Today after dismissal, I took out the 2 batches of alcoholic chocs -Gin and Caramel Baileys from the fridge for collegues. It's made for them and I used good ingredients. I made the 2 batches with diff amt of alcohol added, also diff filling choc. The rest are the same. Also the diff in method compared to Candle's batch was the nut was rolled in the middle of the choc truffle. It did present a prob during the coating cos the nut prevented the toothpick to poke in deep enough to hold the core firmly while coating. Note to self, nuts outside are easier to coat and more visually appealing.
Gradually collegues came over to eat. About 2/3 left after half hr. Each plate had abtslightly more than 30. Many had meeting of sort, then it's time for me to knock off. Brought back about 4 white and 10 dark. Personally I prefered the white coated Gin ones cos th proportion seems food and the taste is balanced. The dark coated Caramel Baileys seems to be too much of Baileys that it covers the taste of chocolate. Yes the baileys batch was th one with quite extra alcohol. Think I am FINALLY finalized every aspect of it and won't be making anymore this year. Time to move onto others.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Ditching the food diary... and monitoring the weekly weight and no of exercise sessions instead
Yes. I am ditching the food diary. Why? I've realized with it added, my current monitoring increased to monitoring weekly weight, plus no of times exercised in a week, plus remembering every meal and stuff that I munched on, drink. Think is really tooo much of monitoring to be effective.
With the added food monitoring, I find that I do abuse it. Cos in my memory, I would think that since for the whole week, generally calories not over, then I go for a big dinner or eat out... at the back of my mind would be that I can spare it... but the reality is that my weight has gone up. Meaning that there wasnt as much 'deficit' that I could play around with... So I have decided to discard it.
Makes the monitoring just weekly - Weekly weight plus the no of times I've exercised. I have to work on going back to 2-3 times. So far for the past 4 weeks, its gone down to once a week. Due to being tired, assignment. So for a few times, stayed home instead. Or I laze at home to rest up too long, that I missed the opening hours. And factor in dinner. After eating, usually have to wait 2hrs. Factoring in all the time, gym closed by then...
Yep tomorrow is the start of another new week. That means, 2 more exercise slots plus a weigh-in. Also I will monitor my meals by trying my best to choose 'better' food choices. This actually worked out for me until I started the food diary. Okay, make my life more simpler. Then can focus on monitoring other stuff instead.
With the added food monitoring, I find that I do abuse it. Cos in my memory, I would think that since for the whole week, generally calories not over, then I go for a big dinner or eat out... at the back of my mind would be that I can spare it... but the reality is that my weight has gone up. Meaning that there wasnt as much 'deficit' that I could play around with... So I have decided to discard it.
Makes the monitoring just weekly - Weekly weight plus the no of times I've exercised. I have to work on going back to 2-3 times. So far for the past 4 weeks, its gone down to once a week. Due to being tired, assignment. So for a few times, stayed home instead. Or I laze at home to rest up too long, that I missed the opening hours. And factor in dinner. After eating, usually have to wait 2hrs. Factoring in all the time, gym closed by then...
Yep tomorrow is the start of another new week. That means, 2 more exercise slots plus a weigh-in. Also I will monitor my meals by trying my best to choose 'better' food choices. This actually worked out for me until I started the food diary. Okay, make my life more simpler. Then can focus on monitoring other stuff instead.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Hate last min crap
My counterpart is having away on leave due to sick young child then later husband also sick. Then got quite a few things to help her out. Tell head why she gone, explain to collegues who ask abt her absence, then she got some outstanding stuff that I had to ask on her behalf and stuff, it's really duh. I understand her situation but I feel though she thought the task of telling, asking is simple, when it comes down to that, it's not. Have to locate the person first, then talk abt the issue Nd pass words around. Bah! Just this once.
Guess it was actually okay if that was THE only thing that cropped up. Was asking for FH's help with regards to the insurance. Then I spent some of my free periods coming up with a speaking script for the level, so nothing pending. So last night I made 2 different batch of alcoholic chocs. It's for the collegues cos I only gave to 3 the other time I finished making for Candle. So decided to make for them, plus I still needed to iron out the recipe forthe filling and also the technique for coating the choc. This time, I rolled in an entire cashew nut in the middle of the choc then coat it. Again, problems can still arise...
So after dismissal, I was about to go back to continuing the coating, when another collegue asked if I have another speaking activity for mon's 1st period lesson. Walao! This week, I was assigned to go to other classes, don't know where the class was at, how to think? Plus my brain already switch off. I looked at the ALT website where some stuff are shared but really after all the stuff, I can't process anymore. After a while, I just told her irritably that, I can't think of any off-hand, no inspiration, plus am not looking through the website cos I gave her the add already. I was quite irritated again. This type of last minute stuff, maybe in the past, we had overcome cos can find stuff but not everytime like this. Guess my frowning face and knitted eyebrows sent the message across, and she said that she would do it. I finished up by emailing the other collegue some feedback about her suggested activity from the head whom she wanted me to show and ask, since she wasn't here, and head back to coating the chocs. But feeling quite sian already.
Cos made 2 batches so many many choc to coat. The coating took another 2 hrs. Unless I am dying to eat very alcoholic chocs, this IS the last time making for now! My right shoulder is quite sore cos keep having to keep hand lifted while doing the coating and now it's still is, later going to paste plaster. Kept them all in the freezer, until Mon. This time one is still 100ml and the other is 150ml of alcohol. Obviously 2 different alcohols used.
My another collegue was making an I-phone cake and it looks really good. Must show when she puts up the pic in her facebook. It's impressive and very novel!
I feel better after ranting on this blog. So all the sampling of the chocs n irritation n time taken meant I didn't go to gym... Rather stay home. Catch up on sleep sounds good.
Guess it was actually okay if that was THE only thing that cropped up. Was asking for FH's help with regards to the insurance. Then I spent some of my free periods coming up with a speaking script for the level, so nothing pending. So last night I made 2 different batch of alcoholic chocs. It's for the collegues cos I only gave to 3 the other time I finished making for Candle. So decided to make for them, plus I still needed to iron out the recipe forthe filling and also the technique for coating the choc. This time, I rolled in an entire cashew nut in the middle of the choc then coat it. Again, problems can still arise...
So after dismissal, I was about to go back to continuing the coating, when another collegue asked if I have another speaking activity for mon's 1st period lesson. Walao! This week, I was assigned to go to other classes, don't know where the class was at, how to think? Plus my brain already switch off. I looked at the ALT website where some stuff are shared but really after all the stuff, I can't process anymore. After a while, I just told her irritably that, I can't think of any off-hand, no inspiration, plus am not looking through the website cos I gave her the add already. I was quite irritated again. This type of last minute stuff, maybe in the past, we had overcome cos can find stuff but not everytime like this. Guess my frowning face and knitted eyebrows sent the message across, and she said that she would do it. I finished up by emailing the other collegue some feedback about her suggested activity from the head whom she wanted me to show and ask, since she wasn't here, and head back to coating the chocs. But feeling quite sian already.
Cos made 2 batches so many many choc to coat. The coating took another 2 hrs. Unless I am dying to eat very alcoholic chocs, this IS the last time making for now! My right shoulder is quite sore cos keep having to keep hand lifted while doing the coating and now it's still is, later going to paste plaster. Kept them all in the freezer, until Mon. This time one is still 100ml and the other is 150ml of alcohol. Obviously 2 different alcohols used.
My another collegue was making an I-phone cake and it looks really good. Must show when she puts up the pic in her facebook. It's impressive and very novel!
I feel better after ranting on this blog. So all the sampling of the chocs n irritation n time taken meant I didn't go to gym... Rather stay home. Catch up on sleep sounds good.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Meeting Ex-collegues and many thoughts trigger
During the period from Sept2009 to Mar2010, I have been meeting some ex-collegues here and there as I went around doing my errands, courses and classes. Even these few months from Apr2010 up til now, I have met more ex-collegues. Whenever I meet them, many thoughts are triggered, good memories, bad ones too. I look at them and see how they've aged? Remember the system and how hard I had to work, the admin, the cca, the teaching, the discipline. So many thoughts. And also the things that made me resign.
Met about 5 from my contract school, meant I knew them from Sept 2004. They have aged really. Mainly met them at Gombak area cos I went for driving over there and the school is near that mrt station. Surprised that they are still at the same workplace. In the period of 2004-2009, I have worked in 3 different schools. One for contract 2004-5, one for 1st posting 2006-2008, one after transfer 2009 and then resignation 2009. When I met them, I was unemployed, doing my courses and driving.
Met 2 other collegues from my contract school. They live in my area and I met them while running errands or walking around my area. One is the TA, so I just wave and smile. The other is my IT HOD, and we talked when we saw each other. That time, I have just started at my current workplace. He remarked that I looked happier and more energetic and healthy compared to what I looked then. I agreed with him, that's what I felt really. Then I asked for some updates about the contract school. He looks pak cek and tired I reckon. He sounded sian and told me he stepped down from his post.
Just yesterday on Sat, I met another ex-collegue from contract school at the stadium while I was carrying the sports equipment and settling up the place for Sports day. Had also met him when I went for driving at the mrt. I told him I joined my current workplace. He looks older and more aged than before too. Guess the six years since meant that we all grew older physically.
And just after gym today, I saw my ex-ex P from 1st posting school. I decided to be polite and say hi though I could have just walked off cos she didnt seem to recognize me until I called out to her. She told me that she heard that I've resigned and asked why. I told her I dont exactly get along well with my ex-P. She told me, that I could have contacted her and go back. But I pointed to her its still far from where I live. Then she said that I could come back anytime and that she could get me transfer to another school. Though at this point, there were many thoughts and not all pleasant, I smiled and thanked her and said bye. Fyi, she lives in my area, and I have never ever met her before in my area...
But all these meetings trigger many thoughts... which I wish to record down to revisit so that I dont forget.
First - I am very grateful for my current job at my current workplace. It was the highest pay offered to me, with decent work hours and days. Its very close to my home, saving on commuting time. My current one operates on normal office hours for a 5-day week, with the highest pay offered. I had gone for a series of interviews at tuition centres and even a so-called higher education centre but the quoted pay was low, as low as half my old pay, yet the working hours range from 5-5.5 days including weekends, they dont seem to care about my teaching experience. Also the working hours range from 9am - 10pm type. Quite a number of them are quite far from my place and commuting was actually troublesom and down-right long too. Involves taking feeder bus-mrt or a long bus-ride. All have just as long travelling times.
Second - I am grateful that the workload has been considerably light and manageable. I try to add-value by actively searching for resources for the activities, thinking about activities, even amending some of the older ws resources to be more relevant for the classes that I teach once a week. Also prepare needed materials and print the ws needed the day before the lessons to aid the ease. Then help other collegues in their normal lessons, sometimes I have ideas, I let them know, or I found an activity and suggest to them. Not that I dont find the teaching part trying at times, but I try to keep an open-mind and also be flexible, and not let incidents get to me. I help to translate parts of the jap documents for 3 of my non-jap collegues so that they are kept in the loop about events and their duties and stuff. For my jap collegues, I have helped out by helping them settle insurance claim and a mis-com with a supplier usually, the medium is English and I help them call and email to get responses. Also for my club, I have helped arrange for a friendly match with a local school thus far. And my jap counterpart is asking me to arrange one more this term. Yet I have found time to try out dessert-making, and they are very grateful I make for them to eat (too much for family and I to finish, just bring some back) Glad superiors so far has over-looked the part about me doing some occasional cooking at workplace. Another plus is that I am in a jap environment and can listen and practice the language, even pick up terms used for teaching. Though a slight downside is that its more of a serious and educational use of jap terms, such that when I reach home, I play animes to listen to jap used in lighter scenarios cos that's my idea of the jap language. Its cos I like the animes, comics, jrock music and soundtracks that drove me to pick it up, not that I worship their culture nor think they are superior. They have their strengths and weaknesses as a race just like every other.
Third - I am treatly with alot of respect by my collegues and even superiors and bosses. They have been most polite to me and even value my opinion. They would ask what I think of their events compared to local schools. I often praise the level of discipline, cooperation, teamwork, efficiency. Which my other local collegues agree with me on these aspects. Then at the parties, always praising my cooking (which I dont know what's the fuss? I am grateful they find it good and help me eat up so I can practice refining it) Then praising my strength (cos I was carrying quite a number of equipment, load up very heavy so that I dont have to keep making more trips walking from one end of stadium to another) I just tell them its nothing. That I am glad they like my cooking and eat what I made, that I am not good in running at all. I try to praise them also for their very impressive and succesful events like Chorus festival, Sports day. Its really different compared to my previous workplace. Not that there are no problems or tensions but doesnt really involve me. So they keep a very coordial and respectful working environment going on.
If you ask me whether I would go back to local education, I am not sure. At this moment, there are no plans at all in my mind to put myself through the system that squeezed so much out of me, drained my energy level, left my health in shambles, took all my free time and effort that I have hardly any left for myself, let alone others. Yes, the pay is higher, yes I took a pay cut, but I got everything else back now. I can make up the difference with my Investment and assignment income. What else is there to draw me back unless I was under bondage again?
I am reluctant to just leave and go to take up that 1 year stint in Japan itself. Cos it meant joblessness when I return. Too soon to just up and go, given the so many plus points. Doesnt look good on resume too. Would consider it given a few more years. The best would be that I can come back to the workplace in the same position, after the stint, but that would mean I need to have more 'value' to have such a hold. So for next year, I wont be applying for that. I rather save my $5k extra for a Jap holiday during the Sakura period, which I think I can make it IF during the first 2 weeks of work, I dont have to go back like the rest of the local staff. That I would have to check maybe in a few more months time. Its definitely different to be a tourist than to have to work there. Dont mind both, but for now, I wanna stay on.
Met about 5 from my contract school, meant I knew them from Sept 2004. They have aged really. Mainly met them at Gombak area cos I went for driving over there and the school is near that mrt station. Surprised that they are still at the same workplace. In the period of 2004-2009, I have worked in 3 different schools. One for contract 2004-5, one for 1st posting 2006-2008, one after transfer 2009 and then resignation 2009. When I met them, I was unemployed, doing my courses and driving.
Met 2 other collegues from my contract school. They live in my area and I met them while running errands or walking around my area. One is the TA, so I just wave and smile. The other is my IT HOD, and we talked when we saw each other. That time, I have just started at my current workplace. He remarked that I looked happier and more energetic and healthy compared to what I looked then. I agreed with him, that's what I felt really. Then I asked for some updates about the contract school. He looks pak cek and tired I reckon. He sounded sian and told me he stepped down from his post.
Just yesterday on Sat, I met another ex-collegue from contract school at the stadium while I was carrying the sports equipment and settling up the place for Sports day. Had also met him when I went for driving at the mrt. I told him I joined my current workplace. He looks older and more aged than before too. Guess the six years since meant that we all grew older physically.
And just after gym today, I saw my ex-ex P from 1st posting school. I decided to be polite and say hi though I could have just walked off cos she didnt seem to recognize me until I called out to her. She told me that she heard that I've resigned and asked why. I told her I dont exactly get along well with my ex-P. She told me, that I could have contacted her and go back. But I pointed to her its still far from where I live. Then she said that I could come back anytime and that she could get me transfer to another school. Though at this point, there were many thoughts and not all pleasant, I smiled and thanked her and said bye. Fyi, she lives in my area, and I have never ever met her before in my area...
But all these meetings trigger many thoughts... which I wish to record down to revisit so that I dont forget.
First - I am very grateful for my current job at my current workplace. It was the highest pay offered to me, with decent work hours and days. Its very close to my home, saving on commuting time. My current one operates on normal office hours for a 5-day week, with the highest pay offered. I had gone for a series of interviews at tuition centres and even a so-called higher education centre but the quoted pay was low, as low as half my old pay, yet the working hours range from 5-5.5 days including weekends, they dont seem to care about my teaching experience. Also the working hours range from 9am - 10pm type. Quite a number of them are quite far from my place and commuting was actually troublesom and down-right long too. Involves taking feeder bus-mrt or a long bus-ride. All have just as long travelling times.
Second - I am grateful that the workload has been considerably light and manageable. I try to add-value by actively searching for resources for the activities, thinking about activities, even amending some of the older ws resources to be more relevant for the classes that I teach once a week. Also prepare needed materials and print the ws needed the day before the lessons to aid the ease. Then help other collegues in their normal lessons, sometimes I have ideas, I let them know, or I found an activity and suggest to them. Not that I dont find the teaching part trying at times, but I try to keep an open-mind and also be flexible, and not let incidents get to me. I help to translate parts of the jap documents for 3 of my non-jap collegues so that they are kept in the loop about events and their duties and stuff. For my jap collegues, I have helped out by helping them settle insurance claim and a mis-com with a supplier usually, the medium is English and I help them call and email to get responses. Also for my club, I have helped arrange for a friendly match with a local school thus far. And my jap counterpart is asking me to arrange one more this term. Yet I have found time to try out dessert-making, and they are very grateful I make for them to eat (too much for family and I to finish, just bring some back) Glad superiors so far has over-looked the part about me doing some occasional cooking at workplace. Another plus is that I am in a jap environment and can listen and practice the language, even pick up terms used for teaching. Though a slight downside is that its more of a serious and educational use of jap terms, such that when I reach home, I play animes to listen to jap used in lighter scenarios cos that's my idea of the jap language. Its cos I like the animes, comics, jrock music and soundtracks that drove me to pick it up, not that I worship their culture nor think they are superior. They have their strengths and weaknesses as a race just like every other.
Third - I am treatly with alot of respect by my collegues and even superiors and bosses. They have been most polite to me and even value my opinion. They would ask what I think of their events compared to local schools. I often praise the level of discipline, cooperation, teamwork, efficiency. Which my other local collegues agree with me on these aspects. Then at the parties, always praising my cooking (which I dont know what's the fuss? I am grateful they find it good and help me eat up so I can practice refining it) Then praising my strength (cos I was carrying quite a number of equipment, load up very heavy so that I dont have to keep making more trips walking from one end of stadium to another) I just tell them its nothing. That I am glad they like my cooking and eat what I made, that I am not good in running at all. I try to praise them also for their very impressive and succesful events like Chorus festival, Sports day. Its really different compared to my previous workplace. Not that there are no problems or tensions but doesnt really involve me. So they keep a very coordial and respectful working environment going on.
If you ask me whether I would go back to local education, I am not sure. At this moment, there are no plans at all in my mind to put myself through the system that squeezed so much out of me, drained my energy level, left my health in shambles, took all my free time and effort that I have hardly any left for myself, let alone others. Yes, the pay is higher, yes I took a pay cut, but I got everything else back now. I can make up the difference with my Investment and assignment income. What else is there to draw me back unless I was under bondage again?
I am reluctant to just leave and go to take up that 1 year stint in Japan itself. Cos it meant joblessness when I return. Too soon to just up and go, given the so many plus points. Doesnt look good on resume too. Would consider it given a few more years. The best would be that I can come back to the workplace in the same position, after the stint, but that would mean I need to have more 'value' to have such a hold. So for next year, I wont be applying for that. I rather save my $5k extra for a Jap holiday during the Sakura period, which I think I can make it IF during the first 2 weeks of work, I dont have to go back like the rest of the local staff. That I would have to check maybe in a few more months time. Its definitely different to be a tourist than to have to work there. Dont mind both, but for now, I wanna stay on.
$75,000 per year for max happiness level
Last week, there was an article that mentions that when one makes $75,000 a year. After which, any extra dollars made doesnt increase happiness level. Its not that the money makes you happy but with that level of income, you should be able to afford most stuff needed for a comfortable life, comfortably. Hence its the level that maxes the satisfaction of material things I guess.
The problem with the article is that it didnt mention whether its the Gross income of $75,000 or Nett income $75,000. And also the article mentions USD... so I did some calculations to see for myself what it means.
Gross $75,000 SGD
Usually there is the 13th month,
so $75,000 / 13 = $5769.23 per month in terms of Gross pay.
After taking away cpf, = $5769.23 x 0.8 = $4615.39.
So that meant if your take-home pay is $4616, you are there.
Nett $75,000 SGD
$75,000 / 13 = $5769.23 per month in terms of Nett pay.
So take-home salary of $5770, you are there.
Am I there yet?
Nope.
Its something to work towards yet not be a slave to just purely making money.
Money also has to be enjoyed, otherwise one would end up with lots of it, yet dying and leaving to others. Or just let money-making blinds one to other equally important things in life. Or be a slave to money, living from pay-to-pay. Or struggle with the issues of shelter and food.
Life is a long process; with it has its ups and downs. Not always smooth-sailing. Yet there are enjoyable parts. Can make certain things happen with your own effort and also some money. Make life more meaningful for yourself. Dont have to worry about shelter and food. Can move up the Marslow's hierachy of needs to higher levels. I guess that's the best thing money can do.
The problem with the article is that it didnt mention whether its the Gross income of $75,000 or Nett income $75,000. And also the article mentions USD... so I did some calculations to see for myself what it means.
Gross $75,000 SGD
Usually there is the 13th month,
so $75,000 / 13 = $5769.23 per month in terms of Gross pay.
After taking away cpf, = $5769.23 x 0.8 = $4615.39.
So that meant if your take-home pay is $4616, you are there.
Nett $75,000 SGD
$75,000 / 13 = $5769.23 per month in terms of Nett pay.
So take-home salary of $5770, you are there.
Am I there yet?
Nope.
Its something to work towards yet not be a slave to just purely making money.
Money also has to be enjoyed, otherwise one would end up with lots of it, yet dying and leaving to others. Or just let money-making blinds one to other equally important things in life. Or be a slave to money, living from pay-to-pay. Or struggle with the issues of shelter and food.
Life is a long process; with it has its ups and downs. Not always smooth-sailing. Yet there are enjoyable parts. Can make certain things happen with your own effort and also some money. Make life more meaningful for yourself. Dont have to worry about shelter and food. Can move up the Marslow's hierachy of needs to higher levels. I guess that's the best thing money can do.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
1st Jap Sports Day
Its again many of 'firsts' so far in my work at an international school. Guess that's partly why I am invigorated at times, cos there are many 'firsts'.
So after 3 mass practice in the past 3 weeks, first was 2 periods where they practiced the first part of mass warm-up and class rope jump. Then there was another 2 periods on another day where we walked to the stadium and more aspects like how to disperse together after certain cermonies are over, and moving from event-to-event. Then the final full-day rehearsal where everything is ironed out with the full programme practice as well as how the students were helping out in the logistics of the events.
Today was the real deal. So I slept earlier last nite and didnt go to gym again... too hungry and tired. Settled for sleeping earlier. Set my alarm clock at 5am. Actually woke up easily. Got dressed and ready and headed over to the hawker centre to eat breakfast. Many stalls were not open still yet there were quite a number of unhealthy stalls already opened. In the end I settled for Lor Quay Tiao and Ice coffee. Then as it was only 5.45am, and when I went to the bus-stop, the first bus wasnt here yet. So I decided to walk to my workplace. I had a load of time on my hands cos I was only supposed to get to the stadium (also nearby to workplace) by 7am. Walked slowly at an unhurried pace and took about 20mins of strolling to reach. I was the second to arrive. So I went online to kill half hour and headed by walking to the stadium.
Along the way I decided to get a 1.5litres of plain water. In the end I bought 3 small tins of waffers rolls. I walked and arrived around 6.45am and there were already collegues there. So I went to help out in the Equipment that I was assigned to. Also helped to carry other section's stuff cos many hands make light work. After quite a bit of carrying stuff (really think I got my workout), even met my ex-collegue from my contract school and he's still there. Looks more aged than what I remembered him to be.
I sat down and watched while the Sports Day started with the opening ceremony. I recorded certain elements using my lousy hp video function. Its still amazing that they can get into the houses very quickly and orderly, to gather, disperse quickly, and all in the Blazing Hot morning sun and into the hot afternoon sun, up until the final dismissal.
This is my first time in a long line of Sports Day where I actually get to sit down in the shade and watch. All my past ones had me running around all over the field, venues settling logistics, over-seeing stuff. Really nearly killed me with fatique doing all those. Now its a welcome change, so I appreciate it alot. But my other jap collegues and homeroom teachers had to do those stated above but its carried out in a way more efficient manner. Had students helping, roles divided clearly, all groups have a person in-charge and they are the main ones running the show. So everything ran very smoothly with little hiccups.
Side stuff that I did. My waffle rolls helped to satisfy our own hunger and also to help 'bribe' my collegues 2 very active young kids (2-3) to stay in-line for a little short while. Also it was my snack before dinner, cos hungry by then.
The other side was to help out with the bento boxes distribution for students and teachers. A jap collegue asked me to help out, so I agreed, no harm helping out when its obvious I dont have much to do during the events. So I headed out to the stadium area where the refreshment tables were set up. Saw an amazing sight...
There were several bento boxes delivery vans that came in during that period and unloaded boxes and boxes of bentos. From what I heard, the bentos cost easily above 10s. Premium bentos. Then saw another sight of the cooperative housewives who form the Parent support group, distribute Pokari Sweat and bentos into the numbers for the classes. Also settle the distribution of their own bentoes. Imagine a guy wheels several large stacks of bentos over and boxes of drinks, then see them being distributed and packed infront of your eyes. Fantastic teamwork.
Ours came late, such that it was quite a rush, students were lining up to get their bentos. So I put my set of small pieces of paper, which actually writes down the names, class no of students and also their bento type, slide inbetween the rubberbands enclosing the bento boxes. It made distribution faster. Students pass a paper with the same details and I find and match their levels, student number. So finished distributing quite quickly.
Then it was the teacher's turn. Also easy cos lesser bento sets but some were quite busy so they didnt collect, I ran over with their bentos for a couple of teachers. Then I settled down to eat my own. Its the nicest and most delicious bento I had in a while, and the best Sports Day meal I ever had so far. Dont even want to remember the crappy food that Educators usually end up with for such events where budget is non-existent or so paltry. Really had a good lunch, finished everything but that meant I slowed down after that cos all the blood went to digestion.
After the event, did the school bus dismissal, then helped to carry equipment again. That's my job, so helped out as much as I could, carried as much as I could. So that's really my workout for today. After everything was loaded onto the lorry, I walked back to workplace. Timing was tight due to the dinner. So had to get ready quickly, luckily got a ride from another collegue's husband. So good to have someone willing to drive you around. That's a perk of marriage.
The after-event dinner wasnt good, it was really so-so, some shanghai style food. Also I sat at the table with two of my bosses who kept asking me why I wasnt drinking. I paid for the non-alcoholic fees, so I dont think its fair for me to drink alcohol. There was alot of bottled Tiger beer, some red wine, white wine, even Jap umeshi. So I had to turn down politely and also smile and be less serious. Genuine reasons like 'on diet', 'beer has high calories', 'prefer to make cocktails for others', 'dont drink at dinner', 'prefer Draft beer instead'. But I am not such a good conversationalist I guess, cos my spoken is still not there. Easy sentences yes, more topics, cannot. Didnt eat much, didnt taste good, really so-so though its supposedly nice for the Jap. Jap quite like the taste of the dishes, and it was one of their common restaurants to visit.
I was feeling hot and tired after. I asked to leave at 8.30am cos I had a long day. Told P, VP and headed home. Didnt get to bathe after sports day. I went back to workplace, used a wet towel to wipe down cos time was tight due to the dinner. Then changed into fresh clothing. The weather was quite hot and by the time I reached home near 9.40pm, I was feeling very tired and sweaty. Felt more revitalised after a bath, washed hair, washed face, drank several cups of water. Time to blog and sleep soon. Really can feel the fatique catching up.
So after 3 mass practice in the past 3 weeks, first was 2 periods where they practiced the first part of mass warm-up and class rope jump. Then there was another 2 periods on another day where we walked to the stadium and more aspects like how to disperse together after certain cermonies are over, and moving from event-to-event. Then the final full-day rehearsal where everything is ironed out with the full programme practice as well as how the students were helping out in the logistics of the events.
Today was the real deal. So I slept earlier last nite and didnt go to gym again... too hungry and tired. Settled for sleeping earlier. Set my alarm clock at 5am. Actually woke up easily. Got dressed and ready and headed over to the hawker centre to eat breakfast. Many stalls were not open still yet there were quite a number of unhealthy stalls already opened. In the end I settled for Lor Quay Tiao and Ice coffee. Then as it was only 5.45am, and when I went to the bus-stop, the first bus wasnt here yet. So I decided to walk to my workplace. I had a load of time on my hands cos I was only supposed to get to the stadium (also nearby to workplace) by 7am. Walked slowly at an unhurried pace and took about 20mins of strolling to reach. I was the second to arrive. So I went online to kill half hour and headed by walking to the stadium.
Along the way I decided to get a 1.5litres of plain water. In the end I bought 3 small tins of waffers rolls. I walked and arrived around 6.45am and there were already collegues there. So I went to help out in the Equipment that I was assigned to. Also helped to carry other section's stuff cos many hands make light work. After quite a bit of carrying stuff (really think I got my workout), even met my ex-collegue from my contract school and he's still there. Looks more aged than what I remembered him to be.
I sat down and watched while the Sports Day started with the opening ceremony. I recorded certain elements using my lousy hp video function. Its still amazing that they can get into the houses very quickly and orderly, to gather, disperse quickly, and all in the Blazing Hot morning sun and into the hot afternoon sun, up until the final dismissal.
This is my first time in a long line of Sports Day where I actually get to sit down in the shade and watch. All my past ones had me running around all over the field, venues settling logistics, over-seeing stuff. Really nearly killed me with fatique doing all those. Now its a welcome change, so I appreciate it alot. But my other jap collegues and homeroom teachers had to do those stated above but its carried out in a way more efficient manner. Had students helping, roles divided clearly, all groups have a person in-charge and they are the main ones running the show. So everything ran very smoothly with little hiccups.
Side stuff that I did. My waffle rolls helped to satisfy our own hunger and also to help 'bribe' my collegues 2 very active young kids (2-3) to stay in-line for a little short while. Also it was my snack before dinner, cos hungry by then.
The other side was to help out with the bento boxes distribution for students and teachers. A jap collegue asked me to help out, so I agreed, no harm helping out when its obvious I dont have much to do during the events. So I headed out to the stadium area where the refreshment tables were set up. Saw an amazing sight...
There were several bento boxes delivery vans that came in during that period and unloaded boxes and boxes of bentos. From what I heard, the bentos cost easily above 10s. Premium bentos. Then saw another sight of the cooperative housewives who form the Parent support group, distribute Pokari Sweat and bentos into the numbers for the classes. Also settle the distribution of their own bentoes. Imagine a guy wheels several large stacks of bentos over and boxes of drinks, then see them being distributed and packed infront of your eyes. Fantastic teamwork.
Ours came late, such that it was quite a rush, students were lining up to get their bentos. So I put my set of small pieces of paper, which actually writes down the names, class no of students and also their bento type, slide inbetween the rubberbands enclosing the bento boxes. It made distribution faster. Students pass a paper with the same details and I find and match their levels, student number. So finished distributing quite quickly.
Then it was the teacher's turn. Also easy cos lesser bento sets but some were quite busy so they didnt collect, I ran over with their bentos for a couple of teachers. Then I settled down to eat my own. Its the nicest and most delicious bento I had in a while, and the best Sports Day meal I ever had so far. Dont even want to remember the crappy food that Educators usually end up with for such events where budget is non-existent or so paltry. Really had a good lunch, finished everything but that meant I slowed down after that cos all the blood went to digestion.
After the event, did the school bus dismissal, then helped to carry equipment again. That's my job, so helped out as much as I could, carried as much as I could. So that's really my workout for today. After everything was loaded onto the lorry, I walked back to workplace. Timing was tight due to the dinner. So had to get ready quickly, luckily got a ride from another collegue's husband. So good to have someone willing to drive you around. That's a perk of marriage.
