I bought another pack of konyaku jelly mix, its lychee flavour. Bought a can of lychee, rambutan, logan and a can of rambutan with pineapple filling.
Last night, after gym and dinner. I decided to give it a try again. This time I put in 950ml of liquid, including whole can of lychee syrup. Then stirred in 2 packs of the konyaku jelly mix cos its meant for just 500ml per pack. Phew. It was much easier this time and the results looked good too. Cos while leaving the moulds to cool a bit before chucking into the fridge, some are already solidifying. Cos this time the lychee were smaller cos used another brand, put a whole lychee into a mould instead of half, so 4 moulds meant, a can is just enough to fill 2 moulds. The other 2 I used rambutan instead. Drained the rambutan syrup and just put in the rambutan fruit.
This morning, I woke and dug out the lychee and rambutan konyaku. I tasted one of each, surprisingly even though the jelly is lychee flavoured. The taste of the rambutan doesnt clash with it. But for the lychee ones, it clashed cos the konyaku lychee flavour doesnt gel with the canned lychee themselves... Okay point to remember is to use instant konyaku jelly without any flavour instead. In terms of the Q-ness, still find something missing compared to my mom's ones. Hmm...
If I have time to spare, may try out Lychee Mojito Vodka Konyaku. Havent researched the formula. May have to try different combination. Eg put lychee and mojito into the jelly, then when pouring into mould then add vodka. Or normal konyaku then later pouring into mould, add lychee, mojito and vodka. Or lychee syrup with konyaku then when pouring in, add mojito and vodka. That would need some prior preparations of ingredients, given mojito need the mint leaves, soda water and also the Mojito mixers. All those I dont have at the moment. Next cooking project, besides the one I am toying with, Chocolate Macaroons.
Hmm havent checked out those ingredients yet. One thing at a time. I have 4 periods today. 3 more to go. Quite stoned than usual, maybe its cos I didnt drink coffee. Will be drinking my Coke Zero for the caffine fix. Maybe later go out during lunch and get coffee.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
HIbernation
In the end, I went back on my plans to use Fri and Sat to exercise at the gym. I did make up for it by going to the 2nd session this week today.
Well, I did mention that I got 3 extra periods added. Then on Friday, I got another period added to make it a 5-periods day. Its very mentally taxing cos out of a day of 6 periods, its almost the whole day. Plus due to event, ate in. Though I must admit, I quite enjoy that lunchtime concert performance by students. The talent is there.
But it meant that by the end of my work day, I was mentally very tired. I went home as per normal, decided to have a nap to recover a bit. But when I woke up at 6.30pm due to the alarm, I decided to 'white-flag' and slept on until near 8pm. Then went downstairs to eat dinner of dark yellow chinese noodles Zi Char style. My mom went back to her hometown and also heading to Genting with her friend, so have to settle my own meals. No problem with that esp living in Sg.
Sat, was informed that guitar lesson was cancelled and thus after assignment, I was free. Decided to head home, eat lunch rest a bit then go gym. But was feeling tired. So stoned at home watching Naruto. Until Geoky came back from her keyboard lesson and both of us went to eat Astons. The coffeeshop full of people, so we dabaoed. I had a Double-Up chicken again and Again eat until very full. I swear that's the last time I am eating that when I eat from neighbourhood type Astons. But I must admit, stomach didnt growl at night.
Today I woke up at the ungodly time of 7am. Partly is body clock, partly is need to pee. Made myself go back to sleep, woke up at 9.45am and went out to dabao breakfast. I wanted to eat the Gado-gado which is potato, egg, longton rice, veg in a lot of sweeter satay sauce. Its only available on weekend. Last week, I dabaoed it for the first time, but an extra pack for mom and dad to eat. Dad kept saying how the Muar Version called "Satay Mee" is nicer. Duh... This is Singapore and this is not even meant to be eaten in Mee form. I must admit the Satay Mee from Muar is really delicious and not something that I ever tasted in Singapore before. This Gado-gado comes a bit close.
So I dabaoed a pack of Gado-gado but changed the longtong rice to yellow noodles for my Dad, so that its closer to the Satay Mee he like. I ate the normal form, reminding myself that I shouldnt compare cos they are meant to be different. He didnt complain so much this time. So that's both our brunch. For just $2.50, the amount is really very filling and lasting also.
Then I went online to play some Facebook games, stone. Until 4.30pm where I resolutely pushed myself to change and head to the gym. Its more empty, so did my usual workout. Felt a bit weaker... maybe cos have cca this week but nevermind.
Tomorrow my first gym session of another new week. Just living each day and week at a time until its time to have a good break. 5 weeks more to go. Dont intend nor want to fall ill anytime. Hope the weather can cooperate and I try to cover up.
Well, I did mention that I got 3 extra periods added. Then on Friday, I got another period added to make it a 5-periods day. Its very mentally taxing cos out of a day of 6 periods, its almost the whole day. Plus due to event, ate in. Though I must admit, I quite enjoy that lunchtime concert performance by students. The talent is there.
But it meant that by the end of my work day, I was mentally very tired. I went home as per normal, decided to have a nap to recover a bit. But when I woke up at 6.30pm due to the alarm, I decided to 'white-flag' and slept on until near 8pm. Then went downstairs to eat dinner of dark yellow chinese noodles Zi Char style. My mom went back to her hometown and also heading to Genting with her friend, so have to settle my own meals. No problem with that esp living in Sg.
Sat, was informed that guitar lesson was cancelled and thus after assignment, I was free. Decided to head home, eat lunch rest a bit then go gym. But was feeling tired. So stoned at home watching Naruto. Until Geoky came back from her keyboard lesson and both of us went to eat Astons. The coffeeshop full of people, so we dabaoed. I had a Double-Up chicken again and Again eat until very full. I swear that's the last time I am eating that when I eat from neighbourhood type Astons. But I must admit, stomach didnt growl at night.
Today I woke up at the ungodly time of 7am. Partly is body clock, partly is need to pee. Made myself go back to sleep, woke up at 9.45am and went out to dabao breakfast. I wanted to eat the Gado-gado which is potato, egg, longton rice, veg in a lot of sweeter satay sauce. Its only available on weekend. Last week, I dabaoed it for the first time, but an extra pack for mom and dad to eat. Dad kept saying how the Muar Version called "Satay Mee" is nicer. Duh... This is Singapore and this is not even meant to be eaten in Mee form. I must admit the Satay Mee from Muar is really delicious and not something that I ever tasted in Singapore before. This Gado-gado comes a bit close.
So I dabaoed a pack of Gado-gado but changed the longtong rice to yellow noodles for my Dad, so that its closer to the Satay Mee he like. I ate the normal form, reminding myself that I shouldnt compare cos they are meant to be different. He didnt complain so much this time. So that's both our brunch. For just $2.50, the amount is really very filling and lasting also.
Then I went online to play some Facebook games, stone. Until 4.30pm where I resolutely pushed myself to change and head to the gym. Its more empty, so did my usual workout. Felt a bit weaker... maybe cos have cca this week but nevermind.
Tomorrow my first gym session of another new week. Just living each day and week at a time until its time to have a good break. 5 weeks more to go. Dont intend nor want to fall ill anytime. Hope the weather can cooperate and I try to cover up.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Khaki-less weekend but TGIF!!!
Today the day started a bit sickeningly wet. The cold in the morning is threatening to trigger my problem again. I wrapped up in jacket while going about the morning routine and then drank cough mixture as a precaution. Today got to dabao in cos of some event during lunch. Dunno if we could just walk out for lunch in plain view of everyone. Then the heavy rain, so it meant lucky dabao so no need to walk out to eat in the rain. But still a reduced lunch hour to 20mins really takes the only "fun" out of the workday. Think eating lunch outside of workplace is the part I look forward to mostly in a workday. Its the time away from work, the change of scenary, the 'time-out' that I value. Eating in, meant none of those. Next 2 weeks, I have to eat in at least 2 days. Must treasure the time-out.
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Cos I was feeling a bit guilty that I still cant remember my own class's students' names so I brought the seating plan up with me to the class I was assisting. When the whole period, I had nothing to do but stand and walk around in class, I started looking at the names and mumbling to myself, trying to match faces to names. Cos for some students, I can remember surnames, some only the namess. To be fair, I shall memorise the surnames. Today with the same partner, so guess I am going to revise and memorise more. Hope to finish then and remember those names. That's all that I am going to do. I got extra 3 periods added into this week to make my week 20hrs of lessons instead of 17hrs due to swapping of periods here and there due to events. Lagi lugi... but at least I am not the main teacher again... So today is quite heavy at 5hrs so I am going to do anything else like prepare for next week's lesson until next monday or when I have gathered enough rest first.
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Khakis going to Malacca for a break. For some, its to change the luck hopefully, for others, its the last few things to do before the new work term starts. I am still working until the end of July when the term break would finally start... Feel like I am in a marathon at times.
Can the stock market rally up more? Then lesser "stress" from reduced income. Incidentally income tax for last year of assessment came. I still got to pay income tax despite only working slightly more than 7 months and pro-rated into early August. That's about $190, cos still hit slightly past the $30k mark for last year's income. Still working on my $30k share market target.
At times this week, feel a bit more tired than usual from assignments. Was tempted to cancel but actually no reason to do so. Also its a certain commitment and obligation since I've agreed to it. So managed to survive through. Glad for some time to hibernate at home. My driving is not happening yet. Kept cancelling the driving lessons and havent booked the test. I still have about 6-7 lessons to go through before I can sit for the test. Its hard to drag myself out on Sunday, when the most I wanted to do is to sleep and stay at home, do something less taxing like slack or gym than driving. And also havent touched the guitar though I have been trying to go through the theory in my mind. Now doing changing key and doing it once you see the chords in the C key, auto find the correct chord in the E key... Err. If there's a guitar at workplace, can play during free time but dont want to draw too much attention to myself so not doing that. Tempted but no.
Guess I will feel slightly better when I go for gym later. Despite it all.
TGIF!!!
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Cos I was feeling a bit guilty that I still cant remember my own class's students' names so I brought the seating plan up with me to the class I was assisting. When the whole period, I had nothing to do but stand and walk around in class, I started looking at the names and mumbling to myself, trying to match faces to names. Cos for some students, I can remember surnames, some only the namess. To be fair, I shall memorise the surnames. Today with the same partner, so guess I am going to revise and memorise more. Hope to finish then and remember those names. That's all that I am going to do. I got extra 3 periods added into this week to make my week 20hrs of lessons instead of 17hrs due to swapping of periods here and there due to events. Lagi lugi... but at least I am not the main teacher again... So today is quite heavy at 5hrs so I am going to do anything else like prepare for next week's lesson until next monday or when I have gathered enough rest first.
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Khakis going to Malacca for a break. For some, its to change the luck hopefully, for others, its the last few things to do before the new work term starts. I am still working until the end of July when the term break would finally start... Feel like I am in a marathon at times.
Can the stock market rally up more? Then lesser "stress" from reduced income. Incidentally income tax for last year of assessment came. I still got to pay income tax despite only working slightly more than 7 months and pro-rated into early August. That's about $190, cos still hit slightly past the $30k mark for last year's income. Still working on my $30k share market target.
