Now in Nha Trang, staying in a 6USD guesthouse.. Not too bad, with aircon, cable TV, and internet. haha.. Great bargain, but took us around half an hour walking around before we got to find this lobang. Anyway, we went to the long awaited MUD BATH, and it was really great hot stuff. Only one in Vietnam.. haha.. None in Singapore.. Spent around 4 hours there, doing mud therapy and natural spring water bath.. woohoo.. And how did I get there? By motorbike, which I rented for around 4 Sing Dollars.. haha.. Britmand was on my pillion, and it was really scary on the busy vietnam roads.. We passed by this accident scene where 2 bikes collided and were damaged quite badly.. But I am a lucky man.. haha.. Without license, riding on the road.. haha... Just learnt once and rode twice in Cambodia.. If my dad was to know about it, I would never be able to go travel again.. hahaha..
Ok, watching Liverpool vs Blackburn right now, and still 0 -0.. Well, should I stay up for the Man Utd match? Maybe.. Ok, time to let my guest house hosts sleep liao.. Nights..
Oh yar, wait, I am going to see Sand dunes in Mui Ne tomorrow! A sunrise tour, must be a great place, cos I saw many pictures from my friend's previous trips.. I shall take more.. haha.. Anyway, the photos are available at my Flickr account.. only 1/4 or lesser.. Anyway, I really did a lot of shopping, and Brit said that I was more of a tourist than a traveller.. Well.. I am both.. Spend when you need too, and I enjoy the bargaining process.. hehe.. Returning with all my stuff soon.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13243680@N02/
11.10pm 6th Dec 2008 Nha Trang
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A week done in Vietnam (Impression)
Ah, Now, the time is 8am (9am in Singapore), and I am going to move off to Hoi an soon, trying to post an entry, as it has been quite barren for the past one week. I am feeling very revitalised now after a week of travel. Thankful that I have Britmand with me, and not travelling alone. Realized how many different things we have seen, how many different places we have visited and experienced, and how many people we have met along the way. Britons, French, Aussies, and what not.. Have seen quite a few Singaporeans, some as couples, and others with their families.
I do not know the reason, but I have tried to avoid conversation with them. People say that when you are overseas, you tend to want to meet your own countrymen, and share and talk about your experiences. But, it seems that I am a different breed. When I see Singaporeans, the only thing that I always notice that they do is: COMPLAIN. Well, not that I do not, but when you are out of the country travelling, you should be appreciating the culture, the place, and all the highlights of your trip, and not spend time complaining about the stuff around you.
I am staying at a hotel named, Impression Hotel,(Coincidentally) and I am sad to say that the impression that Singaporeans have given me, when they are abroad, has never been a pleasurable one. I have met some other familes from Aussie, Family of Richard and Helen, and we had a great time together playing cards and chatting about each others' culture. We are too "proud" of ourselves, and because we do not step out so often, we tend to compare and contrast all the other things that make us feel superior. This sense of superiority is something which I have been trying to change with, as well as to try to influence others to change, since my YEP trips 2 years ago.
Step out with a humble heart and you will be rewarded in due course. Share with others and you will realize the world is filled with kind people.
4th December, Hue (Vietnam), 8.15am
I do not know the reason, but I have tried to avoid conversation with them. People say that when you are overseas, you tend to want to meet your own countrymen, and share and talk about your experiences. But, it seems that I am a different breed. When I see Singaporeans, the only thing that I always notice that they do is: COMPLAIN. Well, not that I do not, but when you are out of the country travelling, you should be appreciating the culture, the place, and all the highlights of your trip, and not spend time complaining about the stuff around you.
I am staying at a hotel named, Impression Hotel,(Coincidentally) and I am sad to say that the impression that Singaporeans have given me, when they are abroad, has never been a pleasurable one. I have met some other familes from Aussie, Family of Richard and Helen, and we had a great time together playing cards and chatting about each others' culture. We are too "proud" of ourselves, and because we do not step out so often, we tend to compare and contrast all the other things that make us feel superior. This sense of superiority is something which I have been trying to change with, as well as to try to influence others to change, since my YEP trips 2 years ago.
Step out with a humble heart and you will be rewarded in due course. Share with others and you will realize the world is filled with kind people.
4th December, Hue (Vietnam), 8.15am
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Appreciation
How much do you appreciate what others did for you? How much do you show this appreciation? Sometimes it is easier said than done. Some will give gifts, plagues, certificates as a form of recognition and appreciation, while some are done through actions. Sometimes, it is just a simple act to show appreciation to the other person.
