This week is dominated by KM. I resumed it this week and started on Monday.
I went up to the instructor to explain about my knees especially the right one. Basically the right knee started hurting and I stopped for 2 weeks and am going for acupuncture *ouchy*. So far, it has improved but I don't want to strain it but I don't want to stop KM, so I'll skip out the first part of the warm-up (The one that makes u bend to touch the ground, jump, turn suddenly, side steps and dash. Pretty taxing on a problem knee.) I'll join back when my knee is much much better. If I wanna do KM for medium term, need to be careful of my injuries. He's ok with it. So I do my warm-up at the side and join in once that part is over.
I went for 3 sessions this week, to help catch up on the 2 weeks of absence, aka 4 times. I paid for the package, so if I can hit twice a week for 6 months, it's good enough. So got to go for thrice for the next 4 weeks, into Week 1 of the school term, then change back to the usual of twice a week. Realized they are focusing a lot on the basics. Which is fine cos I still have to work on certain parts, especially in more realistic scenarios such as drill, multiple assailants and working on my combinations... Got my work cut out for me.
Then the rest of the time is hide at home, in my room. Escape the heat of the day as well as my Dad's especially LOUD and HIGH volume, he plays his DVDs outside in the hall. At least in the room, with the door closed, my ears don't hurt as much. Watching some DVDs here and there, that helped to cancel out the noise. Dozed at times. That's about it.
We did go to JB on Monday, specifically to CitySquare. I spent RM on some stationary, a few books n DVDs. Also went to run more errands at Clementi. Glanced at the stock market. Nothing worth buying nor selling... Limbo
With the weekend coming, hope to head out to do some shopping, need some sporty 3/4 bottoms, new pair of sport shoes etc. See if can find a good deal plus it's almost into April. March, really spent a lot...
Friday, March 29, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Spa @ Angsana Bintan (pampered)
Went with Tab for our spas at Angsana Bintan on Friday, 22nd March. It was my first trip to Bintan ever. My family don't travel much, say back to hometown. So don't blame me that many obvious places I haven't been to.
I settled the itinerary for the ferry and the spa timing. Found out that they are 1hr behind us.
Cos of our timing, couldn't go on a weekday, off-peak so the hotel rooms (superior) wasn't available. And the queens was much more expensive, hence a change of plan to go for a day-trip instead.
I chose the Sun Balm spa package (below) which after service charge and GST is about USD$182. Pricey but its kinda rare for me to do so. Also need to pamper myself sometimes. I was kinda sun-burnt from the previous event under the sun, so this appealed to me greatly.
SUN BALM
(180-minute treatment & 30-minute refreshments and relaxation session) |
USD
150++
| |||
Sun Repair
Spa Tip: A perfect remedy to soothe sun-exposed skin. 60-minute aloe vera treatment • 60-minute oasis massage • 60-minute sweet soother facial |
||||
It actually consists of a body conditioning, a massage and a facial. When I looked through their website, found the ones that I got under the package.
I'll skip through the ferry waiting, getting there and even the cab ride there. The usual I guess. Except next time we have a better gauge of the pricing. But still, we got there safely, with time to spare.
The hotel is beautiful n definitely luxurious. As in when you walked in, the layout that you can see. The service is also very good, immediately the staff attended to us, including getting our ferry booking slip for us, available at the reception area and also getting us a one-way cab back. Talk about service.
We were walked to the spa. Very nice setting. The aroma and lighting made us relaxed. The chilled orange juice served is good. We got to choose this potpourri thing that they warm up under the hole where ur face goes to. That smelled refreshing, chose the medium one. Tab went for the light one. We started on time and went to our separate rooms for our spa treatment. Tab's one is different from mine. One of their signature package, massage, oil treatment and head massage, 120mins.
Mine is the longer one, 180mins. I must admit the service is very good. The room is very nicely done up and luxurious too. The therapist is also very attentive. They checked through for your items, preference for strength, sensitivity and areas to focus on and also injuries.
1.
ALOE
SUNKISSER
|
||||
for sensitive/dry skin
After-Sun Treatment Spa Tip: Discover the tingle of soothing aloe vera as it stimulates new cell growth and moisturises sunburnt skin. |
||||
In the first part, the body conditioning. I had a cold mix of aloe vera something rubbed on my entire body. It was actually nice except after a while got really cold. Then once your whole body is rubbed, laid on my back and I was wrapped up like a mummy with layers of dunno what. Couldn't see cos I had wet cooling strips placed on my entire face. Smells aloe vera-y. So while being wrapped snugly up, it wasn't cold and it actually felt relaxing and good. I'm sure my sun-burnt shoulders and arms aren't complaining. Didn't fall asleep but was just enjoying and relaxing the limbo. When it's time, layers removed and I had a quick warm shower to wash off the aloe vera fruit bits. Quick towel off and continue the next massage
2.
OASIS
(60/90-minute treatement & 30-minute refreshments and relaxation session) |
USD
70++/90++
|
|
Thirst Relief
Spa Tip: The perfect massage for sun exposed and matured skin as a blend of six massage oils, rich in vitamins and minerals, is used to reduce the dryness of the skin. |
||
First you were dried off. Then the massage started. When she pressed my legs, I could feel the muscle aches that were actually there but didn't know they were there until pressure was applied there. Worked towards the shoulders and back. She's got strength and really hit the spots. I do realize my neck is really sensitive but she ironed out the kinks. The massage also warmed up the body, don't feel the cold from the earlier cold mixture and also the cold from the shower cooling off in an air-con room. I think this massage is much better than the Thai ones. It is more well executed though just for an hour.
3.
