After the work trip, after sleeping and kinda going to the toilet a number of times, not diarrrhea but like heat and all the spicy and non-usual food eaten.
By Sun, mentally I know I have to try to eat plainer food but my actions differ. On Sunday alone, I ate Laksa, popeye 2 piece meal, a char siew roasted duck rice, old cucumber soup and later still ate a bowl of rice with some curry.
Today ate a Mee Siam, 2 bread and a pack of curry economical rice. My craving for something meaty is still there. I think cos during the trip, I didn't eat much meat, mostly veg with few slices of meat. Suddenly keep wanting to eat slabs of meat, like those all-u-can-eat Shabu or grills... *sigh* I'll try to keep it in check by forcibly switching to porridge if that stall opens. Long CNY holiday.
Meat... meat.......
Monday, February 10, 2014
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Second Work Trip
Being in the same level meant this academic year, I have to go for the school trip. To me, it's a painful trip based on my first experience last year. It was lots of the same-old, slight variations.
First day: 3hrs sleep, temple and dinner with performance and the Kong Ram lanterns
I skipped KM this week in view of the work trip plus my shoulder just healed up and still had some earlier injuries like a bump on the head, sore spots on my jaw. Used the rest time to massage and rub down the bumps. Still feeling irritation at the shoulder injury. When I resume KM, I am not going for the Mon lesson for a while. During to the shoulder injury, u resolutely decided not to go for grading. Skipping KM practice next week. It's the exam week. Will do conditioning exercise at home.
The same-ole, assembled, waited, lots of speech, depart. The good point was a professional photographer was engaged so I didn't feel compelled to take much photos. Only for the May Thai session, then I did. This time at the transit shopping part, I bought a pack of dehydrated strawberries to munch. Also just 2 Krispy Creme doughnuts, a dark chocolate *very nice* and a cookies and cream one, that was rather sweet. I didn't eat themin the waiting area. But after the plane took off, I was munching one and a student turned and saw me. She said something like I wasn't supposed to. Like the teacher have to follow the rules that applies to students. "Huh? Really not supposed to?" Then I put the doughnut aside like a guilty person, in a sort of role-reversal. But refreshments came later and I continued eating the doughnuts.
Arrived and I gotta sit in the bus along with students, unlike a private van previously. The Head of the level sat in our bus so it was surprisingly peaceful. I closed my eyes and try to rest up as and when I could. No real sleep but just to catch a quick mental recharge.
The temple was about the same except I followed my class around and they attended a prayer part where the monk sprayed holy water and all of us tio some droplets.the class photo was taken later and my hair was messy cos have to take off the cap. Dun care. Didn't do much except I saw the Auzzie colleague sitting down and just sat down too. Helped a couple of groups to take pics on their own personal cameras. I didn't go around taking pics so it was not as tiring.
The dinner place was the same but since it didn't rain, we sat at the outdoor part and there was a series of cultural performance in the outdoor seating area. U are seated on the floor with the triangular cushions and eat the same dishes as last year. The sky was beautiful and one could see some stars including Orion and some Kong Ram lanterns were released that looked surreal. This was refreshing for me. The bus ride there I recovered enough mental zest to look out at the shops that we passed by. There were really lots of international food and cafes and stuff. Very vibrant with lots of variety. Definitely better than Malaysia.
After dinner was giving keys and going to their rooms later to check. This time they didn't screw up the phone SIM cards and we had a list with all teachers contacts. I finisheda hot shower and my phone rang. Had to do room check with the Head. But cos he's a guy so he waited outside. No master card key given so I had to knock and ask to open. Earlier on, they were instructed not to open up unless someone calls out in Japanese. So had 2 amusing incidents. Went to one, I knocked and said "Open up, Ms Y here. Room check" twice and no one open the door though there was an initial "Hai" when I knocked. 3rd time I switched to Japanese then opened. Another one, after several tries still no response until I spoke louder and they opened up. They told me that they didn't recognise my low voice (all the rushing made my voice lower cos didn't drink so much water) and both were too short to look into the peephole. They were trying to carry a chair over. Told them it would be weird if I called out to them in a high pitched voice cos that ain't me... Collected their booklets, told them to lock all locks once I leave. Then the Head did something straight out of medevial times. He took a piece of tape and pasted it over the door & the frame so that if they open the door, it would break the seal and teacherswwould know and students theoretically couldn't reseal their own rooms... I looked on in amusement. The meeting I didn't pay attention so it kinda went by. I remembered the time for breakfast. Pitied the Japanese for who had to check those booklets, put it outside their students room n check that the seals weren't broken.
I went back, packed my day bag with the stuff I needed and slept.
Day 2: Double Muay That, meals, Night market.
This time, I was assigned to stay at one of the That experience venues the entire duration except for meals. Breakfast this time, I just ate a slice of bread, a chicken, a pork hotdog, a single bacon slice. A plate of salad that I picked out with a few slices of chicken ham and salad sauce. The salad combination I made was really good. Coffee and it's back to work. Though I arrived there just to see most finish up and go off. So left me and the Auzzie eating.
Didn't have much to do so I sat down and stoned at the chair. Was talking with the Auzzie a lot cos while students were eating, we just hang around like how Japanese do a lot. So we kinda make it more comfortable by sitting and later chatting. He shared with me his experience of previous trips years ago and I shared about how things went last year. Got to know some interesting stuff about him. He had a more outstanding range of things going then I did, except the Japanese didn't find that out from talking to him.
So I set off with the first group for Muay Thai. I only realised it this year that we went to a Thai Sports University of sort but cos I opened my eyes and saw the name and much later on asked a staff about the age of students. The dojo was better than previously, having shifted. So again I stayed by the girls. They were enthusiastic and did nicely. A couple wanted to see me in action but I didn't get to do it. Actually I didn't want to cos with 1.5yrs of KM undermy belt, the basic Muay Thai that they did weren't things I haven't done before except for some atks that are unique to Muay Thai. Helped take pics and 2 videos using mySSamsung. More reliable than that stupid sch camera that refused to work on the chargeable and even brand new Ever ready batteries. It only works on Energizer... waste to bring all these useless stuff...
Lunch was at the same place as before. Very Chinese style. Don't see much of real authentic Thai food cos of the spiciness, I am guessing. The papaya salad sucked. There was ice cream cos one of the main let slipped and made a mistake in his speech so had to deliver on the words. I put ice cream in hot coffee so I could drink it still.
After lunch was another round of Muay Thai with a different batch of students. The girls this time were very reluctant and weak willed to try. Even with the main instructor and I trying to coax, I wondered why did they even choose this. But the boys did an excellent job. Took pics and again didn't try. A cheeky boy kept asking if I would do the practice cos they were curious but I didn't.
It was kinda amusing cos a few boys kept joking around and parroting my phrase "No violence", so when I found out thru chatting that the Auzzie who's their sub teacher had done Muay Thai for several years, of a higher level, and another Auzzie PE teacher was a boxer, I told that and the boy replied,"I had better be nice to Mr K." Then proceeded to ask me why the non Japanese teachers are so violent (cos we learn fighting arts) LOL.
Back to the hotel and had an hour. Bathed and I also set up the bath tub for a soak. But 5 minutes into, I got bored. How do people sit in it for so long? There wasn't much to do or look at. Went to lie on the bed. The pillows were super soft and comfortable. Changed and headed out. Dinner was Chinese steamboat. I ate 2 bowls of fried rice, some meat, liver. It wasn't as nice as other hotpots I had. But I ate my fill.
Onwards to the night market. Walked over behind the class and they dispersed. I walked through quickly til the Starbucks at one end, bought a Grande Green Tea Latte, 2 gums and a mint. Just when I was leaving, encountered a group of boys. Saw my drink and asked for a treat. I asked,"don't u have $$$" and one cheekily replied no. Then his friend said liar... guess just wanna play with me. Told them I got to stand at my assigned spot near the BK. Later on, I encountered them when they walked over to take a peek to see if it was true.
Just when I thought all was peaceful n routine at my spot, cos it's the same as last year, I spotted 2 girls walking at the area past my station which they weren't supposed to. I stopped them n got them to my spot. They were looking for a teacher. Wanted to speak to their form. Could tell visibly unwell, got them to sit on the stools of a table for customers at a street hawker. Took out my phone and the list to call. But cos their form is a typical no English, so I just say in mixed Eng-Jap; Miss Y here. Ur students want to talk. Passed the phone over and both talked to their form. Not well and they had to make their way back to the initial dinner spot. At least their form knows and would inform the Head who was stationed along the route back. I brought them to the crossing and told the guide we used, stationed there to help them cross over. Can't leave my spot but there were tour agents, guides and teachers stationed along the route. They made it back safely and we're very ill. This I saw later on when I returned. The nurse looked after them when we returned to our hotel and into the next day. They sat in wheelchairs and were wheeled about until Singapore. Then their parents.collected them and would bring them to the hospital the next day with accompanying Jap teachers, tour agents.
Didn't meet many groups, most didn't try to go beyond my spot, they just crossed over the road before reaching. Just a couple of groups from my form class. Tod them not to go beyond, either cross or turn and walk back. My legs didn't enjoy the standing about for an hour plus but the Green Tea Latte helped. I also chewed the gum and people watched. At the allocated time, I tried to walk to one end to usher students back. Midway through, encountered another colleague ushering them so I made my way back. Behind the last few stragglers who were shopping until the last minute. I made it back to board the bus and zipped back to the hotel.
I showered again and laid on the bed. Still had half an hour before the assigned time to repeat the room check at 11pm. I didn't realise I fell asleep. I woke up with a jolt at 11.20pm, thinking I missed the room check and headed out to the meeting to find out if I was late, missed stuff cos though I had the itenary, it's entirely in Japanand they add stuff to it. Especially just the day before during the meeting or even decide without telling u.
So I went there and apologise for being late for the meeting?? Missing out on the room check which I was ready to go do, then I noticed my main forum had the booklets. Apparently another female main forum went. Huh? Then there were students in the meeting room cos aapparently they did not stick to their assigned groups of 5 but combined with another group, split up into smaller groups of 2s-3s which kinda compromised their safety in numbers and the group-buddy system. The Japanese would deal with them then have a meeting after. Told us we didn't have to attend. On, went back and packed my bags. Fell asleep about 1am.
Final day; Passport duty, returning
I woke up with a jolt again, at 6.30am. Where was the bloody wake-up call. Went down hurriedly cos by the time I brushed, changed and headed down, teacher's allocated breakfast time was over. Went down, saw students trickling down for theirs and I headed for breakfast by myself. Ate the same stuff as yesterday. Really enjoyed the salad I made. Generous scoops of french dressing helped.Surprised at myself too. An example of the changed eating habits and taste.
Went up and saw the Auzzie colleague and we just stayed out of the way and chatted. I didn't have to follow for the sch exchange cos I tio the passport duty. I was to go to the airport with the tour agents. I had to carry the 2 bags of passports, luckily I wasn't a small, frail and weak woman. Just carry lor. Then one of the senior tour agent said I would be bored cos it will be boring. I told him it's fine cos I had books, music.
He would eat his own words later with the drama. Apparently the teachers didn't take the suitcases they needed with them to the school. They were still with the tour agents at the front desk. So I was in the van and they had to deliver to them before heading to the airport.Then at the airport counter, doing the massive check-in, the aagents weren't sure where the P's passport was. So I looked thru each classes bag and realised 2 teachers didn't hand over their passports for check-in so u see the agents calling.
As the first class was processed, the agents had to separate the boarding passes, highlight on a paper the seats allocated so that they can reassign seats by class and gender as per our demands. So u see like 4 agents all in suit. The lady rookie was highlighting while another was reading off the seat numbers based on the sorted boarding passes. One was sorting the boarding passes. Huh? Very typical Japanese way of doing things. Another was standing around and helped to bring finished passports over from the counter. I helped out by quickly looking thru the passports to check the identity, sort by gender, took the form and co-form to verify the total number of passports and packed into the bag. I wondered why I had to help do their job. The guy mentioned I could work in the tour agency. I told him jokingly to hire me. Took a while so I went to the loo, went for a quick walk around and bought candied pineapple, and a dehydrated mangosteen. Came back they had got 3 counters processing instead of the initial one counter.
I carried the bags and we settled into a cafe. We sat at different tables do while the lady continued highlighting as one guy read off the rest of the boarding passes. I looked through the menu and was ready to pay for my own meal when she said they would pick up the tab, company account. This part I wasn't sure but since she said so. I had a green tea latte, a sesame grilled salmon side and a Tom Yam soup and a glass of warm water, cos how could u go to Thailand, and not eat their Pat thai, Tom Yam or Curries and that's exactly what was missing from the meals, due to the spicy nature. Seriously I am not one of those who must eat Chinese food in every country that I go to. One of the main points is the local cuisine. I took my time to savor the food especially the Tom Yam that burned. Had fun with the alphabet biscuits that came along with my tea. Finally I could eat very leisurely, not like only having 30-45mins to eat. I glanced over at the lady and she was busily engrossed in seat allocation and having to write up small slips of paper with seat numbers. She didn't take a break the entire time. Later on, maybe 2hrs, we went to meet the rest who had just cleared the coming into the airport liquid check.
So I kinda stood around and waited and followed some for the toilet breaks. Later set off after a while. The class behind me was the cheeky class and they had a lot of fun asking me questions. Like what was I chewing? To which when I replied Gum, they gave me a u-broke-the-sg law. Which I have to explain that a small qty is on but not a large amt nor for selling... They wouldn't let me jump but allowed for the couple of class girls whom I was tailing to jump over, saying that students is ok but not teachers... So my class waited for me to clear the immigration just 2 of the other class girls queuing and blocking in front of me. Man, playing around with me...
The plane ride was ok but I sat at every opportunity. Stoned and close my eyes when I am not needed. At the Bangkok airport we had 25 mins to shop. I went and bought a Camomile tea and was sipping it. Again when the class moved. The same class behind me, another boy would ask me "how many hours did u sleep?" Even "What are u drinking? " To which I would reply cos to encourage English usage. Though when I answered Camomile, initially couldn't comprehend cos the Japanese in their own brand of English say "Camomi". Then I had to repeat how to pronounce Camomile a few times so that student can try to mirror.
On the plane, the boy beside me saw I was looking thru the game selection and asked me if I wanted to join them for a link-up Poker. I thanked but declined telling him that I wanted something non-thinking because I am too sleepy to think. Poker requires thinking so nvm, go ahead. I played a few rounds of Pac-Man and later listened to music instead. English, Japanese and Chinese songs. The flight dinner of omelette with pork and fried rice was delicious. Think dinners are nicer than lunch.
The rest was typical. Final toilet break then parents pick up. Waited around until every single one was collected then a quick debrief. I was the first at the taxi and hopped on without bothering to ask about sharing. It's covered and too much trouble to ask the rest. Reached home, bathed and slept.
First day: 3hrs sleep, temple and dinner with performance and the Kong Ram lanterns
I skipped KM this week in view of the work trip plus my shoulder just healed up and still had some earlier injuries like a bump on the head, sore spots on my jaw. Used the rest time to massage and rub down the bumps. Still feeling irritation at the shoulder injury. When I resume KM, I am not going for the Mon lesson for a while. During to the shoulder injury, u resolutely decided not to go for grading. Skipping KM practice next week. It's the exam week. Will do conditioning exercise at home.
The same-ole, assembled, waited, lots of speech, depart. The good point was a professional photographer was engaged so I didn't feel compelled to take much photos. Only for the May Thai session, then I did. This time at the transit shopping part, I bought a pack of dehydrated strawberries to munch. Also just 2 Krispy Creme doughnuts, a dark chocolate *very nice* and a cookies and cream one, that was rather sweet. I didn't eat themin the waiting area. But after the plane took off, I was munching one and a student turned and saw me. She said something like I wasn't supposed to. Like the teacher have to follow the rules that applies to students. "Huh? Really not supposed to?" Then I put the doughnut aside like a guilty person, in a sort of role-reversal. But refreshments came later and I continued eating the doughnuts.
Arrived and I gotta sit in the bus along with students, unlike a private van previously. The Head of the level sat in our bus so it was surprisingly peaceful. I closed my eyes and try to rest up as and when I could. No real sleep but just to catch a quick mental recharge.
The temple was about the same except I followed my class around and they attended a prayer part where the monk sprayed holy water and all of us tio some droplets.the class photo was taken later and my hair was messy cos have to take off the cap. Dun care. Didn't do much except I saw the Auzzie colleague sitting down and just sat down too. Helped a couple of groups to take pics on their own personal cameras. I didn't go around taking pics so it was not as tiring.
The dinner place was the same but since it didn't rain, we sat at the outdoor part and there was a series of cultural performance in the outdoor seating area. U are seated on the floor with the triangular cushions and eat the same dishes as last year. The sky was beautiful and one could see some stars including Orion and some Kong Ram lanterns were released that looked surreal. This was refreshing for me. The bus ride there I recovered enough mental zest to look out at the shops that we passed by. There were really lots of international food and cafes and stuff. Very vibrant with lots of variety. Definitely better than Malaysia.
After dinner was giving keys and going to their rooms later to check. This time they didn't screw up the phone SIM cards and we had a list with all teachers contacts. I finisheda hot shower and my phone rang. Had to do room check with the Head. But cos he's a guy so he waited outside. No master card key given so I had to knock and ask to open. Earlier on, they were instructed not to open up unless someone calls out in Japanese. So had 2 amusing incidents. Went to one, I knocked and said "Open up, Ms Y here. Room check" twice and no one open the door though there was an initial "Hai" when I knocked. 3rd time I switched to Japanese then opened. Another one, after several tries still no response until I spoke louder and they opened up. They told me that they didn't recognise my low voice (all the rushing made my voice lower cos didn't drink so much water) and both were too short to look into the peephole. They were trying to carry a chair over. Told them it would be weird if I called out to them in a high pitched voice cos that ain't me... Collected their booklets, told them to lock all locks once I leave. Then the Head did something straight out of medevial times. He took a piece of tape and pasted it over the door & the frame so that if they open the door, it would break the seal and teacherswwould know and students theoretically couldn't reseal their own rooms... I looked on in amusement. The meeting I didn't pay attention so it kinda went by. I remembered the time for breakfast. Pitied the Japanese for who had to check those booklets, put it outside their students room n check that the seals weren't broken.
I went back, packed my day bag with the stuff I needed and slept.
Day 2: Double Muay That, meals, Night market.
This time, I was assigned to stay at one of the That experience venues the entire duration except for meals. Breakfast this time, I just ate a slice of bread, a chicken, a pork hotdog, a single bacon slice. A plate of salad that I picked out with a few slices of chicken ham and salad sauce. The salad combination I made was really good. Coffee and it's back to work. Though I arrived there just to see most finish up and go off. So left me and the Auzzie eating.
Didn't have much to do so I sat down and stoned at the chair. Was talking with the Auzzie a lot cos while students were eating, we just hang around like how Japanese do a lot. So we kinda make it more comfortable by sitting and later chatting. He shared with me his experience of previous trips years ago and I shared about how things went last year. Got to know some interesting stuff about him. He had a more outstanding range of things going then I did, except the Japanese didn't find that out from talking to him.
So I set off with the first group for Muay Thai. I only realised it this year that we went to a Thai Sports University of sort but cos I opened my eyes and saw the name and much later on asked a staff about the age of students. The dojo was better than previously, having shifted. So again I stayed by the girls. They were enthusiastic and did nicely. A couple wanted to see me in action but I didn't get to do it. Actually I didn't want to cos with 1.5yrs of KM undermy belt, the basic Muay Thai that they did weren't things I haven't done before except for some atks that are unique to Muay Thai. Helped take pics and 2 videos using mySSamsung. More reliable than that stupid sch camera that refused to work on the chargeable and even brand new Ever ready batteries. It only works on Energizer... waste to bring all these useless stuff...
Lunch was at the same place as before. Very Chinese style. Don't see much of real authentic Thai food cos of the spiciness, I am guessing. The papaya salad sucked. There was ice cream cos one of the main let slipped and made a mistake in his speech so had to deliver on the words. I put ice cream in hot coffee so I could drink it still.
After lunch was another round of Muay Thai with a different batch of students. The girls this time were very reluctant and weak willed to try. Even with the main instructor and I trying to coax, I wondered why did they even choose this. But the boys did an excellent job. Took pics and again didn't try. A cheeky boy kept asking if I would do the practice cos they were curious but I didn't.
It was kinda amusing cos a few boys kept joking around and parroting my phrase "No violence", so when I found out thru chatting that the Auzzie who's their sub teacher had done Muay Thai for several years, of a higher level, and another Auzzie PE teacher was a boxer, I told that and the boy replied,"I had better be nice to Mr K." Then proceeded to ask me why the non Japanese teachers are so violent (cos we learn fighting arts) LOL.
Back to the hotel and had an hour. Bathed and I also set up the bath tub for a soak. But 5 minutes into, I got bored. How do people sit in it for so long? There wasn't much to do or look at. Went to lie on the bed. The pillows were super soft and comfortable. Changed and headed out. Dinner was Chinese steamboat. I ate 2 bowls of fried rice, some meat, liver. It wasn't as nice as other hotpots I had. But I ate my fill.
Onwards to the night market. Walked over behind the class and they dispersed. I walked through quickly til the Starbucks at one end, bought a Grande Green Tea Latte, 2 gums and a mint. Just when I was leaving, encountered a group of boys. Saw my drink and asked for a treat. I asked,"don't u have $$$" and one cheekily replied no. Then his friend said liar... guess just wanna play with me. Told them I got to stand at my assigned spot near the BK. Later on, I encountered them when they walked over to take a peek to see if it was true.
Just when I thought all was peaceful n routine at my spot, cos it's the same as last year, I spotted 2 girls walking at the area past my station which they weren't supposed to. I stopped them n got them to my spot. They were looking for a teacher. Wanted to speak to their form. Could tell visibly unwell, got them to sit on the stools of a table for customers at a street hawker. Took out my phone and the list to call. But cos their form is a typical no English, so I just say in mixed Eng-Jap; Miss Y here. Ur students want to talk. Passed the phone over and both talked to their form. Not well and they had to make their way back to the initial dinner spot. At least their form knows and would inform the Head who was stationed along the route back. I brought them to the crossing and told the guide we used, stationed there to help them cross over. Can't leave my spot but there were tour agents, guides and teachers stationed along the route. They made it back safely and we're very ill. This I saw later on when I returned. The nurse looked after them when we returned to our hotel and into the next day. They sat in wheelchairs and were wheeled about until Singapore. Then their parents.collected them and would bring them to the hospital the next day with accompanying Jap teachers, tour agents.