At times this week, feel a bit more tired than usual from assignments. Was tempted to cancel but actually no reason to do so. Also its a certain commitment and obligation since I've agreed to it. So managed to survive through. Glad for some time to hibernate at home. My driving is not happening yet. Kept cancelling the driving lessons and havent booked the test. I still have about 6-7 lessons to go through before I can sit for the test. Its hard to drag myself out on Sunday, when the most I wanted to do is to sleep and stay at home, do something less taxing like slack or gym than driving. And also havent touched the guitar though I have been trying to go through the theory in my mind. Now doing changing key and doing it once you see the chords in the C key, auto find the correct chord in the E key... Err. If there's a guitar at workplace, can play during free time but dont want to draw too much attention to myself so not doing that. Tempted but no.
Guess I will feel slightly better when I go for gym later. Despite it all.
TGIF!!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Kani Dance
Tab wanted to soak in the whole disco party atmosphere before the term started for her. That meant I relented and we headed to Clark Quay area after Jap class, to eat at Nectarie, the strudel and tea.
So we did. We walked from Raffles City mrt and walked past the Clark Quay touts, passed many football screenings and on the way, there's this "happening" underpass. It has flashing disco lights. Cos just before we walked right into the disco underpass, the conversation topic was about crabs, the Indo style crabs that Tab ate recently.
Then once we entered, Tab started her "Kani Dance", dui dui, to the left, to the right, open and close the pincers. Well I did join in and told her she should do that the next time she goes to the disco. We 'reverted' back to normal once we stepped out of that underpass.
I still ordered a Red Wine Pear strudel and Strawberry cream tea. Its been quite a long while since we've been there. The last time was once just after AnD's wedding where she and Tab agreed to go clubbing after Jap class. I cant remember the date. Then we talked and talked about some stuff, work, looks, money, etc etc.
Tab was nice enough to walk with me to my bus stop for a change. Usually I walk with her to the cab stand, then I walked to find my way home. So hopped on a 143 bus and sat on a long ride home. Really dozed off on the journey. Woke up twice to check location. First time, near Haw Par Villa area. The next time I did, its just nice at my stop. Lucky.
Reached home and my dad has gone back to Msia. Mom and sisters are not asleep yet. They were up to near 1am. I did fall asleep very quickly once I put in the Naruto dvd and let it play out, very low volume. By the time I woke up to switch it off and due to being cold, its already 6.15am. Went back to sleep until the alarm rang at 7am.
Its off to work but still feeling sleepy or tired. I think partly is the not-used to have to work so many weeks in a row. The usual was 10 weeks per term. I am going to be stretched to about 17-18 weeks, into the 12th one now. Missing the holidays already. I've never looked so forward to the month of August until now. Also cos in the month of June and July, there's no public holiday at all. The next one is in August but that's already term break. Quite a punishing schedule. I think I've already set a personal record of sorts by not falling ill enough to warrant an mc in a span of 12 continous weeks. Just living each day at a time and looking forward to the weekend.
P.S: I did weigh myself and found weight went to 67.5kg... extra 0.5kg maybe from the 'better' food eaten... K time to monitor what I eat daily and also need to do extra exercise since kakis are heading to Malacca. So that meant most likely Friday adn Sat go to the gym. Then can rest on Sunday. That would make 3 times gym. After gym can just go home and hibernate to catch up on sleep. So not too bad I guess.
So we did. We walked from Raffles City mrt and walked past the Clark Quay touts, passed many football screenings and on the way, there's this "happening" underpass. It has flashing disco lights. Cos just before we walked right into the disco underpass, the conversation topic was about crabs, the Indo style crabs that Tab ate recently.
Then once we entered, Tab started her "Kani Dance", dui dui, to the left, to the right, open and close the pincers. Well I did join in and told her she should do that the next time she goes to the disco. We 'reverted' back to normal once we stepped out of that underpass.
I still ordered a Red Wine Pear strudel and Strawberry cream tea. Its been quite a long while since we've been there. The last time was once just after AnD's wedding where she and Tab agreed to go clubbing after Jap class. I cant remember the date. Then we talked and talked about some stuff, work, looks, money, etc etc.
Tab was nice enough to walk with me to my bus stop for a change. Usually I walk with her to the cab stand, then I walked to find my way home. So hopped on a 143 bus and sat on a long ride home. Really dozed off on the journey. Woke up twice to check location. First time, near Haw Par Villa area. The next time I did, its just nice at my stop. Lucky.
Reached home and my dad has gone back to Msia. Mom and sisters are not asleep yet. They were up to near 1am. I did fall asleep very quickly once I put in the Naruto dvd and let it play out, very low volume. By the time I woke up to switch it off and due to being cold, its already 6.15am. Went back to sleep until the alarm rang at 7am.
Its off to work but still feeling sleepy or tired. I think partly is the not-used to have to work so many weeks in a row. The usual was 10 weeks per term. I am going to be stretched to about 17-18 weeks, into the 12th one now. Missing the holidays already. I've never looked so forward to the month of August until now. Also cos in the month of June and July, there's no public holiday at all. The next one is in August but that's already term break. Quite a punishing schedule. I think I've already set a personal record of sorts by not falling ill enough to warrant an mc in a span of 12 continous weeks. Just living each day at a time and looking forward to the weekend.
P.S: I did weigh myself and found weight went to 67.5kg... extra 0.5kg maybe from the 'better' food eaten... K time to monitor what I eat daily and also need to do extra exercise since kakis are heading to Malacca. So that meant most likely Friday adn Sat go to the gym. Then can rest on Sunday. That would make 3 times gym. After gym can just go home and hibernate to catch up on sleep. So not too bad I guess.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Another day in 'Paradise'
Today being the day I am the sole teacher, then got misadventure. Classroom has no lights nor aircon. Ran down to get repair crew to rectify. Next is another class the room key is missing. Then had to combine classes and I taught. Not easy to maintain when some are out-right too lazy to participate. Also have to keep raising my voice for the boys from the other class who are quite bo chap. The next class went quite alright but a couple didnt participate as in didnt even raise their mechanical pencil? Dunno is lost in translation or just downright cant be bothered. The last class is also combined but didnt really do much with them. My collegue took over.
Next week hopefully, dont have to combine... not that easy to manage with a bigger class size. Also up until now, still cant remember all the names yet. Some I remember the surname, some I remember the name... so hard for me.
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Stock market is like not chionging up, staying around there, maybe due to profit taking. Hope it will rise more. This week I will take special care to monitor. Wanna sell off some when the price is right.
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Today is another cleaning duty supervision. Dont know why, but I kept ending up having to dirty my own hands. Esp got those who know how to 'chao keng', so when they see, I help them do a little bit, they will do with some coaxing. Not perfectly, but I am not asking for much. Just do a decent job will do. Then now I am back to stoning infront of the laptop. Havent been doing that much of stoning cos of time spent online looking for lesson materials or even games to play.
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Tonight is Jap class. Should be coming to an end soon.
Hope the jap school holidays come faster. The first term is soooooo loooonnnnnngggggg. My body which is tuned to local calendar is reaching the limit in terms of falling sick. I have been working without mc for 12 weeks. Students had lessons for 11 weeks cos 1 week was during the 'school holidays' but I had to report for work and did stuff like moving tables and chairs, helping to allocate subject books etc etc.
There's still 5 more weeks after this week to go before the term ends. Its damn long. 16 weeks for students, 17-18 weeks for staff. They really have good endurance for such long a long term. My body is starting to like showing signs of slowing down, badly needed a rest. I will try to manage and rest as much as I can especially on weekends.
Now I have free time up until I knock off. Its a pity not to try to do something work-related but its just too much jin sheng taken up by the lessons, on top of the duty, and short lunch. Phew... go to walk around and hide a bit. The staffroom is just too open at the moment.
Next week hopefully, dont have to combine... not that easy to manage with a bigger class size. Also up until now, still cant remember all the names yet. Some I remember the surname, some I remember the name... so hard for me.
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Stock market is like not chionging up, staying around there, maybe due to profit taking. Hope it will rise more. This week I will take special care to monitor. Wanna sell off some when the price is right.
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Today is another cleaning duty supervision. Dont know why, but I kept ending up having to dirty my own hands. Esp got those who know how to 'chao keng', so when they see, I help them do a little bit, they will do with some coaxing. Not perfectly, but I am not asking for much. Just do a decent job will do. Then now I am back to stoning infront of the laptop. Havent been doing that much of stoning cos of time spent online looking for lesson materials or even games to play.
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Tonight is Jap class. Should be coming to an end soon.
Hope the jap school holidays come faster. The first term is soooooo loooonnnnnngggggg. My body which is tuned to local calendar is reaching the limit in terms of falling sick. I have been working without mc for 12 weeks. Students had lessons for 11 weeks cos 1 week was during the 'school holidays' but I had to report for work and did stuff like moving tables and chairs, helping to allocate subject books etc etc.
There's still 5 more weeks after this week to go before the term ends. Its damn long. 16 weeks for students, 17-18 weeks for staff. They really have good endurance for such long a long term. My body is starting to like showing signs of slowing down, badly needed a rest. I will try to manage and rest as much as I can especially on weekends.
Now I have free time up until I knock off. Its a pity not to try to do something work-related but its just too much jin sheng taken up by the lessons, on top of the duty, and short lunch. Phew... go to walk around and hide a bit. The staffroom is just too open at the moment.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Feeling a bit lethargic but stocks are moving up!
Hmm... my typical problem is acting up a bit... due to the funny weather. Its too hot at night that I have to blow the fan in order to sleep. Then wake up feeling cold. Switch off then continue to sleep some more. But morning is quite chilly. Hopefully dont have the rain-sun-rain-sun. I have been taking precaution by wrapping up in jacket and drinking some cough syrup and if something like a slight headache is forming, took a panadol. But just wish for another weekend to come quickly.
I actually spent the whole Sunday at home. Instead of going to gym, I just felt quite tired so stone on bed, watching Naruto anime. Geoky looked at me from the doorway and kept shaking her head when I told her I was quite tired and also partly feeling lazy...
I didnt laze off today though. Really had to resolved myself to go and was so sleepy today, its been a rather hectic day. I did go to gym though that meant, last week, I only went once. Nevermind, this week watch my diet a bit more closely and make sure I go for second time. Ya I feel guilty about the weekend indulgences, that included Astons chicken, Seafood Nabe, Ice cream, also Sunday ate Gado Gado, my konkyaku jelly and even Magee mee.
Just feeling the grouse of work, the same issues. And I am not the only one. The other is feeling it more comparatively cos of the language. Well I still hope to continue before signing up for the JET cos I wanna top up my diminished reserve back to $30k.
The good news is that Stock market has started going up!!! So that means, IF it can go up more, I can start selling some lots on hand and make more money. Can only keep fingers crossed that no other financial blunders that trigger the stock market to fall.
I actually spent the whole Sunday at home. Instead of going to gym, I just felt quite tired so stone on bed, watching Naruto anime. Geoky looked at me from the doorway and kept shaking her head when I told her I was quite tired and also partly feeling lazy...
I didnt laze off today though. Really had to resolved myself to go and was so sleepy today, its been a rather hectic day. I did go to gym though that meant, last week, I only went once. Nevermind, this week watch my diet a bit more closely and make sure I go for second time. Ya I feel guilty about the weekend indulgences, that included Astons chicken, Seafood Nabe, Ice cream, also Sunday ate Gado Gado, my konkyaku jelly and even Magee mee.
