So far its the 8th day into the hols and in the week, I have gone out for a couple of dinners with friends, a lunch and the temple to pray, tidied up part of the room - put neatly the cooking stuff I bought and not using in a box to put neatly at a corner and also tidied up the anime, DVDs bought that are scattered around into those mass cd holders. Stacked neatly. The room floor is not so cluttered. More spacey cos the floors are cleared. Today I plan to tidy up my clothes neatly into the drawers where they belong. Also just started going to the gym yesterday. Today muscles are sore despite slapping on the muscle cream last night. Plan to go gym before heading out tonight in the evening.
I was shocked to discover that to lose 1kg, you need a deficit of 7700 calories. No wonder though I have been monitoring my diet this past 2 mths but the deficit is not large enough to warrant even 1kg of weight loss. So have to exercise to force up the calorie deficit. Even with this, to lose the weight would require at least half a year to a year. So this will be my new year resolution to work on in 2012.
I have come to realize during the tidying up of the discs, that I really have quite a few PS2 games that I would never really go about playing unless I do it on a regular basis. Even my curren game of FFXII, I won't game until late at nights, I can go a few days without touching. It just shows, I am not that into gaming cos I see the trade-off. If I game, I won't have time to go to the gym, monitor my investment, read, head out, or just some free time to do as I please. I still drool when I see the new games on PS3 and marvel at the animation but as a gamer who plays for keeps, I want my gains to be real and not virtual nowadays. In my investments and management of my finances, I play to keep. In my work and gym-efforts I aim to make real thing to keep. I pursue new experiences and skills to keep and use in real life. This is the difference. These games would stay dusty for a long while ahead.
But I do still feel the dust of daily life getting to me. I feel better now a week into the break, didn't sleep crazy hours at nights, didn't wake really late in the mornings. Enjoying the lax to lie around in bed and think, surf the net etc. There are questions about where exactly am I heading to in my life. What do I want to do with the rest of it. Unfortunately there is no guidebook with a walkthrough. On certain fronts, I am doing well but in certain aspects, dismally. While I wish to live without regrets in the present, I dont wish to look back and regret not doing certain things. Yet ironically it's all part of life *sigh*
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Finally the break is here
Its been really tough. Getting through the last 5 weeks of the 17 weeks term. Partly is exams were over so students no mood and incentive to study but their system is such that everything is back to normal and the show must go on. So finally it's over for now.
Yesterday students left about 11.35am but we had to stay for the lunch party. But after that, werent allowed to leave earlier until 4pm. All the waiting around after a heavy lunch from 2.30pm meant I was so mentally tired. Went home, fell asleep shortly until 9pm.
Can't travel, hols don't match up with friend's plus mom not well to go Genting with me. So I guess I would be digging out my PS2 to play FFXII first. Maybe work my way to a PS3 eventually. Agenda includes buying a laptop, getting a haircut and dye, tidying up my room and table, going to the gym more frequently. Waking up later in the mornings.
Yesterday students left about 11.35am but we had to stay for the lunch party. But after that, werent allowed to leave earlier until 4pm. All the waiting around after a heavy lunch from 2.30pm meant I was so mentally tired. Went home, fell asleep shortly until 9pm.
Can't travel, hols don't match up with friend's plus mom not well to go Genting with me. So I guess I would be digging out my PS2 to play FFXII first. Maybe work my way to a PS3 eventually. Agenda includes buying a laptop, getting a haircut and dye, tidying up my room and table, going to the gym more frequently. Waking up later in the mornings.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
逃学威龙 / Apple cider / Stopping guitar for now / new G-shock watch
Running out:
I did something that I haven't dine in a long time. I literally ran out from my workplace 1.5hrs earlier than my usual end time. I did this a few times in the past when the other ex-local collegue was around. I just hope in her car and we go for a late long lunch. I didn't go back after. But since she's left, I have been very 乖, I go out dabao lunch, walk straight back, later eat at the lunch time and usually finish in 25mins. Rest just stone or do work. Then recently for a few days, I stayed back OT to edit video, and for 2 days, I went at least 45mns earlier than my usual to film for student's project... So I don't feel guilty.
But what was funny was since I don't have a car, I can't hope on. Then there are parents and students around until 3pm so though I was free from 1.35pm onwards, I used some time to tidy my work and stuff. Before 3, I was rather restless. I went to the backgate and lo and behold, it wasn't padlocked. I got my bag, kept in the outside locker. Then when the coast is clear, I took my bag, walked to the back gate, opened and closed the back gate and ran out until I was some distance away. Saw students near the bus stop so I detour via the back of the shops and walked instead to the interchange, to avoid taking bus. I felt a sense of excitement (of
course didn't want to be caught) but this long term is driving me to do these things.
Met up with Quetzal at Liang court. I arrived early and walked around, later stoned. We ate dinner and later stoned at a dessert shop to pass time until her friend's performance at the Beer market. I was contemplating a mocktail like pussyfoot but later ordered just a bottle of cider 4.5%. The band was good but my right ear was kinda numb cos we sat right smack up to the stage with all the amps and speakers. I didnt want to stay out late, so after the first set, I went back via cab. Interestingly, the cab ride was $12, slightly less than my cider and I was home b4 midnight. That apple cider is my first alcohol in weeks.
Woke up freaking early like 7am, and couldn't go back to sleep so got up. I had decided to call my music sch to quit. Last lesson was kinda the last straw. I thought abt Quet's words, plus a new set of 4 lessons is starting today. Instead of paying $120 and have to sit through 4 more such lessons, the alternative is to forfeit my deposit of $50 which I gladly. So i called thru and ask abt whether the new set has started. Apparently, it's today. So I just say I want to quit. Cos no 1 mth notice, so forfeit that $50 deposit. Which to me is ok, cos I havent seen that $50 since I first joined up. Instead of throwing a fresh $120 to get back $50. So just like that, I didn't have to leave home to travel all the way down. I want to enjoy some free Sats before I start anything. I find I need to have some personal time just doing nothing for a few days given how hard I had to work - job, assignment, plus guitar lesson and gym. Kinda miss the days of pure freedom. Just another 4 more workdays.
So just liddat, I was free to go to the bank, with my sis. We went to Clementi Mall and she was looking for a present. I walked around with her. We ended up in a watch shop where I decided to look around for a new watch for myself. I still wanted a dual watch face. Looked at the G-shock and Baby G. The former being a bit big for my wrist, the latter being smaller than my current watch. In the end, I bought a new G-shock (guy) watch. My first branded watch of more than $150. If it's durable, I can expect to use it for years to come.
In the end, my sis bought a surgical steel pendant with chain. There were some really nice butterfly designs that ranges from $85-$108 I collusive of chain. She bought a transformable piece plus engraving. Pricy. About 4.45pm, I headed home while she headed off. Reached home and stoned.
Tomorrow die die must go gym, been over-eating severely for consecutive days :(
I did something that I haven't dine in a long time. I literally ran out from my workplace 1.5hrs earlier than my usual end time. I did this a few times in the past when the other ex-local collegue was around. I just hope in her car and we go for a late long lunch. I didn't go back after. But since she's left, I have been very 乖, I go out dabao lunch, walk straight back, later eat at the lunch time and usually finish in 25mins. Rest just stone or do work. Then recently for a few days, I stayed back OT to edit video, and for 2 days, I went at least 45mns earlier than my usual to film for student's project... So I don't feel guilty.
But what was funny was since I don't have a car, I can't hope on. Then there are parents and students around until 3pm so though I was free from 1.35pm onwards, I used some time to tidy my work and stuff. Before 3, I was rather restless. I went to the backgate and lo and behold, it wasn't padlocked. I got my bag, kept in the outside locker. Then when the coast is clear, I took my bag, walked to the back gate, opened and closed the back gate and ran out until I was some distance away. Saw students near the bus stop so I detour via the back of the shops and walked instead to the interchange, to avoid taking bus. I felt a sense of excitement (of
course didn't want to be caught) but this long term is driving me to do these things.
Met up with Quetzal at Liang court. I arrived early and walked around, later stoned. We ate dinner and later stoned at a dessert shop to pass time until her friend's performance at the Beer market. I was contemplating a mocktail like pussyfoot but later ordered just a bottle of cider 4.5%. The band was good but my right ear was kinda numb cos we sat right smack up to the stage with all the amps and speakers. I didnt want to stay out late, so after the first set, I went back via cab. Interestingly, the cab ride was $12, slightly less than my cider and I was home b4 midnight. That apple cider is my first alcohol in weeks.
Woke up freaking early like 7am, and couldn't go back to sleep so got up. I had decided to call my music sch to quit. Last lesson was kinda the last straw. I thought abt Quet's words, plus a new set of 4 lessons is starting today. Instead of paying $120 and have to sit through 4 more such lessons, the alternative is to forfeit my deposit of $50 which I gladly. So i called thru and ask abt whether the new set has started. Apparently, it's today. So I just say I want to quit. Cos no 1 mth notice, so forfeit that $50 deposit. Which to me is ok, cos I havent seen that $50 since I first joined up. Instead of throwing a fresh $120 to get back $50. So just like that, I didn't have to leave home to travel all the way down. I want to enjoy some free Sats before I start anything. I find I need to have some personal time just doing nothing for a few days given how hard I had to work - job, assignment, plus guitar lesson and gym. Kinda miss the days of pure freedom. Just another 4 more workdays.
So just liddat, I was free to go to the bank, with my sis. We went to Clementi Mall and she was looking for a present. I walked around with her. We ended up in a watch shop where I decided to look around for a new watch for myself. I still wanted a dual watch face. Looked at the G-shock and Baby G. The former being a bit big for my wrist, the latter being smaller than my current watch. In the end, I bought a new G-shock (guy) watch. My first branded watch of more than $150. If it's durable, I can expect to use it for years to come.
In the end, my sis bought a surgical steel pendant with chain. There were some really nice butterfly designs that ranges from $85-$108 I collusive of chain. She bought a transformable piece plus engraving. Pricy. About 4.45pm, I headed home while she headed off. Reached home and stoned.
Tomorrow die die must go gym, been over-eating severely for consecutive days :(
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Weekends do zoom by ultra fast
Work is looming in the horizon but there's a slight silver lining. Though my periods are he same, they are more spread out unlike the knee I had consecutive 3 periods. Now will be 2 break followed by another 2 after lunch. Good and bad. Totally looking forward to the hols. Hanging in there.
Tom I aim to start going to thus gym again , stopped for an entire month. Weight is about the same, though stomach is flatter from the porridge diet. But now my stomach is back to normal, I find, I am often bursting the calorie intake... Soon flatter will turn rounder unless I do something. I need to make sure I eat decent (not fattening) meals, reduce to nil snacking.
Headed out on Fri evening and met Quetzal and XX, for KFC dinner. Really long since myast KFC, though last monday I had Astons double up chicken. I arrived about 20mins earlier and headed to the cold storage to buy chocs, candy, jelly and candy cane. Cos some students reqquested a Chistmas party, which I don't mind (I treat this like a children day) cos they don't habvE such. So with a budget of $1 per person, plus leftover chocs are mine, I spent $100 of the voucher. Left $100 more. At least I have bought physical stuff I would use like the two French press, water bottle and a luggage tag. Haven't used yet.
After dinner, we went to the Maneki Neko section cos Quet needed to get a present for gift exchange. We looked on and saw these 4 styles of the neko figurine in self-righting doll mode. It meant that u can play with it and it will right itself. It cost $8 but with 10% discount and an additional 10% for Taka cards. I bought 2 with the intention to put at my table. Which is purely work. Don't mind playing with them when I am bored or too tired to work. After that we walked around a bit more and hung until closing. Quet washs nice to send me home cos of the bags of candy I bought.
Will repackage them later in the week into little packs, easier to distribute. Also need family to help out. 2 weeks more, so no hurry now.
Sat I went fr guitar, ate the wanton mee and 2 desserts - mango sago n the logan ice, little wonder I exceeded the calorie. I will try to keep up with this porridge thingy. Went home. A d slept mainly. Sun is stay-home. Though I still woke up earlier than what I meant. 8am. Did practice guitar. Now stoning. Should sleep early if I can.
Tom I aim to start going to thus gym again , stopped for an entire month. Weight is about the same, though stomach is flatter from the porridge diet. But now my stomach is back to normal, I find, I am often bursting the calorie intake... Soon flatter will turn rounder unless I do something. I need to make sure I eat decent (not fattening) meals, reduce to nil snacking.
Headed out on Fri evening and met Quetzal and XX, for KFC dinner. Really long since myast KFC, though last monday I had Astons double up chicken. I arrived about 20mins earlier and headed to the cold storage to buy chocs, candy, jelly and candy cane. Cos some students reqquested a Chistmas party, which I don't mind (I treat this like a children day) cos they don't habvE such. So with a budget of $1 per person, plus leftover chocs are mine, I spent $100 of the voucher. Left $100 more. At least I have bought physical stuff I would use like the two French press, water bottle and a luggage tag. Haven't used yet.
After dinner, we went to the Maneki Neko section cos Quet needed to get a present for gift exchange. We looked on and saw these 4 styles of the neko figurine in self-righting doll mode. It meant that u can play with it and it will right itself. It cost $8 but with 10% discount and an additional 10% for Taka cards. I bought 2 with the intention to put at my table. Which is purely work. Don't mind playing with them when I am bored or too tired to work. After that we walked around a bit more and hung until closing. Quet washs nice to send me home cos of the bags of candy I bought.
Will repackage them later in the week into little packs, easier to distribute. Also need family to help out. 2 weeks more, so no hurry now.
Sat I went fr guitar, ate the wanton mee and 2 desserts - mango sago n the logan ice, little wonder I exceeded the calorie. I will try to keep up with this porridge thingy. Went home. A d slept mainly. Sun is stay-home. Though I still woke up earlier than what I meant. 8am. Did practice guitar. Now stoning. Should sleep early if I can.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Feeling the lack of stamina - going on almost flat
The stupidity of drinking most from a tower of Green Spirinula beer has left me with, first, an incident where my friends would laugh and make fun of me at my expense, two, the prolonged lack of urge to drink beer or even any other alcohol... And lastly, something for me to add to my uncompleted list of 100 things to do, then cross it out cos I've done the one about getting drunk, throwing up and suffered a bad hangover. I am not going to touch much alcohol for the coming Christmas party at Tab's place as usual. Will happily be the bartender mainly.
Things are kinda downhill for me cos I feel the fatique has caught up with me. I feel tired even on my light days of work. I just kinda stoned and blur blur pass through the free periods sometimes when I just don't want to do anymore work. A week feels like an eternity. Hanging in there by a thread. Am going to start going to the gym cos I've stopped for about a month due to the bout of sickness followed by hangover n diarrhea. Now since my assignment ended, my weekday evenings are mine. Then since I've stopped exercising as I was unwell, suddenly like there's nothing to do. But I end up sleeping cos on some days, I was so mentally tired, I had to sleep early to recover. Some days I stay at home, read comics online.
I feel a sense of wanderlust coming on. Feel like getting out of the country for a short trip. But as my hols don't match with my friend's schedule. It's kinda hard to make plans. Out of exasperation, I asked my mom how she goes Genting? That would have to check for some offers. I should go check out the nearby travel agency soon. Just a short trip will do.
Worse are club days. Sometimes I think I am the only one feeling it, then I chat with the phillipino colleague and she feels the same too. K so I am normal. It's the others who are not. Am reaching a limit cos it's really going thru the motions on some days. Just too bloody long a term.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Very Intense food cravings... Urgh
Thanks to having eat mostly porridge for about 2.5 weeks, my cravings are going through the roof. I am having intense craving for savory meals - like omelette
sushi, sushi rice, shabu shabu and yakiniku.
It didn't help that I was looking thru the free Jap magazines at work. Got one especially featured a bunch of restaurants that offers either shabu shabu - including Ohsumi. Yum plus see all the year - offers they have for an all-you-can-eat buffet (with time limit 1.5-2hrs) But those are not cheap. The cheapest ranges from $48 to $70 plus and even higher. But so tempting. But I know my stomach can't handle...
The sushi craving is so bad that I can literally taste the omelette sushi at the tip of my tongue. But it's a wet day, dunno if my current stomach can handle even cooked sushi. Been eating lots of porridge. Still having stomach pangs and still diarrhea-ry. Arch... I can only plan to eat when I am physically able to stomach them. *sobs sobs* In the meantime, they are hovering over my thoughts and I can only salivate and imagine how good they taste.
sushi, sushi rice, shabu shabu and yakiniku.
It didn't help that I was looking thru the free Jap magazines at work. Got one especially featured a bunch of restaurants that offers either shabu shabu - including Ohsumi. Yum plus see all the year - offers they have for an all-you-can-eat buffet (with time limit 1.5-2hrs) But those are not cheap. The cheapest ranges from $48 to $70 plus and even higher. But so tempting. But I know my stomach can't handle...
The sushi craving is so bad that I can literally taste the omelette sushi at the tip of my tongue. But it's a wet day, dunno if my current stomach can handle even cooked sushi. Been eating lots of porridge. Still having stomach pangs and still diarrhea-ry. Arch... I can only plan to eat when I am physically able to stomach them. *sobs sobs* In the meantime, they are hovering over my thoughts and I can only salivate and imagine how good they taste.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Diarrhea for a week - man...
Man... The diarrhea still on. After mc on wed, better. Stomach still got pangs, but okay. Friday mostly okay. I even OT until 10pm.
But dunno why today, just before guitar, stomach. Diarrhea. I ate a charcoal pill. Then head out with sis who needed to go to Clementi Mall. By the time the bus came, I called the music school to inform not going. Maybe have to do make-up cos missed 2 lessons. One last Sat due to hangover, one this week is diarrhea. True enough once we reached the mall, I headed to find a toilet.
I had plans today. To go for guitar, to catch up since I missed lesson last week. After guitar, intending to eat the nice wanton mee and dessert. Then head to Orchard area to buy some stuff and head to Parco millennia to buy belts... All my plans went flushing down the toilet bowl...
Sian I was still thinking of heading to town after settling my stomach but it was not to be. Still feel my stomach rumbling so I resignedly went home. Not before buying a new water bottle and a calculator from popular. Seeing and said hi to an ex-colleague n a student. I headed home to stay at home...
Sigh... I guess it will be another week of porridge. Not that I don like eating the more 清淡. In fact I like the watery porridge alot. With a bottle of preserved chai xin. That's at home. Unless I rebelled and went to eat this super delicious chicken rice at my place twice for dinner. At work, I discovered this nice porridge stall and have been eating that everyday since last wed. Been dabaoing until the stall holders recognize me. I rotate and tried the century egg pork, chicken and fish. Still prefer the century egg pork one the most. Guess I will be eating that for another week plus have to work next Sunday, but Mon off...