The after-event dinner wasnt good, it was really so-so, some shanghai style food. Also I sat at the table with two of my bosses who kept asking me why I wasnt drinking. I paid for the non-alcoholic fees, so I dont think its fair for me to drink alcohol. There was alot of bottled Tiger beer, some red wine, white wine, even Jap umeshi. So I had to turn down politely and also smile and be less serious. Genuine reasons like 'on diet', 'beer has high calories', 'prefer to make cocktails for others', 'dont drink at dinner', 'prefer Draft beer instead'. But I am not such a good conversationalist I guess, cos my spoken is still not there. Easy sentences yes, more topics, cannot. Didnt eat much, didnt taste good, really so-so though its supposedly nice for the Jap. Jap quite like the taste of the dishes, and it was one of their common restaurants to visit.
I was feeling hot and tired after. I asked to leave at 8.30am cos I had a long day. Told P, VP and headed home. Didnt get to bathe after sports day. I went back to workplace, used a wet towel to wipe down cos time was tight due to the dinner. Then changed into fresh clothing. The weather was quite hot and by the time I reached home near 9.40pm, I was feeling very tired and sweaty. Felt more revitalised after a bath, washed hair, washed face, drank several cups of water. Time to blog and sleep soon. Really can feel the fatique catching up.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Existentialism at a diet-level
I was telling my lunch buddy collegue how I had "sinned" by eating this Chao Da Ji Pa (giant fried chicken cutlet) with 4 slices of bread for dinner yesterday. I reached home near 5.45pm and was already starving. Though in my usual schedule, I would rest at home a bit and then head to the gym. But this time, really could feel the emptiness of the 'fuel-tank', so decided to eat and then after 2hr rest, go for gym. Yet my mom wouldnt have finished cooking by then, so left outside food.
I was aiming for mee siam but the Musilim stalls were both closed for their Hari Raya celebrations still. So I walked one round around the hawker centre. There were only 2 types of food in general. Either unhealthy eg chicken rice, duck rice, fried carrot cake, fried kuay tiao, western food OR soupy like yong tau hu, yellow mee...
Err in the end I decided to buy something that I would only get a chance to eat whenever a pasar malam (night market) opens in my area. So end up buying a Huge Cripsy Chicken Cutlet and fried sweet potatoe sticks. I also bought a can of Coke Zero. When I reached home. I happily ate the cutlet. Then my mom told me not to eat these much fried stuff often. So I ate it with bread so that it would be my dinner and I wont be eating again another 'dinner' later on. Watching the recorded cable tv shows, I ate the cutlet with bread. It taste very fantastic and satisfying. Really I didnt want to eat soupy again cos that's what I had for lunch. Yet a bit sick of takeout chinese rice (Zar Fan) Then when I almost finished the whole thing, then I realized I better stop, cos I had eaten 4 slices of bread by then. Ops... My sister enjoyed eating her dinner by finishing up the remainder of the cutlet. She said that fried stuff (meat) can really make a meal satisfying cos dinner dishes last night was kinda plain.
So when I told my collegue about this, she said that I should have burnt the Food Diary. Cos before I started this food diary, my eating was rather regular, I dont eat so much for dinner. Maybe cos of such long abstinence, my body rebelled and then go crazy over the indulgences...
That sounds true but I feel partly is also part of getting back to work. Cos I ate rather normally in the holidays. Then body have to revert back to working hours and assignment after work, type of eating. I feel its still adjusting. How else do I explain that by 11.40am yesterday I was so starving for lunch though I ate 2 slices of bread with bak kuah for breakfast at 7.15am.
So the existentialism aspect is whether the existence of the food diary is causing me to be more aware of the food, make adjustment and yet is the one causing such lapses. So without it, such rebellion wont exsist. Is it the direct cause or is just the cause existed before it?
I was aiming for mee siam but the Musilim stalls were both closed for their Hari Raya celebrations still. So I walked one round around the hawker centre. There were only 2 types of food in general. Either unhealthy eg chicken rice, duck rice, fried carrot cake, fried kuay tiao, western food OR soupy like yong tau hu, yellow mee...
Err in the end I decided to buy something that I would only get a chance to eat whenever a pasar malam (night market) opens in my area. So end up buying a Huge Cripsy Chicken Cutlet and fried sweet potatoe sticks. I also bought a can of Coke Zero. When I reached home. I happily ate the cutlet. Then my mom told me not to eat these much fried stuff often. So I ate it with bread so that it would be my dinner and I wont be eating again another 'dinner' later on. Watching the recorded cable tv shows, I ate the cutlet with bread. It taste very fantastic and satisfying. Really I didnt want to eat soupy again cos that's what I had for lunch. Yet a bit sick of takeout chinese rice (Zar Fan) Then when I almost finished the whole thing, then I realized I better stop, cos I had eaten 4 slices of bread by then. Ops... My sister enjoyed eating her dinner by finishing up the remainder of the cutlet. She said that fried stuff (meat) can really make a meal satisfying cos dinner dishes last night was kinda plain.
So when I told my collegue about this, she said that I should have burnt the Food Diary. Cos before I started this food diary, my eating was rather regular, I dont eat so much for dinner. Maybe cos of such long abstinence, my body rebelled and then go crazy over the indulgences...
That sounds true but I feel partly is also part of getting back to work. Cos I ate rather normally in the holidays. Then body have to revert back to working hours and assignment after work, type of eating. I feel its still adjusting. How else do I explain that by 11.40am yesterday I was so starving for lunch though I ate 2 slices of bread with bak kuah for breakfast at 7.15am.
So the existentialism aspect is whether the existence of the food diary is causing me to be more aware of the food, make adjustment and yet is the one causing such lapses. So without it, such rebellion wont exsist. Is it the direct cause or is just the cause existed before it?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Battle of Will Power versus Bulge
Before I start posting, I personally feel its definitely a battle of epic proportions. Its a drawn-out war and will continue in a dead-lock struggle. It reminds me of the eternal battle of Good vs Evil...
Yes I am dramatising too much. Why so? Guess cos I SHOULD be heading to gym in another half hour and I would like to go sleep instead or feel like eating dinner already... And its just 5.15pm now. Its another clash of inertia vs willpower. I have to upkeep the minimum of 2 gym sessions a week.
A motivating factor would be that I've noted that my weight has gone up, my stomach look more flabby... Urgh, even a momentary lapse in will power cannot do. It has allowed for quite a bit of over-eating... *sobs* Things like eating a 'better' meal on weekends or those dinners that my collegues go for (recent one being a steamboat where I ate alot) and those dabao food which I sometimes eat alot at home. Even the sanctuary of home is not safe...
So armed with my tools for this all-out war; a food diary, a weighing scale, a paper to note weekly weight and no of exercise routines done. I hope to finally make some in-road to permanent weight loss after having gone to gym dilligently for abt 47 weeks yet without losing anything, but gaining extra energy and fittness.
The other side is armed with; lapse of judgement, weekend outings and eatings, attack of bad munchies and cravings for certain food. These are formidable weapons of mass calories (WMC) and my tools might not overcome them.
It boils down to will-power. To see things through. With working still in the early start, I have slowly gotten back some groove. Hope to upkeep the gym regime and get back into the schedule without too much of lapses esp during lunch, dinner and weekend eating.
Wish me luck. This post shall remind me not to give up and work at it repeatedly until results show. TheWill is with me.
Yes I am dramatising too much. Why so? Guess cos I SHOULD be heading to gym in another half hour and I would like to go sleep instead or feel like eating dinner already... And its just 5.15pm now. Its another clash of inertia vs willpower. I have to upkeep the minimum of 2 gym sessions a week.
A motivating factor would be that I've noted that my weight has gone up, my stomach look more flabby... Urgh, even a momentary lapse in will power cannot do. It has allowed for quite a bit of over-eating... *sobs* Things like eating a 'better' meal on weekends or those dinners that my collegues go for (recent one being a steamboat where I ate alot) and those dabao food which I sometimes eat alot at home. Even the sanctuary of home is not safe...