Just feeling the grouse of work, the same issues. And I am not the only one. The other is feeling it more comparatively cos of the language. Well I still hope to continue before signing up for the JET cos I wanna top up my diminished reserve back to $30k.
The good news is that Stock market has started going up!!! So that means, IF it can go up more, I can start selling some lots on hand and make more money. Can only keep fingers crossed that no other financial blunders that trigger the stock market to fall.
Friday, June 18, 2010
A sian day but made konnyaku
Quite sian a bit more than usual cos of certain hostile/bo hiu attitudes encountered with a few students. Don't know what I ever did to offend or just don't like the face, or the fact that I ain't one of them hence the whole big ego and they-better-than-us attitude. Not sure the exact but it seems I ain't the only one encountering this. When talked with the other local collegues, it happens to them too. So I will have to live with it though such attitudes irks us alot.
Plus the whole thing about our job responsibities cropped up again when one mgt popped in un-announced into the sec 3 class where I was at with the main teacher and saw how I only helped out in their recitation, general poor attitudes of the students in the class, it's really those students cos I have worked with that teacher in her other classes and she does a good job. So that mgt guy spoke with her for 1-2 hours at length and many a times mention me. Basically my local collegue and I actally asked our subject head for a clarification of our roles and duties shortly a few weeks after we started. Until now, still don't hear much. We really dislike them on the actual day then even 5 mins b4 then ask for a talking activities to do. Stressful cos last min also nothing unless u r asking for time-killers. So see how things play out. If you don't clarify, how do both parties know how to help each other??? I really should apply for that JET programme once registration opens.
Other than that the weather was one min hot then humid and cold then hot, triggered my problem again plus cramps so more stoned. Also this week's not been easy so quite tired already. I used a bit of my free period to make konnyaku lychee jelly. I know the theory from asking my mom quite a few times, so today did actual practical. Basically is dissolve the powder into water, then add in the lychee syrup and then put lychee into the moulds and pour in mixture, let it set in the fridge once it's cooler, then when solidified, dig out and serve. Taste good, though not as sweet or as chewy as my mom's version. It's a good 1st time. Give myself 8/10. Put into containers to bring home and lots of extra left on a plate for collegues. Dunno if they will finish? I wasn't feeling too well so didn't stay on longer, though I did stay extra time to settle the jelly and also watch collegue make a big brownie cake with her young boy for the up-coming Father's Day. Also helped to wash up. So didn't feel too good to head out for dinner and long night out. The cramps and feling of sickness so decided to head home and stay in bed. Using I-Touch to blog and stomach full of jelly, also queasy from menses, so ultimate sian way to have a Friday... I should so just have some hot soupy mee and then hibernate but my brain is active and I am rather alert...
Plus the whole thing about our job responsibities cropped up again when one mgt popped in un-announced into the sec 3 class where I was at with the main teacher and saw how I only helped out in their recitation, general poor attitudes of the students in the class, it's really those students cos I have worked with that teacher in her other classes and she does a good job. So that mgt guy spoke with her for 1-2 hours at length and many a times mention me. Basically my local collegue and I actally asked our subject head for a clarification of our roles and duties shortly a few weeks after we started. Until now, still don't hear much. We really dislike them on the actual day then even 5 mins b4 then ask for a talking activities to do. Stressful cos last min also nothing unless u r asking for time-killers. So see how things play out. If you don't clarify, how do both parties know how to help each other??? I really should apply for that JET programme once registration opens.
Other than that the weather was one min hot then humid and cold then hot, triggered my problem again plus cramps so more stoned. Also this week's not been easy so quite tired already. I used a bit of my free period to make konnyaku lychee jelly. I know the theory from asking my mom quite a few times, so today did actual practical. Basically is dissolve the powder into water, then add in the lychee syrup and then put lychee into the moulds and pour in mixture, let it set in the fridge once it's cooler, then when solidified, dig out and serve. Taste good, though not as sweet or as chewy as my mom's version. It's a good 1st time. Give myself 8/10. Put into containers to bring home and lots of extra left on a plate for collegues. Dunno if they will finish? I wasn't feeling too well so didn't stay on longer, though I did stay extra time to settle the jelly and also watch collegue make a big brownie cake with her young boy for the up-coming Father's Day. Also helped to wash up. So didn't feel too good to head out for dinner and long night out. The cramps and feling of sickness so decided to head home and stay in bed. Using I-Touch to blog and stomach full of jelly, also queasy from menses, so ultimate sian way to have a Friday... I should so just have some hot soupy mee and then hibernate but my brain is active and I am rather alert...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
JET programme and its relevency to me
Had another rather tiring day, cos local collegue is not feeling well (the trouble with being a woman), so seeing how she's so in pain and pale. We decided to combine classes. So I was the main, she's helping out when she can. For the Sec 3, a bit of problem cos the boys started talking amongst themselves and dont really do the activity. But after I made rounds and guided them and watch them continue, at least they tried the activity once. The Sec 1 were easier to teach, cos they were cooperative and did the game and also the worksheet. So both of us did a small dolch list test to see their knowledge of common words. By the 3rd period, my collegue felt well enough to conduct her own, so she did. So finished up the Sec 2 without too much trouble or having to raise my voice. But just meant I am rather stoned.
Today is "Duan Wu Jie" or Dragon Boat Festival. So I did dabao a meat dumpling to eat-in. That was what my mom was steaming in the morning. Then also ate a cup noodle, managed to finish most of it and then went to do weekly cleaning supervision. After that, I came back and drank most of the soup and some remaining noodles from the meal and now am stoning.
Did check out the JET programme. Its the exact programme for my current working position. In fact, I think I can definitely learn more from seeing how the system works over there. Hmm a minimum of 1 year teaching stint in Japan as my current position, sounds pretty good. The pay is very good too. $3.6 Mil Yen after Taxes, which is equivalent to SGD$4.55k per month. I looked through the criteria, and think I definitely can match. The only thing is to submit and pass the interview. That I would have to call the local embassy and find out about the exact timeline for the next batch of selection. Dont mind going there, really. I am pretty much quite independent, but its mostly the lonliness factor going there alone and meeting/making transient friends.
But what is not transient? Friendship in workplace only lasts as long as work hours. After work hours, each leads different lives. When you leave or some leave, it ends. Personal friendship lasts longer but as one grows older, really have lesser and lesser friends. Also when friends get married, they have to lead their own lives too. So lasting friendship is hard to find and seemingly hard to maintain as the years go by.
Just have to see how things goes for the next few months. When the application starts, can try my luck and see where shall it lead me to?
To the land of the Cherry Blossom maybe?
Today is "Duan Wu Jie" or Dragon Boat Festival. So I did dabao a meat dumpling to eat-in. That was what my mom was steaming in the morning. Then also ate a cup noodle, managed to finish most of it and then went to do weekly cleaning supervision. After that, I came back and drank most of the soup and some remaining noodles from the meal and now am stoning.
Did check out the JET programme. Its the exact programme for my current working position. In fact, I think I can definitely learn more from seeing how the system works over there. Hmm a minimum of 1 year teaching stint in Japan as my current position, sounds pretty good. The pay is very good too. $3.6 Mil Yen after Taxes, which is equivalent to SGD$4.55k per month. I looked through the criteria, and think I definitely can match. The only thing is to submit and pass the interview. That I would have to call the local embassy and find out about the exact timeline for the next batch of selection. Dont mind going there, really. I am pretty much quite independent, but its mostly the lonliness factor going there alone and meeting/making transient friends.
But what is not transient? Friendship in workplace only lasts as long as work hours. After work hours, each leads different lives. When you leave or some leave, it ends. Personal friendship lasts longer but as one grows older, really have lesser and lesser friends. Also when friends get married, they have to lead their own lives too. So lasting friendship is hard to find and seemingly hard to maintain as the years go by.
Just have to see how things goes for the next few months. When the application starts, can try my luck and see where shall it lead me to?
To the land of the Cherry Blossom maybe?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wanna Go Home Soon / Personal Pantry
5 more minutes until the second class for today. Today is lighter a bit cos 3 periods but cos yesterday I had an intensive day of 5 periods, so felt quite tired. Also I spent 1 period preparing out the activity for tomorrow's lesson, so quite stoned at the moment. The bell has just rung, I have 5 more minutes before I have to head up.
Today I plan to take it a bit easier cos just only into the second day of the week and I am already quite tired??? Maybe its to do with yesterday's gym session too. Maybe just feeling the effects. Today have cca also... see how. Postponed assignment to go home and practice guitar but maybe for up to an hour before fingers pain. Hmm go out also dont have anything in mind.
Local collegue is considering ordering in fast food delivery cos she doesnt feel well to walk out and also it was raining earlier.
__________________________________
I went for class and came down to a Soccer KFC, Ole Ole Meal. Its very very filling. A full size Zinger with a piece of chicken plus Potatoe mash and a can of Pepsi. Really worth the value, $6.80 - add $1.50
We ate and the rest of the collegues look on, dunno in envy or shaking head inside??? LOL, I am too hungry to care. Finished up all except the Pepsi. Now I am washing down with Oolong Tea. Later have to make sure I do the cca and most likely run with them??? Dunno about stamina this week but feeling a bit fat. Maybe cos I know that I am still trying to get rid/balance out the amount of eating done last week.
Now I have a free period. Just spent some getting ready for tomorrow. Then really feel like stoning. BUT sometime dunno what to do with the free time on hand. Also the workplace dont really have any place to "hide-out" and sleep or anything. Cos during the 10min breaks for every lesson, there are students walking all around the place. Only thing I can think of is to get an empty room and hide inside.... Havent done that yet. So far, I've been just sitting at my table, which by the way, the entire staff office is an open-concept, no barriers between each table. All lined up and with someone facing you, classified by the level. At least I am grateful that in my row, there's only 3 of us sitting and I have no immediate neighbhours on the left and right. Only the other local collegue sitting facing me on her own table. Think I shall just stone some more and think of more blog entries, but then again many things like stocks, driving and FB can be completed in mere minutes...
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This morning due to the very heavy rain, my pants were mostly drenched and my feet were soaking wet. Wearing other pair of shoes without socks cos socks wet, no extra. Luckily today is cca day so brought another pair of pants. Think I need to put one pair of pants here and maybe 1-2 pairs of socks. The shirts that I ordered came but even a SMALL size is a bit too long for me... esp on the sleeves. Nevermind, I ordered 5 so am going to be wearing over-sized dry-fit shirts during cca timing. Socks still wet, pants too. Dry so slow in air-con???
Yesterday after gym workout, I went to NTUC to buy some grocery to stock up at workplace. Cos the current supply of cans of Coke Zero/Green Tea and supply of Curry Flavour Instant cup noodles are running low. So yesterday I bought more instant noodles, got curry, seafood, chicken and those are small cup noodles. The medium-sized ones Mee Soto and Abalone Chicken flavour. And the BIG ones in Kimchi, Seafood and Chicken flavour. The surprising thing is that a small cup noodle cost $0.95 but a large cup noodle only cost $1.38 and the size difference is quite big. I also bought 6pax cans of Green Tea, Coke Zero and Gui Hua Tea. Just that today's rain was too strong for me to consider bringing both bags to work cos heavy and needed both hands. So I brought the lighter one and re-stocked our supplies. Tomorrow then bring the other heavier bag over. I must admit, its quite fun re-stocking our cupboard.
For the rest of the collegues, they have clothes, food, books in their cupboard, which is quite big, 1m x 70cm with 3 shelves. So far, we have used it to stock food. I did put in an ultra big umbrella and my badminton racket. The rest are food stuff. I got another small cupboard outside the staffroom and I've put a formal jacket, and the 5 shirts. So maybe put in extra change of pants, socks there. The Oolong tea tastes pretty good, I should bring a few more 1.5litre bottles and stock at work also.
So far in my shelf in the cupboard, I have Meiji plain biscuits, 2 packs of corn caramel tidbit, a couple of cans of Coke Zero, some leftover packs of sauce from the few delivery eat-in, more than 10 cup noodles, a pack of disposable spoons and chopsticks, 2 packs of Hershey's chocolate. I havent even eaten one chocolate yet, though I did open a pack and offered 2/3 of it to collegues by putting on the common table with a note "Eat Please". Its gone by the end of the day, just show how much they do like chocolate, especially Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses. The other I bought is a Hershey's Special Dark chocolate mix, with sweet chocolate, with peanuts, with rice crisp. Just cut it open and going to sample it a bit. And that's my shelf only.
The other 2 local collegues each are stocking one shelf, with mostly tibits eg Wang Wang, Taokaenoi Seaweed, packs of chips and more. But those I dont really eat cos its easy for me to suffer from "heatiness" in Chinese or too much of such stuff would make me feel extremely thirsty and body is like water-depraved for too long. Hence I avoid snacking as much as I can. Museli bars and crackers and occasional chocolate are alright.
Another 20mins more to last lesson and then later shortly after is cca. Guess I am a bit sleepy and wish to sleep, yet when I reach home, I dont really do it.
Today I plan to take it a bit easier cos just only into the second day of the week and I am already quite tired??? Maybe its to do with yesterday's gym session too. Maybe just feeling the effects. Today have cca also... see how. Postponed assignment to go home and practice guitar but maybe for up to an hour before fingers pain. Hmm go out also dont have anything in mind.
Local collegue is considering ordering in fast food delivery cos she doesnt feel well to walk out and also it was raining earlier.
__________________________________
I went for class and came down to a Soccer KFC, Ole Ole Meal. Its very very filling. A full size Zinger with a piece of chicken plus Potatoe mash and a can of Pepsi. Really worth the value, $6.80 - add $1.50
We ate and the rest of the collegues look on, dunno in envy or shaking head inside??? LOL, I am too hungry to care. Finished up all except the Pepsi. Now I am washing down with Oolong Tea. Later have to make sure I do the cca and most likely run with them??? Dunno about stamina this week but feeling a bit fat. Maybe cos I know that I am still trying to get rid/balance out the amount of eating done last week.
Now I have a free period. Just spent some getting ready for tomorrow. Then really feel like stoning. BUT sometime dunno what to do with the free time on hand. Also the workplace dont really have any place to "hide-out" and sleep or anything. Cos during the 10min breaks for every lesson, there are students walking all around the place. Only thing I can think of is to get an empty room and hide inside.... Havent done that yet. So far, I've been just sitting at my table, which by the way, the entire staff office is an open-concept, no barriers between each table. All lined up and with someone facing you, classified by the level. At least I am grateful that in my row, there's only 3 of us sitting and I have no immediate neighbhours on the left and right. Only the other local collegue sitting facing me on her own table. Think I shall just stone some more and think of more blog entries, but then again many things like stocks, driving and FB can be completed in mere minutes...
__________________________________
This morning due to the very heavy rain, my pants were mostly drenched and my feet were soaking wet. Wearing other pair of shoes without socks cos socks wet, no extra. Luckily today is cca day so brought another pair of pants. Think I need to put one pair of pants here and maybe 1-2 pairs of socks. The shirts that I ordered came but even a SMALL size is a bit too long for me... esp on the sleeves. Nevermind, I ordered 5 so am going to be wearing over-sized dry-fit shirts during cca timing. Socks still wet, pants too. Dry so slow in air-con???
Yesterday after gym workout, I went to NTUC to buy some grocery to stock up at workplace. Cos the current supply of cans of Coke Zero/Green Tea and supply of Curry Flavour Instant cup noodles are running low. So yesterday I bought more instant noodles, got curry, seafood, chicken and those are small cup noodles. The medium-sized ones Mee Soto and Abalone Chicken flavour. And the BIG ones in Kimchi, Seafood and Chicken flavour. The surprising thing is that a small cup noodle cost $0.95 but a large cup noodle only cost $1.38 and the size difference is quite big. I also bought 6pax cans of Green Tea, Coke Zero and Gui Hua Tea. Just that today's rain was too strong for me to consider bringing both bags to work cos heavy and needed both hands. So I brought the lighter one and re-stocked our supplies. Tomorrow then bring the other heavier bag over. I must admit, its quite fun re-stocking our cupboard.
For the rest of the collegues, they have clothes, food, books in their cupboard, which is quite big, 1m x 70cm with 3 shelves. So far, we have used it to stock food. I did put in an ultra big umbrella and my badminton racket. The rest are food stuff. I got another small cupboard outside the staffroom and I've put a formal jacket, and the 5 shirts. So maybe put in extra change of pants, socks there. The Oolong tea tastes pretty good, I should bring a few more 1.5litre bottles and stock at work also.
So far in my shelf in the cupboard, I have Meiji plain biscuits, 2 packs of corn caramel tidbit, a couple of cans of Coke Zero, some leftover packs of sauce from the few delivery eat-in, more than 10 cup noodles, a pack of disposable spoons and chopsticks, 2 packs of Hershey's chocolate. I havent even eaten one chocolate yet, though I did open a pack and offered 2/3 of it to collegues by putting on the common table with a note "Eat Please". Its gone by the end of the day, just show how much they do like chocolate, especially Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses. The other I bought is a Hershey's Special Dark chocolate mix, with sweet chocolate, with peanuts, with rice crisp. Just cut it open and going to sample it a bit. And that's my shelf only.
The other 2 local collegues each are stocking one shelf, with mostly tibits eg Wang Wang, Taokaenoi Seaweed, packs of chips and more. But those I dont really eat cos its easy for me to suffer from "heatiness" in Chinese or too much of such stuff would make me feel extremely thirsty and body is like water-depraved for too long. Hence I avoid snacking as much as I can. Museli bars and crackers and occasional chocolate are alright.
Another 20mins more to last lesson and then later shortly after is cca. Guess I am a bit sleepy and wish to sleep, yet when I reach home, I dont really do it.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Past Blog Headings (all 7 of them)
The First one of ALL
Taking the plunge into the employment mkt 'jungle'. The woes of getting lost in the endeavor. Out from the frying pan n into the fire.... THIS is the story of a gal's simple search for a job. From grad to monkey, from Monkey Hellbound with peanuts to Internal Bleeding... what more jokes does Fate or the God of Jobs have in stall for her? Will she live happily ever after.... can she... will she? Read on
The Second to mark them all
Its been a year since our Heroine first attempted to survive in the wild employment jungle, she did albeit the scars and small peanuts. Fate has it that she has to continue. Will it be another Monkey Reloaded? or a Happily Ever After. Who knows...
The Third to lead the pack
Its out of one bond and into another, out of the frying pan and into the fire. From one jungle to another, the peanut has gotten a bit bigger but the work is still crappy. Like all heroes, this heroine is searching for the path out, its been 2years in the more Civilized jungle. Lets see whats in-store....
The Fourth in the midst
Its changing the pot but not the soup. Its replacing a bond with another. Its been 32long months since the Heroine has swung into the Civilised Jungle in search of sunflower seeds (since peanut is 1m) The chains of the bond is just 2yrs more... until then the Heroine is free to swing elsewhere or make a choice to stay.
The Fifth deviates from the path
Things have now taken a 180 degree turn. Perspectives are greying, things are getting stale. This Saru is still chained for 1 year. The Civilised Jungle is also not as attractive as the Outside Jungle. Is there another path leading to the ONE TRUE BANANA?
The Sixth promises the end
The Saru has aged whilst being chained, yet it continued to saw at its chains. The boat is rocking from the financial turmoil and uncertainties fill the air. Though the feeding bowl is made from Iron, over-abundance of crap makes the Saru long for escape. Can it break through the chains of servitude?
The Seventh to mark the endth?
The aged Saru has sawn through the chains of servitude. Years of putting away some sun-flower seeds has yielded the Saru a break in the cave. Which is the next path for the One True Peanut?
The Eighth, to mark a new era (above)
Taking the plunge into the employment mkt 'jungle'. The woes of getting lost in the endeavor. Out from the frying pan n into the fire.... THIS is the story of a gal's simple search for a job. From grad to monkey, from Monkey Hellbound with peanuts to Internal Bleeding... what more jokes does Fate or the God of Jobs have in stall for her? Will she live happily ever after.... can she... will she? Read on
The Second to mark them all
Its been a year since our Heroine first attempted to survive in the wild employment jungle, she did albeit the scars and small peanuts. Fate has it that she has to continue. Will it be another Monkey Reloaded? or a Happily Ever After. Who knows...
The Third to lead the pack
Its out of one bond and into another, out of the frying pan and into the fire. From one jungle to another, the peanut has gotten a bit bigger but the work is still crappy. Like all heroes, this heroine is searching for the path out, its been 2years in the more Civilized jungle. Lets see whats in-store....
The Fourth in the midst
Its changing the pot but not the soup. Its replacing a bond with another. Its been 32long months since the Heroine has swung into the Civilised Jungle in search of sunflower seeds (since peanut is 1m) The chains of the bond is just 2yrs more... until then the Heroine is free to swing elsewhere or make a choice to stay.
The Fifth deviates from the path
Things have now taken a 180 degree turn. Perspectives are greying, things are getting stale. This Saru is still chained for 1 year. The Civilised Jungle is also not as attractive as the Outside Jungle. Is there another path leading to the ONE TRUE BANANA?
The Sixth promises the end
The Saru has aged whilst being chained, yet it continued to saw at its chains. The boat is rocking from the financial turmoil and uncertainties fill the air. Though the feeding bowl is made from Iron, over-abundance of crap makes the Saru long for escape. Can it break through the chains of servitude?
The Seventh to mark the endth?
The aged Saru has sawn through the chains of servitude. Years of putting away some sun-flower seeds has yielded the Saru a break in the cave. Which is the next path for the One True Peanut?
The Eighth, to mark a new era (above)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Quiet Weekend
Today rushed down for guitar and was 1/2hr late cos left assignment late, missed bus then take mrt have to do 2 changes. Lagi tired when I arrived. Lucky draw pick and the song I am to do out of the 5 is "Love Me", the easiest but need to play closer to the song which is faster. The other for chord melody, I decided to choose "人质＂cos though there are easy chord melodies, I like this song more than the easy ones. Some might call it 不知量力" or "digging one's own grave" but I rather choose a song I like than one that I have no feeling for even if it's easy. K later better practice.