But dunno why today, just before guitar, stomach. Diarrhea. I ate a charcoal pill. Then head out with sis who needed to go to Clementi Mall. By the time the bus came, I called the music school to inform not going. Maybe have to do make-up cos missed 2 lessons. One last Sat due to hangover, one this week is diarrhea. True enough once we reached the mall, I headed to find a toilet.
I had plans today. To go for guitar, to catch up since I missed lesson last week. After guitar, intending to eat the nice wanton mee and dessert. Then head to Orchard area to buy some stuff and head to Parco millennia to buy belts... All my plans went flushing down the toilet bowl...
Sian I was still thinking of heading to town after settling my stomach but it was not to be. Still feel my stomach rumbling so I resignedly went home. Not before buying a new water bottle and a calculator from popular. Seeing and said hi to an ex-colleague n a student. I headed home to stay at home...
Sigh... I guess it will be another week of porridge. Not that I don like eating the more 清淡. In fact I like the watery porridge alot. With a bottle of preserved chai xin. That's at home. Unless I rebelled and went to eat this super delicious chicken rice at my place twice for dinner. At work, I discovered this nice porridge stall and have been eating that everyday since last wed. Been dabaoing until the stall holders recognize me. I rotate and tried the century egg pork, chicken and fish. Still prefer the century egg pork one the most. Guess I will be eating that for another week plus have to work next Sunday, but Mon off...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
On Medical leave - my second one this whole year
As the academical year is from April to next year's March. Term 3 is from Jan to March. My last mc is in Term 1 (April to July). So this being my second mc in Term 2 (Sept to end-Dec) it meant having just 2 a year. This is already a huge reduction compared to previously as a MOE educator. I remembered having mc as often as once a month on average but less than 12 cos of the holiday months. Guess up to 10. It's a five-fold decrease. But that doesnt mean I don't fall sick. In fact I still do, just much lesser than before. And when I do, I see the doc but don't take mc. Just try to rest it off before heading still to work. The less severe ones, I have recovered by then.
But the more severe ones like this diarrhea, I held on until it's the last lesson where my plan was to give them the time to do self-study anyway and just throw in the white towel. I had diarrhea yesterday too but lesser. So when I went to dabao lunch, I bought charcoal pills and ate 1. It was effective, no diarrhea but I was a bit light-headed giddy by the end of the day. I knew that the next day, I should go doc n get mc cos though that charcoal plugged my bowels temporarily, it didn't mean I was cured. Plus I hung on so that I ready finished all that is to finish.
True enough though I was alright in the early morning as I called the workplace to inform them of being sick n on medical leave. By ten, I had diarrhea twice. Stomach felt bloated n uncomfortable. Saw docs, got medicine, ate lunch and slept. Woke up by stomachache and diarrhea again. Kinda glad I didn't make myself head to work. Tomorrow n Friday are the exams. I still am responsible for marking the bulk of the questions so I got to OT on Friday. Still got a huge pile of files and books to check frantically then. Didn't want to strain myself further. Better rest today to continue to continue the fight tomorrow.
But the more severe ones like this diarrhea, I held on until it's the last lesson where my plan was to give them the time to do self-study anyway and just throw in the white towel. I had diarrhea yesterday too but lesser. So when I went to dabao lunch, I bought charcoal pills and ate 1. It was effective, no diarrhea but I was a bit light-headed giddy by the end of the day. I knew that the next day, I should go doc n get mc cos though that charcoal plugged my bowels temporarily, it didn't mean I was cured. Plus I hung on so that I ready finished all that is to finish.
True enough though I was alright in the early morning as I called the workplace to inform them of being sick n on medical leave. By ten, I had diarrhea twice. Stomach felt bloated n uncomfortable. Saw docs, got medicine, ate lunch and slept. Woke up by stomachache and diarrhea again. Kinda glad I didn't make myself head to work. Tomorrow n Friday are the exams. I still am responsible for marking the bulk of the questions so I got to OT on Friday. Still got a huge pile of files and books to check frantically then. Didn't want to strain myself further. Better rest today to continue to continue the fight tomorrow.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A whole series of woes...
I suffered from being unwell since last last wed. Finally after a week plus, mostly recovered. Then I did the stupid thing of drinking too much from the tower of beer.
To skip all the gross part. I got drunk, puked, had emptied my stomach yet still retching up lots of phlegm, sent home by Quetzal, helped upstairs by Tab. I walked in a spiny way to the toilet. After a few more mouths of phlegmy spit, I made my druken sickly way to the bed. Then it was complete lights out.
I woke up at 8am, feeling okay. Took a moment to orientate and remember why exactly I was in bed, a bit of spit on the floor. Got up clean up. Plus the toilet also. My mom still in Msia. My dad and sisters both still sleeping. Managed to clean up and then it started. This thing which I later learn is called Hangover.
Man it was Hellish. Stomach retching and I mer-lioned out bile, any water I drink and lots of phlegm n liquid. Couldn't keep any liquid down and the retching comes in waves from 9am until 2pm. This is actually worse than the night before cos u r fully conscious, bile tastes horrible, headache forming, and extremely uncomfortable. Finally not retching around 2pm and fell asleep. Woke up 3pm plus and could hold down liquid. Drank porridge water dabaoed by my sis n bits of water. Evening I ate some of the porridge cooked by my sister. Just porridge n light soya sauce.
Sunday I was fine enough to go dabao my own porridge from the zhar cai stall with some dishes. Bought a few bottles of preserved chai xin and 2 packs of fruit juice. Stayed at home after. Drank a litre of fruit juice n porridge. Just stayed indoors in bed to rest as much since still gotta work.
Monday (today), if I had any remote idea that the timetable is changed until I have from the initial 3 to 5 periods, plus that I tio diarrhea, and had to run to the toilet a total of 11 times, b4 and after every lesson, then I would have surely taken the bloody mc. I head out to buy lunch using my sole free period and bought po chye pills, porridge. Sian!!! By the end of the day, stomach settled and ass hurts. Dabaoed dinner for sis and dad. Bought bread, muffin and a coffee Swiss roll. I heck care and ate a plate of chicken rice and later a slice of Swiss roll. Nevermind stomach acted up. Heck I only had fruit juice for breakfast, ate half the porridge for lunch. Sian!!! So 'reward' myself for such a literally Shitty day. Stomach better now. Trying to drink more liquid. Think all these would need more time to clear up. Think my underlying flu from last week now move to digestive tract. I am trying to hang on a day more, then can collapse. By then finished mostly everything. I don't want to even think about another 5 more weeks of this.
To skip all the gross part. I got drunk, puked, had emptied my stomach yet still retching up lots of phlegm, sent home by Quetzal, helped upstairs by Tab. I walked in a spiny way to the toilet. After a few more mouths of phlegmy spit, I made my druken sickly way to the bed. Then it was complete lights out.
I woke up at 8am, feeling okay. Took a moment to orientate and remember why exactly I was in bed, a bit of spit on the floor. Got up clean up. Plus the toilet also. My mom still in Msia. My dad and sisters both still sleeping. Managed to clean up and then it started. This thing which I later learn is called Hangover.
Man it was Hellish. Stomach retching and I mer-lioned out bile, any water I drink and lots of phlegm n liquid. Couldn't keep any liquid down and the retching comes in waves from 9am until 2pm. This is actually worse than the night before cos u r fully conscious, bile tastes horrible, headache forming, and extremely uncomfortable. Finally not retching around 2pm and fell asleep. Woke up 3pm plus and could hold down liquid. Drank porridge water dabaoed by my sis n bits of water. Evening I ate some of the porridge cooked by my sister. Just porridge n light soya sauce.
Sunday I was fine enough to go dabao my own porridge from the zhar cai stall with some dishes. Bought a few bottles of preserved chai xin and 2 packs of fruit juice. Stayed at home after. Drank a litre of fruit juice n porridge. Just stayed indoors in bed to rest as much since still gotta work.
Monday (today), if I had any remote idea that the timetable is changed until I have from the initial 3 to 5 periods, plus that I tio diarrhea, and had to run to the toilet a total of 11 times, b4 and after every lesson, then I would have surely taken the bloody mc. I head out to buy lunch using my sole free period and bought po chye pills, porridge. Sian!!! By the end of the day, stomach settled and ass hurts. Dabaoed dinner for sis and dad. Bought bread, muffin and a coffee Swiss roll. I heck care and ate a plate of chicken rice and later a slice of Swiss roll. Nevermind stomach acted up. Heck I only had fruit juice for breakfast, ate half the porridge for lunch. Sian!!! So 'reward' myself for such a literally Shitty day. Stomach better now. Trying to drink more liquid. Think all these would need more time to clear up. Think my underlying flu from last week now move to digestive tract. I am trying to hang on a day more, then can collapse. By then finished mostly everything. I don't want to even think about another 5 more weeks of this.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sick n sickly still
Mu workplace one can start seeing the seams unfurling as the long marathon term drags on. I hear more colleagues coughing around. A few were quite sick but they still came to work. One wore a mask. Soon I felt unwell, sitting in the air-con staffroom... And I succumbed after a few days of feeling down. By Last Thursday, I felt sick enough to ask to skip cca after work n head to the docs. I was given 6 days of medication including antibiotics. I dabaoed dinner, ate and concussed until the next day.
I was 'well-enough' to head to work where a Dr Jekyll and Hyde situation ensues. I was alright until after lunch where things just headed downhill. I managed to dong Friday. Went home, ate meds, slept. This basically repeated itself over the long weekend.
Except Sat where I headed out for guitar. Even then I felt like crap as the hours went by. I had a good lunch of wanton mee n Logan ice dessert. While trying to kill time, I headed to Isetan n bought sushi to munch. Then stoned at Shaw. Luckily the top of Shaw had seating n I had bought a storybook along. Felt tired n miserable cos of the recurring sickness. By dinnertime, was better. Didn't stay out late. Managed to reach home by 11.30pm. Slept.
Sunday n Monday are all spent at home. I still went next door to dabao meals for family n myself cos mom went back to her hometown. Don't know when she'll be back. I wasn't well enough to head out. Decided to rest. All my plans came to a standstill - gym, heading out, job search. I am not at capacity to handle all these if interviews come about. In fact, my attitude is 'I don't fucking care about anything...'
Worse still when work resumed on Tue. I am having the same struggle of being well n unwell. Usually by after lunch, I was unwell. Hung in there cos just b4 exams. Still got things to finish. Finally today, my lightest day, I asked to leave earlier just b4 dismissal to see the doc. The past few days, I wasn't able to get a number on my way home from work. If I just did a walk-in, would have long queue. By then, I was already resting in bed.
Got more meds but no antibiotics? So now in my room, trying to sleep since 6pm. End up wary ing anime and blogging. Feel better now. Tomorrow there's a change in schedule, so its my heaviest day... WTF... I shall just do as much as I can, then by noon, if unwell, going home. This has affected my teaching cos I am not at a 100%, not alert, not inspired, attitude at the back of my mind is 'why am I doing this?'... Yar not very productive though I still cleared quite a bit of work. Lesson wise, I shall just aim for a mediocre lesson, it's 3-in-a-row...
I was 'well-enough' to head to work where a Dr Jekyll and Hyde situation ensues. I was alright until after lunch where things just headed downhill. I managed to dong Friday. Went home, ate meds, slept. This basically repeated itself over the long weekend.
Except Sat where I headed out for guitar. Even then I felt like crap as the hours went by. I had a good lunch of wanton mee n Logan ice dessert. While trying to kill time, I headed to Isetan n bought sushi to munch. Then stoned at Shaw. Luckily the top of Shaw had seating n I had bought a storybook along. Felt tired n miserable cos of the recurring sickness. By dinnertime, was better. Didn't stay out late. Managed to reach home by 11.30pm. Slept.
Sunday n Monday are all spent at home. I still went next door to dabao meals for family n myself cos mom went back to her hometown. Don't know when she'll be back. I wasn't well enough to head out. Decided to rest. All my plans came to a standstill - gym, heading out, job search. I am not at capacity to handle all these if interviews come about. In fact, my attitude is 'I don't fucking care about anything...'
Worse still when work resumed on Tue. I am having the same struggle of being well n unwell. Usually by after lunch, I was unwell. Hung in there cos just b4 exams. Still got things to finish. Finally today, my lightest day, I asked to leave earlier just b4 dismissal to see the doc. The past few days, I wasn't able to get a number on my way home from work. If I just did a walk-in, would have long queue. By then, I was already resting in bed.
Got more meds but no antibiotics? So now in my room, trying to sleep since 6pm. End up wary ing anime and blogging. Feel better now. Tomorrow there's a change in schedule, so its my heaviest day... WTF... I shall just do as much as I can, then by noon, if unwell, going home. This has affected my teaching cos I am not at a 100%, not alert, not inspired, attitude at the back of my mind is 'why am I doing this?'... Yar not very productive though I still cleared quite a bit of work. Lesson wise, I shall just aim for a mediocre lesson, it's 3-in-a-row...
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Halloween 2 years later
This year we decided to make it simple. Just something simple, not much fuss. We chanced upon these masquerade masks spectacles. Its a pair of spects but shaped like masquerade masks, for $9.80 in Far East. Bought and decided to wear matching clothes to that, minimal others.
I thought about it over Friday evening. Looking through my wardrobe, I could think of 3 possibles but when I tried them out. Liked only one. The others seem too normal and kinda dated (think its this age thing. Certain things I liked before now seems dated to me) Decided not to wear that cosplay jacket. Wore black pants, Desigual top, with the small vest plus boots. Kinda normal and down to earth except I was freaking hot just wearing the long sleeve top alone by the time I left home. I did spray alot of hairspray on my hair but by the time I reached Raffles City, it settled down and looked very normal. Met up with Tab in her dress with skirt and Zhuan with her more S&M look.
We had a delicious dinner at Skinny Pizza - breakfast pizza and bolognise pizza with double truffle fries and mash potatoes. Talked and after dinner we headed to the toilet for Zhuan to put on her make-up and her hats. On the way walking over to the ACM, we put on our spectacles. Looking rather normal. We joined groups of other halloween-goers walking in the same direction. At the ACM, more of family-friendly activities. We stopped at the stairway and this room that had lights that changed colours. More to take shots of Zhuan who had to do a feature about the 2 headpieces she had. Tab and I didnt really take much pics. Our I-phones cameras cant capture well in the funky-lit room. Took a couple with her more powerful camera.
We walked over to Clark Quay and suddenly the standard of costumes shot up. More people are in costume. But after a while, we wanted to head to Haagen Dazs cos it was really very hot. Anything cold, be it sweet or alcoholic are welcome. We headed to the ladies but came out to a HUGE human jam, having to squeeze through the whole stretch of restaurants jam-packed with humans. To make it worse, one of the restaurants had belly-dancers performing and it slowed the already damn-slow moving human jam cos guys stop and stare and took videos and pics. Took us 10minutes of squeezing to get through and reach Haagen Dazs safely. I was sweating profusely. The human jam is a super warm ball of heat and it didnt help I was in long sleeves plus a short vest. I happily took off the mask, took off the vest and rolled up my sleeves while inside the air-con.
We settled down and Zhuan went to order first. She came back with a Jewel basket - 5 mini scoops with fruits topping in a waffle basket. The mini-scoops are not small but generous scoops. Its a good deal for just $12.90. Tab and I drank the plain water and waited until the ordering crowds are gone then went and get a Jewel basket each. Where else can I pay that price and get 5 flavors. Tab ordered the milky ones, I got all the sorbets including the green tea hibiscus. Love the featured seasonal; raspberry with summerberries, not too sweet, yet feels like eating with delicious jam. The mango with apricot is delicious too. The pure mango is fragrant and the pure raspberry is sourish. First time I had such good sorbets. Even today, I find myself thinking of having another jewel basket. Yum yum. The milky flavours like creme brulee, tiramisu, rum raisin were good too but I havent been eating much sorbets at all. So its really a damn nice treat after all the heat and sweat. We chatted until about 11.30pm, when we were ready to go home.
We headed to the cab stand and saw even more costumes. A gingerbread man, a mad-hatter. Tab and Zhuan shared a cab home. I walked over past Liang court, towards UE square to take bus 143, and along the way saw many more elaborate costumes. Saw two well-built guys wearing underwear with see-through wraparound plus a pack of tissue at the vital part, maybe is either baby or cupid. Quite many costumed people milling around, near former Ministry of Sound entrance and infront of Liang Court. So that's where all of them are. We saw some but not so many elaborate costumes while walking through the Clark Quay area. I walked quickly and saw the bus at a junction and managed to dash to the bus stop before the bus arrived. An aunty at the bus stop asked me out of the blue why there were so many people dressing up weirdly at Liang Court, I answered her it's Halloween. She didnt know what it was, so I said is a festival celebrated by the ang mohs. I must have look really normal in my clothes. Yay I am not out catch attention. Reached home slightly after midnight. Glad to have a bath and wash all the hairspray out of my hair.
This Halloween can be remembered for the funky lights, the human jam and the Jewel basket with 5 mini-scoops of heavenly sorbets. Dinner was good too. Really unless one is a party animal and wants to hop around the various pubs and discos, this is good enough for me. The heat reminds me why I refused to wear the jacket, and that any costumes should consider the Singapore weather and temperature.
I thought about it over Friday evening. Looking through my wardrobe, I could think of 3 possibles but when I tried them out. Liked only one. The others seem too normal and kinda dated (think its this age thing. Certain things I liked before now seems dated to me) Decided not to wear that cosplay jacket. Wore black pants, Desigual top, with the small vest plus boots. Kinda normal and down to earth except I was freaking hot just wearing the long sleeve top alone by the time I left home. I did spray alot of hairspray on my hair but by the time I reached Raffles City, it settled down and looked very normal. Met up with Tab in her dress with skirt and Zhuan with her more S&M look.
We had a delicious dinner at Skinny Pizza - breakfast pizza and bolognise pizza with double truffle fries and mash potatoes. Talked and after dinner we headed to the toilet for Zhuan to put on her make-up and her hats. On the way walking over to the ACM, we put on our spectacles. Looking rather normal. We joined groups of other halloween-goers walking in the same direction. At the ACM, more of family-friendly activities. We stopped at the stairway and this room that had lights that changed colours. More to take shots of Zhuan who had to do a feature about the 2 headpieces she had. Tab and I didnt really take much pics. Our I-phones cameras cant capture well in the funky-lit room. Took a couple with her more powerful camera.