SWEET
SOOTHER
(60-minute treatment & 30-minute back massage & 30-minute refreshments and
relaxation session)
| ||
for dry/sensitive skin
Take That 'Fragile' Sticker Off My Face, Please? Spa Tip:A gentle facial that protects fragile tissues from irritation caused by free radicals and environmental pollutants. | ||
| The final was the facial. I only know that my eyes were covered with at least 4 different types of mask, including this nice warm lavender eye mask. Then got many different layers of stuff applied. I assumed the first one which stung a bit was a bit acidic or alkaline to clean the face. Then wipe and cleaned off. Then got scrubbed, and many other times, liquid is applied, massaged on, then later wiped off, washed off with warm towel. Finally there was this layer of mud mask thingy applied and once it was done, the whole layer is peeled off, more face rubs and wipes. Finally more facial stuff applied. Then I was done. Could rest a bit cos the package includes a 30min time of resting, showering, getting ready, relaxing. They gave a small bowl of salad, carrot and green apple with guava powder, the carrot with guava powder tastes really nice. The carrots were sweet by itself! The tea given was also delicious. Definitely felt very pampered and relaxed. I took some pics of the room. Gave my therapist a tip cos I was happy with the whole treatment. Dunno what's wrong with this format... nevermind. We took the cab and ate at the Ferry Terminal. Got back safely. DF gave me a lift back. Agreed to meet for lunch the next day, to maximize the holidays. I slept really well that night. |
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Knee, Acupuncture & Rest
The 1st week of the hols kinda zoomed passed so quickly.
Well my right knee cap started aching about 2 weeks back though I haven't gone for KM yet. Alarming cos I had lost so much weight partly to reduce the stress on it. So when the follow-up with the sinseh, asked about it. Suggested acupuncture cos I had this knee problem for more than 10 years...
So I didn't go for KM for 2 weeks, did my conditioning at home. Also attended those slew of farewell parties that still cost me a bomb... I actually gained 2k in that whole week of eating and drinking. Now trying to work those off...
Acupuncture is something I am not used to. The sharp biting pain plus numb n sensitivity is something u can't mentally prepare for. So far I had gone for twice, it's now part of my weekly follow-up... I hope to resume KM next week, but will ask to skip the first part of warm-up. I don't want to aggravate my knee further.
As part of this, I didn't go out much. Just next door or to Clementi to run banking, bills and other errands. I felt like exploring around and do those aimless walks I do during the holidays but didn't want to stress the knee hence I didn't.
-Mostly stay at home, if not go out for breakfast or dinner next door.
-Sleep.
-Practice the guitar a lot. Currently working on 'Canon in D' on the acoustic guitar. It's not the full score but its complicated enough. Hope to get my hands on the full guitar tabs to play it in its entirety.
-Exercise, kept up my workout routine. Didn't go for KM, meant I did like tricep dips last week. Quite busy and tired from all the events and parties.
Last weekend, I resumed my usual conditioning. Started off with 1 set of push-up&sit-up&leglifts&1min plank, KettleBell workout 2sets and 210 tricep dips. Then rest one day. The next time is 2 sets. Rest one day, today is another 2 sets. Hope to keep up this alternate workout until I resume KM next week.
-play some games on I-phone that were neglected in favor of work.
-looked at the stock market.
-tidied my table outside and my clothes. Still have some books and stuff to go.
-trying to control my eating... Holiday started so like stay-at-home or go out, both have lots of tempting food around. My cough has gotten better then as usual my appetite surged. But I struggle to not over-eat or at least balance my calories. It took me so much effort to lose those kilos, I am NOT going back there, ever.
-made an appt for my biennial health check-up. It'll be on 2nd April, 1.5 weeks to go. It'll force me to clean up my 'laksa, instant noodles and caixin' habits, to clear the system for an accurate reading. I hope my cholesterol levels & weight would be better than 2 years ago.
-settle the Spa trip, booking, enquiries and getting my sis to help me print out from her workplace...
Tomorrow I look forward to a good 3hrs spa. It's pricey but guess I should 'reward' myself sometimes. At least it's out of the country, though its a half-day trip. First time, too. Hope for a great experience.
Hope to be able to go out during the weekends. Just to have a hang-around feeling.
Well my right knee cap started aching about 2 weeks back though I haven't gone for KM yet. Alarming cos I had lost so much weight partly to reduce the stress on it. So when the follow-up with the sinseh, asked about it. Suggested acupuncture cos I had this knee problem for more than 10 years...
So I didn't go for KM for 2 weeks, did my conditioning at home. Also attended those slew of farewell parties that still cost me a bomb... I actually gained 2k in that whole week of eating and drinking. Now trying to work those off...
Acupuncture is something I am not used to. The sharp biting pain plus numb n sensitivity is something u can't mentally prepare for. So far I had gone for twice, it's now part of my weekly follow-up... I hope to resume KM next week, but will ask to skip the first part of warm-up. I don't want to aggravate my knee further.
As part of this, I didn't go out much. Just next door or to Clementi to run banking, bills and other errands. I felt like exploring around and do those aimless walks I do during the holidays but didn't want to stress the knee hence I didn't.
-Mostly stay at home, if not go out for breakfast or dinner next door.
-Sleep.
-Practice the guitar a lot. Currently working on 'Canon in D' on the acoustic guitar. It's not the full score but its complicated enough. Hope to get my hands on the full guitar tabs to play it in its entirety.
-Exercise, kept up my workout routine. Didn't go for KM, meant I did like tricep dips last week. Quite busy and tired from all the events and parties.
Last weekend, I resumed my usual conditioning. Started off with 1 set of push-up&sit-up&leglifts&1min plank, KettleBell workout 2sets and 210 tricep dips. Then rest one day. The next time is 2 sets. Rest one day, today is another 2 sets. Hope to keep up this alternate workout until I resume KM next week.
-play some games on I-phone that were neglected in favor of work.
-looked at the stock market.
-tidied my table outside and my clothes. Still have some books and stuff to go.
-trying to control my eating... Holiday started so like stay-at-home or go out, both have lots of tempting food around. My cough has gotten better then as usual my appetite surged. But I struggle to not over-eat or at least balance my calories. It took me so much effort to lose those kilos, I am NOT going back there, ever.
-made an appt for my biennial health check-up. It'll be on 2nd April, 1.5 weeks to go. It'll force me to clean up my 'laksa, instant noodles and caixin' habits, to clear the system for an accurate reading. I hope my cholesterol levels & weight would be better than 2 years ago.
-settle the Spa trip, booking, enquiries and getting my sis to help me print out from her workplace...