I headed to Po Mo to eat lunch and ate at the Korean food stall this time. The Korean non-spicy soup with rice set is nice. Cos the weather was rainy at my assignment area then freaking hot and sunny at guitar venue. Decided to eat something more filling instead of mee pok and soupy. Then took a bus home so that can get to sit down and rest, which is non-existent in bloody packed mrt nowadays. Feel more tired after a whole journey of keeping the balance, jostling with passengers moving around, boarding and unboarding, kids crying and mis-behaving cos it's the school holidays, loud conversations, lovers hugging and behaving intimately beside you though sometimes feel like puking... A long bus ride is just more simple sometimes. Really fell asleep on the bus and then woke up and got down. I was contemplating whether to go to gym around 6pm, cos no SMS of any meet-up. Had a deep sleep from 4.30 until I heard the alarm. Decided not to go cos still tired and felt a bit of aches from yesterday's workout. Think I shall just relax a bit more and just practice guitar.
Incidentally I was talking with another local collegue, to make it easier to understand, there's just 3 of us who are locals at least for the taching staff. She teach home Ed and I mentioned about alcohol. She said it's a no-no cos the calories for alcohol is almost equivalent to drinking the same amount in oil... Gross!! I knew that alcohol is laden with lots of calories but her comparison puts this into good perspective indeed. I shall re-consider the next time I decide to drink. So as little desserts and alcohol, also limit my lunch a bit.
This week been eating a bit too good lunch with other local collegue at West Coast Cafe. ate set and also curry fish head. No wonder by Fri I felt fat and guilty. Went to weigh myself at night, 67.8kg! Went to gym that evening. Then today and weighed myself after morning routine, 67.2kg. Phew, not much damage. Need to go gym 3rd time this week tomorrow and eat simplier meals for the weekends and next week. K more plain crackers and oolong tea.
Though weight loss has plateued but as mentioned, I didn't gain over a few days but over aperiod of 2 years so the same to be expected for the weight loss. I am actually fitter than several weeks ago. Why? Cos when I first ran around the school during cca, I could only finish one round and wanted to die. The 2nd time I tried a few weeks later, I could jog 2 rounds but time taken in 15-16mins region, also stopped to catch the breath. On my 3rd try this week, I actually finished 2 rounds in 13.15, and no stopping to catch breath. This wasn't yh best yet cos though I was more conscientious but still not serious enough to do dashes. So though weight loss is not there yet, think I can afford to be more patient and just continue with the routine dilligently, minimum twice and if like this weekend, where really nobody jio go out, go do more productive and go workout and practice guitar. Even sleep more.
I headed to Po Mo to eat lunch and ate at the Korean food stall this time. The Korean non-spicy soup with rice set is nice. Cos the weather was rainy at my assignment area then freaking hot and sunny at guitar venue. Decided to eat something more filling instead of mee pok and soupy. Then took a bus home so that can get to sit down and rest, which is non-existent in bloody packed mrt nowadays. Feel more tired after a whole journey of keeping the balance, jostling with passengers moving around, boarding and unboarding, kids crying and mis-behaving cos it's the school holidays, loud conversations, lovers hugging and behaving intimately beside you though sometimes feel like puking... A long bus ride is just more simple sometimes. Really fell asleep on the bus and then woke up and got down. I was contemplating whether to go to gym around 6pm, cos no SMS of any meet-up. Had a deep sleep from 4.30 until I heard the alarm. Decided not to go cos still tired and felt a bit of aches from yesterday's workout. Think I shall just relax a bit more and just practice guitar.
Incidentally I was talking with another local collegue, to make it easier to understand, there's just 3 of us who are locals at least for the taching staff. She teach home Ed and I mentioned about alcohol. She said it's a no-no cos the calories for alcohol is almost equivalent to drinking the same amount in oil... Gross!! I knew that alcohol is laden with lots of calories but her comparison puts this into good perspective indeed. I shall re-consider the next time I decide to drink. So as little desserts and alcohol, also limit my lunch a bit.
This week been eating a bit too good lunch with other local collegue at West Coast Cafe. ate set and also curry fish head. No wonder by Fri I felt fat and guilty. Went to weigh myself at night, 67.8kg! Went to gym that evening. Then today and weighed myself after morning routine, 67.2kg. Phew, not much damage. Need to go gym 3rd time this week tomorrow and eat simplier meals for the weekends and next week. K more plain crackers and oolong tea.
Though weight loss has plateued but as mentioned, I didn't gain over a few days but over aperiod of 2 years so the same to be expected for the weight loss. I am actually fitter than several weeks ago. Why? Cos when I first ran around the school during cca, I could only finish one round and wanted to die. The 2nd time I tried a few weeks later, I could jog 2 rounds but time taken in 15-16mins region, also stopped to catch the breath. On my 3rd try this week, I actually finished 2 rounds in 13.15, and no stopping to catch breath. This wasn't yh best yet cos though I was more conscientious but still not serious enough to do dashes. So though weight loss is not there yet, think I can afford to be more patient and just continue with the routine dilligently, minimum twice and if like this weekend, where really nobody jio go out, go do more productive and go workout and practice guitar. Even sleep more.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Graveyard cleaning
Today the whole school and staff had to travel to the Jap graveyard to do cleaning. Its a first, didnt know there's a jap grave yard. So I bought a change of clothes. We had to take the bus and it took abot 50mins of travelling, through areas like Clementi, Queenstown, Adam Rd, Bishan, Serangoon to finally Yio Chu Kang. I felt as though I have travelled half of Singapore by then.
Surprisingly the Jap graveyard is well-maintained and sits right in the midddle of a sprawling neighbourhood of private houses. So I followed the class I was assigned and also helped to pull weeds growing from the tombstones. Quite hard work, but as usual, there were students who did dilligently and those who didnt but fooled around. Hence the need for me to help out... Cos see some graves not tended to. At the end of if, then took another 45min ride back to workplace. We locals, cao geng a bit, headed out for earlier and longer lunch, but seen by quite a few jap teachers... err
Ate for the 2nd day in a row at West Coast Cafe, yesterday we ate the 2 person set. Today cos there's 3 of us, we ordered another 2 person set and the Curry Fish Head. Eat until very full indeed. Then I was dropped off cos I had lesson after lunch. Headed back and changed out of the clothes and just finished my lesson. A bit stoned. So far no sms for dinner. If nothing, just head home and rest after that go to gym. Think I have been eating too good food this week. Had Bawang Penyat, Prata, 2 days of West Coast Cafe. Really need an extra workout to help burn off.
Now really quite stoned. Not really thinking about things to get ready for next week. Err lemme chill a bit more first, then when I am ready, I will go and get those ready.
Surprisingly the Jap graveyard is well-maintained and sits right in the midddle of a sprawling neighbourhood of private houses. So I followed the class I was assigned and also helped to pull weeds growing from the tombstones. Quite hard work, but as usual, there were students who did dilligently and those who didnt but fooled around. Hence the need for me to help out... Cos see some graves not tended to. At the end of if, then took another 45min ride back to workplace. We locals, cao geng a bit, headed out for earlier and longer lunch, but seen by quite a few jap teachers... err
Ate for the 2nd day in a row at West Coast Cafe, yesterday we ate the 2 person set. Today cos there's 3 of us, we ordered another 2 person set and the Curry Fish Head. Eat until very full indeed. Then I was dropped off cos I had lesson after lunch. Headed back and changed out of the clothes and just finished my lesson. A bit stoned. So far no sms for dinner. If nothing, just head home and rest after that go to gym. Think I have been eating too good food this week. Had Bawang Penyat, Prata, 2 days of West Coast Cafe. Really need an extra workout to help burn off.
Now really quite stoned. Not really thinking about things to get ready for next week. Err lemme chill a bit more first, then when I am ready, I will go and get those ready.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Mid-week and its a bit too slow
Con'd from where I left off,
During the remaining free time I had, I just checked stocks, driving test slot and also FB and blogged. Then found out that there is a sort of "Local Training" for the teachers. It seems that they are allowed to leave at 3.30pm to go out to 'explore' Singapore and find anything in local culture that they want to learn about. Some are going to the mueseums, some going to bookstores??? Me, being very localized indeed, I was tempted to 'go explore my bed' but later a local collegue told me to be non-incriminatory by rephrasing into "Exploring the lack of sleep on young working mother" like hers for example.
Ok, so mine is to "Explore the effects of the lack of guitar practice on the upcoming guitar evaluation". I headed home and reached home near 4pm. Went straight to bed cos it was an intense day, felt tired. Slept and slept. Woke up briefly near 5.30-6pm but decided to skip Jap lesson cos rest and guitar is more important. So slept some more until 8.30pm plus and ate dinner. Then practiced guitar. Moved from 3rd to 4th song, practiced one song for chord melody and the current song we are doing. Later felt too energetic, couldnt sleep until 2am... Too much of sleep is also not good, it seems.
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Phew... I've gotten next Tuesday freed up cos asked assignment to postpone to the following week. So that on next Tuesday, I can have a free day to practice guitar... Last night, by the time I reached home, it was already near eleven. Then felt hungry inspite of eating dinner before, ate cup noodles with dishes. Had chillled Pear in Syrup too. Err that meant I couldnt sleep immediately. Tried to stay up a bit more for digestion but fell asleep about 1am...
Woke up, today is the day of the week, where I have to be the sole teacher of the class. Yesterday, me and other collegue rushed out a card game for the sec 2. Then she bought some small packs of smarties as reward for winning the game. Gave 1 to the winner of Bingo at Sec 3 too (ONLY found out later from our head, that the school does not have such policy of giving tibits as reward. Maybe stationary can so, for future games, we shall tread more carefully and give occasional prizes for such games) No wonder students were SO happy to get chocolate even if its small box of it.
Strange is that at the class, their teachers would walk in, I guess to supervise and make sure they are behaving before they leave. Had another unexpected visitors, aka the school leaders, just walked in... I saw them but didnt offer to pass to them a copy of the worksheet... printed just nice numbers. But my policy is that IF they want to see, they can see, I shall just continue as normal. They stayed for a while and then walked around then left... Didnt entertain them.
Then the good thing is that the card game proceeded smoothly at least for all the groups in my class. Though they were unsure which style of game play it was, either you choose or you just pick a card type. But after going to all the groups quickly and explaining and letting them try out. Most caught on. My other collegue said that hers didnt go that smoothly cos 1 group of boys werent doing it well. Another collegue hasnt tried the game yet. The problem is that all our classes run concurrently as a level, so to cater to the whole level, would need about 11 sets of the cards, this time we made 10, so just nice. Next one would have to be more or less depening on the number of students per level. The tiring part actually comes from laminating and cutting up the cards. Those cutting, with 1 single paper cutter takes a while to make 10 sets. So we decided in a week, at most one special type of game.
After that we were ultra-stoned. I am already in zoning-out mode. Then have a meeting to discuss how the lesson was, and help decide roughly what is to be done for the next week's lesson. Then tomorrow, I would start doing up stuff needed for next week's lesson. This week has just been, just-in-time cos I was rather sickly last thur, fri and this monday, I tio a full day of relief of lessons. So yesterday used most of our free periods to do. The good thing is that I dont do OT. I just use free periods to do. Partly I rather do this to keep busy then just keep surfing internet for hours.
