experience what I did when I had the viral fever the last time during the SARS period. Feels horrible.
The doctor suggested we got mosquito repellents in our house, just in case. And so we did.
I hope the fever goes away for myself and my brother, so that we know it's nothing too serious to worry about.
:)
11 May 2007
Gastric Week
I don't know what happened this week, but it got me down with a bad bout of gastric since Monday. And today, the pain was just excruciating. Gastric pills didn't work and not wanting to eat doesn't make it any better. All I know is that I have a whole load of gas in my intestines and stomach. And it doesn't feel nice at all. :(
I've begun returning the exam scripts to my students and I'd love for those of them who didn't do well this time to do better the next time round. It doesn't end here.
Just like my students, I've begun my countdown to the holidays, where I can do a little bit of packing so my table doesn't resemble a typhoon swept mess.
They took the cows away from outside my school so for now, I have to look at something else to trigger that smile in me.
Gotta get back to bed now. The pain is kicking in again.. Argh.. :(
I've begun returning the exam scripts to my students and I'd love for those of them who didn't do well this time to do better the next time round. It doesn't end here.
Just like my students, I've begun my countdown to the holidays, where I can do a little bit of packing so my table doesn't resemble a typhoon swept mess.
They took the cows away from outside my school so for now, I have to look at something else to trigger that smile in me.
Gotta get back to bed now. The pain is kicking in again.. Argh.. :(
09 May 2007
All Done!
This is the first time in my teaching career that I'm way ahead in my marking for English. I completed my marking yesterday, tabulated the total scores and rechecked the papers even!
So yesterday, I decided to give myself a treat and headed down to Orchard Road. Got myself a book from Boders at 35% off using the vouchers they emailed me. Then I came back home to update my blog on India. So many things happened and I didn't want to miss a thing so I was careful to add in as much details as I could. I'm at Day Two of my India trip entry. Check it out at www.indiastarfish.blogspot.com
Tomorrow, my CPA papers will come in. In the meantime, I relishing the time I have on my hands. It's been a while.
:)
So yesterday, I decided to give myself a treat and headed down to Orchard Road. Got myself a book from Boders at 35% off using the vouchers they emailed me. Then I came back home to update my blog on India. So many things happened and I didn't want to miss a thing so I was careful to add in as much details as I could. I'm at Day Two of my India trip entry. Check it out at www.indiastarfish.blogspot.com
Tomorrow, my CPA papers will come in. In the meantime, I relishing the time I have on my hands. It's been a while.
:)
03 May 2007
Mid Year Exam Comprehension Practice
This post is for my Sec 2 Unity students. I promised them the answers to the comprehension practice I gave them just now.
So here it is, my dear students. Click on the hyperlink below and download the answers from the website it brings you to. I hope you've completed all the questions before looking at the answers!
Click Here > TERM 2 HANDOUT 8 - COMPREHENSION PRACTICE ANSWERS
All the best to my Sec 2 students on tomorrow's paper!
:)
m.c.
So here it is, my dear students. Click on the hyperlink below and download the answers from the website it brings you to. I hope you've completed all the questions before looking at the answers!
Click Here > TERM 2 HANDOUT 8 - COMPREHENSION PRACTICE ANSWERS
All the best to my Sec 2 students on tomorrow's paper!
:)
m.c.
01 May 2007
Marking again
The time of the year has come where teachers all over the island whip out their trusty red pen and race against time to mark the numerous exam scripts.
My first pile came in yesterday and I dutifully trotted off to the airport with Ying to mark. Great catching up with her after all these months!
I must say that I am proud of my progress so far since I have graded some 50 plus scripts and with more energy to take on the 200 plus more scripts coming my way over the week and next.
I would have finished the pile I brought home if not for the fact that my nose is runny, and I had spent the afternoon with my ex-colleagues from NUS.
Still, maybe the motivation comes knowing that this will all end soon, in all sense of the word.
As for now, excuse me while I grade my students' masterpieces on Fear, Smoking and Pets.
My first pile came in yesterday and I dutifully trotted off to the airport with Ying to mark. Great catching up with her after all these months!
I must say that I am proud of my progress so far since I have graded some 50 plus scripts and with more energy to take on the 200 plus more scripts coming my way over the week and next.
I would have finished the pile I brought home if not for the fact that my nose is runny, and I had spent the afternoon with my ex-colleagues from NUS.
Still, maybe the motivation comes knowing that this will all end soon, in all sense of the word.
As for now, excuse me while I grade my students' masterpieces on Fear, Smoking and Pets.
31 March 2007
Hidden Pain
Something must have hit me such that even though I haven't been running for more than a year, I nevertheless decided to plunge into the 4.2km run round Bedok Reservoir on Wednesday during the school cross country event. I didn't plan on winning anything, but just gain that extra 20 points for the Blue Eagles with my participation. Plus, the thought of a run equates to some "me" time I so lack these days.
Armed with my ipod, handphone (just in case there were some casualties along the way) and my newly-glued up track shoes (the soles were flapping off when I was in India), I paced myself to a slow but steady run. I hadn't hydrated myself well when I started. I thought we'd be provided with the HI Spirit, but nope.
Down at the 3km mark, the sun was shining strong on me and I began to feel dehydrated. I felt my heart pounding in my brain. Pain. I knew I had to slow down and get hydrated, and thankfully I managed to get some from some students stationed in between the route. But it was too late. The pounding continued with every step I took. But I persevered. I just had one thing in mind - finish the race.
I was proud when I reached the finishing line in 30 minutes, third in position in the Women's category of the teacher's race. Not too bad considering I didn't train nor exercise for the past year! Plus I'm 31 years old!
The next few days saw me enduring the pain on my lower body - legs, hamstrings, calves, thighs. It hurt when I walked up or down the stairs, but I endured it all. This may sound masochistic but the pain reflected some form of achievement only I could fully understand.
I guess that's a reflection of my life right now too. Hidden pain.
Armed with my ipod, handphone (just in case there were some casualties along the way) and my newly-glued up track shoes (the soles were flapping off when I was in India), I paced myself to a slow but steady run. I hadn't hydrated myself well when I started. I thought we'd be provided with the HI Spirit, but nope.
Down at the 3km mark, the sun was shining strong on me and I began to feel dehydrated. I felt my heart pounding in my brain. Pain. I knew I had to slow down and get hydrated, and thankfully I managed to get some from some students stationed in between the route. But it was too late. The pounding continued with every step I took. But I persevered. I just had one thing in mind - finish the race.
I was proud when I reached the finishing line in 30 minutes, third in position in the Women's category of the teacher's race. Not too bad considering I didn't train nor exercise for the past year! Plus I'm 31 years old!
The next few days saw me enduring the pain on my lower body - legs, hamstrings, calves, thighs. It hurt when I walked up or down the stairs, but I endured it all. This may sound masochistic but the pain reflected some form of achievement only I could fully understand.
I guess that's a reflection of my life right now too. Hidden pain.
23 March 2007
Starbucks Surprise
It was almost getting to be a bad day in school as my computer crashed on me and was pronounced officially dead. The work I was working on halfway was lost and almost all my documents in the hard drive of the laptop. Still I was thankful that most of my files were stored in my external hard drive.
I met up with Wendy in the evening at the Conrad. She had a room night booked at the hotel as she was having her company D&D tonight, and her wedding anniversary tomorrow. I decided to bunk in with her for the night since she'd be alone. I could take the opportunity of having a really nice room to work in while she went for dinner too.
I was getting hungry and was craving for my favourite Starbucks All Original Bagel, and decided to take a walk to Millenia Walk. After dropping by Candy Empire to pick up a pack of chips and chocolate chip cookies - fuel to burn the midnight oil - I headed to Starbucks in all excitedness to pick up my warm toasted bagel.. But when I went there, I was disappointed to learn that it had sold out. The man at the counter was apologetic and offered other savouries, but none could satisfy the craving for the bagel.
I told the man I was craving for it and was kinda disappointed not to have it but it's ok.. I'll probably walk around to pick up something else. As I walked away, I remembered I needed to pick up a warm drink to keep me warm in the freezing cold room. I walked back and asked for my usual Hot Cocoa with Skim Milk. Just as I was choosing the size I wanted, the man at the counter smiled and told me he'd make me a big cup - just what I had in mind. When I took out money to pay for it, he waved it away and smiled, "It's OK. It's on us." I was sincerely surprised and asked why. "Oh, it's to make up for not being able to give you the bagel you wanted."