I would like to thank all who have shown me support and rendered help for the my beginning year in WSSS.. However so, I have had my fair share of being put down by some colleagues who do not understand the simple meaning of "appreciation". I do believe that no matter how much effort one has put into doing something, he or she must be given credit for what was being done. By not showing respect to what others have done, is not only only an insult to the person, but will also make the workplace a "political warzone" where people will treat each other with resentment. I always believe this motto since I joined NPCC about 14 years ago, and that is "One for all, and all for one." Since we are working under the same roof, why can't we discuss things amicably and appreciate what everyone has contributed, no matter how small the effort is? Actually, this does not only happen in the workplace.
At home, how often do you praise your mum or dad for their cooking? How often do you thank them for ironing your clothes, washing your clothes, and caring for you? I do not do it often, and am feeling guilty for that. But that doesn't mean I do not appreciate what was done for me.
Being appreciative is actually very simple. Just a "Thank you", "Oh, well done!" will suffice..But sad to say, there are very few who actually do that, and that is because they have taken things for granted since young, or they think that the world revolves around them. I get upset when people do not appreciate what I have done, and I feel encouraged when people give me recognition for what I have done. I accept criticisms openly if I have done something wrong. Though I may be stubborn to admit it at times, but deep down I know and will learn from these mistakes.
The nature of Human beings, as the type of Singaporean portrayed in " I Not Stupid", are stingy in paying compliments to those who have performed well. Hence, more often than not, kids do not feel motivated to do better, since they feel neglected no matter how well they have done. To me, if you have done what you deserve, and if I had promised to reward you, you will get what is deserved.
I attended a class outing yesterday from the "best" class in Sec 1, but I was disappointed at how I was treated in the end. I shall not elaborate the disappointment here, as I understand that there were some misgivings among the students before I came. That aside, I must still thank them for inviting me. At least, I am one of the 2 teachers whom they invited, and I am grateful for that. Thanks Edlyn for organising the event, Lixia and Jeslyn for inviting me and most of all, Jing Xuan, the only student who thanked me for gracing the event.
One more thing that I would like to add on for my students and I hope that they learn the art of appreciation and sacrificing. When I was younger (not that I am old), I used to be the organiser for almost everything, class gatherings, outings, birthday gifts, bbqs, KTV sessions, etc. And until today, though I have relinquished my role as an organiser for some of these activities, I still cherish the times when these outings were a success.. I do not regret organising, sending countless sms, looking for places to have a great dinner together, walk around shopping malls looking for a birthday gift and booking for chalets etc. All these have brought me great memories, and great friendships.
Friendship do not come easily, if you do not want to do the "dirty job", or go through all the hassles to organise an event, then don't force yourself to do do it, cos you will not only make yourself unhappy, but also your friends too. If you want to organise something, no matter how difficult it might be, do your best and have no regrets after doing it! And last but not least, PLS SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" FOR THE HARD WORK HE/SHE HAS PUT IN FOR ORGANISING AN OUTING.
I would like to thank all who have shown me support and rendered help for the my beginning year in WSSS.. However so, I have had my fair share of being put down by some colleagues who do not understand the simple meaning of "appreciation". I do believe that no matter how much effort one has put into doing something, he or she must be given credit for what was being done. By not showing respect to what others have done, is not only only an insult to the person, but will also make the workplace a "political warzone" where people will treat each other with resentment. I always believe this motto since I joined NPCC about 14 years ago, and that is "One for all, and all for one." Since we are working under the same roof, why can't we discuss things amicably and appreciate what everyone has contributed, no matter how small the effort is? Actually, this does not only happen in the workplace.
At home, how often do you praise your mum or dad for their cooking? How often do you thank them for ironing your clothes, washing your clothes, and caring for you? I do not do it often, and am feeling guilty for that. But that doesn't mean I do not appreciate what was done for me.
Being appreciative is actually very simple. Just a "Thank you", "Oh, well done!" will suffice..But sad to say, there are very few who actually do that, and that is because they have taken things for granted since young, or they think that the world revolves around them. I get upset when people do not appreciate what I have done, and I feel encouraged when people give me recognition for what I have done. I accept criticisms openly if I have done something wrong. Though I may be stubborn to admit it at times, but deep down I know and will learn from these mistakes.