We walked over to Clark Quay and suddenly the standard of costumes shot up. More people are in costume. But after a while, we wanted to head to Haagen Dazs cos it was really very hot. Anything cold, be it sweet or alcoholic are welcome. We headed to the ladies but came out to a HUGE human jam, having to squeeze through the whole stretch of restaurants jam-packed with humans. To make it worse, one of the restaurants had belly-dancers performing and it slowed the already damn-slow moving human jam cos guys stop and stare and took videos and pics. Took us 10minutes of squeezing to get through and reach Haagen Dazs safely. I was sweating profusely. The human jam is a super warm ball of heat and it didnt help I was in long sleeves plus a short vest. I happily took off the mask, took off the vest and rolled up my sleeves while inside the air-con.
We settled down and Zhuan went to order first. She came back with a Jewel basket - 5 mini scoops with fruits topping in a waffle basket. The mini-scoops are not small but generous scoops. Its a good deal for just $12.90. Tab and I drank the plain water and waited until the ordering crowds are gone then went and get a Jewel basket each. Where else can I pay that price and get 5 flavors. Tab ordered the milky ones, I got all the sorbets including the green tea hibiscus. Love the featured seasonal; raspberry with summerberries, not too sweet, yet feels like eating with delicious jam. The mango with apricot is delicious too. The pure mango is fragrant and the pure raspberry is sourish. First time I had such good sorbets. Even today, I find myself thinking of having another jewel basket. Yum yum. The milky flavours like creme brulee, tiramisu, rum raisin were good too but I havent been eating much sorbets at all. So its really a damn nice treat after all the heat and sweat. We chatted until about 11.30pm, when we were ready to go home.
We headed to the cab stand and saw even more costumes. A gingerbread man, a mad-hatter. Tab and Zhuan shared a cab home. I walked over past Liang court, towards UE square to take bus 143, and along the way saw many more elaborate costumes. Saw two well-built guys wearing underwear with see-through wraparound plus a pack of tissue at the vital part, maybe is either baby or cupid. Quite many costumed people milling around, near former Ministry of Sound entrance and infront of Liang Court. So that's where all of them are. We saw some but not so many elaborate costumes while walking through the Clark Quay area. I walked quickly and saw the bus at a junction and managed to dash to the bus stop before the bus arrived. An aunty at the bus stop asked me out of the blue why there were so many people dressing up weirdly at Liang Court, I answered her it's Halloween. She didnt know what it was, so I said is a festival celebrated by the ang mohs. I must have look really normal in my clothes. Yay I am not out catch attention. Reached home slightly after midnight. Glad to have a bath and wash all the hairspray out of my hair.
This Halloween can be remembered for the funky lights, the human jam and the Jewel basket with 5 mini-scoops of heavenly sorbets. Dinner was good too. Really unless one is a party animal and wants to hop around the various pubs and discos, this is good enough for me. The heat reminds me why I refused to wear the jacket, and that any costumes should consider the Singapore weather and temperature.
Updated "100 things to do before I die" List
1. Japan (ohanami)
2. Australia (for a few days of farm stay)
3. Negri Sembilan
4. Penang
5. Kedah
6. Pahang
7. Kelantan
8. Perak
9. Perlis
10. Selangor
11. Sabah
12. Sarawak
13. Beach resort like Langkawi, Bali
14.
15. Cameron Highland
16. Stay in the ice hotel and drink from an ice glass (cant remember which country)
Things To Learn
1. Acoustic guitar (stopped and converted to electric guitar, will try to continue)
2. Japanese language (stopped temporarily due to overdose at the workplace)
3. Electric guitar (stopped)
4. Drums
5. Learn one martial art form
6. Malay language (bahasa melayu)
7. Technical analysis applications (not just theory)
8. Drive a car (doing)
9. Swim well in the 4 types of strokes
11. Make 20-30 types of desserts
12. Make most basic types of alcoholic cocktails by memory (doing)
13. Music theory and foundation
14. Compose short musical pieces
15. Draw the ideas in my brain down on paper
16. a couple of Magic card tricks
17. Chinese calligraphy
18. Learn how to brew beer
19. Learn how to make wine
20. Animation
21. Character creation
22. Storyboarding
23. Website design using computer language instead of just copy-pasting codes
24. Sculpting (be it ice or stone or wood)
25. Oil-based painting of scenary
26. Design and make clothing
27. Learn Hair styling
28. Learn to cook more authentic Chinese dishes 20 dishes
29. Learn candy-making (french style dessert)
30. Learn proper chocolate-making (gourmet chocolate)
31. Learn a Chinese instrument - Flute
32. Learn a jap instrument - shaminsen
33. Metallurgy to make trinklets
34. Jewellery design and making
35. Make a few types of sushi
Things To Try At Least Once
1. Wave-boarding
2. Cosplay an actual character from anime/j-rock
3. Bungee jump
4. Fly a glider
5. Fly in a helicopter
6.
7. Go for a sauna
8.
9. Jet ski-ing
10.
11.
12. Snow ski
13. Snow board
14. Fishing in the open waters
15. Ride that banana boat pulled by a speedboat
16. Ride or drive a speedboat around
17. Go for a cruise trip
18. Ride a bike (not on road, on dirt track type)
19. Sit in the side-car while a bike ferry me around
20. Go for a fine-wine appreciation course
21. Pottery
Things To Eat At Least Once In A Lifetime (Resembles fear factor)
1.
2.
3.
4. 海盗饭团 (taiwan)
5. Frog legs porridge
6. Fried worms (thailand)
7. 盆菜
8.
9. Braised Pork Trotters/Knuckles (stewed until it melts in the mouth)
10. Ma Han Quan Xi (Emperor's full 100 course dinner)
11. Cheese with maggots
12. eat a dish with Truffle flakes or slices
13. fried scorpions
Things To Achieve In This Lifetime
1. Be my own boss (a firm dunno what biz, most likely my own portfolio)
2. Finally achieve my ideal weight (now set at just 62-63kg)
3. Get $250-$300k in cash by the time I am 35, $500k cash by time I am 40, $800k-$1mil cash by the time I retire.
4. Own my own place (not sure if possible in Sg with the crazy property prices)
Total: 89
All these for now. Lots of things still in progress. Did finished a couple. I am still working on lots of them especially the money and weight goals but not easy.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
A whole bunch of stuff
It's been a whole string of events at the workplace.
Arranging for refreshments, meant I went down to a bakery near my home twice this week to enquire then again with a Jap colleague to confirm the order... Two days of gym gone cos after that felt tired. There was a school visit by Thais, our hosting school for the level trip next Feb, so I was to help in filming video. Freaking tired after that. And there's Sketching Day, which was at Fort Canning, and I had to walk around to take photos. OMFG!!! So mentally and on some days, too physically tired to go gym. This week still nil. I am being included more into these events where previously I didn't have to go for some and given stuff to do. While I can understand how short-handed the Jap staff can be, sometimes I wished I was excluded cos some of these are very much more tiring than actual heavy lessons day.
Next week got a level party at Little India which I couldn't refuse, cos suddenly out of
the blue, suddenly ambushed. Then after Deepavali hol, got to go to students' work attachment place to check on them and take pic. Then I still have to go back to workplace... Consolation is can eat lunch outside. Sigh... The 3rd exam is coming in mid-Nov. Feeling the strain now, it's another 9 more full weeks to go until the term ends. That's like another local school term. Another possible push is the extremely long terms I & II.
Oh well no use dwelling too hard cos work will still be there when I wake up on Mon. Weekends are precious for R&R. Though since last week, I've started looking thru recruits to keep an eye out for opportunities. No harm doing that since I have nothing much in mind.
Last Fri, met up with Quetzal n I bought 3 sport tops and 2 long track pants for $185 (using $150 Taka voucher. We had dinner at this small shop in the basement, ordering fried baby squid, cheese sausage, garlic bread and fried breaded oysters. Good and not expensive. We walked around and later landed at Balacava in Ion. It has a nice atmosphere and very good service. We ordered the promotional beer. Ordered chicken wings, very good. My appetite whetted and we ordered fried pork pieces, delicious. Comfortably relaxed.
That Sat went to JB Jusco Tebrau. It's been such a long while since I've had a massage. Gladly paid RM$91 for an hour of half body massage, focusing on my neck. Felt good after though a few spots hurt cos I think it's been too long since the last massage. My neck didn't crackle for 2 days after. We bought bread, sorbet, and ate Portuguese chicken. A nice trip, without too much misadventures.
I've realized for 3 consecutive Fridays, I've been drinking beer. The first was Brewersk (shared 2 jugs), then Balacava 3x500ml bottles in a bucket offer and last night just a mug of Asanshi.
Arranging for refreshments, meant I went down to a bakery near my home twice this week to enquire then again with a Jap colleague to confirm the order... Two days of gym gone cos after that felt tired. There was a school visit by Thais, our hosting school for the level trip next Feb, so I was to help in filming video. Freaking tired after that. And there's Sketching Day, which was at Fort Canning, and I had to walk around to take photos. OMFG!!! So mentally and on some days, too physically tired to go gym. This week still nil. I am being included more into these events where previously I didn't have to go for some and given stuff to do. While I can understand how short-handed the Jap staff can be, sometimes I wished I was excluded cos some of these are very much more tiring than actual heavy lessons day.
Next week got a level party at Little India which I couldn't refuse, cos suddenly out of
the blue, suddenly ambushed. Then after Deepavali hol, got to go to students' work attachment place to check on them and take pic. Then I still have to go back to workplace... Consolation is can eat lunch outside. Sigh... The 3rd exam is coming in mid-Nov. Feeling the strain now, it's another 9 more full weeks to go until the term ends. That's like another local school term. Another possible push is the extremely long terms I & II.
Oh well no use dwelling too hard cos work will still be there when I wake up on Mon. Weekends are precious for R&R. Though since last week, I've started looking thru recruits to keep an eye out for opportunities. No harm doing that since I have nothing much in mind.
Last Fri, met up with Quetzal n I bought 3 sport tops and 2 long track pants for $185 (using $150 Taka voucher. We had dinner at this small shop in the basement, ordering fried baby squid, cheese sausage, garlic bread and fried breaded oysters. Good and not expensive. We walked around and later landed at Balacava in Ion. It has a nice atmosphere and very good service. We ordered the promotional beer. Ordered chicken wings, very good. My appetite whetted and we ordered fried pork pieces, delicious. Comfortably relaxed.
That Sat went to JB Jusco Tebrau. It's been such a long while since I've had a massage. Gladly paid RM$91 for an hour of half body massage, focusing on my neck. Felt good after though a few spots hurt cos I think it's been too long since the last massage. My neck didn't crackle for 2 days after. We bought bread, sorbet, and ate Portuguese chicken. A nice trip, without too much misadventures.
I've realized for 3 consecutive Fridays, I've been drinking beer. The first was Brewersk (shared 2 jugs), then Balacava 3x500ml bottles in a bucket offer and last night just a mug of Asanshi.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Feeling tired
The weather's been getting colder and more rainy these past few days. My cough is acting up and a lot of phlegm. Also haven't drank coffee for 1.5 mths, only 1-2 Coke Zero after lunch. Doubly tired, can work, but not smiley nor chatty.
So far, 7 weeks plus that feels like it's a lifetime due to the recent Sports Day n even more recent exams. I stayed extra 3hrs last thur and 1hr last Fri. Used all my free time to check the books n mark those scripts. Cos I was marking scripts on thur n tallying marks on fri, on top of usual lessons, I didnt have time to check the whole 4 boxes of files and books. Given I don't come in on weekends, they just had to wait until monday. But when I came in, the Jap-eng colleagues told me they be returning all the books and files in one go. I looked at him and said I had not finished, cos I was marking the papers n tallying marks. He knows and was nice enough to let me skip the 1st after exam lesson where the classes are combined n he goes through answers. So using those 3 periods = 3hrs, I pia n finished checking all those boxes. Really see stars after that. Just in time so after lunch all returned, grades recorded in my own record. I went out to dabao lunch. After lunch due to timetable shuffle got a class, they just put the wS on my table, no instructions in eng. Got a hand-out in jap... I think it's poor planning to just expect me to be able to carry out this lesson which I didn't plan, don't know about at all by just expecting me to give the hand-out to mu students and just tell them to do? Wtf? So it's like WTFH???
Even the short list of adjectives provided as helping words are not adequate to describe character or personality. How does the adjective 'healthy' describe ur personality. I came up with a list of adjectives and wrote them on the board, with short eng explanation. So they can use. At least I provided a better list but it's tougher on me. I have to write on the chalkboard quickly. Am still not skillful in chalk. Right arm really tired after.
Then I thought it was a switch of timetable, thot the last period I was free finally. But nope, I was in the staffroom then an Aussie colleague came and told me lesson for this class is still on. Eh? So I was disorientated after the three hrs of book checkin and that extra class that I didnt realize the normal class still holds.
K so I rushed up to the class, just a few minutes after the bell to repeat that lesson which I just did for the other class. By the end of the day, I was ultra zombified. But I still made it to gym straight. After gym, went home, thought I would sleep easily but mind active.
Tue is another long lesson day. Still 4, of which I repeat the limerick-writing lesson for my own eng class and the other adjectives list for character used to write a letter. So stoned after. Bleat, after this, going to shelve the idea of writing a limerick each. Got cca, after which went home straight to rest. Tired and dozed off. Woke up to midnight and dad watching his stupid Chinese oldies loudly on tv. Fu king can hear even when door closed. I switched on anime with low volume to counter and neutralize the oldies songs. But that didn't help with my irritation with my dad. Even if u didn't have to work but to listen to these loud cheena songs in the middle of the night. WTF!!! Already tell him many times before we need to work n hence sleep so tv dont on so loud in the middle of the night. I felt myself coming down with something, wore extra clothes, turned off the fan and slept under the blankets.
Woke up not that well-rested, grumpy bu not sick. But he weather is really straining my energy and cough is pretty bad and I drank cough syrups several times to surpress it. Am not talking with the new colleague. I am not up for small talk, I have no mood to make small talk, not interested plus age-gap difference. Just do the usual good morning. I just keep to myself. Too tired to care. Decided that after work, I need to head out to chill cos I felt really work too hard, too cooped up. Headed straight off at 5pm, first time this week and went to town. Reached really fast on bus 7. Bought 4 pieces of sushi to munch first. Then walked n stoned a bit before I just sat at the benches in basement of Ion. Later near 6.30pm, went to soupspoon to chop seats. Just wanted a warm meal in my stomach to keep me warm. Even added a pot of hot tea. Felt good and warm after that. If now I don't munch anything else, according to my food record, I just about reached my daily calorie limit. Slightly under by a few calories. That's good, cos just the weekends were purely over the calories limit... Need more of such OK days and more exercise to burn off the accumulated calories and fats.
Feeling better now too. More relaxed, warm after a hot bath. Dad fell asleep so no loud tv. Hope to sleep in 10 more minutes time.
So far, 7 weeks plus that feels like it's a lifetime due to the recent Sports Day n even more recent exams. I stayed extra 3hrs last thur and 1hr last Fri. Used all my free time to check the books n mark those scripts. Cos I was marking scripts on thur n tallying marks on fri, on top of usual lessons, I didnt have time to check the whole 4 boxes of files and books. Given I don't come in on weekends, they just had to wait until monday. But when I came in, the Jap-eng colleagues told me they be returning all the books and files in one go. I looked at him and said I had not finished, cos I was marking the papers n tallying marks. He knows and was nice enough to let me skip the 1st after exam lesson where the classes are combined n he goes through answers. So using those 3 periods = 3hrs, I pia n finished checking all those boxes. Really see stars after that. Just in time so after lunch all returned, grades recorded in my own record. I went out to dabao lunch. After lunch due to timetable shuffle got a class, they just put the wS on my table, no instructions in eng. Got a hand-out in jap... I think it's poor planning to just expect me to be able to carry out this lesson which I didn't plan, don't know about at all by just expecting me to give the hand-out to mu students and just tell them to do? Wtf? So it's like WTFH???
Even the short list of adjectives provided as helping words are not adequate to describe character or personality. How does the adjective 'healthy' describe ur personality. I came up with a list of adjectives and wrote them on the board, with short eng explanation. So they can use. At least I provided a better list but it's tougher on me. I have to write on the chalkboard quickly. Am still not skillful in chalk. Right arm really tired after.
Then I thought it was a switch of timetable, thot the last period I was free finally. But nope, I was in the staffroom then an Aussie colleague came and told me lesson for this class is still on. Eh? So I was disorientated after the three hrs of book checkin and that extra class that I didnt realize the normal class still holds.
K so I rushed up to the class, just a few minutes after the bell to repeat that lesson which I just did for the other class. By the end of the day, I was ultra zombified. But I still made it to gym straight. After gym, went home, thought I would sleep easily but mind active.
Tue is another long lesson day. Still 4, of which I repeat the limerick-writing lesson for my own eng class and the other adjectives list for character used to write a letter. So stoned after. Bleat, after this, going to shelve the idea of writing a limerick each. Got cca, after which went home straight to rest. Tired and dozed off. Woke up to midnight and dad watching his stupid Chinese oldies loudly on tv. Fu king can hear even when door closed. I switched on anime with low volume to counter and neutralize the oldies songs. But that didn't help with my irritation with my dad. Even if u didn't have to work but to listen to these loud cheena songs in the middle of the night. WTF!!! Already tell him many times before we need to work n hence sleep so tv dont on so loud in the middle of the night. I felt myself coming down with something, wore extra clothes, turned off the fan and slept under the blankets.
Woke up not that well-rested, grumpy bu not sick. But he weather is really straining my energy and cough is pretty bad and I drank cough syrups several times to surpress it. Am not talking with the new colleague. I am not up for small talk, I have no mood to make small talk, not interested plus age-gap difference. Just do the usual good morning. I just keep to myself. Too tired to care. Decided that after work, I need to head out to chill cos I felt really work too hard, too cooped up. Headed straight off at 5pm, first time this week and went to town. Reached really fast on bus 7. Bought 4 pieces of sushi to munch first. Then walked n stoned a bit before I just sat at the benches in basement of Ion. Later near 6.30pm, went to soupspoon to chop seats. Just wanted a warm meal in my stomach to keep me warm. Even added a pot of hot tea. Felt good and warm after that. If now I don't munch anything else, according to my food record, I just about reached my daily calorie limit. Slightly under by a few calories. That's good, cos just the weekends were purely over the calories limit... Need more of such OK days and more exercise to burn off the accumulated calories and fats.
Feeling better now too. More relaxed, warm after a hot bath. Dad fell asleep so no loud tv. Hope to sleep in 10 more minutes time.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
A gluttony weekend
Fri had curry fish head and Thai style chicken cutlet. Later I decided to have beer with food at Brewerkz. Cos this has really been a hectic week. Drank more than a jug of beer, we ordered 2 jugs. Well deserved, felt more relaxed.
Sat, my stomach rumbling cos of the curry fish head earlier. My poweress for eating spicy dropped alot. Always the following day, stomach rumbles and grumbles. Met FH and Tab for wanton noodles at Po Mo, later tau hua, you tiao. Dinner I ate breakfast - sunny side up and poached, baked beans, veg, bacon and toasted bread. Banana milkshake. Tried a bit of the cheeky chocolate crepe and choc cake.
Tomorrow gym and eat home food. 2 days of overshooting calories. Need to make back the deficit through exercise and eating more balanced.
Sat, my stomach rumbling cos of the curry fish head earlier. My poweress for eating spicy dropped alot. Always the following day, stomach rumbles and grumbles. Met FH and Tab for wanton noodles at Po Mo, later tau hua, you tiao. Dinner I ate breakfast - sunny side up and poached, baked beans, veg, bacon and toasted bread. Banana milkshake. Tried a bit of the cheeky chocolate crepe and choc cake.
Tomorrow gym and eat home food. 2 days of overshooting calories. Need to make back the deficit through exercise and eating more balanced.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
A slow week... irritating chatter
This week is extremely slow. It's just Thursday, not even Friday. I anticipate that I will OT tonight to finish piahing the exam paper marking. The sort of agreement is I help to mark more cos I didnt help to set. Which is true. Just that from the 1st exam experience, to mark in 2 different colours, slows me down a lot. So I cleared my work quickly and expected I could start straight after the paper was over but not yet. So I have to wait, most probably after lunch and all the home room. I will piah very hard to finish it asap. It would take me hours. Hope I wont have to stay until 9-10pm. That was an experience in itself.
The remaining local colleague is leaving. The new colleague comes in and she's too chatty. Talk and talk and talk. She will latch on to a person convenient and talk and talk and talk. Unfortunately since Monday, she sat at the empty, resource table right beside me. She asks the darnest questions, that I am tempted to roll my eye-whites. Its bad enough that I have to entertain some of these questions from my jap colleagues but to have to entertain non-stop is another matter. She is non-cheena and not local. She doesnt have much to do for now so she just chats and chats. When she sits at the local colleague's table, she latches on to Headless and talks and talks. Once Headless goes away, within 10s, she would make a comment or ask me a question. I was clearing my work and just answered her a few sentences. Then Headless comes back and she talks to her endlessly. Then repeat again when Headless had to leave her seat. Within 10s, she tries to talk to me again. I answered her one sentence then told her I cant really talk cos I am doing my work. I've realized she's been repeating the same questions and information about herself in these conversations she try to hold but its not really a conversation. Its always her, talking. Its a one-sided conversation. Hope she can get the hint and not latch onto me.
I am not that sociable a person at work. Am not a chatty person at work. I am focused on doing my work, clearing the outstanding work and even planning for the next lesson. I am not a just-in-time person. I prefer to do things especially when I am at the 'effective and productive' frame. I do give myself more breaks now but I still try to make sure things are cleared up. Nothing much pending on my end. Entirely because I dont want to stay back more than I have to nor bring work home at all. So I use the free periods to clear work especially near exams, where there is alot of checking of books, giving grades for their work. Plus unless I know you well or more personally, I am NOT interested in your personal life at all. Especially if you talk about your family and kids. Count me out.
Personally for now, I am reserving judgement until she starts her work proper and see how she is really like when she works and teaches. Now is like a lot of talking about her past long experience, writing out some lesson outlines. Now as an educator, we all know about 'paper talk'. The best planned lessons unless well executed, may not be a successful lessons. I am not saying I am zai or that good. But sometimes I think a big educator occupational problem with regards to planning is that its all 'on-paper'.
For now, I just want to clear my stuff, my level stuff and then go home. Have a more interesting life outside of work, do more stuff that will enrich my vision, personality, expand my horizon, experience and skills.
The remaining local colleague is leaving. The new colleague comes in and she's too chatty. Talk and talk and talk. She will latch on to a person convenient and talk and talk and talk. Unfortunately since Monday, she sat at the empty, resource table right beside me. She asks the darnest questions, that I am tempted to roll my eye-whites. Its bad enough that I have to entertain some of these questions from my jap colleagues but to have to entertain non-stop is another matter. She is non-cheena and not local. She doesnt have much to do for now so she just chats and chats. When she sits at the local colleague's table, she latches on to Headless and talks and talks. Once Headless goes away, within 10s, she would make a comment or ask me a question. I was clearing my work and just answered her a few sentences. Then Headless comes back and she talks to her endlessly. Then repeat again when Headless had to leave her seat. Within 10s, she tries to talk to me again. I answered her one sentence then told her I cant really talk cos I am doing my work. I've realized she's been repeating the same questions and information about herself in these conversations she try to hold but its not really a conversation. Its always her, talking. Its a one-sided conversation. Hope she can get the hint and not latch onto me.
I am not that sociable a person at work. Am not a chatty person at work. I am focused on doing my work, clearing the outstanding work and even planning for the next lesson. I am not a just-in-time person. I prefer to do things especially when I am at the 'effective and productive' frame. I do give myself more breaks now but I still try to make sure things are cleared up. Nothing much pending on my end. Entirely because I dont want to stay back more than I have to nor bring work home at all. So I use the free periods to clear work especially near exams, where there is alot of checking of books, giving grades for their work. Plus unless I know you well or more personally, I am NOT interested in your personal life at all. Especially if you talk about your family and kids. Count me out.
Personally for now, I am reserving judgement until she starts her work proper and see how she is really like when she works and teaches. Now is like a lot of talking about her past long experience, writing out some lesson outlines. Now as an educator, we all know about 'paper talk'. The best planned lessons unless well executed, may not be a successful lessons. I am not saying I am zai or that good. But sometimes I think a big educator occupational problem with regards to planning is that its all 'on-paper'.
For now, I just want to clear my stuff, my level stuff and then go home. Have a more interesting life outside of work, do more stuff that will enrich my vision, personality, expand my horizon, experience and skills.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Surf's Up @ Wavehouse
On Wednesday, it was a shorter day at workplace. Students left at 3.15pm. But we always have to stay until 5pm. The different levels had to go out to 3 different locations to do a recee of the respective location for the last major event called Sketching Day. I headed to Fort Canning Park, my designated level location. They call it a preview but that sounds so wrong. It's a recee to us locals. I know I won't have much duties but despite that still have to go.
At 4pm, I got a ride from my colleague and didnt have to pay for cab. We ended up on that part of Fort Canning near the museum, right up from the back of Funan. Walked around with them to see where exactly are the limits where students cn wander about to draw. Glad for the old treescos very well-shielded from the sunlight. Just that its all green. Imagine 3hrs doing nothing, I better bring books to read, charge I-phone.
After we are done at the recee, it was about 5pm. I was invited to my local colleague's farewell level party at Wavehouse @ Sentosa. They were recee-ing there. I decided to take a cab and cab into Sentosa too. After 5pm, the cab surchage into the island is $2. But I also tio the peak hour surcharge. Cost me $17 to reach. I got off and was just enquiring about where is Wavehouse when I saw the whole bunch of colleagues waving to me. I joined up with them. They are waiting for two more people. I was on the phone with my local colleague who was on her way but would be late. She's alright with making her own way there. But we still waited about 10minutes before heading to the place, leaving the other 2 to find their way.
It has been several years since I've last went to Silso beach. The beach now is a whole bunch of places to spend money, with pubs, food joints, the I-fly and Wavehouse and many more. We registered, showed ID and got a wrist identification band. Theb we went to change. I wore my suit under my gym wear. Cos though we are colleagues, I dont feel comfortable showing u my tummy or butt in the suit. I came out and all the ladies wore their stuff under t-shirt and hot shorts. We headed out to the wavepool.
There are two, one is the barrel which is twirling surf wave for experts, the other is an inclined angle, with fast flowing water, mimicking a surf. U hold onto a rope held by an instructor, then stand on a board and slowly launch into water then try to balance and surf. Initially we all wipe-out. Me especially. But after 2-3 tries each, all of my Jap colleagues got it. They are able to balance and surf. I was still wiped out. The water is really strong, really washed away to the end where u pick up the board and walk down a gentle incline slope to the starting point. But it was really cold waiting for my turn. I was squeezing out the water from my t-shirt cos too wet and cold. Lots of laughing at each other especially different styles of surfing (I was still wipe-outing then) but overall a good experience.
At the end of 1 hr, definitely worked up an appetite. While we waited for seats, all of them bought 1-1 alcohol. I didn't want to cos my stomach was empty. I wanted food first. We finally got to sit down but service was slow. All food and drinks are 1-1 so u get two of the same item. We ordered 2 pizza, carimari rings, foot long garlic bread, foei gra with dark breast, nachos and doubled the amount came, enough for 10 to share. Ordered two buckets of Heniken and two jugs of lime margaritas. The margarita is strong, initially it came first and I took a sip. I could taste the alcohol and told my local colleague not to drink fast. Cos we were both thirsty without an initial drink. The food just arrived and we tucked in. Later I got a bottle of Heiniken when I've finished two margarita. The food is surprising good. The pizza and calarari rings, the garlic bread. The foie gra with the bit of toast, caramalized apple or pear plus the duck meat with a veg. It's really small tapas style but the taste is reach. That dish is enough to share out but the Jap colleagues didn't eat much so I ended up eating most of the foie gra dish. The garlic bread loaf that came is delicious when piping hot. It's really nice. The nachos is like a mountain though the cheese not melted through. But really filling.
We made our way to the sky train and at Vivo I decided to cab with 2 colleagues back cos didn't want to squeeze bus but took more than 20mins plus have to call for cab before one arrived. Took a quick shower before falling asleep. I put on muscle cream cos I heard muscles will ache after. The only peeve was having to work the next day. True enough the next day, my shoulder was aching a bit. I asked the Aussie colleague why. He said that cos when we fell off the board n wipe out, we land on our shoulder as we impact the water. So u don't feel it on the day itself but it manifests the next two days. It's gets worse on the second day. Wow I didn't know that. I did ask him how he manages to work like this... The Jap colleagues got it worse cos they balanced on the board so their whole body ache. Cos I reckon u use those less used muscles to maintain balance.
I thought I would be spared more cos I only wiped out. Yes cos only my neck and shoulders ached slightly but by the thur, it got really really sore. That I pasted two patch of plaster and laid in bed early cos I felt I couldn't lift my neck. Just aching alot and I didn't felt like moving at all on thur evening. By fri, my neck was fine, shoulders still aching a bit but manageable. By late fri evening, it's mostly gone. I had intended to go gym straight after work at 5pm. I ended up clearing work until 6.30pm.
By then feeling tired. Headed home but I changed straight into gym gear and forced myself out. Dad gave me a ride to the gym. It was almost 7.30pm then. Did my usual and ended about an hour plus. Reached home past 9pm, ate dinner and bathed. Feels very relaxed and slept really well.
At 4pm, I got a ride from my colleague and didnt have to pay for cab. We ended up on that part of Fort Canning near the museum, right up from the back of Funan. Walked around with them to see where exactly are the limits where students cn wander about to draw. Glad for the old treescos very well-shielded from the sunlight. Just that its all green. Imagine 3hrs doing nothing, I better bring books to read, charge I-phone.
After we are done at the recee, it was about 5pm. I was invited to my local colleague's farewell level party at Wavehouse @ Sentosa. They were recee-ing there. I decided to take a cab and cab into Sentosa too. After 5pm, the cab surchage into the island is $2. But I also tio the peak hour surcharge. Cost me $17 to reach. I got off and was just enquiring about where is Wavehouse when I saw the whole bunch of colleagues waving to me. I joined up with them. They are waiting for two more people. I was on the phone with my local colleague who was on her way but would be late. She's alright with making her own way there. But we still waited about 10minutes before heading to the place, leaving the other 2 to find their way.
It has been several years since I've last went to Silso beach. The beach now is a whole bunch of places to spend money, with pubs, food joints, the I-fly and Wavehouse and many more. We registered, showed ID and got a wrist identification band. Theb we went to change. I wore my suit under my gym wear. Cos though we are colleagues, I dont feel comfortable showing u my tummy or butt in the suit. I came out and all the ladies wore their stuff under t-shirt and hot shorts. We headed out to the wavepool.
There are two, one is the barrel which is twirling surf wave for experts, the other is an inclined angle, with fast flowing water, mimicking a surf. U hold onto a rope held by an instructor, then stand on a board and slowly launch into water then try to balance and surf. Initially we all wipe-out. Me especially. But after 2-3 tries each, all of my Jap colleagues got it. They are able to balance and surf. I was still wiped out. The water is really strong, really washed away to the end where u pick up the board and walk down a gentle incline slope to the starting point. But it was really cold waiting for my turn. I was squeezing out the water from my t-shirt cos too wet and cold. Lots of laughing at each other especially different styles of surfing (I was still wipe-outing then) but overall a good experience.
At the end of 1 hr, definitely worked up an appetite. While we waited for seats, all of them bought 1-1 alcohol. I didn't want to cos my stomach was empty. I wanted food first. We finally got to sit down but service was slow. All food and drinks are 1-1 so u get two of the same item. We ordered 2 pizza, carimari rings, foot long garlic bread, foei gra with dark breast, nachos and doubled the amount came, enough for 10 to share. Ordered two buckets of Heniken and two jugs of lime margaritas. The margarita is strong, initially it came first and I took a sip. I could taste the alcohol and told my local colleague not to drink fast. Cos we were both thirsty without an initial drink. The food just arrived and we tucked in. Later I got a bottle of Heiniken when I've finished two margarita. The food is surprising good. The pizza and calarari rings, the garlic bread. The foie gra with the bit of toast, caramalized apple or pear plus the duck meat with a veg. It's really small tapas style but the taste is reach. That dish is enough to share out but the Jap colleagues didn't eat much so I ended up eating most of the foie gra dish. The garlic bread loaf that came is delicious when piping hot. It's really nice. The nachos is like a mountain though the cheese not melted through. But really filling.
We made our way to the sky train and at Vivo I decided to cab with 2 colleagues back cos didn't want to squeeze bus but took more than 20mins plus have to call for cab before one arrived. Took a quick shower before falling asleep. I put on muscle cream cos I heard muscles will ache after. The only peeve was having to work the next day. True enough the next day, my shoulder was aching a bit. I asked the Aussie colleague why. He said that cos when we fell off the board n wipe out, we land on our shoulder as we impact the water. So u don't feel it on the day itself but it manifests the next two days. It's gets worse on the second day. Wow I didn't know that. I did ask him how he manages to work like this... The Jap colleagues got it worse cos they balanced on the board so their whole body ache. Cos I reckon u use those less used muscles to maintain balance.
I thought I would be spared more cos I only wiped out. Yes cos only my neck and shoulders ached slightly but by the thur, it got really really sore. That I pasted two patch of plaster and laid in bed early cos I felt I couldn't lift my neck. Just aching alot and I didn't felt like moving at all on thur evening. By fri, my neck was fine, shoulders still aching a bit but manageable. By late fri evening, it's mostly gone. I had intended to go gym straight after work at 5pm. I ended up clearing work until 6.30pm.
By then feeling tired. Headed home but I changed straight into gym gear and forced myself out. Dad gave me a ride to the gym. It was almost 7.30pm then. Did my usual and ended about an hour plus. Reached home past 9pm, ate dinner and bathed. Feels very relaxed and slept really well.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
2nd Sports Day, Paying to make a fool, The End
This year's Sports Day was held on a Sunday at an open field that is called Ayer Rajah Sports Centre. It's just a big field with an equipment cum toilet cum small snack shop building. Last wed, had to go there and my hands were sunburnt cos I wore the fashion sleeves as a protective cover for my arms, wore long track pants. Only back part of the hands were sunburnt.
Prayed feverishly for a sunny day cos if it rained, had to go back to workplace and have lessons!!! It would be so tough to have lessons on a Sunday... Luckily it didn't. I ser my alarm clock at 6.30am on a Sun but refused to get out of bed, snoozed 20mins. By the time I got ready and headed out, 7.15am, maybe not enough time to go to workPlace, change then walk over to that field. So grabbed a cab to the workplace. It's literally a short drive away. I arrived and the security told me the Jap colleagues left already. I just changed into my 138 T-shirt, that being our designated uniform. Then I grabbed my stuff and walked quickly to the place. Halfway there, I saw the school bus. The bus uncle (whose bus I was in charge of bus duty) actually stopped the bus, to let me hop on. So saved several more minutes. I thanked him and got down. I made it there before 8am.
There wasn't much for me to do. I was under equipment. There are like 4 teachers, a group of student helpers. I literally have nothing to do. So I just stayed seated at the tent throughout. But the sun still got to me. My lower half of the face plus neck are sun burnt. I didn't bring nor apply sunblock. I thought my visor plus staying mainly under the tent was enough but it wasnt. I didn't feel anything until evening when it became slightly painful.
The free bento was surprisingly good. Plus drank a half dozen cans of 100 plus, Pocari and Green tea provided. Chatted with the office staff a bit here and there. Mainly sat and did nothing and watched the sport events. The level events are very interesting. Can see the class team work in these whole class events. I cheered for some and tried to enjoy myself. I did mainly excluding the local colleague counterpart complaining. Just one ear in, one ear out. Her replacement came too. An Indian lady and they were discussing the handover. I didn't want to evesdrop cos they had no duties and sat with me at the equipment tent and I just walked a bit further off to sit and watch the events more uninterruptedly. I don't think I need to listen in. Plus I didn't want to engage with small talk to 'get to know' that Indian lady cos this year I am getting kinda fed-up with getting to know the new people. So many people change. For me, just knowing ur name and teaching subject is enough. I don't need to know too much else. After everything ended, and the last bus left. Helped to clear up and headed home by bus. By then my face was hurting. Only looking at the mirror, did I know I was sun burnt. Bathed and changed for the dinner at Manhill restaurant. I had turned down everything thus far, so unavoidably had to somewhat go for this one.
I was told by a same level Jap colleague that WE are doing a caterpillar walk (all ankles bind together) plus wear this red/white cap that Jap pri kids wear... I was to be par of that. Think I can say no. Basically I already going, can't say no right. It's one of the more innocent things. Basically wear a kids hat and walk as a short caterpillar. Fine... Though it really goes against my Chinese expectation tha I paid $50 for a dinner, not pay to make a fool of myself. Another area of cultural clash.
I arrived earlier cos bus came early. Saw my level colleagues there getting ready. The emcee kena saboed. Must use lip-stick on entire face as part of the Jap jokes. Totally don't understand. It's those play of words, slap-stick jokes. Totally clueless. The food was good though I still think they might be 'cut vege head' a bit. After the meal was mostly done. I had to join the group of same level colleagues at the staircase, strap the wraps to my ankles, put on the pri sch white cap then we 'walked' in chanting Dan Go Dan Go. It's like Dan is right feet move, Go is left feet move. Luckily I didn't trip... The head of the level followed behind wearing a mask n a pair of rabbit ears. The P wore funny glasses. I totally don't get it (nobody) translate, just did my part and siam. Then shortly after dinner finished and I shared a cab with three others to go home. About half went for second round elsewhere. Super tired by the time I reached home. It's been a long day. Some parts good, a few parts not so good. I wasn't that chatty at the table, as in I don't really initiate smal talk. I just eat and look and listen. Others ask me questions then I answered them and talk a bit. I am fine not talking much or knowing much about one another's personal lives. It's okay cos mainly I dot really care. Sometimes I am curious bu since we are not that close, I don't really care too much. But some did ask me how to say a few phrases in Mandarin. Those I entertain more friendly. But even these type of talks left me pretty glad dinner was over and can go home. The taxi ride I was quiet too. Until strangely Headless asked me a weird qn. She asked me why I wasn't in the Dan Go dance??? I thought she was talking about the emcee (I was told later initially they wanted me to be the emcee) She also ?? When I replied they didn't ask me to. After clarifying what exactly was the question, I answered that I was in that caterpillar walk thingy just that I was the last person. Duh though? Didn't say much else then arrived near WCP and I got off.
Mon was off in-lieu. I contemplated going out but the RED and falling stock market kept me glued to monitoring the prices. Also tidied up all my investment statements, organized them then later analyzed my investments. Plus slept and watched anime. Until late afternoon, went out to buy my yoghurt supplies and folders. Then in the evening was my final assignment. It's over. My 2 weekdays are back to being mine. I also say goodbye to an additional source of income but the break is seriously welcome. I want to focus on gym, guitar plus lots of rest and personal time... Before I've recharged enough to decide to take up something else.
Prayed feverishly for a sunny day cos if it rained, had to go back to workplace and have lessons!!! It would be so tough to have lessons on a Sunday... Luckily it didn't. I ser my alarm clock at 6.30am on a Sun but refused to get out of bed, snoozed 20mins. By the time I got ready and headed out, 7.15am, maybe not enough time to go to workPlace, change then walk over to that field. So grabbed a cab to the workplace. It's literally a short drive away. I arrived and the security told me the Jap colleagues left already. I just changed into my 138 T-shirt, that being our designated uniform. Then I grabbed my stuff and walked quickly to the place. Halfway there, I saw the school bus. The bus uncle (whose bus I was in charge of bus duty) actually stopped the bus, to let me hop on. So saved several more minutes. I thanked him and got down. I made it there before 8am.
There wasn't much for me to do. I was under equipment. There are like 4 teachers, a group of student helpers. I literally have nothing to do. So I just stayed seated at the tent throughout. But the sun still got to me. My lower half of the face plus neck are sun burnt. I didn't bring nor apply sunblock. I thought my visor plus staying mainly under the tent was enough but it wasnt. I didn't feel anything until evening when it became slightly painful.
The free bento was surprisingly good. Plus drank a half dozen cans of 100 plus, Pocari and Green tea provided. Chatted with the office staff a bit here and there. Mainly sat and did nothing and watched the sport events. The level events are very interesting. Can see the class team work in these whole class events. I cheered for some and tried to enjoy myself. I did mainly excluding the local colleague counterpart complaining. Just one ear in, one ear out. Her replacement came too. An Indian lady and they were discussing the handover. I didn't want to evesdrop cos they had no duties and sat with me at the equipment tent and I just walked a bit further off to sit and watch the events more uninterruptedly. I don't think I need to listen in. Plus I didn't want to engage with small talk to 'get to know' that Indian lady cos this year I am getting kinda fed-up with getting to know the new people. So many people change. For me, just knowing ur name and teaching subject is enough. I don't need to know too much else. After everything ended, and the last bus left. Helped to clear up and headed home by bus. By then my face was hurting. Only looking at the mirror, did I know I was sun burnt. Bathed and changed for the dinner at Manhill restaurant. I had turned down everything thus far, so unavoidably had to somewhat go for this one.
I was told by a same level Jap colleague that WE are doing a caterpillar walk (all ankles bind together) plus wear this red/white cap that Jap pri kids wear... I was to be par of that. Think I can say no. Basically I already going, can't say no right. It's one of the more innocent things. Basically wear a kids hat and walk as a short caterpillar. Fine... Though it really goes against my Chinese expectation tha I paid $50 for a dinner, not pay to make a fool of myself. Another area of cultural clash.
I arrived earlier cos bus came early. Saw my level colleagues there getting ready. The emcee kena saboed. Must use lip-stick on entire face as part of the Jap jokes. Totally don't understand. It's those play of words, slap-stick jokes. Totally clueless. The food was good though I still think they might be 'cut vege head' a bit. After the meal was mostly done. I had to join the group of same level colleagues at the staircase, strap the wraps to my ankles, put on the pri sch white cap then we 'walked' in chanting Dan Go Dan Go. It's like Dan is right feet move, Go is left feet move. Luckily I didn't trip... The head of the level followed behind wearing a mask n a pair of rabbit ears. The P wore funny glasses. I totally don't get it (nobody) translate, just did my part and siam. Then shortly after dinner finished and I shared a cab with three others to go home. About half went for second round elsewhere. Super tired by the time I reached home. It's been a long day. Some parts good, a few parts not so good. I wasn't that chatty at the table, as in I don't really initiate smal talk. I just eat and look and listen. Others ask me questions then I answered them and talk a bit. I am fine not talking much or knowing much about one another's personal lives. It's okay cos mainly I dot really care. Sometimes I am curious bu since we are not that close, I don't really care too much. But some did ask me how to say a few phrases in Mandarin. Those I entertain more friendly. But even these type of talks left me pretty glad dinner was over and can go home. The taxi ride I was quiet too. Until strangely Headless asked me a weird qn. She asked me why I wasn't in the Dan Go dance??? I thought she was talking about the emcee (I was told later initially they wanted me to be the emcee) She also ?? When I replied they didn't ask me to. After clarifying what exactly was the question, I answered that I was in that caterpillar walk thingy just that I was the last person. Duh though? Didn't say much else then arrived near WCP and I got off.
Mon was off in-lieu. I contemplated going out but the RED and falling stock market kept me glued to monitoring the prices. Also tidied up all my investment statements, organized them then later analyzed my investments. Plus slept and watched anime. Until late afternoon, went out to buy my yoghurt supplies and folders. Then in the evening was my final assignment. It's over. My 2 weekdays are back to being mine. I also say goodbye to an additional source of income but the break is seriously welcome. I want to focus on gym, guitar plus lots of rest and personal time... Before I've recharged enough to decide to take up something else.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Simple things that make me comtented
Today's guitar was okay. While I was walking towards the gym, sucking on a butter-mint, I felt contented. The taste of butter-mint brings back a happy feeling. I only get to eat buttermints after a haircut in Msia, those old-fashion salons. But I don't really mind but didnt like getting my hair cut into fishbowl style (but for convenience sake, easy to wash, upkeep) Nothing particularly good happen during haircuts but everytime I manage to eat a butter-mint (usually a very long time always elapse before I managed to buy some) I feel a simple contentment. Remembering the tastes from childhood, always brings forth happiness. The sad thing is not all these tastes can be re-discovered. Some styles of food are not available in the modern Singapore.
After the gym workout, I feel relaxed. Had a cold shower and came out refreshed. Decided I was going to make an omelette with my remaining cherry tomatoes, onions, leftover cabbage with pork dish, and using two eggs minus 1 yolk, pour in some low fat milk. Cooked them then pour in egg. Very tasty. Ate with bread, ketchup and leftover sardines. That's my dinner. A cold can of Coke Zero to wash it down. Full, satisfied and contented.
Now curled up in bed, more Naruto, eyelids kinda heavy, wanna sleep. The simple things like these make me happy with myself. Relaxed, contented... The things money can't really buy.
After the gym workout, I feel relaxed. Had a cold shower and came out refreshed. Decided I was going to make an omelette with my remaining cherry tomatoes, onions, leftover cabbage with pork dish, and using two eggs minus 1 yolk, pour in some low fat milk. Cooked them then pour in egg. Very tasty. Ate with bread, ketchup and leftover sardines. That's my dinner. A cold can of Coke Zero to wash it down. Full, satisfied and contented.
Now curled up in bed, more Naruto, eyelids kinda heavy, wanna sleep. The simple things like these make me happy with myself. Relaxed, contented... The things money can't really buy.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
T-shirt Numbers 138, 168 / Things that gladdens me 19th Sept
Hmm from the entire last week, I didnt do much. Daily after work, I am very stoned cos still sleeping in the wee hours of the morning 1.30am ++ so after reaching home. Eat an early dinner and take a quick snooze ranging from 15mins to half an hour to recharge mentally. Then on assignment days, I dragged myself out 7.15pm and come home near 11pm. Other days are spent just stoning infront of the tv watching Naruto anime.
So nothing much memorable last week, stayed home and went out for assignment during the weekdays mainly. The good news is that my assignment is ending really soon. Just 2 more lessons to go. Then its sayonara to the crowded peak hour super packed trains and buses plus sardine-packed feeder bus. OMFG, what tires me is not so much the actual teaching but the traveling in all these super crowded conditions.
Met up with Tab and Quetzal for a dinner on Friday. Ate Hearty Breakfast, Cedele's carrot walnut cake for dinner. Later we ended up in Bens & Jerrys. The live band was very good, but the performance a bit short. The peanut ice-cream and the chocolate fudge were good too. Peanuty enough, and the chocolate is not too sweet. Yes I overate obviously. 2 desserts ouch.
That same Friday, I finally cannot siam anymore the Sports Day practice. I had to go to the open field in the hot 1pm afternoon sun until about 3pm. What I did that was just basically stand near where my form class is practicing. I wasnt involved, I wasnt doing anything productive except using my Angry Bird fan to fan myself. I was irritated with the class actually because earlier, I had to scold them and raise my voice cos of the incessant chatting despite me giving them a short break before resuming. So I was kinda of Angry but more of disappointed. (To be fair to them, they were much much better today, I did tell them they were much better than Fri, and I hope they can continue) So under the HOT scorching afternoon sun, I was fanning myself and trying to cool down from the earlier scolding episode. Indeed under all the sun, the earlier irritation and disappointment soon dissipated (or there were more important things like hydrating myself and later after 2 rotations, I went to the shade in the form of a solitary building which houses the equipment, toilet and a small stall) I did get a lot of students saying "Angry Bird" when they saw my fan. I was the only person with a fan. Finally can go back, super hot, definitely not gonna help with my heaty-ness. On my way back home, I bought another Angry Bird fan (diff pic) and an Angry Bird phone holder that can fit my i-phone. Had to bath cos sweaty.
Interestingly on my way to the field cos I was walking very behind the students. I had thought I could stay at the staffroom but even the other Aussie who often skips such things also is going, so I hurriedly changed and walked over. Given how fast they move, I was some way behind them. One of the head who was walking as the last man behind everybody, saw me. We walked there together and he asked me, why my number was 168? It obviously is not my age. I explained to him in simple english that the numbers of significance to me are all taken. So I decided to take a 3-digit number. 168 (last year's shirt) is a Chinese lucky number, cos in Cantonese it means Always Make Money. He was surprised. I wrote on my paper the chinese simplified characters 一路发 while explaining. Then he asked me what's my number for this year. I told him is 138, because it means 一生发 which means Whole Life Make Money. He was surprised. I asked him if the Jap have any lucky numbers, he say no but maybe 777 cos that when u win the pachinko jackpot. We later talked about the casino which surprisingly in Japan there isn't. But pachinko is controlled my the jap mafia - yakuza. In Japan, pachinko, smoking, drinking all only legal at the age of 20. The age where they are considered adults. We talked up until that and we arrived. So spent about 2hours under the sun before I hid under the shade for a short while.
On the way back, one student from my form class tried to talk to me. She said in broken english about seeing me near WCP. I told her I live there. She borrowed my Angry Bird fan to fan herself and her friend. It helps she wasnt in the group that I had scolded earlier. So by the time I finally reached back to the staffroom, all my 气 no more liao. All worked out from the system from all the heat and sweat. Dismissal shortly and on the way walking back to the staffroom after all the school buses left. Another head colleague asked me Why my number is 168? I explained simply what I told the other colleague. With a jap-eng colleague, she can help me translate a bit. I told him its lucky numbers that Chinese like so if he looks at the semi-detached right across the road infront of the school, there are several cars with numbers like 138, 168, 228, 2288 etc. Kinda amusing though, the questions that they sometimes ask me. I usually try to answer them to help them widen their understanding of other cultures and races.
Sat, guitar was cancelled cos of instructor being sick. I just stayed home and slept and watch anime. Needed the slack but I was bored. I was saying to my sister. Go out also bored, stay home and rest also bored. There's no middle ground. She remarked that the rest of the life is about like this. Ergh. But I refused to head out and just slept and wake. This repeated itself on Sunday until finally about 4pm, I woke up from a nap and headed to the gym. Felt good to be sweating out in the gym. But only managed once this week.
Today, lessons wise with the same class, they were quieter and better behaved, so I did praise them for being better than on Friday. In other classes, I told them I had scolded one of the classes cos they werent behaving, complaining about just copying a bit more notes than usual. Very unbecoming especially since I gave them a break after that. I told them that I definitely as an educator am able to raise my voice to shout over all of them but I rather not have to. I rather talk to them and they talk to me in normal tone. I told them frankly I was more tired cos I had to write on the board and each character is so much bigger than the ones they write. Really after 2 consecutive classes of writing the notes on the entire chalk board, my right arm was kinda sore, cos kept my elbow raised up to write for an extended time. Quite okay today in terms of lesson.
I headed out to dabao my lunch and came back to rush to do my spelling worksheet. I had to refer to the words from the textbook and refer to the glossary to use the jap translation to make into a worksheet. So I was rushing that, missed some words and I was eye-balling it to make sure no mistakes before mass-printing and this local colleague kept asking me stuff. Finally I told her, don't talk to me, I can't focus. She left me in relative peace until the bell rang and I had to go for lessons after lunch. Mondays and Tuesdays are heavy and hectic days. It meant there isnt much time to do actual work especially tuesday cos of cca right after dismissal. Plus I had to use the worksheet tomorrow so I had to finish it in my free periods so after work, can mass-print out. Got them all done by 5pm. Safe. I felt a bit bad about snapping a bit at that local colleague but I've realized she is an positive mood sapper. How would you feel if like on Monday (first day of the week), you see her, and shortly after hear her sigh time and again. Then later you hear about her complaints about work, students, her own worries esp when her young kids sick, her franchise difficulties. Much as I would like to be a listening ear at times. Sometimes even this is too negative for me. I think its the best she is leaving soon. Better for everybody cos she often takes child-care, so the burden of the class falls to the other two jap-eng colleagues, so they dont kinda like her. The vp also kinda dont like her taking child care or mc cos too frequently. Etc etc. plus her sighing is not helping. Think its a better move for all parties. True I miss having both local colleagues around to talk with but since both are going to be gone. I am used to just doing my own thingy. Just treat work like work and have a more active personal life outside of work. I do find I dont want to get to know the new-comers except when I have to work with them cos really too transient the stay. Sighs... nevermind, I am used to being a lone wolf of sort. Am independent and focused enough to do my work without supervision.
The good thing that perked me up was on the bus ride back home. I sat at the end of the double decker bus. At the next stop a group of boys came up. I was listening to music but I thought I heard them speak japanese. I actually glanced and didnt really see familar faces so I looked out at the road. Later I noticed one of them is an ex-student, but he obviously pretending not to see me (cos he wasnt that focused in my language communication class) so I looked out again. Shortly from the group, another two other boys walked over and called out to me. They are another class's ex-students and they came up to say hi. So nice of them. I asked them how they were. They're there cos they went bowling and heading back. I asked if they studied in that jap high school nearby, which they did. I teased them that they are rich cos that high school fees are astronomically expensive (my 3 year uni fees is just about 3/5 of a year's fees) I got down earlier than them and said bye to them while alighting. It's kinda nice that some students remember you. Its kinda sad that their main english teachers from last year, out of the 7 jap-eng whom had taught them (some took on mid-way, change of duties etc), 3 have left. I am like the constant in these classes as an ALT last year and my approach was a more friendly one, walk around check if they have questions, doubts, do pair-interview activities with them etc. Its nice to be remembered and appreciated. Cos due to me transferring schools and later even resigning from MOE, definitely have no contact with ex-students at all.
Another thing that I am glad about was while I was mass-printing the spelling worksheets, the colleague whom I helped to claim insurance against this local taxi company since last year, came up to me with a small bag. He said he got the money back and its in his account already. He is grateful for my help and wanted to give me the small bag. I told him its great news (forgot to ask him if he got the lawyer fees too but should have cos his intention was to also get the lawyer fees since the insurance firm refused to proceed with the claim without a legal advisor) I accepted the bag of gifts, inside he told me the few jap tibits I have to eat earlier cos of the expiry dates (jap tibits expire really fast, guess that's to ensure freshness and natural-ness without artificial preservatives) I looked and asked him, hopefully its not expensive for him (cos he had asked my other local colleague about my likes as he wanted to get me something. He wanted to gift cash but the colleague said vouchers is better by local practice. She gave me a heads up with regards to the gift) So I know I would get vouchers. I just hope its not too much just about max $100. He replied that I had helped him get back big money (big sum) so he is grateful, gift is okay for him. I accepted, thanked him and went back to printing my worksheet. Wished him well, glad that he got back his money spent on his medical bills and lawyer fees. He's due to leave at the end of this academic year next March. Glad the case is finally over. It started about mid-May last year, all the way until Sept this year. It took lots of emails, phone calls to the taxi company, the hospital for receipts, the insurance company, even to talk with his lawyer regarding the case. Really ding-dong here and there especially in the initial part to compile a case, interview the security guards also. Wow... really quite a job, luckily I was relatively free last year as an ALT so I didnt mind helping out 送佛要送到西 Glad its over both for him and his family and me too.