In all my years, I don't think I've come across such wonderful hospitality, and I must say I was so proud I'm a consumer of Starbucks products! For such a company that empower its staff to brighten their customers' day with such a surprise, well, i must say I AM impressed.
Talk about customer service - we sure can learn from this Starbucks experience! A little gesture goes a long way!
As for me - hot chocolate never tasted so good. I feel pampered in some way...
Thanks, Starbucks, my favourite coffee joint... :)
I met up with Wendy in the evening at the Conrad. She had a room night booked at the hotel as she was having her company D&D tonight, and her wedding anniversary tomorrow. I decided to bunk in with her for the night since she'd be alone. I could take the opportunity of having a really nice room to work in while she went for dinner too.
I was getting hungry and was craving for my favourite Starbucks All Original Bagel, and decided to take a walk to Millenia Walk. After dropping by Candy Empire to pick up a pack of chips and chocolate chip cookies - fuel to burn the midnight oil - I headed to Starbucks in all excitedness to pick up my warm toasted bagel.. But when I went there, I was disappointed to learn that it had sold out. The man at the counter was apologetic and offered other savouries, but none could satisfy the craving for the bagel.
I told the man I was craving for it and was kinda disappointed not to have it but it's ok.. I'll probably walk around to pick up something else. As I walked away, I remembered I needed to pick up a warm drink to keep me warm in the freezing cold room. I walked back and asked for my usual Hot Cocoa with Skim Milk. Just as I was choosing the size I wanted, the man at the counter smiled and told me he'd make me a big cup - just what I had in mind. When I took out money to pay for it, he waved it away and smiled, "It's OK. It's on us." I was sincerely surprised and asked why. "Oh, it's to make up for not being able to give you the bagel you wanted."
In all my years, I don't think I've come across such wonderful hospitality, and I must say I was so proud I'm a consumer of Starbucks products! For such a company that empower its staff to brighten their customers' day with such a surprise, well, i must say I AM impressed.
Talk about customer service - we sure can learn from this Starbucks experience! A little gesture goes a long way!
As for me - hot chocolate never tasted so good. I feel pampered in some way...
Thanks, Starbucks, my favourite coffee joint... :)
18 March 2007
Back from India
I came back from my one-week trip to India yesterday morning. Yes. I survived.
Now, the next 10 weeks to survive in school...
Now, the next 10 weeks to survive in school...
08 March 2007
A blog from heaven
My ex-student Alfred dropped me an sms past midnight. It read "Go check your email Miss Chewie". He's been calling me that for as long as I remember. I didn't check it til this morning and it pointed me to a hyperlink to a blog entry.
Not that it was sad, but it touched me at a point in my life whereby I am questioned of my capability, of "not coping" and "being very absent from school". I for a moment kept wondering if it were really true that "my heart is not with the kids". And I thought I had lost my focus of what I had wanted to do deep in my heart years back.
I think God sent Alfred to write that blog entry for a reason. I think God knew that this would be a bad time for me, and only he knew the perfect way to bring my spirits up again. What he wrote reminded me of my mission of throwing starfishes into the sea. And although all may not see how many I've thrown (who's keeping count anyway?!), I know that I've made a difference to at least one.
To Alfred - thanks for the entry. It has encouraged me to pick myself up, and to realise that I may be at a point of a burn out - and that it's not about me or my capability that measures, but who I am and how I can touch others in my own way.
I guess that's me and I'm pretty at peace with it.
Not that it was sad, but it touched me at a point in my life whereby I am questioned of my capability, of "not coping" and "being very absent from school". I for a moment kept wondering if it were really true that "my heart is not with the kids". And I thought I had lost my focus of what I had wanted to do deep in my heart years back.
I think God sent Alfred to write that blog entry for a reason. I think God knew that this would be a bad time for me, and only he knew the perfect way to bring my spirits up again. What he wrote reminded me of my mission of throwing starfishes into the sea. And although all may not see how many I've thrown (who's keeping count anyway?!), I know that I've made a difference to at least one.
To Alfred - thanks for the entry. It has encouraged me to pick myself up, and to realise that I may be at a point of a burn out - and that it's not about me or my capability that measures, but who I am and how I can touch others in my own way.
I guess that's me and I'm pretty at peace with it.