So armed with my tools for this all-out war; a food diary, a weighing scale, a paper to note weekly weight and no of exercise routines done. I hope to finally make some in-road to permanent weight loss after having gone to gym dilligently for abt 47 weeks yet without losing anything, but gaining extra energy and fittness.
The other side is armed with; lapse of judgement, weekend outings and eatings, attack of bad munchies and cravings for certain food. These are formidable weapons of mass calories (WMC) and my tools might not overcome them.
It boils down to will-power. To see things through. With working still in the early start, I have slowly gotten back some groove. Hope to upkeep the gym regime and get back into the schedule without too much of lapses esp during lunch, dinner and weekend eating.
Wish me luck. This post shall remind me not to give up and work at it repeatedly until results show. TheWill is with me.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Crankiness in the morning - Dont ask me stupid questions
These 2 weeks at work, I have been quite cranky in the mornings. The irony is that I have eaten breakfast and also drank coffee already. Yet before and after the first period, into the second period, I still haven't woken up fully from this crankiness.
Somethings irks me. Like when my collegue starts complaining for about something that we have to do, be it event or duties or even lesson preparation. Cos guess its early in the morning. Sometimes is ask me silly questions. Again being quite early in the morning, get irriated easily. But luckily my facial expression says it all, usually they back off, they can see that I might not be in the best, either let me be for a short while or come back a bit later. One would ask like how I was? Whether unwell or sickly so seemed cranky. I would tell her that actually I feel alright but just cranky, so let it wear off first before continuing. Around 11am, the crankiness starts wearing off and I feel back to normal temperament.
I wonder is it because there isnt enough caffine in my system. Have the 'tiredness' feeling like from a lack of coffee? Or the one I drink is too mild, not strong enough. Yet I already drank one first thing in the morning. Resist making another as I dont want to increase the intake unnecessarily. On Sundays, I try very hard not to drink. I found that even though I only drink 1 coffee a day on working days, even Sat, I still have the 'coffee addiction' thingy now and then especially on the Sunday.
Think I am going to push driving back. I rather value my Sundays a bit too much. Plus not really very functional on Sundays. Its really a R&R (rest and recreational) day. Need downtime to recover, guess part of growing old.
No plans to head out on Friday, the public holiday. Mainly cos still feeling the tiredness from start of work. Today the Activity which is have to do as part of my assisting job leaves me quite drained at the end of just 1 lesson. I have to be the cashier in the fast food restaurant. Have to converse, find the food cards, calculate prices, give back change. Very intense leh... No wonder quite cranky afterwards. Have to do that for the last time in another 30mins time. That would make doing that twice a day, two days in a row. Its really tiring. Plus today have another mass practice for upcoming Sports event that would take from 12.50pm plus all the way to end of the day. After that is followed straight by cca. OMFG, can this day end??
And to top it off, in the evening, shortly after cca ended, is the farewell n congratulation dinner with collegues. I am attending cos I skipped the first one organized. Btw, its a Pink dinner - meaning all the female collegues are invited. So since I've skipped once already plus its for 2 of my direct working collegues, its better to attend. Not sure of the price but if paying for both, if can pay below $70, would be considered cheap. I already researched on the internet what are the best dishes to try there. K I hope to draw enough cash. Refrain from drinking, which in a authentic Jap restaurant is an expensive item. Hope I dont have to tio the unfair practice of just dividing by no of heads cos they usually drink and drink alot. So far hasnt happened to my level party but has happened to another level.
So guess, I would take this Fri to rest it off. Too intense already. Sat would have guitar as normal. Sunday another day of R&R before the next full week hits us with 5 days, which there's 2 days of rehearsal plus actual for the Sports event. Anticipate would be kept busy...
Somethings irks me. Like when my collegue starts complaining for about something that we have to do, be it event or duties or even lesson preparation. Cos guess its early in the morning. Sometimes is ask me silly questions. Again being quite early in the morning, get irriated easily. But luckily my facial expression says it all, usually they back off, they can see that I might not be in the best, either let me be for a short while or come back a bit later. One would ask like how I was? Whether unwell or sickly so seemed cranky. I would tell her that actually I feel alright but just cranky, so let it wear off first before continuing. Around 11am, the crankiness starts wearing off and I feel back to normal temperament.
I wonder is it because there isnt enough caffine in my system. Have the 'tiredness' feeling like from a lack of coffee? Or the one I drink is too mild, not strong enough. Yet I already drank one first thing in the morning. Resist making another as I dont want to increase the intake unnecessarily. On Sundays, I try very hard not to drink. I found that even though I only drink 1 coffee a day on working days, even Sat, I still have the 'coffee addiction' thingy now and then especially on the Sunday.
Think I am going to push driving back. I rather value my Sundays a bit too much. Plus not really very functional on Sundays. Its really a R&R (rest and recreational) day. Need downtime to recover, guess part of growing old.
No plans to head out on Friday, the public holiday. Mainly cos still feeling the tiredness from start of work. Today the Activity which is have to do as part of my assisting job leaves me quite drained at the end of just 1 lesson. I have to be the cashier in the fast food restaurant. Have to converse, find the food cards, calculate prices, give back change. Very intense leh... No wonder quite cranky afterwards. Have to do that for the last time in another 30mins time. That would make doing that twice a day, two days in a row. Its really tiring. Plus today have another mass practice for upcoming Sports event that would take from 12.50pm plus all the way to end of the day. After that is followed straight by cca. OMFG, can this day end??
And to top it off, in the evening, shortly after cca ended, is the farewell n congratulation dinner with collegues. I am attending cos I skipped the first one organized. Btw, its a Pink dinner - meaning all the female collegues are invited. So since I've skipped once already plus its for 2 of my direct working collegues, its better to attend. Not sure of the price but if paying for both, if can pay below $70, would be considered cheap. I already researched on the internet what are the best dishes to try there. K I hope to draw enough cash. Refrain from drinking, which in a authentic Jap restaurant is an expensive item. Hope I dont have to tio the unfair practice of just dividing by no of heads cos they usually drink and drink alot. So far hasnt happened to my level party but has happened to another level.
So guess, I would take this Fri to rest it off. Too intense already. Sat would have guitar as normal. Sunday another day of R&R before the next full week hits us with 5 days, which there's 2 days of rehearsal plus actual for the Sports event. Anticipate would be kept busy...
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Very Slow-moving Weekday...
Though the 2nd term has just started and we are into the 2nd week, so far still feeling tired. Guess it was too good of a long holiday that it really takes a while to get into it.
That doesnt mean I didnt go for lessons, didnt have to prepare materials, didnt have cca, didnt have to wake up early. But it just meant the spirit is still out floating in the holiday mode. I am going through the motions of work and trying to build up the energy and stamina. Guess I am not the only one. This should be termed 'holiday withdrawal'.
So after a hectic day, cos 5 lessons. Today spent 2 free getting the materials needed for tomorrow's lesson ready. With my other collegue's help, we finished it and are free to 'stone' around a bit. Not possible for a single person to do for 3 levels. We were talking over lunch how its quite hard to get back into the feel of working again. Luckily for us, we started last week mid-week, this week is 4 days and then next week is 5 days. Also there's the Sports Day happening, with practice timing scheduled into the school curriculum hours. So its not that fully into all studies.
Just that last Friday after standing 1hr in the hot afternoon sun around 2pm-3pm, I tio alot of small white pimples on my nose on Sunday. Was brushing my teeth n saw those. Started popping them cos those are the very painful white pus-sy ones. Whole nose was hurting. Then I remembered that I stood under the hot sun. So yesterday, I brought my visor to work and kept in the cupboard. There are at least 3-4 more of of such mass where everyone has to be there under the hot sun. I shall remember my long track pants, exercise top and visor the next time.
Yes and this week has been very slow-going... Dunno if the 'holiday withdrawal' feeling exacerbates this feeling of slowness of the week. Yesterday after seeing off the students, I remarked to my collegue that its only just Monday and felt tired already... (maybe its due to the 5 periods I had) And I had thought it was the end of the week. But later on realized again that its only Monday. I reached home and decided to have a nap before going to gym, cos the night before watched cable tv. I woke up at 7.30pm but was quite hungry so I skipped gym.
