1st Post in 2009, Happy Chinese Niu Year

So finally it is 2009, and sooner than said, Chinese New Year is here. Well, finally after a busy start for the year, I can finally take a short break of about 2 days to really think of how to continue this busy schedule in my life. I think everyone faces stress in life, and it is never easy to balance between work, stress and enjoying life. When people say "Work Hard, Play Hard", it is actually something easier said than done.



During this past month, I saw diligence in some of my students when we put up the posters, classroom Chinese New Year decorations, and painting together. I enjoyed doing these, but I did not get to see the whole class in action, which was something regretful. Unity in a class is not an easy task, and as much as I hope to make them work with more effort, I do realize that individual effort from the teacher is not enough to push a whole bunch of 42 students. I hope that they will be able to understand more, and work with more love together. Special thanks to Xinni, Pecky, Eugene, some of the gals, and the 4 handsome 'hunks' for preparing the food for the class party. I really hope we can work like a big family for 2009 and progress together.



During the past few days, I have had some feelings which I felt like sharing. I was at Sheng Shiong supermarket the other day and I saw a very disturbing scene. I heard cursings coming from a plump lady, and she was swearing in Hokkien with all her might, that stopped many shoppers to take a look out of curiosity. Imagine the crowdedness of the place during CNY eve, and so many children around, and there you see this foul-mouthed lady cursing a young man and his family who is around, just because he has accidentally bumped into her and forgot to say sorry. What has happened to our gracious society? Maybe it is just a small part of our society, but does it reflect also that whatever our young children are doing, they actually follow the footsteps or copy their parents' manners and behaviour?



Few days ago, a meaningful email was sent out. It says that as teachers, we should "walk the talk", meaning that we do not just say on mouth, but we must follow up with our actions. I agree with that, and hope that I have not passed any bad habits or behaviour to my students.. Haha..



Then I watched the movie "幸福万岁", and I must say that Jack Neo's movies are really getting more educational. As compared to his last production "钱不够用2" , I find that this production pales in comparison, but he doesn't fail to amuse his audience with the tinge of sarcasm well blended with humour. In fact, it brought out some of the things that is so real in society. The essence of this movie would be in summary "Is love = Sex ?"

Revolving around 3 main male leads, this show brings out the psychological and sexual aspects of all men and women. It is so real that while I was watching it, it dawned on me that whatever is happening in the show, is what young teenagers are doing to their friends nowadays, taking videos and putting them on youtube, unaware of the dangers, consequences and effects that it will bring upon those affected. While others are laughing away at some of the scenes elsewhere, I could not stop to think how useful it would be if I can show the movie to my students. This movie is classified NC16, and if not for part of its content, I am sure it would be a very educational movie for the students. At least they can understand how self taken videos can be harmful at times. Well, like most movies, this has a happy ending, and of course, it has set me thinking about the power of media and how it has affected this new generation of young people.

I strongly believe that the power of media is so great that all of us in Singapore should work towards the well being of our young generation by inculcating the right values to them, especially the media. Sloppy and slipshod scripts with scenes which portrays sex and violence has been some of the centre of attraction of some serial dramas, and this kind of irresponsible productions have deeply affected the behaviour of many others and they are copying what is shown on TV. I do believe that responsible script writing should not only focus on getting their audiences, but they should focus on how to spread the right values through their shows. That is also one reason that I loaf watching local drama serials. Hopefully things get better.

Well, 2009 is a very very very busy year for me. Other than my normal school workload, i would also need to handle students' assignments, committee stuff, Department stuff, and ..... So I hope that all will go well, I can have more time to plan my lessons, to teach better, and students will hand in their quality assignments on time, and I can probably not be so lonely anymore. Haha.. Well, these are my 2009 resolutions, and hopefully it gets done by the end of the year! Yay..

Form Teacher of 2F

Well, I am back from holidays! Finally.. But I am still in Holiday mood.. Can't seem to gear back into school mood.. But then, I think it is a matter of time, before I go full gear back into school mode..Anyway, I got my most wanted position, Form teacher of 2F. Having spent around 3/4 of a year with them, I must say that they have brought me more joy and laughter, than anger, and with addition of 4 new members, 3 of whom from my previous class, I hope that 2F will become the most vibrant class in the whole Sec 2s.

Sec 2 is an age where you start to think you are a grown up, and start turning rebellious.. I only hope to do my best to gel my class and make them achieve what they are made of. I can identify a gem when I see one, and I can see that Laziness is the only thing that is stopping them from progressing..Let us fight the lazy bug together, 2F, and strive to a good 2009. Deal or no Deal?

Nha Trang.. Mui Ne Tmr

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

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

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.

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 Chinese (Traditional):

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..

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: