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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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.
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