P.S: I fell asleep like usual after work and missed gym. Later I opened the voucher envelope. He gave me several hundred worth of Taka voucher. I told my mom about the whole story, she said keep it, cos I felt paiseh and its really quite a lot. But she said that I helped him get back what potentially could be $0 on his part, to getting back his full medical bills, can just accept. Okay. Though I also know not nice to return gifts to Japanese (a cultural thingy)
Though today's Monday, but it's been a good day so far, due to all these incidences. Now to get through Tuesday and the rest.
So nothing much memorable last week, stayed home and went out for assignment during the weekdays mainly. The good news is that my assignment is ending really soon. Just 2 more lessons to go. Then its sayonara to the crowded peak hour super packed trains and buses plus sardine-packed feeder bus. OMFG, what tires me is not so much the actual teaching but the traveling in all these super crowded conditions.
Met up with Tab and Quetzal for a dinner on Friday. Ate Hearty Breakfast, Cedele's carrot walnut cake for dinner. Later we ended up in Bens & Jerrys. The live band was very good, but the performance a bit short. The peanut ice-cream and the chocolate fudge were good too. Peanuty enough, and the chocolate is not too sweet. Yes I overate obviously. 2 desserts ouch.
That same Friday, I finally cannot siam anymore the Sports Day practice. I had to go to the open field in the hot 1pm afternoon sun until about 3pm. What I did that was just basically stand near where my form class is practicing. I wasnt involved, I wasnt doing anything productive except using my Angry Bird fan to fan myself. I was irritated with the class actually because earlier, I had to scold them and raise my voice cos of the incessant chatting despite me giving them a short break before resuming. So I was kinda of Angry but more of disappointed. (To be fair to them, they were much much better today, I did tell them they were much better than Fri, and I hope they can continue) So under the HOT scorching afternoon sun, I was fanning myself and trying to cool down from the earlier scolding episode. Indeed under all the sun, the earlier irritation and disappointment soon dissipated (or there were more important things like hydrating myself and later after 2 rotations, I went to the shade in the form of a solitary building which houses the equipment, toilet and a small stall) I did get a lot of students saying "Angry Bird" when they saw my fan. I was the only person with a fan. Finally can go back, super hot, definitely not gonna help with my heaty-ness. On my way back home, I bought another Angry Bird fan (diff pic) and an Angry Bird phone holder that can fit my i-phone. Had to bath cos sweaty.
Interestingly on my way to the field cos I was walking very behind the students. I had thought I could stay at the staffroom but even the other Aussie who often skips such things also is going, so I hurriedly changed and walked over. Given how fast they move, I was some way behind them. One of the head who was walking as the last man behind everybody, saw me. We walked there together and he asked me, why my number was 168? It obviously is not my age. I explained to him in simple english that the numbers of significance to me are all taken. So I decided to take a 3-digit number. 168 (last year's shirt) is a Chinese lucky number, cos in Cantonese it means Always Make Money. He was surprised. I wrote on my paper the chinese simplified characters 一路发 while explaining. Then he asked me what's my number for this year. I told him is 138, because it means 一生发 which means Whole Life Make Money. He was surprised. I asked him if the Jap have any lucky numbers, he say no but maybe 777 cos that when u win the pachinko jackpot. We later talked about the casino which surprisingly in Japan there isn't. But pachinko is controlled my the jap mafia - yakuza. In Japan, pachinko, smoking, drinking all only legal at the age of 20. The age where they are considered adults. We talked up until that and we arrived. So spent about 2hours under the sun before I hid under the shade for a short while.
On the way back, one student from my form class tried to talk to me. She said in broken english about seeing me near WCP. I told her I live there. She borrowed my Angry Bird fan to fan herself and her friend. It helps she wasnt in the group that I had scolded earlier. So by the time I finally reached back to the staffroom, all my 气 no more liao. All worked out from the system from all the heat and sweat. Dismissal shortly and on the way walking back to the staffroom after all the school buses left. Another head colleague asked me Why my number is 168? I explained simply what I told the other colleague. With a jap-eng colleague, she can help me translate a bit. I told him its lucky numbers that Chinese like so if he looks at the semi-detached right across the road infront of the school, there are several cars with numbers like 138, 168, 228, 2288 etc. Kinda amusing though, the questions that they sometimes ask me. I usually try to answer them to help them widen their understanding of other cultures and races.
Sat, guitar was cancelled cos of instructor being sick. I just stayed home and slept and watch anime. Needed the slack but I was bored. I was saying to my sister. Go out also bored, stay home and rest also bored. There's no middle ground. She remarked that the rest of the life is about like this. Ergh. But I refused to head out and just slept and wake. This repeated itself on Sunday until finally about 4pm, I woke up from a nap and headed to the gym. Felt good to be sweating out in the gym. But only managed once this week.
Today, lessons wise with the same class, they were quieter and better behaved, so I did praise them for being better than on Friday. In other classes, I told them I had scolded one of the classes cos they werent behaving, complaining about just copying a bit more notes than usual. Very unbecoming especially since I gave them a break after that. I told them that I definitely as an educator am able to raise my voice to shout over all of them but I rather not have to. I rather talk to them and they talk to me in normal tone. I told them frankly I was more tired cos I had to write on the board and each character is so much bigger than the ones they write. Really after 2 consecutive classes of writing the notes on the entire chalk board, my right arm was kinda sore, cos kept my elbow raised up to write for an extended time. Quite okay today in terms of lesson.
I headed out to dabao my lunch and came back to rush to do my spelling worksheet. I had to refer to the words from the textbook and refer to the glossary to use the jap translation to make into a worksheet. So I was rushing that, missed some words and I was eye-balling it to make sure no mistakes before mass-printing and this local colleague kept asking me stuff. Finally I told her, don't talk to me, I can't focus. She left me in relative peace until the bell rang and I had to go for lessons after lunch. Mondays and Tuesdays are heavy and hectic days. It meant there isnt much time to do actual work especially tuesday cos of cca right after dismissal. Plus I had to use the worksheet tomorrow so I had to finish it in my free periods so after work, can mass-print out. Got them all done by 5pm. Safe. I felt a bit bad about snapping a bit at that local colleague but I've realized she is an positive mood sapper. How would you feel if like on Monday (first day of the week), you see her, and shortly after hear her sigh time and again. Then later you hear about her complaints about work, students, her own worries esp when her young kids sick, her franchise difficulties. Much as I would like to be a listening ear at times. Sometimes even this is too negative for me. I think its the best she is leaving soon. Better for everybody cos she often takes child-care, so the burden of the class falls to the other two jap-eng colleagues, so they dont kinda like her. The vp also kinda dont like her taking child care or mc cos too frequently. Etc etc. plus her sighing is not helping. Think its a better move for all parties. True I miss having both local colleagues around to talk with but since both are going to be gone. I am used to just doing my own thingy. Just treat work like work and have a more active personal life outside of work. I do find I dont want to get to know the new-comers except when I have to work with them cos really too transient the stay. Sighs... nevermind, I am used to being a lone wolf of sort. Am independent and focused enough to do my work without supervision.
The good thing that perked me up was on the bus ride back home. I sat at the end of the double decker bus. At the next stop a group of boys came up. I was listening to music but I thought I heard them speak japanese. I actually glanced and didnt really see familar faces so I looked out at the road. Later I noticed one of them is an ex-student, but he obviously pretending not to see me (cos he wasnt that focused in my language communication class) so I looked out again. Shortly from the group, another two other boys walked over and called out to me. They are another class's ex-students and they came up to say hi. So nice of them. I asked them how they were. They're there cos they went bowling and heading back. I asked if they studied in that jap high school nearby, which they did. I teased them that they are rich cos that high school fees are astronomically expensive (my 3 year uni fees is just about 3/5 of a year's fees) I got down earlier than them and said bye to them while alighting. It's kinda nice that some students remember you. Its kinda sad that their main english teachers from last year, out of the 7 jap-eng whom had taught them (some took on mid-way, change of duties etc), 3 have left. I am like the constant in these classes as an ALT last year and my approach was a more friendly one, walk around check if they have questions, doubts, do pair-interview activities with them etc. Its nice to be remembered and appreciated. Cos due to me transferring schools and later even resigning from MOE, definitely have no contact with ex-students at all.
Another thing that I am glad about was while I was mass-printing the spelling worksheets, the colleague whom I helped to claim insurance against this local taxi company since last year, came up to me with a small bag. He said he got the money back and its in his account already. He is grateful for my help and wanted to give me the small bag. I told him its great news (forgot to ask him if he got the lawyer fees too but should have cos his intention was to also get the lawyer fees since the insurance firm refused to proceed with the claim without a legal advisor) I accepted the bag of gifts, inside he told me the few jap tibits I have to eat earlier cos of the expiry dates (jap tibits expire really fast, guess that's to ensure freshness and natural-ness without artificial preservatives) I looked and asked him, hopefully its not expensive for him (cos he had asked my other local colleague about my likes as he wanted to get me something. He wanted to gift cash but the colleague said vouchers is better by local practice. She gave me a heads up with regards to the gift) So I know I would get vouchers. I just hope its not too much just about max $100. He replied that I had helped him get back big money (big sum) so he is grateful, gift is okay for him. I accepted, thanked him and went back to printing my worksheet. Wished him well, glad that he got back his money spent on his medical bills and lawyer fees. He's due to leave at the end of this academic year next March. Glad the case is finally over. It started about mid-May last year, all the way until Sept this year. It took lots of emails, phone calls to the taxi company, the hospital for receipts, the insurance company, even to talk with his lawyer regarding the case. Really ding-dong here and there especially in the initial part to compile a case, interview the security guards also. Wow... really quite a job, luckily I was relatively free last year as an ALT so I didnt mind helping out 送佛要送到西 Glad its over both for him and his family and me too.
P.S: I fell asleep like usual after work and missed gym. Later I opened the voucher envelope. He gave me several hundred worth of Taka voucher. I told my mom about the whole story, she said keep it, cos I felt paiseh and its really quite a lot. But she said that I helped him get back what potentially could be $0 on his part, to getting back his full medical bills, can just accept. Okay. Though I also know not nice to return gifts to Japanese (a cultural thingy)
Though today's Monday, but it's been a good day so far, due to all these incidences. Now to get through Tuesday and the rest.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Kite flying & FH's Forever Love wedding lunch
Its been another hectic week where I am quite zombified because I am not drinking coffee at all in the mornings. I try only to drink Coke Zero after lunch on a full stomach because its very acidic and not good on an empty stomach. Plus I am still sleeping after 1.30am on working days. Which meant I am ultra-zombified, and lose track of time at times. Sometimes time passes really slow and its ONLY monday or tuesday, but sometimes time zooms past and its already middle of the week. I guess the heavy days on mon and tue meant that they drag out whereas the moderate days on wed and thur meant I can catch a breather and time zooms faster. Then on the lightest day of Fri, I am keen and ready for the weekend to come.
So far, been too busy to blog. But wanna write down some stuff that happened as a record.
Sat - after guitar class, which was surprisingly better (though I didnt practice but at least I didnt leave with a headache) I met up with Tab and Candle to go the Marina Barrage. Frankly I havent been there and dont know where or what it is. We were to meet at 4pm but since my class ends about 2-2.30pm at times, it meant I have a couple of hours to kill. I walked over to buy my Toto and settle lunch. My favourite stall in Po Mo that sells the Korean food is gone. In its place is some fusion western and some pasta but I didnt want to eat those. Settled to dabao a Subway wrap and a pack of 4 omelette sushi, 2 bottles of tea. Stuffed them all in my bag and walked to the bus stop. Munching sushi on the way there (much like student days), eating on the go.
Hopped onto No 7 bus and ended up in Bugis, near Illuma. I walked in and stood at a corner to eat my wrap while looking at this event of sort happening in the common area. Illuma is really not doing well, quite empty, certain shops closed off. After I was done, I walked via the linkway which directly links to Bugis Junction. Having nothing much in mind (cos stomach full and not thirsty, dont feel like shopping) so I just walked past and take mental notes about changes or any stores that might be relevant to a future need I might have. Walked out of it and headed to Suntec, Marina Square direction. I decided to explore the alley where the TOY Mint museum was at while I was walking past Bras Basar. Made an imprompto decision to cross the road to explore that lane, cos there seems to be some eateries there. I walked and saw at least 2 chicken rice stalls, a famous beef kway tiao stall, and some others. Its a lane full of mainly food. So next time after guitar, I dont have to settle for just a wrap or sushi that cost more than a meal over there. I will definitely give it a go soon.
Walked behind the Raffles Hotel and saw the entrance, really looks like a green oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle and headed into Marina Square. I decided to walk via the Esplandae linkway because I can avoid the Garretts pop corn aroma in the main citylink. Great especially when I am already over-eating nowadays. Arrived and met up with them. Then we took the cab to the Marina Barrage. I was reminded of the Marina area where there's this huge grass patch where we used to go to fly kites as a class outing thingy many years ago. Tab was saying apparently its gone already, developments are happening all over the Marina area, so its gone.
We walked up to this grass lawn on top of the New Water treatment plant and barrage, but I was carrying a heavy load so walked slowly. We saw a kite shop, took a detour and went inside to see. There are really big kites inside for about $30++ dollars. Candle and I bought an ice cream each and we walked up the winding path up to the barrage. I was very happy just to sit on the grass (actually I sit on my sandals) and enjoy the strong breeze. Its very refreshing and a great feeling of freedom. Watched as Tab flew her yellow Angry Bird kite and let it 'bomb' other innocent bystanders. Candle was flying a basic kite but tangled the strings cos she and I are more old-school. We are not used to the new kite wheels. I sat and just watched and later helped to untangle the strings. Later it started drizzling and the winds died down, and we headed to the shelter and made our way down the stairs. The lift is not working. We were staring at the feast that a group of youths had. It was someone's birthday and they had quite a picnic spread; 2 pizzas, fried chicken wings, onion rings, chips, designer cup cakes, nuggets, strawberries, grapes, apples and drinks. I joked about pressing up against the glass wall and looking at them pitifully to get food.
We waited for Quetzal to come fetch us. She also hasnt come to the Marina Barrage before, so we walked around a bit. I decided to change into Candle's present ; an Angry Bird white T-shirt and walk in it. Cos otherwise I might just keep on keeping it and not wear it. We headed to Marina Square to eat at this Suki-ya steamboat buffet place. There was a long queue by the time we arrived, so we joked and crapped to kill time. Thankfully Quetzal had the wits to buy a box of nuggets to fill our teeth while waiting. So we dont faint from hunger. When we got in, it was just nice, about 8.15pm so the 100min time limit to eat is just nice before the place closes. I really ate alot. Happily drinking the soup too. I only wished to have more stomach. An incident involving Tab and the cheezal molten cheese almost nearly ruined my hair and white T-shirt. Phew, luckily I was too engrossed eating and bent over my food. Eat until so full, when I woke up the next day, I 'coughed' out some undigested food cos of my phelgm and coughing tendencies in the morning. I dont mind going there again. Totally like the food alot. The order of the fried White fish is also good and chewy. Nice to break the taste of the soup and soupy food.
Sun - was FH's wedding lunch at Mandarin Hotel. I set my alarm at 7.30am cos the night before, I didnt manage to iron my clothes. I dug them out and put them aside. Though I did go to bed very late about 3am. Woke up and got ready. Packed bag with gym gear (towel, gym clothes, water, shoes) and make-up set plus perfume and hair spray. Bag very heavy. I had to iron my top twice cos after the first iron, still crumpled when I wore it. Had to take off and iron again. Decided to take a cab down. No time nor appetite for breakfast. I arrived first and headed to the toilet in the shopping gallery. There's a huge make-up counter inside. So put on make-up and the works. Headed to the concierge and pick up the guest lists and headed to the reception area. The rest arrived and we proceeded to set up.
We get to order the Club sandwich and some plain water for all the hungry sisters. According to the schedule, the brothers get to eat breakfast, but all the sisters came without breakfast. Took a while to arrive but it was really delicious especially after factoring in the hunger too. But the portion is too big and we got some of the brothers to eat too. Nothing too much went wrong with exception of the suddenly missing Table 4, which was not communicated to us. Well due to the small number of tables, not difficult to resolve.
The wedding began with the ROM but didnt get to see cos there were still guests coming in. Gotta man the reception. Later when it started, we headed in with the albums, ang bao box with us so that they can officially start. After the grand entrance of the cold dish, we headed to the suite to put the stuff and valuables in the safe. We were fooling around and joking around in the room, how the views not good, one right at the wall, another at unsightly construction. The massage chair also not comfy.
Went back to the table and had lots to crap about. No wonder we are put at the end of the room. The laughter is quite loud. Especially during the MTV. We did our 'version' during the photo taking after the rest of the guest left. Best wishes, hope they live happily ever.
PS: That single ang bao from GM is the largest and most generous amount I have ever gotten for jie-mei reception only. Wow... but havent touched it yet
So far, been too busy to blog. But wanna write down some stuff that happened as a record.
Sat - after guitar class, which was surprisingly better (though I didnt practice but at least I didnt leave with a headache) I met up with Tab and Candle to go the Marina Barrage. Frankly I havent been there and dont know where or what it is. We were to meet at 4pm but since my class ends about 2-2.30pm at times, it meant I have a couple of hours to kill. I walked over to buy my Toto and settle lunch. My favourite stall in Po Mo that sells the Korean food is gone. In its place is some fusion western and some pasta but I didnt want to eat those. Settled to dabao a Subway wrap and a pack of 4 omelette sushi, 2 bottles of tea. Stuffed them all in my bag and walked to the bus stop. Munching sushi on the way there (much like student days), eating on the go.
Hopped onto No 7 bus and ended up in Bugis, near Illuma. I walked in and stood at a corner to eat my wrap while looking at this event of sort happening in the common area. Illuma is really not doing well, quite empty, certain shops closed off. After I was done, I walked via the linkway which directly links to Bugis Junction. Having nothing much in mind (cos stomach full and not thirsty, dont feel like shopping) so I just walked past and take mental notes about changes or any stores that might be relevant to a future need I might have. Walked out of it and headed to Suntec, Marina Square direction. I decided to explore the alley where the TOY Mint museum was at while I was walking past Bras Basar. Made an imprompto decision to cross the road to explore that lane, cos there seems to be some eateries there. I walked and saw at least 2 chicken rice stalls, a famous beef kway tiao stall, and some others. Its a lane full of mainly food. So next time after guitar, I dont have to settle for just a wrap or sushi that cost more than a meal over there. I will definitely give it a go soon.
Walked behind the Raffles Hotel and saw the entrance, really looks like a green oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle and headed into Marina Square. I decided to walk via the Esplandae linkway because I can avoid the Garretts pop corn aroma in the main citylink. Great especially when I am already over-eating nowadays. Arrived and met up with them. Then we took the cab to the Marina Barrage. I was reminded of the Marina area where there's this huge grass patch where we used to go to fly kites as a class outing thingy many years ago. Tab was saying apparently its gone already, developments are happening all over the Marina area, so its gone.
We walked up to this grass lawn on top of the New Water treatment plant and barrage, but I was carrying a heavy load so walked slowly. We saw a kite shop, took a detour and went inside to see. There are really big kites inside for about $30++ dollars. Candle and I bought an ice cream each and we walked up the winding path up to the barrage. I was very happy just to sit on the grass (actually I sit on my sandals) and enjoy the strong breeze. Its very refreshing and a great feeling of freedom. Watched as Tab flew her yellow Angry Bird kite and let it 'bomb' other innocent bystanders. Candle was flying a basic kite but tangled the strings cos she and I are more old-school. We are not used to the new kite wheels. I sat and just watched and later helped to untangle the strings. Later it started drizzling and the winds died down, and we headed to the shelter and made our way down the stairs. The lift is not working. We were staring at the feast that a group of youths had. It was someone's birthday and they had quite a picnic spread; 2 pizzas, fried chicken wings, onion rings, chips, designer cup cakes, nuggets, strawberries, grapes, apples and drinks. I joked about pressing up against the glass wall and looking at them pitifully to get food.
We waited for Quetzal to come fetch us. She also hasnt come to the Marina Barrage before, so we walked around a bit. I decided to change into Candle's present ; an Angry Bird white T-shirt and walk in it. Cos otherwise I might just keep on keeping it and not wear it. We headed to Marina Square to eat at this Suki-ya steamboat buffet place. There was a long queue by the time we arrived, so we joked and crapped to kill time. Thankfully Quetzal had the wits to buy a box of nuggets to fill our teeth while waiting. So we dont faint from hunger. When we got in, it was just nice, about 8.15pm so the 100min time limit to eat is just nice before the place closes. I really ate alot. Happily drinking the soup too. I only wished to have more stomach. An incident involving Tab and the cheezal molten cheese almost nearly ruined my hair and white T-shirt. Phew, luckily I was too engrossed eating and bent over my food. Eat until so full, when I woke up the next day, I 'coughed' out some undigested food cos of my phelgm and coughing tendencies in the morning. I dont mind going there again. Totally like the food alot. The order of the fried White fish is also good and chewy. Nice to break the taste of the soup and soupy food.
Sun - was FH's wedding lunch at Mandarin Hotel. I set my alarm at 7.30am cos the night before, I didnt manage to iron my clothes. I dug them out and put them aside. Though I did go to bed very late about 3am. Woke up and got ready. Packed bag with gym gear (towel, gym clothes, water, shoes) and make-up set plus perfume and hair spray. Bag very heavy. I had to iron my top twice cos after the first iron, still crumpled when I wore it. Had to take off and iron again. Decided to take a cab down. No time nor appetite for breakfast. I arrived first and headed to the toilet in the shopping gallery. There's a huge make-up counter inside. So put on make-up and the works. Headed to the concierge and pick up the guest lists and headed to the reception area. The rest arrived and we proceeded to set up.
We get to order the Club sandwich and some plain water for all the hungry sisters. According to the schedule, the brothers get to eat breakfast, but all the sisters came without breakfast. Took a while to arrive but it was really delicious especially after factoring in the hunger too. But the portion is too big and we got some of the brothers to eat too. Nothing too much went wrong with exception of the suddenly missing Table 4, which was not communicated to us. Well due to the small number of tables, not difficult to resolve.
The wedding began with the ROM but didnt get to see cos there were still guests coming in. Gotta man the reception. Later when it started, we headed in with the albums, ang bao box with us so that they can officially start. After the grand entrance of the cold dish, we headed to the suite to put the stuff and valuables in the safe. We were fooling around and joking around in the room, how the views not good, one right at the wall, another at unsightly construction. The massage chair also not comfy.
Went back to the table and had lots to crap about. No wonder we are put at the end of the room. The laughter is quite loud. Especially during the MTV. We did our 'version' during the photo taking after the rest of the guest left. Best wishes, hope they live happily ever.
PS: That single ang bao from GM is the largest and most generous amount I have ever gotten for jie-mei reception only. Wow... but havent touched it yet
Friday, September 09, 2011
Hectic week so tired
It's been hectic this week. Sports Day is coming up and they've scheduled practice sessions on the periods that usually fall on my free periods. So mostly I go there and stand around, walk around. That effectively lengthened the duration of my actual working hours. Coupled with the extra language communication lesson, the next 3 weeks I have to do the lesson solo in my own eng group effectively increasing my teaching periods to 16 instead of 12 solo and 4 in a group teaching. Plus with me trying hard to clear the hol hw assigned, plan lessons during my reduced free periods, meant I work almost non-stop intensively from the point the bell rings.
No wonder I am super tired. Daily after work, I take a bite and snoozed for a short duration to recharge my mental batteries. After work, Mon I went for assignment, only to arrive to a locked door. Obviously forgot which day was the assignment. So a wasted trip but I bouht his very nice large durian puff (6 per box for $8) from Emi's Cake and brought it home. Mentally I take it as I made a trip there to get the durian puffs. Which later after taking a mooncake brocheure, realized there's one in Clementi Ave 2. Great, don't have to go too far for it. Really tasty and just one is enough to satisfy durian puff craving.
Tue, on top of a heavy day, got event and then cca. Omfg I snoozed also before going for guitar make-up once I reached home but by the time I arrived, was so sleepy almost fell asleep there. Obviously can't mentally process much of what's being taught.
Wed, supposed to go to gym but dozed off for 2hours that by the time I woke up, too hungry to go to gym. Rather eat dinner. Just rested.
Thur, went for assignment and clarified the days again. I will take a break from assignment once it's over by maybe mid-Oct.
Fri, I declined the movie invite cos planned to go gym, only for a repeat of Wed to happen. This time I did eat something before 6pm, to ease hunger pangs and planned to go gym at 8pm. S oozed and even set alarm clock. When I opened my eyes to switch off, I just want to eat dinner and stay at home. So obviously gym thwarted again. My last chance is to go on Sunday, later part of the afternoon 6pm.
Sat got guitar, Sun got FH wedding lunch. I just wanna stay at home... (T^T) so sad. Now feeling better but don't feel like doing anything else except watch tv n sleep. Mental fatigue is harder to recover from than physical fatigue where a muscle cream n plaster are quick-cures
No wonder I am super tired. Daily after work, I take a bite and snoozed for a short duration to recharge my mental batteries. After work, Mon I went for assignment, only to arrive to a locked door. Obviously forgot which day was the assignment. So a wasted trip but I bouht his very nice large durian puff (6 per box for $8) from Emi's Cake and brought it home. Mentally I take it as I made a trip there to get the durian puffs. Which later after taking a mooncake brocheure, realized there's one in Clementi Ave 2. Great, don't have to go too far for it. Really tasty and just one is enough to satisfy durian puff craving.
Tue, on top of a heavy day, got event and then cca. Omfg I snoozed also before going for guitar make-up once I reached home but by the time I arrived, was so sleepy almost fell asleep there. Obviously can't mentally process much of what's being taught.
Wed, supposed to go to gym but dozed off for 2hours that by the time I woke up, too hungry to go to gym. Rather eat dinner. Just rested.
Thur, went for assignment and clarified the days again. I will take a break from assignment once it's over by maybe mid-Oct.
Fri, I declined the movie invite cos planned to go gym, only for a repeat of Wed to happen. This time I did eat something before 6pm, to ease hunger pangs and planned to go gym at 8pm. S oozed and even set alarm clock. When I opened my eyes to switch off, I just want to eat dinner and stay at home. So obviously gym thwarted again. My last chance is to go on Sunday, later part of the afternoon 6pm.
Sat got guitar, Sun got FH wedding lunch. I just wanna stay at home... (T^T) so sad. Now feeling better but don't feel like doing anything else except watch tv n sleep. Mental fatigue is harder to recover from than physical fatigue where a muscle cream n plaster are quick-cures
Monday, September 05, 2011
Start work & Hat-themed Dinner
Work starts and I got started to form back the forgotten work routine. First day just sit and listened to long speech, wasn't as tired cos I've zoned out somewhat, until that local collegue came in and sat beside me and starts fidgiting and sighing aloud in boredom. I try to tune her out. After that rather long speech, bus group meeting and even home room plus bus dismissal, short meeting, then went out for lunch. She complaining non-stop. She's leaving end of Sept plus a few days into Oct. Keep complaining, I try to ignore but the negativism is rubbing off. What's she complaining so much cos she not involved in the bus meeting, homeroom n bus dismissal. By the time I finished through 5pm, I was rather tired. Snoozed and dozed off 15mins before I ate dinner and went for assignment. I reminded myself NOT to let her negativism get to me, don't think about it and slept it off.
The next day lesson resumed. I have 1st period everyday. After that I was busy clearing the dairies and the stack of holiday assignment for my level. My table was full of books, went to the common table to mark. She sat down and started sighing and stuff, and tried to talk to me. I told her I am a bit too busy to talk to her cos it's the truth. Friday is my lightest day and I usually use it to plan the following week's lesson but since I have these assignments to clear first, I decided to do as much instead. After a while she did her thing and left me to do my work in peace. To be truthful, I think that colleague is a nice person, many a times I am grateful she drives and we head for long lunch. But her worst point is that she's Too complaint and negative about the work we have to do. Given she's on part-time and I am full-time, I think she complains too much. At times the Negativism rubs off and I do feel sian. Thankfully she goes off 2-3hrs earlier than me. Then I have relative peace until some other Jap colleagues comes and ask something. I think this will be my approach to dealing with the negativism that is not my own-doing. I might even tell her about how complaint she is if it really irks me. So far I haven't tell her exactly how negative she is.
Outside of workplace, she is a nicer person. So she asked for company to eat dinner at Clementi Mall cos I was meeting my JC friends there too but just 2 hours more so we headed there. The chats are more normal and less negative when it's not about work. So she ate dinner and I drank a Coke Zero and ate coleslaw. At 7pm, walked over to meet my JC friends.
It's been almost 2 years since we've met up. Lack of people organizing and also turn-out not so good. We have different social circles and work also made it difficult. So my very good JC friend came to visit from Australia, so we made an extra effort to meet up. The topics were very varied; from gossip to investment to parenthood to our jobs to travel experiences to housing and many more. Just hopped from one to another. The dinner and dessert after saw us talking and talking until about 11pm plus then we parted ways. Still have much to say, we actually stood outside the mall and talked for another 20mins before really parting. Now I remember why our previously meetings every 6 months was enjoyable. Hope to restart it. By the next time, one would be a mother of twins then.
Went home and slept late cos still couldn't sleep any earlier. I set my alarm clock to 8am, so that I could first try out the look for the Hat-themed dinner once, dig out the clothes and iron them also. Also needed to practice my neglected 2-week guitar. In the end, I couldn't wake up at 8am, snoozed and slept until more alert at 10am. Dug out my clothes, tried, modify then iron them. By then no time to practice. Also planned to eat yoghurt for both breakfast and lunch considering the potential calories from the dinner and drinks. In the end, I ate yoghurt for breakfast but cos my mom cooked a big pot of fried rice, so I decided to eat that. Consolation is that big pot of fried rice, only 2 eggs and finely chopped cucumber. No meat, so the calories is lower than the HPB's version of fried rice with lapchong which I chose.
I changed into the clothes and put the cap in my bag and headed out. After guitar, I stopped myself from munching any other stuff, not even sushi. Usually I don't eat lunch before but after guitar then eat Korean tofu soup set or sushi, sometimes Subway. Wasn't that hungry cos I took a big serving of fried rice.
But I had several hours to kill. I walked over to Cathay but nothing interesting. Walked over to PS and bought a tix for Glee concert 3D. Had half hour to kill, walked through arcade but didn't play, past the shops, even a short while in Daiso and Spotlight. Then it's time. The concert movie is like watching a concert DVD but with a huge screen, effects amplified cos of 3D and sounds great with the cinema speakers. It's a feel-good and positive movie. Felt better after cos during guitar I am still struggling and feel lousy about it.
Headed to Marina square to meet up with Tab n FH at Starbucks. Before I arrived, had to pass this massive horde of Comex crowd to cross the bridge. Put on contacts, hat in the toilet. Met up at the Starbucks and I ordered a Green Tea Latte with NOn-fat milk medium. Very long haven't drink, more than half year. Like very deprived. Usually I don't eat food like char quay tiao, or jian, fried carrot cake, Muslim food even my favorite mee siam, satay, rojak even if I was hungry and had to eat out, cos they are not healthy. Eat zhar Cai fan or others. So sweet beverages also I skip like my green tea latte, milk shake, bubble tea. Most of these I havent eaten in a long while (6 months or more)Really like very deprived.
We hung around until Candle arrived in her eye-catching outfit. We headed there and settled I side. Later FH came and sat beside me. He was saying he didn't know Morton was so classy, that he had actually bought a fancy hat unlike the rest of ours. He put it on quickly to satisfy our request to see it. Laughed until full. I noticed the table-master for our table also smiling when she walked past. Cos we didn't expect him to have out-done all of us in the plan to prank him (Candle bought a tiara) but his chicken-hat really did himself in.
After lots of laughing, it's christened 'Lady Henrietta' and wore a tiara too. Later Krynnder and Quetz came and they also laughed at the choice of hat. Dinner was pricey. The selection were jaw-dropping expensive (my sis said when I showed them the menu) but since it was a special occasion, with the laugh about the Lady Henrietta, and I had drawn enough cash. The chilled sea-food selection (aka seafood platter is enough to fill and also very fresh) I chose to skip the dessert cake and ice-cream.
We all had a toilet break followed by a lot of photo-taking near the table and lamp. Then walked over to supposedly the 'Stereo Lounge' but it has changed. I was talking with Krynneder behind so didn't know what transpired between the rest and the bouncers but seeing them got their hands chopped, we followed in. Nothing spectacular, be it the music, nor the size. The fact that there's no seats nor tables plus the music (loud enough to obscure conversation) also puts me off. We walked out shortly cos no point.
Headed to the bar in Marina mandarin. Candle treated a drink so I ordered the 'diet version' of a cocktail. Passion fruit magarita. It's almost non-sweet with minimal sugar but I can taste some of the alcohol which I think is either is a secondary liquer so lower alcohol percentage or also a bit reduced alchol which I didn't mind. Not looking to get drunk or high, was feeling tired from the long hours outside since noon. By then not so tired but before dinner, after, felt pretty tired.
Talked until almost 1.30-2am and then FH kindly drove us. Though I felt bad cos mine is the more out of the way. Had to bathe n wash hair cos used a bit of hairspray. Slept late in the wee hours 3am + n woke up very late 1pm (did wake up a few times but went back to sleep)
Just stayed home and counted my calories by monitoring what I ate. I did eat 4 tako balls n had sugar cane drink courtesy of my sis when she went to the nearby pasar malam. I headed for gym and did an hour of workout. Ate subway sandwich for dinner, but that sub calories a bit high which I only tried it cos it's the featured one on Sunday. Cheap = more calories. Actually by now I am feelin pangs of hunger but is resisting to smack. Sleeping hours still not tuned back, will suffer tomorrow. It's 1.10am now and I am still wide awake.
The next day lesson resumed. I have 1st period everyday. After that I was busy clearing the dairies and the stack of holiday assignment for my level. My table was full of books, went to the common table to mark. She sat down and started sighing and stuff, and tried to talk to me. I told her I am a bit too busy to talk to her cos it's the truth. Friday is my lightest day and I usually use it to plan the following week's lesson but since I have these assignments to clear first, I decided to do as much instead. After a while she did her thing and left me to do my work in peace. To be truthful, I think that colleague is a nice person, many a times I am grateful she drives and we head for long lunch. But her worst point is that she's Too complaint and negative about the work we have to do. Given she's on part-time and I am full-time, I think she complains too much. At times the Negativism rubs off and I do feel sian. Thankfully she goes off 2-3hrs earlier than me. Then I have relative peace until some other Jap colleagues comes and ask something. I think this will be my approach to dealing with the negativism that is not my own-doing. I might even tell her about how complaint she is if it really irks me. So far I haven't tell her exactly how negative she is.
Outside of workplace, she is a nicer person. So she asked for company to eat dinner at Clementi Mall cos I was meeting my JC friends there too but just 2 hours more so we headed there. The chats are more normal and less negative when it's not about work. So she ate dinner and I drank a Coke Zero and ate coleslaw. At 7pm, walked over to meet my JC friends.
It's been almost 2 years since we've met up. Lack of people organizing and also turn-out not so good. We have different social circles and work also made it difficult. So my very good JC friend came to visit from Australia, so we made an extra effort to meet up. The topics were very varied; from gossip to investment to parenthood to our jobs to travel experiences to housing and many more. Just hopped from one to another. The dinner and dessert after saw us talking and talking until about 11pm plus then we parted ways. Still have much to say, we actually stood outside the mall and talked for another 20mins before really parting. Now I remember why our previously meetings every 6 months was enjoyable. Hope to restart it. By the next time, one would be a mother of twins then.
Went home and slept late cos still couldn't sleep any earlier. I set my alarm clock to 8am, so that I could first try out the look for the Hat-themed dinner once, dig out the clothes and iron them also. Also needed to practice my neglected 2-week guitar. In the end, I couldn't wake up at 8am, snoozed and slept until more alert at 10am. Dug out my clothes, tried, modify then iron them. By then no time to practice. Also planned to eat yoghurt for both breakfast and lunch considering the potential calories from the dinner and drinks. In the end, I ate yoghurt for breakfast but cos my mom cooked a big pot of fried rice, so I decided to eat that. Consolation is that big pot of fried rice, only 2 eggs and finely chopped cucumber. No meat, so the calories is lower than the HPB's version of fried rice with lapchong which I chose.
I changed into the clothes and put the cap in my bag and headed out. After guitar, I stopped myself from munching any other stuff, not even sushi. Usually I don't eat lunch before but after guitar then eat Korean tofu soup set or sushi, sometimes Subway. Wasn't that hungry cos I took a big serving of fried rice.
But I had several hours to kill. I walked over to Cathay but nothing interesting. Walked over to PS and bought a tix for Glee concert 3D. Had half hour to kill, walked through arcade but didn't play, past the shops, even a short while in Daiso and Spotlight. Then it's time. The concert movie is like watching a concert DVD but with a huge screen, effects amplified cos of 3D and sounds great with the cinema speakers. It's a feel-good and positive movie. Felt better after cos during guitar I am still struggling and feel lousy about it.
Headed to Marina square to meet up with Tab n FH at Starbucks. Before I arrived, had to pass this massive horde of Comex crowd to cross the bridge. Put on contacts, hat in the toilet. Met up at the Starbucks and I ordered a Green Tea Latte with NOn-fat milk medium. Very long haven't drink, more than half year. Like very deprived. Usually I don't eat food like char quay tiao, or jian, fried carrot cake, Muslim food even my favorite mee siam, satay, rojak even if I was hungry and had to eat out, cos they are not healthy. Eat zhar Cai fan or others. So sweet beverages also I skip like my green tea latte, milk shake, bubble tea. Most of these I havent eaten in a long while (6 months or more)Really like very deprived.
We hung around until Candle arrived in her eye-catching outfit. We headed there and settled I side. Later FH came and sat beside me. He was saying he didn't know Morton was so classy, that he had actually bought a fancy hat unlike the rest of ours. He put it on quickly to satisfy our request to see it. Laughed until full. I noticed the table-master for our table also smiling when she walked past. Cos we didn't expect him to have out-done all of us in the plan to prank him (Candle bought a tiara) but his chicken-hat really did himself in.
After lots of laughing, it's christened 'Lady Henrietta' and wore a tiara too. Later Krynnder and Quetz came and they also laughed at the choice of hat. Dinner was pricey. The selection were jaw-dropping expensive (my sis said when I showed them the menu) but since it was a special occasion, with the laugh about the Lady Henrietta, and I had drawn enough cash. The chilled sea-food selection (aka seafood platter is enough to fill and also very fresh) I chose to skip the dessert cake and ice-cream.
We all had a toilet break followed by a lot of photo-taking near the table and lamp. Then walked over to supposedly the 'Stereo Lounge' but it has changed. I was talking with Krynneder behind so didn't know what transpired between the rest and the bouncers but seeing them got their hands chopped, we followed in. Nothing spectacular, be it the music, nor the size. The fact that there's no seats nor tables plus the music (loud enough to obscure conversation) also puts me off. We walked out shortly cos no point.
Headed to the bar in Marina mandarin. Candle treated a drink so I ordered the 'diet version' of a cocktail. Passion fruit magarita. It's almost non-sweet with minimal sugar but I can taste some of the alcohol which I think is either is a secondary liquer so lower alcohol percentage or also a bit reduced alchol which I didn't mind. Not looking to get drunk or high, was feeling tired from the long hours outside since noon. By then not so tired but before dinner, after, felt pretty tired.
Talked until almost 1.30-2am and then FH kindly drove us. Though I felt bad cos mine is the more out of the way. Had to bathe n wash hair cos used a bit of hairspray. Slept late in the wee hours 3am + n woke up very late 1pm (did wake up a few times but went back to sleep)
Just stayed home and counted my calories by monitoring what I ate. I did eat 4 tako balls n had sugar cane drink courtesy of my sis when she went to the nearby pasar malam. I headed for gym and did an hour of workout. Ate subway sandwich for dinner, but that sub calories a bit high which I only tried it cos it's the featured one on Sunday. Cheap = more calories. Actually by now I am feelin pangs of hunger but is resisting to smack. Sleeping hours still not tuned back, will suffer tomorrow. It's 1.10am now and I am still wide awake.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The end of the hols
Today's the last day of the 1 month long pure hols. Tomorrow it's back to 17 weeks of waking up with the alarm clock. I will try my best to stay in shape through regular gym, eat more healthy lunches (try to make some or choose better), cut on the calories (esp when eating out with the leaving collegue) and try to focus on guitar and my own learning. I have to try to read these series of books that teaches some tricks to do trading and investment. The only catch is they are in Chinese. I am 3/4 through one book, 2 more to go. But its more reader-friendly and less technical. Those will be the books I be reading when I have to go up to form class daily just to be there.
This hol, I must say I really did enjoy myself even though I didnt travel. Wanted to but due to assignment, guitar, and driving commitments, plus not really anybody to go with, not able to commit to longer trips. Even shorter trips also cant confirm. The most I did was to go to JB CitySquare once and it was a good trip. Just I missed the massage. Put more muscle-ache cream and paste more medicated plaster.
I did most of the stuff I set out to do except tidying up my table and tidying up the Dvd collection. Also didnt bake once, nor refine lychee martini and try to make red-wine poached pear. Those are easier cos they are once-off activities. I shall try to do them whenever free time pops up.
Today I got an sms from that colleague asking for lunch but my stomach is not up for eating a sumptious lunch. I declined partly cos I am trying to get into shape. So far I am back to slightly below 70kg... not yet back at my usual fat self, nor anywhere near my target of 62kg. So I dont want to eat something only to have to workout for several hours and days to try to burn off. I did make myself go to gym yesterday. So that's 1 out of targeted 2 times per week. Feeling the aches cos last week, I didnt go for an entire week due to driving lesson everyday. Since my Thur, Fri and Sat evenings are taken up, I am left with Sunday for the 2nd time. The good news is that the gym opens until 8pm at night. So even if I finally leave at 6pm, I can still have time for my usual routine.
Today I just ate a simple breakfast of meatball noodles. Lunch was a normal sized soup bowl of caramel popcorn cos I still have those leftover (still cripsy cos in ziplock bag). Didnt do much except let my computer finally start-up after hours and hours of system check, watched Naruto dvd while TT-ing and checking stock market now and then.
Time seems to pass fast and its evening already. I am going to go buy 4 small packs of non-fat yoghurt. 2 of them make up my breakfast everyday. So Thur and Fri = 4 packs. Also go out and walk a bit nearby. I am not making lunch yet, cos only 2 days left this week. Would rather just eat out or dabao during lunchtime.
Man I would miss this whole relaxed, unhurried pace of life. Without using alarm clock to wake up daily. Going out when I want to, not in a hurry to go places. Enjoying this too much to go back to work. Unfortunately my investments dont bring in enough to retire. I still need a main income. I am rethinking about having to do assignment to bring in a bit more secondary income. I could use that two evenings for more gym, or take up something else. Once this one is finished (by mid-Oct) I wont take up anything for a while. Looking forward to the free time.
Also thanks to the "crash" during the month of August, I have the opportunity to sell off a malaysian counter to realise profits, otherwise my investment was rather lacklustre performance of dividends purely. Also thanks to my holidays, I was able to monitor the share prices and make a quick sell and later several buys when certain counters are dropping like crazy. Think there was over-selling of certain so I bought 1 lot everytime the prices drop to about my target price. Then when it fell, I buy 1 lot again. Of course, overall I am sitting on losses still especially for my SG portfolio, also I had to transfer some funds from my Reserve to pay for some lots. Really dont think I wanna to buy anymore for now. With yesterday and today's mostly Green, maybe the worse might be over. Now is to wait-and-see and make better sell decisions for those counters that I want to trade. Some are longer term and hence I want higher gains. To help me better, I actually calculated the targeted returns of 25%-30% and type the prices into my stock tracking list. Then I know exactly if they are reaching my target sell price. Easier to make decisions when numbers are clearer. Also now I am practicisng the skill of "Refrain and Patience". Also monitoring the Gold prices now and then, waiting for it to fall. When stocks do well, gold price drops some. Still early, targeting until about Jan-Feb 2012 duration before buying.
On the whole, quite a fruitful holiday. I did many things like cooking lunch replacement, aglio-olio, went for driving, went JB, restarted my gym routine, ate sushi buffet, had good martinis, good beer, made Singapore sling, Cosmo, spent time at home with family, read many storybooks, started on this chinese one about trading, went to Comic convention, went for a Summer festival, cut lots of newspaper articles (for class use), tidied up my room and clothes, started monitoring my calorie intake (not instant weight loss - will take a while to see results), continued with assignment and guitar commitments, made baileys ice cream (still very popsicle), shopping (new shoes, green baggy pants, supply of collagen pills), managing to eat some delicious food and dessert and still kept my weight down a bit down compared to the start of the hols. Not a bad holiday, looking back.
Look forward to the next term holiday (only 2 weeks) from 22nd or 23rd Dec til 6th Jan.
This hol, I must say I really did enjoy myself even though I didnt travel. Wanted to but due to assignment, guitar, and driving commitments, plus not really anybody to go with, not able to commit to longer trips. Even shorter trips also cant confirm. The most I did was to go to JB CitySquare once and it was a good trip. Just I missed the massage. Put more muscle-ache cream and paste more medicated plaster.
I did most of the stuff I set out to do except tidying up my table and tidying up the Dvd collection. Also didnt bake once, nor refine lychee martini and try to make red-wine poached pear. Those are easier cos they are once-off activities. I shall try to do them whenever free time pops up.
Today I got an sms from that colleague asking for lunch but my stomach is not up for eating a sumptious lunch. I declined partly cos I am trying to get into shape. So far I am back to slightly below 70kg... not yet back at my usual fat self, nor anywhere near my target of 62kg. So I dont want to eat something only to have to workout for several hours and days to try to burn off. I did make myself go to gym yesterday. So that's 1 out of targeted 2 times per week. Feeling the aches cos last week, I didnt go for an entire week due to driving lesson everyday. Since my Thur, Fri and Sat evenings are taken up, I am left with Sunday for the 2nd time. The good news is that the gym opens until 8pm at night. So even if I finally leave at 6pm, I can still have time for my usual routine.
Today I just ate a simple breakfast of meatball noodles. Lunch was a normal sized soup bowl of caramel popcorn cos I still have those leftover (still cripsy cos in ziplock bag). Didnt do much except let my computer finally start-up after hours and hours of system check, watched Naruto dvd while TT-ing and checking stock market now and then.
Time seems to pass fast and its evening already. I am going to go buy 4 small packs of non-fat yoghurt. 2 of them make up my breakfast everyday. So Thur and Fri = 4 packs. Also go out and walk a bit nearby. I am not making lunch yet, cos only 2 days left this week. Would rather just eat out or dabao during lunchtime.
Man I would miss this whole relaxed, unhurried pace of life. Without using alarm clock to wake up daily. Going out when I want to, not in a hurry to go places. Enjoying this too much to go back to work. Unfortunately my investments dont bring in enough to retire. I still need a main income. I am rethinking about having to do assignment to bring in a bit more secondary income. I could use that two evenings for more gym, or take up something else. Once this one is finished (by mid-Oct) I wont take up anything for a while. Looking forward to the free time.
Also thanks to the "crash" during the month of August, I have the opportunity to sell off a malaysian counter to realise profits, otherwise my investment was rather lacklustre performance of dividends purely. Also thanks to my holidays, I was able to monitor the share prices and make a quick sell and later several buys when certain counters are dropping like crazy. Think there was over-selling of certain so I bought 1 lot everytime the prices drop to about my target price. Then when it fell, I buy 1 lot again. Of course, overall I am sitting on losses still especially for my SG portfolio, also I had to transfer some funds from my Reserve to pay for some lots. Really dont think I wanna to buy anymore for now. With yesterday and today's mostly Green, maybe the worse might be over. Now is to wait-and-see and make better sell decisions for those counters that I want to trade. Some are longer term and hence I want higher gains. To help me better, I actually calculated the targeted returns of 25%-30% and type the prices into my stock tracking list. Then I know exactly if they are reaching my target sell price. Easier to make decisions when numbers are clearer. Also now I am practicisng the skill of "Refrain and Patience". Also monitoring the Gold prices now and then, waiting for it to fall. When stocks do well, gold price drops some. Still early, targeting until about Jan-Feb 2012 duration before buying.
On the whole, quite a fruitful holiday. I did many things like cooking lunch replacement, aglio-olio, went for driving, went JB, restarted my gym routine, ate sushi buffet, had good martinis, good beer, made Singapore sling, Cosmo, spent time at home with family, read many storybooks, started on this chinese one about trading, went to Comic convention, went for a Summer festival, cut lots of newspaper articles (for class use), tidied up my room and clothes, started monitoring my calorie intake (not instant weight loss - will take a while to see results), continued with assignment and guitar commitments, made baileys ice cream (still very popsicle), shopping (new shoes, green baggy pants, supply of collagen pills), managing to eat some delicious food and dessert and still kept my weight down a bit down compared to the start of the hols. Not a bad holiday, looking back.
Look forward to the next term holiday (only 2 weeks) from 22nd or 23rd Dec til 6th Jan.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Last 3 days of pure freedom
As mentioned, the hols are ending for me. I got up with the alarm clock about 8am (but still lazed in bed) and made myself the last aglio-olio linguine. This time I used the leftover Taiwanese sausages and minced them up to fry along with the garlic and linguine. The verdict is while it's okay, it's sweet-tasting. Think the minced luncheon meat combination is the best thus far.
I called to make an appointment for a haircut and colour. I decided to colour my hair (colour means one colour only) to cover my remaining highlights but cos those are lighter colours, so they will turn a diff shade compared to the normal hair. Quite glad for a haircut, the long hair makes the hot and sunny weather hard to bear at times. But my hair has 3 shades of colour now... Cos the new hair is darker (and looks black under normal light) but is actually brown. The older hair is obviously the cool shade of brown. And the remaining highlights turned ash brown. Didnt want to choose bright warm brown, so chose the cool shade. Think I am happy with it. Looking forward to go to gym without hair feeling like an extra towel around my neck.
Later I sms Tab if she heading out. Feeling a bit restless. But she and husband were cooking dinner so I asked if I could have some. Travelled down with popcorn and bought a frozen scallop. Then I sat in the living room to cool down while the masterchefs made dinner. It's seafood aglio-olio, tiger prawn, scallops, tuna steak and pasta. Pretty tasty though a bit too much chilli flakes. Then ate logan and popcorn. Very full. Luckily I only had a meal the whole day, so calories still okay.
We met FH at 'Little Part I' near Thomson Plaza for 'supper' around 8.30++ and ordered a curry powder fries, and a beer (a beverage each) and an apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. FH was dividing out the apple crumble and ice cream and in some conspiracy, he gave me a generous portion, then took a significantly lesser bit for himself. I was pointing out the obvious difference and that there's a conspiracy involved. He turned and say cos I am the 'lightest' in the group so I get to eat more. Huh? Sure boh. I turned to DF and told him I might be heavier than him though. But after he said out his weight, I lost... FH also said his weight. Fine... I 'lose' and eat my portion. LOL DF said that he felt so conscious saying his weight aloud then FH proudly declared his weight. Let's just say that I am used to being the heaviest in the group among colleagues or JC friends. I ate some fries but as I am always 'heaty' after some, I feel very heaty such that my tongue like a bit sore/swollen so I have to refrain. My body has been like this, in perpetual heaty so certain food like fries, chips, biscuits I can't really eat alot. Prefer something more moist in texture cos hat won't trigger.
We had a good time talking about the PE, travel, listen to FH's cold jokes, courses and pursuits and lastly shares. The place closed at 10 plus so we parted ways. I decide to take a bus home cos still early enough. Reached home to find my sisters playing I-phone game. I was telling Geoky how tough the BurgerQueen challenge mode was and how I had many tries before I finally reached level 2. She took my phone and whacked until level 6. I was like omg-ing at the side cos she say its a matter of memory but I told her I can't remember those damn burger combination. Later I created a profile for them and Yingel who tried, couldn't clear the 1st stage. Geoky started using my profile at level 2 and couldn't clear level 1 with her own profile too. Turns out the 1st stage is tough. Later Geoky cleared.
Then gotta charge my phone and watched Naruto DVD and slept.
I called to make an appointment for a haircut and colour. I decided to colour my hair (colour means one colour only) to cover my remaining highlights but cos those are lighter colours, so they will turn a diff shade compared to the normal hair. Quite glad for a haircut, the long hair makes the hot and sunny weather hard to bear at times. But my hair has 3 shades of colour now... Cos the new hair is darker (and looks black under normal light) but is actually brown. The older hair is obviously the cool shade of brown. And the remaining highlights turned ash brown. Didnt want to choose bright warm brown, so chose the cool shade. Think I am happy with it. Looking forward to go to gym without hair feeling like an extra towel around my neck.
Later I sms Tab if she heading out. Feeling a bit restless. But she and husband were cooking dinner so I asked if I could have some. Travelled down with popcorn and bought a frozen scallop. Then I sat in the living room to cool down while the masterchefs made dinner. It's seafood aglio-olio, tiger prawn, scallops, tuna steak and pasta. Pretty tasty though a bit too much chilli flakes. Then ate logan and popcorn. Very full. Luckily I only had a meal the whole day, so calories still okay.
We met FH at 'Little Part I' near Thomson Plaza for 'supper' around 8.30++ and ordered a curry powder fries, and a beer (a beverage each) and an apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. FH was dividing out the apple crumble and ice cream and in some conspiracy, he gave me a generous portion, then took a significantly lesser bit for himself. I was pointing out the obvious difference and that there's a conspiracy involved. He turned and say cos I am the 'lightest' in the group so I get to eat more. Huh? Sure boh. I turned to DF and told him I might be heavier than him though. But after he said out his weight, I lost... FH also said his weight. Fine... I 'lose' and eat my portion. LOL DF said that he felt so conscious saying his weight aloud then FH proudly declared his weight. Let's just say that I am used to being the heaviest in the group among colleagues or JC friends. I ate some fries but as I am always 'heaty' after some, I feel very heaty such that my tongue like a bit sore/swollen so I have to refrain. My body has been like this, in perpetual heaty so certain food like fries, chips, biscuits I can't really eat alot. Prefer something more moist in texture cos hat won't trigger.
We had a good time talking about the PE, travel, listen to FH's cold jokes, courses and pursuits and lastly shares. The place closed at 10 plus so we parted ways. I decide to take a bus home cos still early enough. Reached home to find my sisters playing I-phone game. I was telling Geoky how tough the BurgerQueen challenge mode was and how I had many tries before I finally reached level 2. She took my phone and whacked until level 6. I was like omg-ing at the side cos she say its a matter of memory but I told her I can't remember those damn burger combination. Later I created a profile for them and Yingel who tried, couldn't clear the 1st stage. Geoky started using my profile at level 2 and couldn't clear level 1 with her own profile too. Turns out the 1st stage is tough. Later Geoky cleared.
Then gotta charge my phone and watched Naruto DVD and slept.
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