Tomorrow I look forward to a good 3hrs spa. It's pricey but guess I should 'reward' myself sometimes. At least it's out of the country, though its a half-day trip. First time, too. Hope for a great experience.
Hope to be able to go out during the weekends. Just to have a hang-around feeling.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
End of another work year, 1st main sub hr
On Friday, surprisingly I didn't cry during the leaving colleagues speech. There were 1-2 whom I was closer and my eyes did tear up but cleared before tears formed. Phew cos once I start, it doesn't stop.
I went up about 15mins earlier than the time I should go in. A fe girls came up and chatted. Called me 'cool', 'ikemen' and even 'beautiful'. I wore a sleeveless collared T and they saw my sunburnt shoulders. Told them its rather normal to wear sleeveless but they being vain in their culture, prefer to cover up with jacket even under the scorching sun. I joked they can make a motif of their flag and paste on the arm, so when sunburnt , it can resemble their flag.
Surprisingly I got a thank you message board from my form class. It's a Jap way of expressing their thanks. Each student writes a message on it. Decorated and done up nicely (mostly almost entirely always by girls). Main Form didn't managed time well had to rush through the last part of the day, and I had few seconds to compose a so-so speech to the class. My first form class where I was the main sub. Wished those returning back to their home country good luck. For those who are still here next year, I looked forward to seeing them grow more. Especially some...
Doing my bus duty, my Eng student from FW's class came to pass me their 'thank you' card (half A4 vanguard) It's kinda an interesting card. They quoted me on my most used phrase (zannendesu) Wrote a few sentences to express their thanks. Then each of the 15 student wrote a holiday greeting including the Happy Birthday... Behind it is 15 lines of lyrics... Interesting card I must say but it shows their ability and sense of humor. Holidays cos some I did specifically teach, the lyrics mostly from the music Cds I burnt, I know all the lyrics. Surprisingly. Laminated that and will wrap up that message board and put at my table. A reminder of the good times together, inspiration and motivation.
I went up about 15mins earlier than the time I should go in. A fe girls came up and chatted. Called me 'cool', 'ikemen' and even 'beautiful'. I wore a sleeveless collared T and they saw my sunburnt shoulders. Told them its rather normal to wear sleeveless but they being vain in their culture, prefer to cover up with jacket even under the scorching sun. I joked they can make a motif of their flag and paste on the arm, so when sunburnt , it can resemble their flag.
Surprisingly I got a thank you message board from my form class. It's a Jap way of expressing their thanks. Each student writes a message on it. Decorated and done up nicely (mostly almost entirely always by girls). Main Form didn't managed time well had to rush through the last part of the day, and I had few seconds to compose a so-so speech to the class. My first form class where I was the main sub. Wished those returning back to their home country good luck. For those who are still here next year, I looked forward to seeing them grow more. Especially some...
Doing my bus duty, my Eng student from FW's class came to pass me their 'thank you' card (half A4 vanguard) It's kinda an interesting card. They quoted me on my most used phrase (zannendesu) Wrote a few sentences to express their thanks. Then each of the 15 student wrote a holiday greeting including the Happy Birthday... Behind it is 15 lines of lyrics... Interesting card I must say but it shows their ability and sense of humor. Holidays cos some I did specifically teach, the lyrics mostly from the music Cds I burnt, I know all the lyrics. Surprisingly. Laminated that and will wrap up that message board and put at my table. A reminder of the good times together, inspiration and motivation.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Very 'chao da' under the sun, names and 2 more days
Yesterday was the last level event for the students. They had a inter-class ball game, soccer for boys and volleyball for girls. So have to be the photographer under the sun from 10.30am until 3.30pm.
I chose to go against the "norm".
I wore a sleeveless exercise tank, 3/4 exercise bottom, sport shoes, a sporty visor and a pair of sporty sunglasses with reflective lens and my wrist, knee and ankle guards cos of the amount of walking around I had to do as a photographer.
The "norm" is to wear the Sports Day sporty T (have to pay for it out of our own pocket, got school logo and your name and number on it, I didnt buy this year, but have 2 from the previous 2 years, 168 and 178),
wear a pair of golf sleeves on both arms,
wear long exercise pants,
wear Jap style fisher hat but with longer brims (ladies) or the school cap (with school logo, usually males wear this)
and a pair of sunglasses with lens that is dark but can still see the eyes. (I had that, but my sunglasses had interchangeable lens, chose reflective this time)
Reason being, I had about enough with trying to act their norm. It kinda feels unnatural at times. Like so restricted. My get-up is NOT unusual or strange, its a common exercise gear. Just that everyone around me don't do it, then make me stand out...
Yeah... when I walked towards my class cos they have assembled at the ground, as I walked nearer and students saw me. I had some of my class female students exclaiming "My Best friend!!!" and others like cool and ikemen again... Of course the rest of the classes stared... I just waved the comments off, and stood at the back and started taking some pictures.
Of course, while doing my job as a photographer here and there, students told me that I'm cool and ikemen... Took lots of pics especially of the girls cos I stayed at the volleyball area. The Aussie took mainly photos of the soccer area but he moved around to take pics of the girls too. Only near the last part, I walked to take some final pics of the soccer. It's already good enough that I've stayed mainly under the sun the entire duration of 5hrs and kept taking pics. Almost like a sports day again. 2 students offered to take my pic, so I had 2 photos of myself with students. I saw exactly how I looked to them. I think I looked really sporty.
I tried to take pics of the match and also support my form class as well as other classes. After all I do teach all 4 classes of students even if its more of a group each from each class. Kept on my feet and walked about, take pics, drink water here and there.
By the end, I got sun-burnt on my exposed shoulders, the rest are fine. This is despite me applying 3 times the powerful SPF +70 sunblock already. It's kinda shocking but luckily its a small patch of skin at the top of my shoulders and my exposed back that's not covered by the sports bra. So got a cross-back sunburnt at the back... Putting aloe vera on it now.
Reached back but have to have cca. So I wore my sporty hooded jacket and a fisher 3/4 cos I didnt have any classes save for the ball event which I changed into the sports gear. Then change back to those again after a quick wet-tissue wipe-down. Didnt help that it made me look very student-like. Lagi best, that Jedi-master made an appearance and I had to sign my contract next year in that. The increment is decent but the pay is still lower than my previous MOE pay. Its really cos the starting pay was kinda low... I did ask for consideration, cos I just heard that there would be like 5 classes in the level I am teaching, that translate straight into a 4 period (4 hrs) increase in my teaching load, plus the Aussie colleague in charge of the communication class is leaving, so I might have to lead. That meant a lot of increase. I asked for flexibility in the timetable because this year 16hrs I am quite tired. He commanded the VP to note that down. How it plays out remains to be seen... There are some things I cant mention here, but from a recent farewell party, I found out some stuff about certain colleagues and about myself.
________________________
Today in my cca, small group of girls after all. 2 from another class, not my Eng students call me Ikemen again. I just waved it off and said I'm female.
In the meantime, when the S1 students see me, they kinda stared at me. It's really obvious, both boys and girls, not everyone but those who do. Really got stared at even if I am wearing my glasses today, but casual t-shirt and khakis... When I carried my guitar home cos the holidays are coming, kena stared at again. I've come to realize. They really have a bad habit of staring, then later talk about their comments amongst themselves. Plus I can understand what they are saying... but they are unaware of that cos they are not in my level.
Luckily it's towards the end of the school year. Can't imagine living through this for an entire year. Kinda superficial also... adolescence (what exactly was I doing that their age? study and do cca, simple existence? I don't remember thinking which of my teachers were cool, good-looking or whatever. Maybe just whose kind.)
I chose to go against the "norm".
I wore a sleeveless exercise tank, 3/4 exercise bottom, sport shoes, a sporty visor and a pair of sporty sunglasses with reflective lens and my wrist, knee and ankle guards cos of the amount of walking around I had to do as a photographer.
The "norm" is to wear the Sports Day sporty T (have to pay for it out of our own pocket, got school logo and your name and number on it, I didnt buy this year, but have 2 from the previous 2 years, 168 and 178),
wear a pair of golf sleeves on both arms,
wear long exercise pants,
wear Jap style fisher hat but with longer brims (ladies) or the school cap (with school logo, usually males wear this)
and a pair of sunglasses with lens that is dark but can still see the eyes. (I had that, but my sunglasses had interchangeable lens, chose reflective this time)
Reason being, I had about enough with trying to act their norm. It kinda feels unnatural at times. Like so restricted. My get-up is NOT unusual or strange, its a common exercise gear. Just that everyone around me don't do it, then make me stand out...
Yeah... when I walked towards my class cos they have assembled at the ground, as I walked nearer and students saw me. I had some of my class female students exclaiming "My Best friend!!!" and others like cool and ikemen again... Of course the rest of the classes stared... I just waved the comments off, and stood at the back and started taking some pictures.
Of course, while doing my job as a photographer here and there, students told me that I'm cool and ikemen... Took lots of pics especially of the girls cos I stayed at the volleyball area. The Aussie took mainly photos of the soccer area but he moved around to take pics of the girls too. Only near the last part, I walked to take some final pics of the soccer. It's already good enough that I've stayed mainly under the sun the entire duration of 5hrs and kept taking pics. Almost like a sports day again. 2 students offered to take my pic, so I had 2 photos of myself with students. I saw exactly how I looked to them. I think I looked really sporty.
I tried to take pics of the match and also support my form class as well as other classes. After all I do teach all 4 classes of students even if its more of a group each from each class. Kept on my feet and walked about, take pics, drink water here and there.
By the end, I got sun-burnt on my exposed shoulders, the rest are fine. This is despite me applying 3 times the powerful SPF +70 sunblock already. It's kinda shocking but luckily its a small patch of skin at the top of my shoulders and my exposed back that's not covered by the sports bra. So got a cross-back sunburnt at the back... Putting aloe vera on it now.
Reached back but have to have cca. So I wore my sporty hooded jacket and a fisher 3/4 cos I didnt have any classes save for the ball event which I changed into the sports gear. Then change back to those again after a quick wet-tissue wipe-down. Didnt help that it made me look very student-like. Lagi best, that Jedi-master made an appearance and I had to sign my contract next year in that. The increment is decent but the pay is still lower than my previous MOE pay. Its really cos the starting pay was kinda low... I did ask for consideration, cos I just heard that there would be like 5 classes in the level I am teaching, that translate straight into a 4 period (4 hrs) increase in my teaching load, plus the Aussie colleague in charge of the communication class is leaving, so I might have to lead. That meant a lot of increase. I asked for flexibility in the timetable because this year 16hrs I am quite tired. He commanded the VP to note that down. How it plays out remains to be seen... There are some things I cant mention here, but from a recent farewell party, I found out some stuff about certain colleagues and about myself.
________________________
Today in my cca, small group of girls after all. 2 from another class, not my Eng students call me Ikemen again. I just waved it off and said I'm female.
In the meantime, when the S1 students see me, they kinda stared at me. It's really obvious, both boys and girls, not everyone but those who do. Really got stared at even if I am wearing my glasses today, but casual t-shirt and khakis... When I carried my guitar home cos the holidays are coming, kena stared at again. I've come to realize. They really have a bad habit of staring, then later talk about their comments amongst themselves. Plus I can understand what they are saying... but they are unaware of that cos they are not in my level.
Luckily it's towards the end of the school year. Can't imagine living through this for an entire year. Kinda superficial also... adolescence (what exactly was I doing that their age? study and do cca, simple existence? I don't remember thinking which of my teachers were cool, good-looking or whatever. Maybe just whose kind.)
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Post-performance Aftermath
This year is really "interesting"... Things that have happened to me, never happened before in my entire teaching career and even my own life. Just when I thought I've seen it all, something else surprised me.
The performance was last Friday. I wore the same clothes for home room and bus dismissal, nobody except for one of my girls, commented cool. Nobody said anything to me but there were some stares.
Monday was surprisingly peaceful. The two lesson I had, nothing happened. But on Tuesday while we had to clean up the gym and get ready for the graduation ceremony, things happened...
First off, I was in-charge of the girls in my form class. When they came towards me, not everyone but a big group swamped me... I was surrounded and they were touching my belt, hair and my crystal bracelets and commenting I'm cool and stuff. WTF?!? I didn't raise my voice at them but just tell them nicely that we have a job to do, better do it or we'll get scolded. They followed me happily to get the rags. Then I went to get pails to fill with water.
While I was in the toilet, I encountered a few girls from another class also filling the pails. Got more cool and ikemen comments... U see me physically peng san there. Took lots of coaxing and ordering, got most of them to clean the chairs. I was really tired after that.
When I was walking around, checking on the girls, I noticed some stares by some boys of other classes and overheard, "really Ikemen"... Got one boy from FW's class came up to me and wanted to shake my hand. I was confused, thought he was transferring but I told him my hands were dirty and he decided not to. Huh?
Ikemen apparently is a word that meant 'cool + face' but used for guys... I though that 'men' is men in English. It's actually means 'face' in Jap. But still...
Later washing the rags and pails, I was tailed by 3 of my class girls to the toilet. Then they said 'You are my Best friend'. Man...
Assembled to finish off, I was seated at one of the chairs with the fan cos super hot. The classes filed past, my Filipino colleague was near me. Then when it came to my class, the bunch of girls started calling me cool and ikemen again, and I peng san on the chair. The colleague came to my rescue and asked them what about her? They called her pretty and said we were a couple. OMG!
And that wasn't all. That's only Tuesday.
Wednesday was the actual graduation ceremony. Wearing the new pinkish long-sleeved shirt and pants and contacts, I sat through the ceremony. After helped cleaned up. For some stares that's all. Headed for the party. There, some of my former students asked me to sign their yearbook. Ate the food which was food very nice for a $30 fee. Watched the video parody and laughed until my tears came out. My bootleg copy was shaking cos I laughed quite hard. (Managed to get a copy of the original, it'll be for remembrance) When it ended, some more of my ex students came and I shook their hands and wished them the best. Posed for a few pics with a few students. One of my male ex student came up to me and said 'I know u are a professional boxer, right?' Huh? Cos of my arms or the medicated plaster on my wrist. Smiled and said no.
Wednesday was kinda safe.
Thursday was fine during lessons but I had to accompany my cca for their performance event. I wore a kappa sporty top and khakis cos my job would entail carrying the heavy stuff. Wore that for the whole day.
The 'names' started after we arrived. It's a whole bunch of girls from S1-2 cos Sec3 have graduated. I walked around to take pics of their rehearsal and later on meals while they ate. My dinner was 2 onigiri, small cheese sandwich, 2 pickled something and 3-4 pieces of torikage chicken (the Jap torikage is really crispy and not oily yet light on the palate, no wonder they don't like our pirated versions of their food) Still relatively peaceful. I got extra onigiri, torikage and pickle cos my Filipino colleague is on a vegetarian diet and she didn't want to waste so she gave to me. Okay, I don't mind, ate those too.
But after the dinner, when I encountered the Sec 2 girls, one kept calling me Ikemen... My English student some more. Then I asked her why? She said something along the line that it's obvious and true hence of course... I siam away. Another was calling me 'cute'. I was like huh? She has been calling me that for some time now but it still perplexed me.
The concert started so I took on the job of photographer. Took lots of pics using the powerful zoom, meant I didn't have to keep walking around. Also took pics of students when they've finished their performance and came in to watch and stood at the back. Also helped out to set up the stage during the intermission and after the performance was over. Have to take photos with a couple of students, including the 'best friend' duo... A couple of Sec 3 came down and talked with them briefly and took pic, shook hands. Carried some of the stuff and amp off-stage. Encountered my eng class student who kept calling me Ikemen earlier. Told her I saw her mom, really pretty, they look quite alike.
Took the bus back with Sec2 students who had to help carry the equipment back to the respective rooms. Took pics on the bus and got called Ikemen again. I carried 2 items at a go cos I don't wanna strain my knee with multiple journeys up and down 3 floors of stairs. While I was upstairs, students wanted to take scary pictures. Cos I was carrying the camera, took some of them. The school was entirely dark, as in except for the staff room and first floor, the rest are entirely dark. Lots of screaming and shrieking going around.
The usual dismissal, all staff had to say a few words. When it came to my turn, I just said, Go home safely. Immediately another eng student of mine replied 'Sasuga Ikemen' (as one would expect from the Ikemen) See me peng san again. They are really having a fun time calling me that, that night...
About 9.30pm, I grabbed my bag while they are still milling around and walked to go home. Some wanted to take pic of me, I was drinking Pocari sweat. Posed with it like an advertisement. One begged for some. I said wait, looked into my bag cos I threw in 2 bottles and handed her one. She said thanks and raced off to a side to share with her friends.
Waved and walked out to the bus stop. Got on my bus, reached home cooked instant noodles and ate that. Also bathed and started completing the bookmarks I was making cos the very next day was one of my last lesson with one class. Slept late, 1am and next day was more tired than usual.
The performance was last Friday. I wore the same clothes for home room and bus dismissal, nobody except for one of my girls, commented cool. Nobody said anything to me but there were some stares.
Monday was surprisingly peaceful. The two lesson I had, nothing happened. But on Tuesday while we had to clean up the gym and get ready for the graduation ceremony, things happened...
First off, I was in-charge of the girls in my form class. When they came towards me, not everyone but a big group swamped me... I was surrounded and they were touching my belt, hair and my crystal bracelets and commenting I'm cool and stuff. WTF?!? I didn't raise my voice at them but just tell them nicely that we have a job to do, better do it or we'll get scolded. They followed me happily to get the rags. Then I went to get pails to fill with water.
While I was in the toilet, I encountered a few girls from another class also filling the pails. Got more cool and ikemen comments... U see me physically peng san there. Took lots of coaxing and ordering, got most of them to clean the chairs. I was really tired after that.
When I was walking around, checking on the girls, I noticed some stares by some boys of other classes and overheard, "really Ikemen"... Got one boy from FW's class came up to me and wanted to shake my hand. I was confused, thought he was transferring but I told him my hands were dirty and he decided not to. Huh?
Ikemen apparently is a word that meant 'cool + face' but used for guys... I though that 'men' is men in English. It's actually means 'face' in Jap. But still...
Later washing the rags and pails, I was tailed by 3 of my class girls to the toilet. Then they said 'You are my Best friend'. Man...
Assembled to finish off, I was seated at one of the chairs with the fan cos super hot. The classes filed past, my Filipino colleague was near me. Then when it came to my class, the bunch of girls started calling me cool and ikemen again, and I peng san on the chair. The colleague came to my rescue and asked them what about her? They called her pretty and said we were a couple. OMG!
And that wasn't all. That's only Tuesday.
Wednesday was the actual graduation ceremony. Wearing the new pinkish long-sleeved shirt and pants and contacts, I sat through the ceremony. After helped cleaned up. For some stares that's all. Headed for the party. There, some of my former students asked me to sign their yearbook. Ate the food which was food very nice for a $30 fee. Watched the video parody and laughed until my tears came out. My bootleg copy was shaking cos I laughed quite hard. (Managed to get a copy of the original, it'll be for remembrance) When it ended, some more of my ex students came and I shook their hands and wished them the best. Posed for a few pics with a few students. One of my male ex student came up to me and said 'I know u are a professional boxer, right?' Huh? Cos of my arms or the medicated plaster on my wrist. Smiled and said no.
Wednesday was kinda safe.
Thursday was fine during lessons but I had to accompany my cca for their performance event. I wore a kappa sporty top and khakis cos my job would entail carrying the heavy stuff. Wore that for the whole day.
The 'names' started after we arrived. It's a whole bunch of girls from S1-2 cos Sec3 have graduated. I walked around to take pics of their rehearsal and later on meals while they ate. My dinner was 2 onigiri, small cheese sandwich, 2 pickled something and 3-4 pieces of torikage chicken (the Jap torikage is really crispy and not oily yet light on the palate, no wonder they don't like our pirated versions of their food) Still relatively peaceful. I got extra onigiri, torikage and pickle cos my Filipino colleague is on a vegetarian diet and she didn't want to waste so she gave to me. Okay, I don't mind, ate those too.
But after the dinner, when I encountered the Sec 2 girls, one kept calling me Ikemen... My English student some more. Then I asked her why? She said something along the line that it's obvious and true hence of course... I siam away. Another was calling me 'cute'. I was like huh? She has been calling me that for some time now but it still perplexed me.
The concert started so I took on the job of photographer. Took lots of pics using the powerful zoom, meant I didn't have to keep walking around. Also took pics of students when they've finished their performance and came in to watch and stood at the back. Also helped out to set up the stage during the intermission and after the performance was over. Have to take photos with a couple of students, including the 'best friend' duo... A couple of Sec 3 came down and talked with them briefly and took pic, shook hands. Carried some of the stuff and amp off-stage. Encountered my eng class student who kept calling me Ikemen earlier. Told her I saw her mom, really pretty, they look quite alike.
Took the bus back with Sec2 students who had to help carry the equipment back to the respective rooms. Took pics on the bus and got called Ikemen again. I carried 2 items at a go cos I don't wanna strain my knee with multiple journeys up and down 3 floors of stairs. While I was upstairs, students wanted to take scary pictures. Cos I was carrying the camera, took some of them. The school was entirely dark, as in except for the staff room and first floor, the rest are entirely dark. Lots of screaming and shrieking going around.
The usual dismissal, all staff had to say a few words. When it came to my turn, I just said, Go home safely. Immediately another eng student of mine replied 'Sasuga Ikemen' (as one would expect from the Ikemen) See me peng san again. They are really having a fun time calling me that, that night...
About 9.30pm, I grabbed my bag while they are still milling around and walked to go home. Some wanted to take pic of me, I was drinking Pocari sweat. Posed with it like an advertisement. One begged for some. I said wait, looked into my bag cos I threw in 2 bottles and handed her one. She said thanks and raced off to a side to share with her friends.
Waved and walked out to the bus stop. Got on my bus, reached home cooked instant noodles and ate that. Also bathed and started completing the bookmarks I was making cos the very next day was one of my last lesson with one class. Slept late, 1am and next day was more tired than usual.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
A hectic week... Work, Band Performance and Farewell Party
Lost my earlier post cos accidentally deleted it while using my Samsung to type. Not so used to a bigger screen and the operations yet.
This week was so hectic that I felt really burnt out. Besides lessons which are still many after the exams already... cleaning and daily homeroom which also takes a lot out of me. Then there's the grade processing which I keyed in. Then have to check if colleagues agreed with the grade given cos they manually change the grades to reflect things like attitude n daily work. I kept having to check and recheck the lists to see if the excel formula screwed up. Imagine doing that finally on Thur, after work, after cca, after the band practice, I almost died... Had to OT until 6.30pm.
Plus my bodyclock is breaking down somewhat. Woke up at 4-5am in the morning wide awake. Had to struggle to go back to sleep. Sian.
The accumulated fatigue was obvious on Friday. Some students noticed it too. Out of the 4 periods before the event, I had lessons for 3. The free period, I had to eye-ball the grades again, check students journal and steal some time to practice the guitar as warm-up. I still can't play at the drop of the hat. Need to warm up.
Then during the lunchtime, I went to change into the clothes. Uniform was black bottom, white tops. Due to recent wardrobe change and spring cleaning, I only have 3 white tops; the v-neck t, the sleeveless round-neck t and the white jacket from Tab's wedding.
Decided to pair up the round neck and the jacket. I added the pair of aces earrings. Just combed my hair until the ears are more visible and can see the earrings hanging. Black fitting khakis. No makeup, no gel, just tinted pimple cream and oxy tint to cover my pimples. Normal black sport shoes. I intended to wear that for the Farewell party after. I put the wardrobe together by Tuesday. I tried it and think it looked decent, instead of just black bottom, white top, look like funeral cos all non-vocals are wearing that. That's why I added the jacket though it would be hot. Tried to work around the heat with the sleeveless inside. Nothing really special but just a HUGE departure from what I usually wear at work...