Didn't meet many groups, most didn't try to go beyond my spot, they just crossed over the road before reaching. Just a couple of groups from my form class. Tod them not to go beyond, either cross or turn and walk back. My legs didn't enjoy the standing about for an hour plus but the Green Tea Latte helped. I also chewed the gum and people watched. At the allocated time, I tried to walk to one end to usher students back. Midway through, encountered another colleague ushering them so I made my way back. Behind the last few stragglers who were shopping until the last minute. I made it back to board the bus and zipped back to the hotel.
I showered again and laid on the bed. Still had half an hour before the assigned time to repeat the room check at 11pm. I didn't realise I fell asleep. I woke up with a jolt at 11.20pm, thinking I missed the room check and headed out to the meeting to find out if I was late, missed stuff cos though I had the itenary, it's entirely in Japanand they add stuff to it. Especially just the day before during the meeting or even decide without telling u.
So I went there and apologise for being late for the meeting?? Missing out on the room check which I was ready to go do, then I noticed my main forum had the booklets. Apparently another female main forum went. Huh? Then there were students in the meeting room cos aapparently they did not stick to their assigned groups of 5 but combined with another group, split up into smaller groups of 2s-3s which kinda compromised their safety in numbers and the group-buddy system. The Japanese would deal with them then have a meeting after. Told us we didn't have to attend. On, went back and packed my bags. Fell asleep about 1am.
Final day; Passport duty, returning
I woke up with a jolt again, at 6.30am. Where was the bloody wake-up call. Went down hurriedly cos by the time I brushed, changed and headed down, teacher's allocated breakfast time was over. Went down, saw students trickling down for theirs and I headed for breakfast by myself. Ate the same stuff as yesterday. Really enjoyed the salad I made. Generous scoops of french dressing helped.Surprised at myself too. An example of the changed eating habits and taste.
Went up and saw the Auzzie colleague and we just stayed out of the way and chatted. I didn't have to follow for the sch exchange cos I tio the passport duty. I was to go to the airport with the tour agents. I had to carry the 2 bags of passports, luckily I wasn't a small, frail and weak woman. Just carry lor. Then one of the senior tour agent said I would be bored cos it will be boring. I told him it's fine cos I had books, music.
He would eat his own words later with the drama. Apparently the teachers didn't take the suitcases they needed with them to the school. They were still with the tour agents at the front desk. So I was in the van and they had to deliver to them before heading to the airport.Then at the airport counter, doing the massive check-in, the aagents weren't sure where the P's passport was. So I looked thru each classes bag and realised 2 teachers didn't hand over their passports for check-in so u see the agents calling.
As the first class was processed, the agents had to separate the boarding passes, highlight on a paper the seats allocated so that they can reassign seats by class and gender as per our demands. So u see like 4 agents all in suit. The lady rookie was highlighting while another was reading off the seat numbers based on the sorted boarding passes. One was sorting the boarding passes. Huh? Very typical Japanese way of doing things. Another was standing around and helped to bring finished passports over from the counter. I helped out by quickly looking thru the passports to check the identity, sort by gender, took the form and co-form to verify the total number of passports and packed into the bag. I wondered why I had to help do their job. The guy mentioned I could work in the tour agency. I told him jokingly to hire me. Took a while so I went to the loo, went for a quick walk around and bought candied pineapple, and a dehydrated mangosteen. Came back they had got 3 counters processing instead of the initial one counter.
I carried the bags and we settled into a cafe. We sat at different tables do while the lady continued highlighting as one guy read off the rest of the boarding passes. I looked through the menu and was ready to pay for my own meal when she said they would pick up the tab, company account. This part I wasn't sure but since she said so. I had a green tea latte, a sesame grilled salmon side and a Tom Yam soup and a glass of warm water, cos how could u go to Thailand, and not eat their Pat thai, Tom Yam or Curries and that's exactly what was missing from the meals, due to the spicy nature. Seriously I am not one of those who must eat Chinese food in every country that I go to. One of the main points is the local cuisine. I took my time to savor the food especially the Tom Yam that burned. Had fun with the alphabet biscuits that came along with my tea. Finally I could eat very leisurely, not like only having 30-45mins to eat. I glanced over at the lady and she was busily engrossed in seat allocation and having to write up small slips of paper with seat numbers. She didn't take a break the entire time. Later on, maybe 2hrs, we went to meet the rest who had just cleared the coming into the airport liquid check.
So I kinda stood around and waited and followed some for the toilet breaks. Later set off after a while. The class behind me was the cheeky class and they had a lot of fun asking me questions. Like what was I chewing? To which when I replied Gum, they gave me a u-broke-the-sg law. Which I have to explain that a small qty is on but not a large amt nor for selling... They wouldn't let me jump but allowed for the couple of class girls whom I was tailing to jump over, saying that students is ok but not teachers... So my class waited for me to clear the immigration just 2 of the other class girls queuing and blocking in front of me. Man, playing around with me...
The plane ride was ok but I sat at every opportunity. Stoned and close my eyes when I am not needed. At the Bangkok airport we had 25 mins to shop. I went and bought a Camomile tea and was sipping it. Again when the class moved. The same class behind me, another boy would ask me "how many hours did u sleep?" Even "What are u drinking? " To which I would reply cos to encourage English usage. Though when I answered Camomile, initially couldn't comprehend cos the Japanese in their own brand of English say "Camomi". Then I had to repeat how to pronounce Camomile a few times so that student can try to mirror.
On the plane, the boy beside me saw I was looking thru the game selection and asked me if I wanted to join them for a link-up Poker. I thanked but declined telling him that I wanted something non-thinking because I am too sleepy to think. Poker requires thinking so nvm, go ahead. I played a few rounds of Pac-Man and later listened to music instead. English, Japanese and Chinese songs. The flight dinner of omelette with pork and fried rice was delicious. Think dinners are nicer than lunch.
The rest was typical. Final toilet break then parents pick up. Waited around until every single one was collected then a quick debrief. I was the first at the taxi and hopped on without bothering to ask about sharing. It's covered and too much trouble to ask the rest. Reached home, bathed and slept.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Late Birthday Post
This year, I actually forgot to do a birthday post. Hmm... getting lazy to blog cos of the inconvenience of the Samsung interface.
Anyway I had originally intended to choose Todai @ MBS for a buffet dinner cos never been there and heard it had the biggest buffet spread. But later as the date drew nearer, heard that the standard had dropped so I decided to change. Carousel came to mind as I have been there twice for the high-tea buffet and it was memorable. But the dinner was pricier than Todai so I decided on lunch. Looking through the menu selection, there seems to be something for everyone, especially DF.
There was no lack of drama to get the reservation though. I did a phone reservation and had to email back a form with a credit card authorisation. I provided my work email on Fri evening and could only check it on Monday. Due to email migration, my outlook wasn't working but I didn't realised that. So I called them up again and used my personal email. Printed out the credit card authorization and scanned it and email them back. They confirmed the reservation for 6 pax. Phew a lot of work.
Then on the actual day I left home an hour earlier to travel down leisurely by bus. But due to road work, partly through I changed to train, but in a roundabout manner cos it's the circle line to NE line to Red. So by the time I reached Dolby Ghaut, it was 5 mins to 12pm. I checked if anyone was reaching cos they hold the reservation for 15mins but everybody seemed to be stuck in traffic. So I decided I would run there once I get off the train. Indeed that was what I did. First at the train door, dashed up the staircase to the gantry, ran through the link to Wheelock place. It's my first time ever getting thru that link in such a short time. The thinner crowd then also helped. Half ran into the Shaw link and to the surface. Reached the place with 5 mind to spare...
Went to the table and started at the seafood part. Took a plate of prawns, crab, cooked salmon, a plate of tuna and salmon sashimi and a plate of salad. Started eating then the rest gradually came. Think all of us enjoyed the food a lot. They were more experienced buffet eaters and mentioned that the selection was good and there was something for everyone. Better than some of the hotel buffets they had gone for.
After I polished thru the 3 plates, I walked over to the other side and haven't seen the rest of the selection and was halted at the cheese selection. Cut myself a serving of every cheese on the selection, some crackers and a mini baguette. A small western seafood soup. Came back to see a big bowl of Chinese style fish soup which F'S kindly got for me. She heard me asking Tab about soup while I was still polishing off my 3 plates. It was really good and I thanked her. Ate the plate of cheese and 2 soups.
Midway thru there was a birthday song by the staff and a whole bunch of cupcakes. But as during reservation, I didn't mention bdae so I didn't get any. FH asked for one and it came. Became my only sweet dessert. To a photo with a slice of cheese. Literally "say cheese". The rest were instant photos with Tab. Waiting for her photo of photos.
My last plate was yoghurt and choose a plate of fruits - watermelon, dragonfruit, pineapple, honey dew from the fruits section & strawberries and apricot from the chocolate fountain. The yoghurt was so good I went for a second generous helping. Ate until really full. We waited for Quetzal and helped her get some food. We were the last to leave, literally seating until they were ready to open the high-tea buffet.