The nature of Human beings, as the type of Singaporean portrayed in " I Not Stupid", are stingy in paying compliments to those who have performed well. Hence, more often than not, kids do not feel motivated to do better, since they feel neglected no matter how well they have done. To me, if you have done what you deserve, and if I had promised to reward you, you will get what is deserved.
I attended a class outing yesterday from the "best" class in Sec 1, but I was disappointed at how I was treated in the end. I shall not elaborate the disappointment here, as I understand that there were some misgivings among the students before I came. That aside, I must still thank them for inviting me. At least, I am one of the 2 teachers whom they invited, and I am grateful for that. Thanks Edlyn for organising the event, Lixia and Jeslyn for inviting me and most of all, Jing Xuan, the only student who thanked me for gracing the event.
One more thing that I would like to add on for my students and I hope that they learn the art of appreciation and sacrificing. When I was younger (not that I am old), I used to be the organiser for almost everything, class gatherings, outings, birthday gifts, bbqs, KTV sessions, etc. And until today, though I have relinquished my role as an organiser for some of these activities, I still cherish the times when these outings were a success.. I do not regret organising, sending countless sms, looking for places to have a great dinner together, walk around shopping malls looking for a birthday gift and booking for chalets etc. All these have brought me great memories, and great friendships.
Friendship do not come easily, if you do not want to do the "dirty job", or go through all the hassles to organise an event, then don't force yourself to do do it, cos you will not only make yourself unhappy, but also your friends too. If you want to organise something, no matter how difficult it might be, do your best and have no regrets after doing it! And last but not least, PLS SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" FOR THE HARD WORK HE/SHE HAS PUT IN FOR ORGANISING AN OUTING.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Another Wedding..
Cikgu (Teacher) Hayati got married last weekend. So happy for her. For that, I am going to send my greatest wishes for her through this poem that I saw during the last episode of "Golden Bride", a Korean Drama Serial that I thought was quite touching, speaking of a young Vietnamese Bride in search of a Korean Dad. Well, if you are free, go take a look. Here comes the Indiana wedding blessings:
In English:
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for each other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, bu there is only one life before you.
Go now to you dwelling place, to enter into the days of your life together.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
In Mandarin （Simplified Chinese）,
以后两个人不再淋雨，
因为彼此会成为对方的屋顶。
以后两个人将不再受冻，
因为彼此会给对方温暖。
以后两个人将不再寂寞，
因为彼此会成为对方的伴侣。
虽然两个人有两个身躯，
但未来两个人的路上，
就只有一个人生，
就请到他们的屋子里，
请融入他们的生活里，
因为在这世界上，
他们将是永远幸福的人！
- - 印第安结婚祝贺词
In English:
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for each other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, bu there is only one life before you.
Go now to you dwelling place, to enter into the days of your life together.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
In Mandarin （Simplified Chinese）,
以后两个人不再淋雨，
因为彼此会成为对方的屋顶。
以后两个人将不再受冻，
因为彼此会给对方温暖。
以后两个人将不再寂寞，
因为彼此会成为对方的伴侣。
虽然两个人有两个身躯，
但未来两个人的路上，
就只有一个人生，
就请到他们的屋子里，
请融入他们的生活里，
因为在这世界上，
他们将是永远幸福的人！
- - 印第安结婚祝贺词
In Chinese (Traditional):
以後兩個人將不再淋雨,
以後兩個人將不再淋雨,
因為彼此會成為對方的屋頂.
以後兩個人將不再受凍,
因為彼此會給對方溫暖.
以後兩個人將不再寂寞,
因為彼此會成為對方的伴侶.
雖然兩個人有兩個身軀,
但未來兩個人的路上,
就只有一個人生,
請進到他們的屋子裡,
請融入他們的生活裡,
因為在這世界上,
他們將是永遠幸福的人!
--印地安結婚祝賀詞
All the best to those who have just gotten married or are going to get married. As for me, haha..
All the best to those who have just gotten married or are going to get married. As for me, haha..
Monday, October 27, 2008
IF class celebration
Strange, why did 1D get the best class award when there is 1F around? Oops, 1D is my favourite class too lar.. Hmm.. Arh I know why, cos 1F keep our love to ourselves right? My dear students are all afraid to show their love to other people, especially teachers and other classmates.. Now, I really do hope that all of us can put aside all that has happened in the past year, and move on steadily to 2F and go on to clinch the "Best Class" Award, ok? I really need the class T-shirt Design. Now last thursday was the last day of school, and I am happy to see that so much food and presents were prepared in such a short time. Special Thanks to Hidayah and Lydia for preparation of food. Great Food there. To Ivan and Jaslin for getting the cake and the drinks/snacks. Thanks to the birthday presents' in charge, and thanks to all who have come to attend the birthday celebrations. Well, I noticed that some were not keen to join in and most only wanted to eat, but did not want to help to clean up!