I wore the bottom, glasses and a black tshirt for lesson. After changing, was contact lens, white t n jacket, dangling earrings and combed hair. A departure from the usual again. Plus due to weight loss, the jacket hung loosely but the tank was fitting. I don't wear like this cos of the SG weather and only special occasions then take so much care and effort. It's meant on my part for my graduating students, leaving colleagues and also current students whom I won't be following up and leaving current students. A sort of memorable thing I guess.
Without eating lunch, I waited in the staff room. Those colleagues who saw me immediately tell me I looked cool. Man, really... Sat down at my table and stoned a bit while the rest headed to the hall to assemble. Later near the starting time, I headed up. I stood at the back of the rows and those who saw me were surprised that I've changed my outfit. We don't tell students who's performing. It's meant as a surprise.
The event was a farewell for the graduating level, put up by the students. So u have the art, band, instrument, dance cca performing. Also those who want to volunteer an item such as that light stick dance for the Nth time and a very impressive Jap calligraphy with music by a group of girls. Lastly was the teacher's item. Then videos of the Sec 3 and video messages from the teachers who left.
Man I couldn't enjoy it as much as I did the past years cos I was super hot. Frantically fanning myself and trying to focus on the chords cos I memorized it. Composed myself cos it would be my first time performing infront of a crowd, with a band. Don't wanna screw up. The heat in the hall made it difficult to focus.
Finally it was our turn. The curtains opened and we walked onstage with some cheers. 2 female vocalist, a male guitar lead, a male drummer, a female keyboardist n me, rhythm guitarist. The song is 'Sakura' by Ikimono gakari. A slower song (challenging for me cos I tend to play fast but managed)
Prior to joining the music club this year, I could only play the guitar sitting down cos that's how we play it during lessons. This year as I had to teach a group, I practiced at home and could play somewhat standing, for both acoustic and electric. This time cos of the performance, I practiced really hard to somewhat play better while standing. Still my acoustic is better than electric. I guessed correctly that we would be standing and using electric guitars so I practiced more with the electric at home. I also practiced looking at the audience cos a common amateur 'mistake' I saw was that the guitarist stays rock-still, eyes on the frets only.
I haven't seen the video or whatever yet but based on my end. I didn't forget the chords but my Bm sounds a bit off at times. But I could do the different strumming patterns, look at the audience sometimes and also the fretboards. Everyone did a great job, we got loud applause. Later FW (one of the vocalist) was telling me, her students told her they really liked our band.
Helped to keep the stuff to one side and then there was a breaktime. I thought it was the end and stayed downstairs, drank 2 packs of milk cos no lunch and water. Later I headed up, it was still hot but I couldn't take off my jacket without later getting remarks about my muscles... But all the sweating added to the drain.
Watched the videos. Then after its over, went down and stayed down until it was time for dismissal. I contemplated whether to change out or not. But given I woul be wearing the same thing, jus wear it lah, like a local. Where got keep changing clothes here and there one? That's a Jap thingy. Not surprisingly, back to class, got cool comments, stares. Man, I was too tried to care. Just stand at one side and stoned.
Then as I walked down the stairs. Encountered that group of cheeky boys. This time besides the 'Good afternoon Boss' and blocking my way, got a 'Guitar, very cool'. One of the female jap colleagues actually was right beside me when that cheeky boy blocked my way again for the Nth time, but she watched on and laugh in amusement. I said 'jama surunna'. Her student but she didn't stop him. So again I gotta move L-R-L-R before I was let through... Never mind, it was done in a cute way not a mean way. Let me not taint their innocence.
Finished bus duty and stoned at my seat. Waited to share a cab with 2 other colleagues n helped picked up the bouquets of flowers. We headed off to the place. Me being the only non-Jap was there while the rest moved the tables and stuff. I just stoned.
The Jedi-master sat right beside me and I 'gotta' entertain him by talking to him and listening 'intently' the whole night. Glad it was over. I like the food, tasted much better than the Zha Cai Peng, supposedly is finger food but the selection was good such as Pan fried lamb with tomato, grilled beef skewers... I know cos I chose those. Didn't take pics, just ate the food, and drank 2 beers then listen n converse with mainly the Jedi-master. (I still don't like him as much but I don't want to have more enemies, no guarantee my pay would increase a lot if I was nicer to him, but its been a long week, so I just tried to be smiley and nice. This being-nice to him won't change my perspective until I see something concrete otherwise. It's just being sociable)
Later the nurse colleague forgot her keys in the taxi. The taxi wanted to charge her for delivering the keys down cos it was in Katong, we were in town. After it ping-pong between the nurse, Jedi, he pointed at me and I had to talk to the cab driver. Basically he would not charge us after the to-and-fro exchange, we would head to the drop-off point. I followed along and they paid the cab driver $10 for the trouble. Jedi offered the sch car to send me back, I declined saying the mrt is right beside us. The nurse thanked me profusely and headed for the second party, she'll be leaving. Kinda sad the colleagues who came in at the same time as I did are all returning. The great Aussie colleague is leaving too. Next would have students leaving.
All these leaving does make one kinda sad cos of the attachment to them. It's proof I do have feelings and am human. Quite demoralizing and also to avoid the hurt, rather not get to know them well but that also meant a rather cold workplace. It's a dilemma I still struggle with.
This week was so hectic that I felt really burnt out. Besides lessons which are still many after the exams already... cleaning and daily homeroom which also takes a lot out of me. Then there's the grade processing which I keyed in. Then have to check if colleagues agreed with the grade given cos they manually change the grades to reflect things like attitude n daily work. I kept having to check and recheck the lists to see if the excel formula screwed up. Imagine doing that finally on Thur, after work, after cca, after the band practice, I almost died... Had to OT until 6.30pm.
Plus my bodyclock is breaking down somewhat. Woke up at 4-5am in the morning wide awake. Had to struggle to go back to sleep. Sian.
The accumulated fatigue was obvious on Friday. Some students noticed it too. Out of the 4 periods before the event, I had lessons for 3. The free period, I had to eye-ball the grades again, check students journal and steal some time to practice the guitar as warm-up. I still can't play at the drop of the hat. Need to warm up.