So Sunday didnt go... Monday didnt go... already break the cycle but NO. Today just found out that assignment is cancelled so tonight I will go gym after I changed at home. Hope to keep things intact cos after 1 week of eating Fish Meat Soup and Rice, I felt so hungry today that I ate Indian Fried Rice and Indian Rojak plus a Teh Halia. Err yes I was starving even before lunch... K tonite go exercise and then back to eating plainer stuff.
Dont really like Weds. Partly is that its mid-week and the week always seem so slow until it climbs over the steep slope called Wed and then accelerates and slides quickly into the weekend. Partly is that Wed are usually the day of the week for Educator meeting. A long meeting from after lunch til 5-6pm depending on if the P has finished spilling enough saliva, had enough of listening to own narssistical voice then we are released to do our work or just go home with a splitting head after listening to tonnes of stuff, where more than 3/4 are rubbish.
But now, for me it isnt so much even the lesson I have to teach, its the cleaning supervision duty on wed that I quite dislike. The fact that got bochap students who misbehave and you have to mother them to do, cos quite a few play a fool around... Other than that, its just the universal slow-moving hump. Just wish its over already. Lucily tomorrow no cleaning duty, just got to teach class which is mostly alright with me.
Sleepy now after food, classses in 25mins. Zzzzzz... At least I practiced guitar a bit last nite. Its quite interesting to play solo but its really not easy, technique, rhythmn and remembering the solo by memory. Havent tried playing by not looking. Should do that later tonight.
That doesnt mean I didnt go for lessons, didnt have to prepare materials, didnt have cca, didnt have to wake up early. But it just meant the spirit is still out floating in the holiday mode. I am going through the motions of work and trying to build up the energy and stamina. Guess I am not the only one. This should be termed 'holiday withdrawal'.
So after a hectic day, cos 5 lessons. Today spent 2 free getting the materials needed for tomorrow's lesson ready. With my other collegue's help, we finished it and are free to 'stone' around a bit. Not possible for a single person to do for 3 levels. We were talking over lunch how its quite hard to get back into the feel of working again. Luckily for us, we started last week mid-week, this week is 4 days and then next week is 5 days. Also there's the Sports Day happening, with practice timing scheduled into the school curriculum hours. So its not that fully into all studies.
Just that last Friday after standing 1hr in the hot afternoon sun around 2pm-3pm, I tio alot of small white pimples on my nose on Sunday. Was brushing my teeth n saw those. Started popping them cos those are the very painful white pus-sy ones. Whole nose was hurting. Then I remembered that I stood under the hot sun. So yesterday, I brought my visor to work and kept in the cupboard. There are at least 3-4 more of of such mass where everyone has to be there under the hot sun. I shall remember my long track pants, exercise top and visor the next time.
Yes and this week has been very slow-going... Dunno if the 'holiday withdrawal' feeling exacerbates this feeling of slowness of the week. Yesterday after seeing off the students, I remarked to my collegue that its only just Monday and felt tired already... (maybe its due to the 5 periods I had) And I had thought it was the end of the week. But later on realized again that its only Monday. I reached home and decided to have a nap before going to gym, cos the night before watched cable tv. I woke up at 7.30pm but was quite hungry so I skipped gym.
So Sunday didnt go... Monday didnt go... already break the cycle but NO. Today just found out that assignment is cancelled so tonight I will go gym after I changed at home. Hope to keep things intact cos after 1 week of eating Fish Meat Soup and Rice, I felt so hungry today that I ate Indian Fried Rice and Indian Rojak plus a Teh Halia. Err yes I was starving even before lunch... K tonite go exercise and then back to eating plainer stuff.
Dont really like Weds. Partly is that its mid-week and the week always seem so slow until it climbs over the steep slope called Wed and then accelerates and slides quickly into the weekend. Partly is that Wed are usually the day of the week for Educator meeting. A long meeting from after lunch til 5-6pm depending on if the P has finished spilling enough saliva, had enough of listening to own narssistical voice then we are released to do our work or just go home with a splitting head after listening to tonnes of stuff, where more than 3/4 are rubbish.
But now, for me it isnt so much even the lesson I have to teach, its the cleaning supervision duty on wed that I quite dislike. The fact that got bochap students who misbehave and you have to mother them to do, cos quite a few play a fool around... Other than that, its just the universal slow-moving hump. Just wish its over already. Lucily tomorrow no cleaning duty, just got to teach class which is mostly alright with me.
Sleepy now after food, classses in 25mins. Zzzzzz... At least I practiced guitar a bit last nite. Its quite interesting to play solo but its really not easy, technique, rhythmn and remembering the solo by memory. Havent tried playing by not looking. Should do that later tonight.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
A hyper fast weekend
Phew... today was spent recovering I guess. I did wake up in the morning around 9am plus. Then nuah around until close to 2pm. Ate lunch and then soon dozed off around 4.30pm. I decided to skip gym cos really felt not so up to it. Slept until 8pm. Hope can still sleep later on.
Guess its all part of the getting-back-to-work thing, that would explain the fatique. Next week is a 4 day week cos of the public holiday on Friday. Great for a just starting-work-again person. Think my cooking experiments - cheese cakes can wait until I have sufficiently gotten back into the groove of things. The waking hours, the work hours, the assignment hours plus the sleeping hours of things. Think after 3 days, somewhat gotten back 70% of it.
Candle's birthday lunch @ an attas restaurant. Its a first of this kind for me actually. The starter, soup and dessert were good. Disappointing was the main course. It was very sourish, that's all I tasted from it. Thank God for small portions eh? Oh well, it was definitely an experience. Though I felt its too attas for me. I thought the bread plate was already used and dirty cos it had some blackened chao da stains on it as decoration, instead it was actually part of its design... talk about misinterpretations.
After that I was in zombified mode mainly cos I had woken up at 8am to eat breakfast, practice guitar and then bring the Choc Gin Truffles to Tab's place by around 12pm. I left home around 10.45am and took the bus 156 all the way there. Stoned on the bus and played game on the I-touch. After arriving, Tab went to bathe and I sat on the massage back and leg machine. Shortly after we took a cab down to town. Tab headed for the hotel, I went for guitar lesson. Guitar lesson was pretty good, its alot about sliding. Managed it though I forgot to listen to that unfamilar chinese song. The following Sat, I would be missing lesson due to event at work. Dont wish to skip too many. Hard to catch up one, especially for me, at times lack time to practice and also find it diff to catch the bits n pieces of musical theory being discussed. So I rather not miss if I can. That's my commitment to the courses that I attend. I believe that by persisiting, I might not be the best but I can improve over time. The attendance is part of it.
After guitar, I took a bus for 1 bus stop to get to a taxi stand with quite a few waiting taxis and then reached the hotel. My friends ordered the set lunch for me over the phone. There was the interesting high-tea aspect where the high society were eating and dancing. The music was good though. After more photo-taking, we headed to look at bedsheets. I was zombified then. Just follow and later woke up more around evening time. We bought chips, some sushi, lime and lemon and a few bottled drinks to go back to Tab's place. Got the correct lime n lemon for mixing drinks.
But I think I went overboard in the drinking part. I was drinking mainly Tequila. Then I tried a Whisky sour. Not bad and then had a Dark Rum. Only tried to sober up around 11.15pm by drinking lots of oolong. But guess overdid it. When its time to leave around 12.15pm plus, suddenly something wanted to come out. Couldnt surpress.
Got a mint and Quet drove me home. It was a smooth ride actually. When I walked to the lift. Another feeling of heaving came back. Its like by right I can keep it down cos nothing threatening to come out cos there's nothing lingering at the back of the throat. But the stomach heaved and then once started, couldnt stop. Thankfully I have the plastic bag which Quet passed to me just in case. So I did empty out the liquid in my stomach. Mainly is Oolong tea, the whiskey and dark rum I guess. That might just put me off oolong for a short while... Didnt dirty myself, threw the bag once I got home. Then brushed teeth and rinsed mouth with mouthwash. Felt better already and less inebrieted. Headed to bed and slept. Well its those sleep where one just sleeps like a log.