Hey peeps, I hope everyone can take note of the following in future when we have another gathering. 1. Pls respect the food that is specially prepared for you, and finish it. 2. If we create a mess, we should clean up the mess. We do not expect others to help us clean our butts after we do our business right? (Sorry for putting it in such a crude manner..) 3. Everyone who is in the class should participate if you are part of the class, a quote from NPCC:＂One for all, All for one!" Kindly bear it in mind. 4. It is not everyday that we have such celebrations, so care for one another, if you find that someone has not eaten, pls do not be selfish, and take all the good food for yourselves, share around, and spread our love around.
Can the above be done? I believe so.. Why Cos we are 1 Fabulous.. Class blog webby: http://1f-abulous-o8.blogspot.com/
For the rest of Videos and Photos, pls visit my personal photo collection at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13243680@N02/
Below are the pictures and video taken:
Hey peeps, I hope everyone can take note of the following in future when we have another gathering. 1. Pls respect the food that is specially prepared for you, and finish it. 2. If we create a mess, we should clean up the mess. We do not expect others to help us clean our butts after we do our business right? (Sorry for putting it in such a crude manner..) 3. Everyone who is in the class should participate if you are part of the class, a quote from NPCC:＂One for all, All for one!" Kindly bear it in mind. 4. It is not everyday that we have such celebrations, so care for one another, if you find that someone has not eaten, pls do not be selfish, and take all the good food for yourselves, share around, and spread our love around.
Can the above be done? I believe so.. Why Cos we are 1 Fabulous.. Class blog webby: http://1f-abulous-o8.blogspot.com/
For the rest of Videos and Photos, pls visit my personal photo collection at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13243680@N02/
Below are the pictures and video taken:
Friday, October 24, 2008
Coincidences
巧合？何谓“巧合”？巧合是在你不经意时发生一些令你意想不到的事。有些人会把巧合误认为缘分，但人生中往往有太多巧合，所以我认为巧合是个非常微妙的东西。10月22日啊，我就度过了一个充满巧合的一个下午。
首先，我校刚完成了运动会，然后大家便从蔡厝港体育馆，走到了地铁站。然后，在第一乐广场里，我就遇到了我1D班的一群女生。真受不了，她们一直在那里吵到半死，只好破费带她们到Pizza Hut 去饱餐一顿，但事先说好，我只请那些取得了至少A2 的学生，其余的只付一半。其实我觉得1D这个班真的是一个好班，但男生平时有些好玩，要不然，肯定能够更上一层楼。吃饱了后，刚巧剩下3 片比萨（Pizza），我不忍心浪费，只好打包了，准备拿回家给老爸吃。但我又赶时间下去NIE，及乌节路去办事。
刚巧，在回家途中，我看到了我的NPCC的马来学生。于是，便问她们吃饱了没，又这么巧，她们也还没吃，于是我便把比萨给了她们，自己便到NIE去了。
所以说，人聪明，可是不要太过聪明。为什么这样说呢？那天代表部门赛跑时，因为鞋子不合适，所以坚持当一下“赤脚大仙”，想不到100米的赛程，竟然磨破了脚板，真是痛得我苦不堪言。
为什么要提到这件事呢？因为我到了NIE，在那里花上了一些时间在包扎伤口，之后在离开。想不到，离开时，竟然遇到了Justin。 我本来还想去约他一起出去吃一顿，反正难得回来遇见这位老朋友。虽然只认识短短5个多月，但在南大（NTU）住大学时，不知为何却与他特别投缘。于是，我和Justin，就站在楼梯口聊起来了。聊着、聊着，我又看到Xiaojun走过。之后，我又站在那里，与Xiaojun聊上了一会儿。遇见老朋友，能够与他们叙旧是我这个忙碌的老师难得能做到的事情。像要约朋友出门，又担心不能及时把手头上的工作完成。所以有很多人都认为老师的社交圈子很小，而我也特别珍惜与这些朋友的接触时间。