Then during the lunchtime, I went to change into the clothes. Uniform was black bottom, white tops. Due to recent wardrobe change and spring cleaning, I only have 3 white tops; the v-neck t, the sleeveless round-neck t and the white jacket from Tab's wedding.
Decided to pair up the round neck and the jacket. I added the pair of aces earrings. Just combed my hair until the ears are more visible and can see the earrings hanging. Black fitting khakis. No makeup, no gel, just tinted pimple cream and oxy tint to cover my pimples. Normal black sport shoes. I intended to wear that for the Farewell party after. I put the wardrobe together by Tuesday. I tried it and think it looked decent, instead of just black bottom, white top, look like funeral cos all non-vocals are wearing that. That's why I added the jacket though it would be hot. Tried to work around the heat with the sleeveless inside. Nothing really special but just a HUGE departure from what I usually wear at work...
I wore the bottom, glasses and a black tshirt for lesson. After changing, was contact lens, white t n jacket, dangling earrings and combed hair. A departure from the usual again. Plus due to weight loss, the jacket hung loosely but the tank was fitting. I don't wear like this cos of the SG weather and only special occasions then take so much care and effort. It's meant on my part for my graduating students, leaving colleagues and also current students whom I won't be following up and leaving current students. A sort of memorable thing I guess.
Without eating lunch, I waited in the staff room. Those colleagues who saw me immediately tell me I looked cool. Man, really... Sat down at my table and stoned a bit while the rest headed to the hall to assemble. Later near the starting time, I headed up. I stood at the back of the rows and those who saw me were surprised that I've changed my outfit. We don't tell students who's performing. It's meant as a surprise.
The event was a farewell for the graduating level, put up by the students. So u have the art, band, instrument, dance cca performing. Also those who want to volunteer an item such as that light stick dance for the Nth time and a very impressive Jap calligraphy with music by a group of girls. Lastly was the teacher's item. Then videos of the Sec 3 and video messages from the teachers who left.
Man I couldn't enjoy it as much as I did the past years cos I was super hot. Frantically fanning myself and trying to focus on the chords cos I memorized it. Composed myself cos it would be my first time performing infront of a crowd, with a band. Don't wanna screw up. The heat in the hall made it difficult to focus.
Finally it was our turn. The curtains opened and we walked onstage with some cheers. 2 female vocalist, a male guitar lead, a male drummer, a female keyboardist n me, rhythm guitarist. The song is 'Sakura' by Ikimono gakari. A slower song (challenging for me cos I tend to play fast but managed)
Prior to joining the music club this year, I could only play the guitar sitting down cos that's how we play it during lessons. This year as I had to teach a group, I practiced at home and could play somewhat standing, for both acoustic and electric. This time cos of the performance, I practiced really hard to somewhat play better while standing. Still my acoustic is better than electric. I guessed correctly that we would be standing and using electric guitars so I practiced more with the electric at home. I also practiced looking at the audience cos a common amateur 'mistake' I saw was that the guitarist stays rock-still, eyes on the frets only.
I haven't seen the video or whatever yet but based on my end. I didn't forget the chords but my Bm sounds a bit off at times. But I could do the different strumming patterns, look at the audience sometimes and also the fretboards. Everyone did a great job, we got loud applause. Later FW (one of the vocalist) was telling me, her students told her they really liked our band.
Helped to keep the stuff to one side and then there was a breaktime. I thought it was the end and stayed downstairs, drank 2 packs of milk cos no lunch and water. Later I headed up, it was still hot but I couldn't take off my jacket without later getting remarks about my muscles... But all the sweating added to the drain.
Watched the videos. Then after its over, went down and stayed down until it was time for dismissal. I contemplated whether to change out or not. But given I woul be wearing the same thing, jus wear it lah, like a local. Where got keep changing clothes here and there one? That's a Jap thingy. Not surprisingly, back to class, got cool comments, stares. Man, I was too tried to care. Just stand at one side and stoned.
Then as I walked down the stairs. Encountered that group of cheeky boys. This time besides the 'Good afternoon Boss' and blocking my way, got a 'Guitar, very cool'. One of the female jap colleagues actually was right beside me when that cheeky boy blocked my way again for the Nth time, but she watched on and laugh in amusement. I said 'jama surunna'. Her student but she didn't stop him. So again I gotta move L-R-L-R before I was let through... Never mind, it was done in a cute way not a mean way. Let me not taint their innocence.
Finished bus duty and stoned at my seat. Waited to share a cab with 2 other colleagues n helped picked up the bouquets of flowers. We headed off to the place. Me being the only non-Jap was there while the rest moved the tables and stuff. I just stoned.
The Jedi-master sat right beside me and I 'gotta' entertain him by talking to him and listening 'intently' the whole night. Glad it was over. I like the food, tasted much better than the Zha Cai Peng, supposedly is finger food but the selection was good such as Pan fried lamb with tomato, grilled beef skewers... I know cos I chose those. Didn't take pics, just ate the food, and drank 2 beers then listen n converse with mainly the Jedi-master. (I still don't like him as much but I don't want to have more enemies, no guarantee my pay would increase a lot if I was nicer to him, but its been a long week, so I just tried to be smiley and nice. This being-nice to him won't change my perspective until I see something concrete otherwise. It's just being sociable)
Later the nurse colleague forgot her keys in the taxi. The taxi wanted to charge her for delivering the keys down cos it was in Katong, we were in town. After it ping-pong between the nurse, Jedi, he pointed at me and I had to talk to the cab driver. Basically he would not charge us after the to-and-fro exchange, we would head to the drop-off point. I followed along and they paid the cab driver $10 for the trouble. Jedi offered the sch car to send me back, I declined saying the mrt is right beside us. The nurse thanked me profusely and headed for the second party, she'll be leaving. Kinda sad the colleagues who came in at the same time as I did are all returning. The great Aussie colleague is leaving too. Next would have students leaving.
All these leaving does make one kinda sad cos of the attachment to them. It's proof I do have feelings and am human. Quite demoralizing and also to avoid the hurt, rather not get to know them well but that also meant a rather cold workplace. It's a dilemma I still struggle with.
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