Then both of us tio cleaning supervision duty... A collegue resigned and then not enough teachers to supervise the cleaning. They catch me a full-time to do it and my part-time collegues also tio. So that meant instead of going out for a slightly longer lunch to refresh after lesson, we had to stay-in to eat our meal in 15-20 mins. So my part-time collegue is grousing about it cos only today, early in the morning, then inform her about it. She hadnt bought her lunch while I dabaoed mine, cos I was informed last week. So we ate cup noodles, and shared the Egg and Plain prata I dabaoed for lunch. Quite filling, so now quite stoned. The cleaning duty... dunno why I end up having to help them do parts of it eg find cloth and wring it dry. 2 boys were fooling around a bit, have to move here and there. Think they have too good life, dont do that much. The girls were more well-behaved and did their share. So after 15mins, sent them off, I went to wash my hands and now stone at computer.
Still havent done stocks checking, driving centre test date etc etc. Will do that gradually. Tonight solo for Jap, then go home die die practice guitar. Bo bian. Hope this week will end faster... faster....
During the remaining free time I had, I just checked stocks, driving test slot and also FB and blogged. Then found out that there is a sort of "Local Training" for the teachers. It seems that they are allowed to leave at 3.30pm to go out to 'explore' Singapore and find anything in local culture that they want to learn about. Some are going to the mueseums, some going to bookstores??? Me, being very localized indeed, I was tempted to 'go explore my bed' but later a local collegue told me to be non-incriminatory by rephrasing into "Exploring the lack of sleep on young working mother" like hers for example.
Ok, so mine is to "Explore the effects of the lack of guitar practice on the upcoming guitar evaluation". I headed home and reached home near 4pm. Went straight to bed cos it was an intense day, felt tired. Slept and slept. Woke up briefly near 5.30-6pm but decided to skip Jap lesson cos rest and guitar is more important. So slept some more until 8.30pm plus and ate dinner. Then practiced guitar. Moved from 3rd to 4th song, practiced one song for chord melody and the current song we are doing. Later felt too energetic, couldnt sleep until 2am... Too much of sleep is also not good, it seems.
_____________________________________________
Phew... I've gotten next Tuesday freed up cos asked assignment to postpone to the following week. So that on next Tuesday, I can have a free day to practice guitar... Last night, by the time I reached home, it was already near eleven. Then felt hungry inspite of eating dinner before, ate cup noodles with dishes. Had chillled Pear in Syrup too. Err that meant I couldnt sleep immediately. Tried to stay up a bit more for digestion but fell asleep about 1am...
Woke up, today is the day of the week, where I have to be the sole teacher of the class. Yesterday, me and other collegue rushed out a card game for the sec 2. Then she bought some small packs of smarties as reward for winning the game. Gave 1 to the winner of Bingo at Sec 3 too (ONLY found out later from our head, that the school does not have such policy of giving tibits as reward. Maybe stationary can so, for future games, we shall tread more carefully and give occasional prizes for such games) No wonder students were SO happy to get chocolate even if its small box of it.
Strange is that at the class, their teachers would walk in, I guess to supervise and make sure they are behaving before they leave. Had another unexpected visitors, aka the school leaders, just walked in... I saw them but didnt offer to pass to them a copy of the worksheet... printed just nice numbers. But my policy is that IF they want to see, they can see, I shall just continue as normal. They stayed for a while and then walked around then left... Didnt entertain them.
Then the good thing is that the card game proceeded smoothly at least for all the groups in my class. Though they were unsure which style of game play it was, either you choose or you just pick a card type. But after going to all the groups quickly and explaining and letting them try out. Most caught on. My other collegue said that hers didnt go that smoothly cos 1 group of boys werent doing it well. Another collegue hasnt tried the game yet. The problem is that all our classes run concurrently as a level, so to cater to the whole level, would need about 11 sets of the cards, this time we made 10, so just nice. Next one would have to be more or less depening on the number of students per level. The tiring part actually comes from laminating and cutting up the cards. Those cutting, with 1 single paper cutter takes a while to make 10 sets. So we decided in a week, at most one special type of game.
After that we were ultra-stoned. I am already in zoning-out mode. Then have a meeting to discuss how the lesson was, and help decide roughly what is to be done for the next week's lesson. Then tomorrow, I would start doing up stuff needed for next week's lesson. This week has just been, just-in-time cos I was rather sickly last thur, fri and this monday, I tio a full day of relief of lessons. So yesterday used most of our free periods to do. The good thing is that I dont do OT. I just use free periods to do. Partly I rather do this to keep busy then just keep surfing internet for hours.
Then both of us tio cleaning supervision duty... A collegue resigned and then not enough teachers to supervise the cleaning. They catch me a full-time to do it and my part-time collegues also tio. So that meant instead of going out for a slightly longer lunch to refresh after lesson, we had to stay-in to eat our meal in 15-20 mins. So my part-time collegue is grousing about it cos only today, early in the morning, then inform her about it. She hadnt bought her lunch while I dabaoed mine, cos I was informed last week. So we ate cup noodles, and shared the Egg and Plain prata I dabaoed for lunch. Quite filling, so now quite stoned. The cleaning duty... dunno why I end up having to help them do parts of it eg find cloth and wring it dry. 2 boys were fooling around a bit, have to move here and there. Think they have too good life, dont do that much. The girls were more well-behaved and did their share. So after 15mins, sent them off, I went to wash my hands and now stone at computer.
Still havent done stocks checking, driving centre test date etc etc. Will do that gradually. Tonight solo for Jap, then go home die die practice guitar. Bo bian. Hope this week will end faster... faster....
Monday, June 07, 2010
Sudden Relief
Again I seemed to have neglected guitar a bit. Only practiced once last week, this week havent touched it yet. I am quite tired today, just came back from gym, bathed and eaten. Kinda stoned. How? Hmm think tomorrow or Wed, come home and practice after assignment and Jap class respectively... This week have lesson, then next week is evaluation... still on 3rd song of 5 and also the chord melody of one plus new song we were learning.... a bit too much.
Today didnt start off that well. Last week, I was a bit down cos at work encountered certain attitude from students in a class and also a rather sharp attitude from a collegue. So those happened on Thur and Fri, but after clarifying with the collegue by chatting more... making small talk, hope that wont happen again. So the weekend was cool, Fri met up the rest with FH and left scarred with his pot joke, Sat headed to JB, had good food and alright massage, Sun had Astons and went to gym. So feeling better.
Then today, when I just reached workplace, immediately told that one of the Eng teacher is absent, nobody can cover (to be fair, their workload are heavier cos one resigned and the extra load got spread around but still they dont have the notion of combining classes) so, given I was to go into those classes today mainly with the absent teacher, I was asked to teach. To be fair to them, they did get ready the WS, I just have to be the teacher for the day and instruct, let them do, go through and answer queries and continue. There was quite a few stacks of ws. Thankfully mainly Sec 1 classes and the sole Sec 3 class was the good behaviour class, managed to pull it off. But I had a rather hectic schedule, 5 periods. Luckily my periods come in sets of 2s, cos of lunch and the sole free period. So that made it more manageable. But still talk about last minute relief. Hope the rest dont fall ill so easily. I dont want to go in tomorrow to find out that another round.... The language is still a barrier. Though I have learnt but cant speak in proper sentences to explain grammar etc.
There seems to be a flu bug making its round at the office. I wasnt the first to fall ill. In fact some teachers had fallen ill, absent, then later wear mask, go back earlier. I caught the chill last Tue, by Wed body is like half-winning, half-losing the viral infection, by Thur, I asked to go back earlier after dismissal and skip cca. Had gone to see a doc but doc didnt prescribe anti-biotics but did prescribe medicine for the symptoms that included cough, forming headache and also runny stomach. So after eating the medicine, I headed back to work, feeling better on Fri. Didnt take mc.
Today I was actually back to normal until the weather changed to cloudy and rainy and humid. Then it triggered my cough... Cannot surpress without using a cough drop but given I was to be the relief teacher for the day with 5 periods out of 6, dont have the luxury of a soothing cough drop in mouth, in between periods. Plus classrooms are air-conditioned... lagi worse cos dont bring jacket up to class. So chyoto taihendesune. But survived, just my cough is lagi loud that the VP asked me if I was alright...
Then I spent the bulk of my free period helping out another collegue with regards to accident insurance claim. Previously I had helped to email the relevant parties and gotten the company to admit to the incident but now is insurance vs hospital, with regards to the procedure to go about claiming from other party insurance to pay the hospital. So today, I called up the relevant parties to enquire and clarify certain issues and concern, more follow-up to do in the subsequent weeks. I dont mind helping cos generally I am rather free after dismissal and also I can understand that they need the 'locals' to help them for English related issues and stuff. The Eng teachers are jap themselves, so the command and understanding is not there. The Aussis teachers are foreigners themselves, so also not familiar with local stuff, inspite of the greater command of Eng. So they approach me. Yes, cos my other collegue is part-time, so I am the only other full-time around, so they ask nicely for my help with regards to translating some Jap to Eng, they try to explain the jap words to me in english, and I try to phrase it nicely for them. Then this accident thing came about, so been helping for a few weeks.
Tomorrow have to quickly settle the WS and stuff to teach for Wed lessons where I am the main teacher. Today is too packed and taxing to do. Tomorrow by hook or crook, and also much lesser periods, think is 3-4 so can do inbetween. Hope everyone is Genki tomorrow and I dont have to do sudden relief again.
Today didnt start off that well. Last week, I was a bit down cos at work encountered certain attitude from students in a class and also a rather sharp attitude from a collegue. So those happened on Thur and Fri, but after clarifying with the collegue by chatting more... making small talk, hope that wont happen again. So the weekend was cool, Fri met up the rest with FH and left scarred with his pot joke, Sat headed to JB, had good food and alright massage, Sun had Astons and went to gym. So feeling better.
Then today, when I just reached workplace, immediately told that one of the Eng teacher is absent, nobody can cover (to be fair, their workload are heavier cos one resigned and the extra load got spread around but still they dont have the notion of combining classes) so, given I was to go into those classes today mainly with the absent teacher, I was asked to teach. To be fair to them, they did get ready the WS, I just have to be the teacher for the day and instruct, let them do, go through and answer queries and continue. There was quite a few stacks of ws. Thankfully mainly Sec 1 classes and the sole Sec 3 class was the good behaviour class, managed to pull it off. But I had a rather hectic schedule, 5 periods. Luckily my periods come in sets of 2s, cos of lunch and the sole free period. So that made it more manageable. But still talk about last minute relief. Hope the rest dont fall ill so easily. I dont want to go in tomorrow to find out that another round.... The language is still a barrier. Though I have learnt but cant speak in proper sentences to explain grammar etc.
There seems to be a flu bug making its round at the office. I wasnt the first to fall ill. In fact some teachers had fallen ill, absent, then later wear mask, go back earlier. I caught the chill last Tue, by Wed body is like half-winning, half-losing the viral infection, by Thur, I asked to go back earlier after dismissal and skip cca. Had gone to see a doc but doc didnt prescribe anti-biotics but did prescribe medicine for the symptoms that included cough, forming headache and also runny stomach. So after eating the medicine, I headed back to work, feeling better on Fri. Didnt take mc.
Today I was actually back to normal until the weather changed to cloudy and rainy and humid. Then it triggered my cough... Cannot surpress without using a cough drop but given I was to be the relief teacher for the day with 5 periods out of 6, dont have the luxury of a soothing cough drop in mouth, in between periods. Plus classrooms are air-conditioned... lagi worse cos dont bring jacket up to class. So chyoto taihendesune. But survived, just my cough is lagi loud that the VP asked me if I was alright...