如果我没有擦伤脚，如果我没有遇到那群1D的女生，如果我没有碰到我NPCC的学生，那么，我将不会遇见我的老朋友们。这，都是巧合吧！愿有更多巧合出现在我的人生里，为我带来一些惊喜与欢愉。
首先，我校刚完成了运动会，然后大家便从蔡厝港体育馆，走到了地铁站。然后，在第一乐广场里，我就遇到了我1D班的一群女生。真受不了，她们一直在那里吵到半死，只好破费带她们到Pizza Hut 去饱餐一顿，但事先说好，我只请那些取得了至少A2 的学生，其余的只付一半。其实我觉得1D这个班真的是一个好班，但男生平时有些好玩，要不然，肯定能够更上一层楼。吃饱了后，刚巧剩下3 片比萨（Pizza），我不忍心浪费，只好打包了，准备拿回家给老爸吃。但我又赶时间下去NIE，及乌节路去办事。
刚巧，在回家途中，我看到了我的NPCC的马来学生。于是，便问她们吃饱了没，又这么巧，她们也还没吃，于是我便把比萨给了她们，自己便到NIE去了。
所以说，人聪明，可是不要太过聪明。为什么这样说呢？那天代表部门赛跑时，因为鞋子不合适，所以坚持当一下“赤脚大仙”，想不到100米的赛程，竟然磨破了脚板，真是痛得我苦不堪言。
为什么要提到这件事呢？因为我到了NIE，在那里花上了一些时间在包扎伤口，之后在离开。想不到，离开时，竟然遇到了Justin。 我本来还想去约他一起出去吃一顿，反正难得回来遇见这位老朋友。虽然只认识短短5个多月，但在南大（NTU）住大学时，不知为何却与他特别投缘。于是，我和Justin，就站在楼梯口聊起来了。聊着、聊着，我又看到Xiaojun走过。之后，我又站在那里，与Xiaojun聊上了一会儿。遇见老朋友，能够与他们叙旧是我这个忙碌的老师难得能做到的事情。像要约朋友出门，又担心不能及时把手头上的工作完成。所以有很多人都认为老师的社交圈子很小，而我也特别珍惜与这些朋友的接触时间。
如果我没有擦伤脚，如果我没有遇到那群1D的女生，如果我没有碰到我NPCC的学生，那么，我将不会遇见我的老朋友们。这，都是巧合吧！愿有更多巧合出现在我的人生里，为我带来一些惊喜与欢愉。
Sunday, October 19, 2008
WHAT HAPPENED?
Haha, Oops I shouldn't have put Caps on my title.. A lot of meanings behind the title... It can mean: What happened? Why didn't I update the blog for such a long time? What Happened to me recently? Anything fresh to share with you guys? What happened to the world lately? What is going to happen to us, with the world, US and Singapore economy going into recession? What happened to my students? Well, did something happen? Well yes, of course.. and last but not least, What happened to this chinese teacher? Why is he not using Chinese to type his blog?
Well, it seems like I do have a lot to write regarding the above questions... But due to "unforeseen" laziness, I have decided to post alternate posts in both languages to show that I can also be "effectively" bilingual. So bear with me, since the world is facing a bearish market now.. ( Sorry ar students, some of these jargons or phrases used here may be too difficult for you to understand, so I hope it provides a chance for you, yes YOU, to go look up the dictionary and learn a new word everyday..)
1st of all, would like to apologize for not updating this blog for quite some time, due to the busy term 4 where revisions, exams, marking, and scrutinising and heart bleeding comes in all at the same time, which explains for my lagginess in writing.. Finally it is coming to an end soon, end of an academic year for my students.. I still have another month to go, until I can leave the country to sort out my thoughts and really relax a bit, after such a busy half year.. I will try to update as often as I can in the upcoming days.. I hope I can internet connection to do a posting on my trips daily..I am planning to go to Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap via Phomn Penn - Singapore (For Andy Lau Concert) - Diving at Phuket - Singapore - 2009! Ok.. these are my holiday plans.. sounds interesting, but for the 1st part of the trip, I have yet to find someone to go with me yet.. Haha, anyone interested?
Nothing much has happened to me. In fact, quoting what a Secondary school friend whom I have not met for some time, who "spoke" to me on facebook today, she said: "haha! my, my! u have not changed a bit! ur looks and ur crap!" So it seems like I havn't changed since I was Sec 4??? Is this good or bad? I would deem it to be a compliment, haha, since that would mean that I have either upgraded my level of crappiness over these years, and I can still humour my friends after so many years, or it can also mean that I have downgraded my level of crappiness to that of the standard of a Secondary school student, and that makes it easier to build up rapport with them.. Either one of it seems fine to me. Well, she said that my looks have not changed a bit, it could either mean that I have maintained my handsome look, or preserved my "not so good looking" side..I managed to confirm the answer at 11 plus just now, with this answer from her: " Oh yah, didn't realise ur sis is so big now! saw her photo! omg! how come so diff??? she is very pretty leh! Why are u so dark and she is so fair?" It seems like looks doesnt seem to important afterall, what is more important is that I have maintained my tanned and dark look! With that, I take it as a compliment. This is what I replied: "I have a hidden identity.. I can mix well in different countries and races, and I get discounts cos I am tanned.." Well, Seems like I like deluding myself, but well, it makes me happier.. That's what matters..
So I have not changed in terms of my looks? Well, go check out my bus pass, and you will see the difference.. Hehe, I have bloated up over the years, especially after the Army days.. So now that I have told you what has happened to me.. Let us take a look around us, and see what has actually happened.. I am not sure if you have seen glum expressions on your parents' faces lately, taken a look at the global financial situation, despite the busy exams schedule? Or do you only know that China has some tainted milk products that contain melamine, a form of substance used for making plastics, because your mum threw away all your M&Ms, and forbade you to eat "Rabbit brand" Sweets? So much has happened over the last few weeks..
If you have not noticed yet, the 4th largest investment bank in US has gone bankrupt, US govt is forking out more than 700 billion public (tax-payer) money to save the US financial markets.. (700 billion is USD $700 000 000 000, ) ; Many other governments in Europe are forkig out money to bail out their economy crisis; Singapore, as well as many countries in the world has gone into recession, which would mean retrenchment, pay cuts, lower year end bonuses, and many more financial disasters coming up..Iceland has gone bankrupt, if you realised, this is the 1st time a country has gone bankrupt.. Read the below and you will realize how damaging the effect is..
Finally after much "pushing" by some of my students, I finally set my heart to update my blog.. yay! Underlined words, do go and check dictionary!
Well, it seems like I do have a lot to write regarding the above questions... But due to "unforeseen" laziness, I have decided to post alternate posts in both languages to show that I can also be "effectively" bilingual. So bear with me, since the world is facing a bearish market now.. ( Sorry ar students, some of these jargons or phrases used here may be too difficult for you to understand, so I hope it provides a chance for you, yes YOU, to go look up the dictionary and learn a new word everyday..)
1st of all, would like to apologize for not updating this blog for quite some time, due to the busy term 4 where revisions, exams, marking, and scrutinising and heart bleeding comes in all at the same time, which explains for my lagginess in writing.. Finally it is coming to an end soon, end of an academic year for my students.. I still have another month to go, until I can leave the country to sort out my thoughts and really relax a bit, after such a busy half year.. I will try to update as often as I can in the upcoming days.. I hope I can internet connection to do a posting on my trips daily..I am planning to go to Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap via Phomn Penn - Singapore (For Andy Lau Concert) - Diving at Phuket - Singapore - 2009! Ok.. these are my holiday plans.. sounds interesting, but for the 1st part of the trip, I have yet to find someone to go with me yet.. Haha, anyone interested?
Nothing much has happened to me. In fact, quoting what a Secondary school friend whom I have not met for some time, who "spoke" to me on facebook today, she said: "haha! my, my! u have not changed a bit! ur looks and ur crap!" So it seems like I havn't changed since I was Sec 4??? Is this good or bad? I would deem it to be a compliment, haha, since that would mean that I have either upgraded my level of crappiness over these years, and I can still humour my friends after so many years, or it can also mean that I have downgraded my level of crappiness to that of the standard of a Secondary school student, and that makes it easier to build up rapport with them.. Either one of it seems fine to me. Well, she said that my looks have not changed a bit, it could either mean that I have maintained my handsome look, or preserved my "not so good looking" side..I managed to confirm the answer at 11 plus just now, with this answer from her: " Oh yah, didn't realise ur sis is so big now! saw her photo! omg! how come so diff??? she is very pretty leh! Why are u so dark and she is so fair?" It seems like looks doesnt seem to important afterall, what is more important is that I have maintained my tanned and dark look! With that, I take it as a compliment. This is what I replied: "I have a hidden identity.. I can mix well in different countries and races, and I get discounts cos I am tanned.." Well, Seems like I like deluding myself, but well, it makes me happier.. That's what matters..
So I have not changed in terms of my looks? Well, go check out my bus pass, and you will see the difference.. Hehe, I have bloated up over the years, especially after the Army days.. So now that I have told you what has happened to me.. Let us take a look around us, and see what has actually happened.. I am not sure if you have seen glum expressions on your parents' faces lately, taken a look at the global financial situation, despite the busy exams schedule? Or do you only know that China has some tainted milk products that contain melamine, a form of substance used for making plastics, because your mum threw away all your M&Ms, and forbade you to eat "Rabbit brand" Sweets? So much has happened over the last few weeks..
If you have not noticed yet, the 4th largest investment bank in US has gone bankrupt, US govt is forking out more than 700 billion public (tax-payer) money to save the US financial markets.. (700 billion is USD $700 000 000 000, ) ; Many other governments in Europe are forkig out money to bail out their economy crisis; Singapore, as well as many countries in the world has gone into recession, which would mean retrenchment, pay cuts, lower year end bonuses, and many more financial disasters coming up..Iceland has gone bankrupt, if you realised, this is the 1st time a country has gone bankrupt.. Read the below and you will realize how damaging the effect is..
A billion is a difficult number to visualize, let’s put a billion into perspective:
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
How long would it take to count to one billion?
If you count one number a second without stopping until you reach a billion. That task would take you 31 years, 259 days, 1 hours, 46 minutes, and 40 seconds.
US National Debt Facts
Every 8 hours and 20 minutes, the U.S. Government spends another billion dollars.
Of course, the current public debt is well over $8.3 trillion dollars.
Now, to put it simply, how has it affected you, my dear students? Can you imagine your pocket money goes down to $2 a day? That was the kind of allowance that I had during my secondary school days which was not too long ago (Ok lar, 10 years only, not very long, chicken rice was minimum $1.50 per plate) ..i see many of you coming to school with your wallets packed with $50 notes every monday. All the canteen vendors complained to me for having to bring spare loose change with them to change. Well, this is a difficult and trying time for your parents, so you may be scolded if you request to buy an expensive computer game, or go for rebonding, when they are in the office waiting to get sacked..My dear ladies and gentlemen, if you are sensible enough, do save up more money, especially during this period of "rainy season".. This whole global financial crisis will be raining cats and dogs for at least a year, before it can recover.. So, you should know what to do, my dear intelligent and sensible ladies and gentlemen.
Now allow me to share some personal feelings here..I thank those who have put in additional efforts in their End of Year Examinations..You should have reaped your harvest if you have put in effort throughout the year. I would especially like to commend Kelvin from my form class, as he has done exceptionally well, to deserve to get himself a chance to be promoted to the Express Stream..He came to me in term 3 with a clear goal in mind, and I hope that next monday's promotion exercise, he would have his wish fulfiled. Many have shown me that they have improved, and I want to tell you that: " GOOD JOB! You have done me and your parents proud. Keep it up, and you can do better!"
For those who know that they haven't been putting in enough efforts, try harder next year. Though I do feel a little disappointed in my Express class, yet I know that they have put in considerable efforts and feel very disappointed with the results too, especially the gals. Well for those who did not do as well, Laoshi has absolute trust and confidence in all of you, and I really hope that you guys can work harder next year..Not even next year, you can start from these holidays.. You must enjoy and learn at the same time, if not you will slacken down in no time. Learn from your past mistakes, be humble and acknowledge your setbacks. Only then, you can regain your confidence, and do better.. To me, my express class, 1D is my cream crop, though they may not have met mark this year, yet, the day will come when we all rejoice..
As for my form class, 1F, it has not been a smooth sailing term 3 and 4 to us.. Different degree of disciplinary cases arose, and we have almost every kind of possible cases that has happened. I want all of you to remember what I said: " Forgive and Forget" is the greatest virtue that I think should be present in everyone of us, cos we are "Full Of Love" Right? Let us start afresh from next year together, and we shall all work hard!
Finally things are coming to a close and the final year is going to be concluded after next weekend. I hope that better days are coming, and we will come back toether again next year..
Keep a lookout for future posts.. Tired liao.. Spent more than 1.5 hours typing..
Finally after much "pushing" by some of my students, I finally set my heart to update my blog.. yay! Underlined words, do go and check dictionary!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