Actually this is my first time doing the "Merlion" after drinking. Guess my limit wasnt as good as before. Also I shouldnt mix the alcohol types eg whisky n dark rum which have a distinctive flavour type with those like Gin, Tequila which are usually mixed. Guess they dont agree to my stomach.
Guess its all part of the getting-back-to-work thing, that would explain the fatique. Next week is a 4 day week cos of the public holiday on Friday. Great for a just starting-work-again person. Think my cooking experiments - cheese cakes can wait until I have sufficiently gotten back into the groove of things. The waking hours, the work hours, the assignment hours plus the sleeping hours of things. Think after 3 days, somewhat gotten back 70% of it.
Candle's birthday lunch @ an attas restaurant. Its a first of this kind for me actually. The starter, soup and dessert were good. Disappointing was the main course. It was very sourish, that's all I tasted from it. Thank God for small portions eh? Oh well, it was definitely an experience. Though I felt its too attas for me. I thought the bread plate was already used and dirty cos it had some blackened chao da stains on it as decoration, instead it was actually part of its design... talk about misinterpretations.
After that I was in zombified mode mainly cos I had woken up at 8am to eat breakfast, practice guitar and then bring the Choc Gin Truffles to Tab's place by around 12pm. I left home around 10.45am and took the bus 156 all the way there. Stoned on the bus and played game on the I-touch. After arriving, Tab went to bathe and I sat on the massage back and leg machine. Shortly after we took a cab down to town. Tab headed for the hotel, I went for guitar lesson. Guitar lesson was pretty good, its alot about sliding. Managed it though I forgot to listen to that unfamilar chinese song. The following Sat, I would be missing lesson due to event at work. Dont wish to skip too many. Hard to catch up one, especially for me, at times lack time to practice and also find it diff to catch the bits n pieces of musical theory being discussed. So I rather not miss if I can. That's my commitment to the courses that I attend. I believe that by persisiting, I might not be the best but I can improve over time. The attendance is part of it.
After guitar, I took a bus for 1 bus stop to get to a taxi stand with quite a few waiting taxis and then reached the hotel. My friends ordered the set lunch for me over the phone. There was the interesting high-tea aspect where the high society were eating and dancing. The music was good though. After more photo-taking, we headed to look at bedsheets. I was zombified then. Just follow and later woke up more around evening time. We bought chips, some sushi, lime and lemon and a few bottled drinks to go back to Tab's place. Got the correct lime n lemon for mixing drinks.
But I think I went overboard in the drinking part. I was drinking mainly Tequila. Then I tried a Whisky sour. Not bad and then had a Dark Rum. Only tried to sober up around 11.15pm by drinking lots of oolong. But guess overdid it. When its time to leave around 12.15pm plus, suddenly something wanted to come out. Couldnt surpress.
Got a mint and Quet drove me home. It was a smooth ride actually. When I walked to the lift. Another feeling of heaving came back. Its like by right I can keep it down cos nothing threatening to come out cos there's nothing lingering at the back of the throat. But the stomach heaved and then once started, couldnt stop. Thankfully I have the plastic bag which Quet passed to me just in case. So I did empty out the liquid in my stomach. Mainly is Oolong tea, the whiskey and dark rum I guess. That might just put me off oolong for a short while... Didnt dirty myself, threw the bag once I got home. Then brushed teeth and rinsed mouth with mouthwash. Felt better already and less inebrieted. Headed to bed and slept. Well its those sleep where one just sleeps like a log.
Actually this is my first time doing the "Merlion" after drinking. Guess my limit wasnt as good as before. Also I shouldnt mix the alcohol types eg whisky n dark rum which have a distinctive flavour type with those like Gin, Tequila which are usually mixed. Guess they dont agree to my stomach.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Logistical Considerations for Cooking
Very Cranky esp this first week, in the morning but once I go into classes, I try not to let it affect my teaching . Try to be energetic and also read expressively, put on smile, be light-hearted. Then I come out and continue to be cranky once I sit at my desk. Well the adjustment to the waking hours takes some time.
After the work hols and also my own hols (asked for a break from assignment, cos after CA2) But suddenly when work and assignment AND cca comes in at a go on Thur (yesterday), felt really really stoned. On top of that still got to make chocs. I agreed to it yes but the whole logisitics of it after the production is the one that really IRKS me.
The finished product has to be store in a chill section. Yes I can store at home. The plan was to bring to Tab's place (like what I did for the Tiramisu the other time) which makes sense. Cos I have guitar lesson. Dont expect me to carry it around. Then that other time was convenient to use Tab's place cos it was where we were going in the evening.
Now go for Nice dinner change to Lunch. Then dunno where we're heading after that. So my stance is SINCE I've already bought the ingredients and made the alcoholic centre last night (after assignment, reached home near 11.30am, rest a bit and its almost 1am, did until 2am), today I will continue after work just to do the coating and then bring home to store. Tomorrow I am delivering to Tab's place before my guitar lesson. After that, I dont really care what happens to it. Worst comes to worse, Tab and family can have them.
I am not saying that I wont make. All I ask for is more Considerations regarding the Logistics of it. Where to bring to and store? Give it more thought before requesting for my cooking. Dont give me the added burden of having to make and then carry the food all over. Otherwise all my efforts go to waste cos if I make and keep at home, in the end I end up throwing cos its too much for me and family. That's why I dont mind making at workplace, bring a bit home, rest let collegues help me finish. Cos there's not much Logisitics after (if you know what I mean)
I dont mind making. Really, its still fun but there are limitations to what I can do during hols and during working days. Sometimes one such dessert actually take 3-4hrs depending on what sort of issues that can crop up during making. Some are still-in-the-works (meaning still can cock up with cooking problems) so they take hours to make.
So its not as simple as just make and bring.
What are ingredients needed?
Which ones I have? Which ones I have to buy? When to buy?
How many hours are needed?
Am I able to make it at home or have to make at work?
Do I have enough time at either to work on it?
After making, how to store it?
Where to bring to, to store it so that it can be eaten?
Esp the last one, cos the rest of it are the decisions made by the maker.
After the work hols and also my own hols (asked for a break from assignment, cos after CA2) But suddenly when work and assignment AND cca comes in at a go on Thur (yesterday), felt really really stoned. On top of that still got to make chocs. I agreed to it yes but the whole logisitics of it after the production is the one that really IRKS me.
The finished product has to be store in a chill section. Yes I can store at home. The plan was to bring to Tab's place (like what I did for the Tiramisu the other time) which makes sense. Cos I have guitar lesson. Dont expect me to carry it around. Then that other time was convenient to use Tab's place cos it was where we were going in the evening.
Now go for Nice dinner change to Lunch. Then dunno where we're heading after that. So my stance is SINCE I've already bought the ingredients and made the alcoholic centre last night (after assignment, reached home near 11.30am, rest a bit and its almost 1am, did until 2am), today I will continue after work just to do the coating and then bring home to store. Tomorrow I am delivering to Tab's place before my guitar lesson. After that, I dont really care what happens to it. Worst comes to worse, Tab and family can have them.
I am not saying that I wont make. All I ask for is more Considerations regarding the Logistics of it. Where to bring to and store? Give it more thought before requesting for my cooking. Dont give me the added burden of having to make and then carry the food all over. Otherwise all my efforts go to waste cos if I make and keep at home, in the end I end up throwing cos its too much for me and family. That's why I dont mind making at workplace, bring a bit home, rest let collegues help me finish. Cos there's not much Logisitics after (if you know what I mean)
I dont mind making. Really, its still fun but there are limitations to what I can do during hols and during working days. Sometimes one such dessert actually take 3-4hrs depending on what sort of issues that can crop up during making. Some are still-in-the-works (meaning still can cock up with cooking problems) so they take hours to make.
So its not as simple as just make and bring.
What are ingredients needed?
Which ones I have? Which ones I have to buy? When to buy?
How many hours are needed?
Am I able to make it at home or have to make at work?
Do I have enough time at either to work on it?
After making, how to store it?
Where to bring to, to store it so that it can be eaten?
Esp the last one, cos the rest of it are the decisions made by the maker.
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