Then I spent the bulk of my free period helping out another collegue with regards to accident insurance claim. Previously I had helped to email the relevant parties and gotten the company to admit to the incident but now is insurance vs hospital, with regards to the procedure to go about claiming from other party insurance to pay the hospital. So today, I called up the relevant parties to enquire and clarify certain issues and concern, more follow-up to do in the subsequent weeks. I dont mind helping cos generally I am rather free after dismissal and also I can understand that they need the 'locals' to help them for English related issues and stuff. The Eng teachers are jap themselves, so the command and understanding is not there. The Aussis teachers are foreigners themselves, so also not familiar with local stuff, inspite of the greater command of Eng. So they approach me. Yes, cos my other collegue is part-time, so I am the only other full-time around, so they ask nicely for my help with regards to translating some Jap to Eng, they try to explain the jap words to me in english, and I try to phrase it nicely for them. Then this accident thing came about, so been helping for a few weeks.
Tomorrow have to quickly settle the WS and stuff to teach for Wed lessons where I am the main teacher. Today is too packed and taxing to do. Tomorrow by hook or crook, and also much lesser periods, think is 3-4 so can do inbetween. Hope everyone is Genki tomorrow and I dont have to do sudden relief again.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Apps Gaming Crazy - Angry Birds
IR introduced the free app that one has to find the items and press on game. Then while I was downloading it last night, I decided to download the Angry Bird lite.
Then today showed my sister that find-item game and they played for 10mins. Then I mentioned there's this Angry Bird and once they started, they cant stop. That was in the morning, by night we finished the lite version. I just bought the paid version and Geoky is playing it fervently.
We ate lunch at Aston's express which just opened at a coffeeshop nearby. Its cheaper and the portions are much bigger. My double up chicken left me feeling bloated for the entire day though I didnt eat breakfast at all. The good part is as long as there are empty tables in the coffeeshop, can order, then sit and wait, no need to queue. Most of my family ate Fish but its not so good. I had my usual of Hickory BBQ chicken and Crispy Fried chicken with 2 sides for $9.90. When the plate come, I noticed that the chicken pieces are much bigger. Woah... really eat until very full.
Then I felt rather bad cos this weekend, I been eating quite a bit. Nandos chicken and platter, Yogurt, then pasta and soup and blended green tea. Then today had Astons double up. As it was part of our earlier 'Father's Day' so I volunteered to sit in my dad's car as he drove. The rest went home after lunch. He drove to Changi, then later wanted to head to Tanan Merah Ferry Terminal, but missed the turn. We ended up at Changi Point and near Changi Ferry Terminal. Then he wanted to take some pics which I took of him, then he drove to Tanan Merah Terminal, after which he drove home. By the time I reached home, I just stoned in front of the tv with anime. Almost fell asleep and delayed leaving home for gym.
But near 6pm, I got myself up and got changed, got ready water bottle and headed out to gym. Gym closes at 8pm so reached around 6.30pm for my usual 1.5hr workout. Manged to do it but not sure why felt a bit weaker, maybe is due to earlier bout of sickness this week, so hid at home and slept a lot. Hopefully, dare not step on the weighing machine. Let me work off the extra stuff eaten tomorrow first, maybe weigh mid-week...
Incidentally when one cannot pass the stage in the Angry Bird app, we become irritated. Angry birds indeed.
Then today showed my sister that find-item game and they played for 10mins. Then I mentioned there's this Angry Bird and once they started, they cant stop. That was in the morning, by night we finished the lite version. I just bought the paid version and Geoky is playing it fervently.
We ate lunch at Aston's express which just opened at a coffeeshop nearby. Its cheaper and the portions are much bigger. My double up chicken left me feeling bloated for the entire day though I didnt eat breakfast at all. The good part is as long as there are empty tables in the coffeeshop, can order, then sit and wait, no need to queue. Most of my family ate Fish but its not so good. I had my usual of Hickory BBQ chicken and Crispy Fried chicken with 2 sides for $9.90. When the plate come, I noticed that the chicken pieces are much bigger. Woah... really eat until very full.
Then I felt rather bad cos this weekend, I been eating quite a bit. Nandos chicken and platter, Yogurt, then pasta and soup and blended green tea. Then today had Astons double up. As it was part of our earlier 'Father's Day' so I volunteered to sit in my dad's car as he drove. The rest went home after lunch. He drove to Changi, then later wanted to head to Tanan Merah Ferry Terminal, but missed the turn. We ended up at Changi Point and near Changi Ferry Terminal. Then he wanted to take some pics which I took of him, then he drove to Tanan Merah Terminal, after which he drove home. By the time I reached home, I just stoned in front of the tv with anime. Almost fell asleep and delayed leaving home for gym.
But near 6pm, I got myself up and got changed, got ready water bottle and headed out to gym. Gym closes at 8pm so reached around 6.30pm for my usual 1.5hr workout. Manged to do it but not sure why felt a bit weaker, maybe is due to earlier bout of sickness this week, so hid at home and slept a lot. Hopefully, dare not step on the weighing machine. Let me work off the extra stuff eaten tomorrow first, maybe weigh mid-week...
Incidentally when one cannot pass the stage in the Angry Bird app, we become irritated. Angry birds indeed.
Citysquare and Jusco Tebrau
This has been an interesting sat. Guitar got cancelled, assignment got cancelled. Due to having both of them, I actually didn't attned a church but still sent the full church-wedding ang bao amount and turned down a hi-tea organized by a collegue at Shang Rila so that saved me a spending $60-70. I headed to Malaysia with Quetzal.
We headed into Citysquare and ate at Nandos chicken. There's been a big hoo ha about the Nandos in Singapore and the throngs of pple queuing meant cannot get in. The grilled chicken is pretty good but the peri-peri sauce not to my taste. I ordered the starter platter that had pita bread, chicken drumlets, sausages and mini kebab and it's good. Those were the tenderest kebab I had ever eaten. If eat again, would go for their kebabs.
Then we walked around, but like nothing much to buy. The pirated discs also many are not clear so bought some for mom and sister. Didn't have the Naruto set for episodes 301-400 yet might need another 3-4 months cos current episode is 380+ only. Okay fine. Ate the yogurt with fruits, kiwi, strawberry and mango. Been seeing it for quite a while but didn't try in sg. Verdict, it's very 'shiok'. The yogurt is a bit sourish but the fruits are sweet so it's a nice and refreshing feeling. But if fruits sour, double sourish and you perk up. Nicer than ice cream at least to me.
We walked around a bit but nothing much to buy though I must admit eat until very full. Around 4.45pm, we headed to Jusco Tebrau. Reached there without any misadventure. Also not that much to buy inspite of walking around, so ended up go for massage. Think this time spent about Rm$230, mainly on meals. 1hr of massage with tips abt $90. It was rather crowded and it seemed to be the Sultan's birthday coupled with sg school holiday, so more pple and kids.
Just found out there might be an Astons at my area, so we are going to eat there for lunch. But I haven't eaten yet and am very hungry... I want fish porridge.
We headed into Citysquare and ate at Nandos chicken. There's been a big hoo ha about the Nandos in Singapore and the throngs of pple queuing meant cannot get in. The grilled chicken is pretty good but the peri-peri sauce not to my taste. I ordered the starter platter that had pita bread, chicken drumlets, sausages and mini kebab and it's good. Those were the tenderest kebab I had ever eaten. If eat again, would go for their kebabs.
Then we walked around, but like nothing much to buy. The pirated discs also many are not clear so bought some for mom and sister. Didn't have the Naruto set for episodes 301-400 yet might need another 3-4 months cos current episode is 380+ only. Okay fine. Ate the yogurt with fruits, kiwi, strawberry and mango. Been seeing it for quite a while but didn't try in sg. Verdict, it's very 'shiok'. The yogurt is a bit sourish but the fruits are sweet so it's a nice and refreshing feeling. But if fruits sour, double sourish and you perk up. Nicer than ice cream at least to me.
We walked around a bit but nothing much to buy though I must admit eat until very full. Around 4.45pm, we headed to Jusco Tebrau. Reached there without any misadventure. Also not that much to buy inspite of walking around, so ended up go for massage. Think this time spent about Rm$230, mainly on meals. 1hr of massage with tips abt $90. It was rather crowded and it seemed to be the Sultan's birthday coupled with sg school holiday, so more pple and kids.
Just found out there might be an Astons at my area, so we are going to eat there for lunch. But I haven't eaten yet and am very hungry... I want fish porridge.
Friday, June 04, 2010
The Johnson's Melt Away Stress Promise
Picked up this flyer that was dangling from the bus handles yesterday, while I was on my way home to see the doctor.
'I promise to do at least one or two of these things for myself everyday',
1) I will talk my problems out with friends and family (aka the kbkb about work things we do)
2) I will not skip my workout - exercise creates happy endorphins (the feel-goood effect from exercise)
3)I will relax in the shower, not just wash (hopefully dont hog the toilet too long)
4) I will smile more (something I have been trying to do esp at work so as not to scare pple off but not sure if effective)
5) I will not spread myself too thin (maybe I should rest without doing JLPT this year)
6) I will learn to accept what I cannot change (ya dont be so hard on my own flaws but not so for the weight I put on)
7) I will ask for help when I need it (tatsukete)
8) I will breathe deeply and visualize calm (usually already quite calm, do somemore can fall asleep)
9) I will not be ruled by my to-do-list (does that make my 100 things to do redundunct?)
10) I will not be perfect, or even try to be (what ever happened to giving your best?)
11) I will not think about work when outside my work (dont think about whenever I take off the name card)
12) I will not constantly worry about what others think of me (since when do I give a damn?)
13) I will learn to say "no" (Hmm no to cigarettes yes, but no to having to do work, can I say a straight 'no'?)
14) I will schedule time for myself (Yes that time I use for gym to clear the mind and work the body)
15) I will take up a relaxing new hobby (hmm what is relaxing? Spa or massage?)
K those in bold are not my counter-arguments against NOT doing anything to de-steass. Think work does give one stress especially those that interact with others. This week hasnt been great, partly is that fact I am sickly, partly is certain attitudes that I've encountered both from some students and a collegue that is a big disheartening especially to the still sickly me. So I think I need a break to chill, relax a bit and then get it together with the stress and unhappiness out of the system for a new week ahead.
Glad that there isnt guitar, dunno if still heading to JB? If not, after assignment, head home to sleep.
'I promise to do at least one or two of these things for myself everyday',
1) I will talk my problems out with friends and family (aka the kbkb about work things we do)
2) I will not skip my workout - exercise creates happy endorphins (the feel-goood effect from exercise)
3)I will relax in the shower, not just wash (hopefully dont hog the toilet too long)
4) I will smile more (something I have been trying to do esp at work so as not to scare pple off but not sure if effective)
5) I will not spread myself too thin (maybe I should rest without doing JLPT this year)
6) I will learn to accept what I cannot change (ya dont be so hard on my own flaws but not so for the weight I put on)
7) I will ask for help when I need it (tatsukete)
8) I will breathe deeply and visualize calm (usually already quite calm, do somemore can fall asleep)
9) I will not be ruled by my to-do-list (does that make my 100 things to do redundunct?)
10) I will not be perfect, or even try to be (what ever happened to giving your best?)
11) I will not think about work when outside my work (dont think about whenever I take off the name card)
12) I will not constantly worry about what others think of me (since when do I give a damn?)
13) I will learn to say "no" (Hmm no to cigarettes yes, but no to having to do work, can I say a straight 'no'?)
14) I will schedule time for myself (Yes that time I use for gym to clear the mind and work the body)
15) I will take up a relaxing new hobby (hmm what is relaxing? Spa or massage?)
K those in bold are not my counter-arguments against NOT doing anything to de-steass. Think work does give one stress especially those that interact with others. This week hasnt been great, partly is that fact I am sickly, partly is certain attitudes that I've encountered both from some students and a collegue that is a big disheartening especially to the still sickly me. So I think I need a break to chill, relax a bit and then get it together with the stress and unhappiness out of the system for a new week ahead.
Glad that there isnt guitar, dunno if still heading to JB? If not, after assignment, head home to sleep.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
SIAN, sick
Its really been a while since I've felt this sickly...
It started somewhere on Tuesday. Had been coughing more than usual. Been battling a bout of sickness or the feeling of sickliness. After cca, felt really bad, but I went back, had a hot bath and ate dinner. Wrapped myself in jacket and headed out for assignement. I had thought I had recovered cos my tuesday evening, I was feeling pretty good and back to normal.
BUT Wed was lagi bad. Woke up and still okay. Headed to work and then in the middle of the day felt bad. NOW if there is a question about mc, the problem is that my classes are in a running schedule with different teachers for different days, cos there is like 4 classes but I got for 3 lessons in a week, so its running. For another level is 3 claases in a week and I go for 2 lessons... So it really running. SO if I am absent, can really mess up the schedule. Also that since I am the assistant, not the main, so that meant, I can so call 'rest' a bit here and there during the lesson itself. But when I headed home, I decided to skip japanese class. Really felt cold in a hot sunny day when I reached home. So I had a quick dinner and slept. SLept like a log and sweated like a water fountain. I woke up in the evening to have a hot bath. And went back to sleep again but watching anime. Still sweated some more through the night.
This morning, I thought after all the SWEAT, I should be better but stomach started acting up. Then its been yoyo-ing between Feel Good/Feel Sick/Feel Good/Feel Sick. I had asked for permission to skip cca. Also cancelled assignment for tonight. Think I am going to see the doctor later and then sleep it off with anti-bodies or medicine. My body cant seem to repel the sickness entirely on its own. Alright I give in and will stay home.
IF tomorrow not well, enough I am going to stay home instead of going out for dinner.
It started somewhere on Tuesday. Had been coughing more than usual. Been battling a bout of sickness or the feeling of sickliness. After cca, felt really bad, but I went back, had a hot bath and ate dinner. Wrapped myself in jacket and headed out for assignement. I had thought I had recovered cos my tuesday evening, I was feeling pretty good and back to normal.
BUT Wed was lagi bad. Woke up and still okay. Headed to work and then in the middle of the day felt bad. NOW if there is a question about mc, the problem is that my classes are in a running schedule with different teachers for different days, cos there is like 4 classes but I got for 3 lessons in a week, so its running. For another level is 3 claases in a week and I go for 2 lessons... So it really running. SO if I am absent, can really mess up the schedule. Also that since I am the assistant, not the main, so that meant, I can so call 'rest' a bit here and there during the lesson itself. But when I headed home, I decided to skip japanese class. Really felt cold in a hot sunny day when I reached home. So I had a quick dinner and slept. SLept like a log and sweated like a water fountain. I woke up in the evening to have a hot bath. And went back to sleep again but watching anime. Still sweated some more through the night.
This morning, I thought after all the SWEAT, I should be better but stomach started acting up. Then its been yoyo-ing between Feel Good/Feel Sick/Feel Good/Feel Sick. I had asked for permission to skip cca. Also cancelled assignment for tonight. Think I am going to see the doctor later and then sleep it off with anti-bodies or medicine. My body cant seem to repel the sickness entirely on its own. Alright I give in and will stay home.
IF tomorrow not well, enough I am going to stay home instead of going out for dinner.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
My Poketos
My Poketo wallet
The rest that me and my collegue took turns to choose from
Since she ordered first, and I joined in later, she got to choose first, then I, then we reversed the order, I choose first then she did, then her turn and I, basically I got the second last choice and she got the last respectively at the end.
So keeping in mind that I might just give to my sisters, I looked for more of those without people type when possible. Though life isnt perfect and dont really see any of the out-of-print in the 10s we got.
The only thing is that there is 3 cards slots, a coin pouch and a part for notes. So it meant I can only put in 2 atm, 1 ezy with IC, put in notes. Coins and other cards to go into another coin pouch/purse. That can be the sub wallet. So different to go out with a lighter wallet.
The rest that me and my collegue took turns to choose from
Since she ordered first, and I joined in later, she got to choose first, then I, then we reversed the order, I choose first then she did, then her turn and I, basically I got the second last choice and she got the last respectively at the end.
So keeping in mind that I might just give to my sisters, I looked for more of those without people type when possible. Though life isnt perfect and dont really see any of the out-of-print in the 10s we got.
The only thing is that there is 3 cards slots, a coin pouch and a part for notes. So it meant I can only put in 2 atm, 1 ezy with IC, put in notes. Coins and other cards to go into another coin pouch/purse. That can be the sub wallet. So different to go out with a lighter wallet.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
A bit of work grouse
This week, is not that great at work. Why?
Yesterday the weather made me feel a bit sickly and also that many period thingy, though later one got rescheduled. Today some students were commenting how it's scary for them when there are two teachers in the class, aka me, besides their eng teacher. Duh... I had already been going into their class at least once a week for a period of 2 months, shouldnt you be used to by now? Ya so that somewhat made me a bit sore, also think is some of them getting more cheeky in class. Will try to ignore that sore feeling and focus on doing my job.
Partly I am starting to question the role of my position. Job responsibilities are still not officially clarified. So besides the clear role of the once-a-week class I am teaching, which I have alot more say and initiative in doing the ws and resources, the rest, cos their ws needs to include elements of translation, I just do as best as I can during the lesson, whenever there are class activities/game ws. Usually the eng teacher comes to me on the actual day of the lesson just to tell me what is the plan for that day. Some I am scared to notify in advance cos when I just tell them, then ask me to find games for that topic which isnt difficult actually BUT the problem is that those game books I have, most of the games cannot fit what their syllabus is EXACTLY. Hence either cannot do cos too hard for them or have to seriously adapt. That is the irritating part. I just inform you I be coming into your next class, then you tell me to get a game, I search my books and resources and its too hard/difficult/doesnt match the things they are learning. Eg In local school, we teach "this" and "that" and "these" and "those" but in their syllabus, only teach "this" and "that" only. So the activitiy that requires all 4 are not able to be adapted for just only "this" and "that". Then the class is just tomorrow or near the time I was about to knock off. So I try to rush out something so that I dont have to stay late, alot of mental quick-thinking on the feet. Sometimes no idea is no idea. I think I have to go look for even simpler game books with Tab one of these days again.
Though I do welcome the slack, I do wonder at times IF this slack would do me any good in the long term. Not that I am not polishing my skills. I think the ability to facilitate game activities in class is getting better, some better time management, matching activities to lessons. Besides that, I am still in touch with maths and english due to my double assignments. So guess I have to learn to be satisfied and patient. Guess this doubt came about cos I wish to learn more, and build up higher skills set instead of just relying on what I know and dumbing it down for the lower level... cos at least for English, the standard is still at up to maybe p4-5 standard usage. Havent seen their standard of writing, not much composition at all though there are short presentations.
Guess in a way I look forward to tomorrow, where I am the sole teacher, not an assistant one. Partly cos it only happens once a week, initially being too used to the role of the asst, then a bit reluctant to move out of the comfort zone of not having to teach much. Then I found I actually enjoy teaching so I do look forward to lesson. Just hope no incident occur in the class. And also cos its 3 levels one after another, its rather mentally taxing though I do enjoy it. It is this taxing part which I dont enjoy as much. After the class, I am zombified and really very very stoned. Then after work still got Japanese class, lagi stoned until jialat. Look forward to the bed instead.
Need to recover and then still feel the effects on the next day thurs. On thur, have cca and also assignment, really ultra stoned to the core. Reach home just to bathe and sleep. My stamina for this routine is getting better but just not sure if I am falling ill, hopefully not. Have been taking my vitamins and other pills rather regularly, though my neck is still crackling.
Yesterday the weather made me feel a bit sickly and also that many period thingy, though later one got rescheduled. Today some students were commenting how it's scary for them when there are two teachers in the class, aka me, besides their eng teacher. Duh... I had already been going into their class at least once a week for a period of 2 months, shouldnt you be used to by now? Ya so that somewhat made me a bit sore, also think is some of them getting more cheeky in class. Will try to ignore that sore feeling and focus on doing my job.
Partly I am starting to question the role of my position. Job responsibilities are still not officially clarified. So besides the clear role of the once-a-week class I am teaching, which I have alot more say and initiative in doing the ws and resources, the rest, cos their ws needs to include elements of translation, I just do as best as I can during the lesson, whenever there are class activities/game ws. Usually the eng teacher comes to me on the actual day of the lesson just to tell me what is the plan for that day. Some I am scared to notify in advance cos when I just tell them, then ask me to find games for that topic which isnt difficult actually BUT the problem is that those game books I have, most of the games cannot fit what their syllabus is EXACTLY. Hence either cannot do cos too hard for them or have to seriously adapt. That is the irritating part. I just inform you I be coming into your next class, then you tell me to get a game, I search my books and resources and its too hard/difficult/doesnt match the things they are learning. Eg In local school, we teach "this" and "that" and "these" and "those" but in their syllabus, only teach "this" and "that" only. So the activitiy that requires all 4 are not able to be adapted for just only "this" and "that". Then the class is just tomorrow or near the time I was about to knock off. So I try to rush out something so that I dont have to stay late, alot of mental quick-thinking on the feet. Sometimes no idea is no idea. I think I have to go look for even simpler game books with Tab one of these days again.
Though I do welcome the slack, I do wonder at times IF this slack would do me any good in the long term. Not that I am not polishing my skills. I think the ability to facilitate game activities in class is getting better, some better time management, matching activities to lessons. Besides that, I am still in touch with maths and english due to my double assignments. So guess I have to learn to be satisfied and patient. Guess this doubt came about cos I wish to learn more, and build up higher skills set instead of just relying on what I know and dumbing it down for the lower level... cos at least for English, the standard is still at up to maybe p4-5 standard usage. Havent seen their standard of writing, not much composition at all though there are short presentations.
Guess in a way I look forward to tomorrow, where I am the sole teacher, not an assistant one. Partly cos it only happens once a week, initially being too used to the role of the asst, then a bit reluctant to move out of the comfort zone of not having to teach much. Then I found I actually enjoy teaching so I do look forward to lesson. Just hope no incident occur in the class. And also cos its 3 levels one after another, its rather mentally taxing though I do enjoy it. It is this taxing part which I dont enjoy as much. After the class, I am zombified and really very very stoned. Then after work still got Japanese class, lagi stoned until jialat. Look forward to the bed instead.
Need to recover and then still feel the effects on the next day thurs. On thur, have cca and also assignment, really ultra stoned to the core. Reach home just to bathe and sleep. My stamina for this routine is getting better but just not sure if I am falling ill, hopefully not. Have been taking my vitamins and other pills rather regularly, though my neck is still crackling.
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