This time, I discovered the salad area had pre made salads and a couple tasted really good. My own with the sauce was good too, especially to offset the seafood taste. The cheese was also good, some of the cheese were really tasty on bread and crackers maybe except the blue cheese... The yoghurt was delicious, not too sweet, bit sourish neat with fresh fruits. The salmon sashimi was nicer than the tuna this time. There were stuff I didn't have the stomach for but it's okay. More next time. I dun mind the lunch, just slightly more than the high tea. Can consider.
Then we walked around, windows shopping and went to Tiffany. Walked around back and ended up with drinks in Ion basement. For me, it was tea and more tea to aid digestion. We headed home around 5pm. I drank more tea and didn't eat anything else that night. Been looking forward to this cos the actual day before I was so tired from work...
My form class knew cos I told them to write a message to cheer me up cos I had 6 periods instead of 4 due to timetable changes and had to check their dairies. Later got 1 period break cos FW surprisingly decided she would rotate so I didn't have to go for the first lesson of that series. I had to go for the second. Was still tired nonetheless but one student made an extra bookmark from FW lesson and gave it to me. It was unexpected so I thanked her. Later on, a bunch of boys from last year who had been wishing me Happy birthday for an entire year came and especially say Happy Birthday. I told them thanks and finally they got the right day. Asked them about their high school, most leaving to go back to Japan to study. Ended the day and the form class sang English bdae song. I was too stoned and didn't expect that. Kinda awkward so just smile and stand there. Thanked them after. At the bus duty, a few more former students greeted me happy birthday.
Went home cos supposed to go with family to the airport to eat dinner. I thought it was for special occasion but cos my mom's friend is arriving and then taking another plane, had to pass her something so shun bian go there and meet my sister after work there to eat dinner too. I fell asleep in the car on the way there. So dinner at Astons and we waited from 8.30pm until 10th plus dunno why airports always is a place to keep waiting. I walked with sis to explore the basement of T1 and queued for coffee. Kinda just enjoying the lax and not having to rush around. After we reached home, near twelve, just slept. Kinda like a rather uneventful day of sort so i looked forward to Sat.
Anyway I had originally intended to choose Todai @ MBS for a buffet dinner cos never been there and heard it had the biggest buffet spread. But later as the date drew nearer, heard that the standard had dropped so I decided to change. Carousel came to mind as I have been there twice for the high-tea buffet and it was memorable. But the dinner was pricier than Todai so I decided on lunch. Looking through the menu selection, there seems to be something for everyone, especially DF.
There was no lack of drama to get the reservation though. I did a phone reservation and had to email back a form with a credit card authorisation. I provided my work email on Fri evening and could only check it on Monday. Due to email migration, my outlook wasn't working but I didn't realised that. So I called them up again and used my personal email. Printed out the credit card authorization and scanned it and email them back. They confirmed the reservation for 6 pax. Phew a lot of work.
Then on the actual day I left home an hour earlier to travel down leisurely by bus. But due to road work, partly through I changed to train, but in a roundabout manner cos it's the circle line to NE line to Red. So by the time I reached Dolby Ghaut, it was 5 mins to 12pm. I checked if anyone was reaching cos they hold the reservation for 15mins but everybody seemed to be stuck in traffic. So I decided I would run there once I get off the train. Indeed that was what I did. First at the train door, dashed up the staircase to the gantry, ran through the link to Wheelock place. It's my first time ever getting thru that link in such a short time. The thinner crowd then also helped. Half ran into the Shaw link and to the surface. Reached the place with 5 mind to spare...
Went to the table and started at the seafood part. Took a plate of prawns, crab, cooked salmon, a plate of tuna and salmon sashimi and a plate of salad. Started eating then the rest gradually came. Think all of us enjoyed the food a lot. They were more experienced buffet eaters and mentioned that the selection was good and there was something for everyone. Better than some of the hotel buffets they had gone for.
After I polished thru the 3 plates, I walked over to the other side and haven't seen the rest of the selection and was halted at the cheese selection. Cut myself a serving of every cheese on the selection, some crackers and a mini baguette. A small western seafood soup. Came back to see a big bowl of Chinese style fish soup which F'S kindly got for me. She heard me asking Tab about soup while I was still polishing off my 3 plates. It was really good and I thanked her. Ate the plate of cheese and 2 soups.
Midway thru there was a birthday song by the staff and a whole bunch of cupcakes. But as during reservation, I didn't mention bdae so I didn't get any. FH asked for one and it came. Became my only sweet dessert. To a photo with a slice of cheese. Literally "say cheese". The rest were instant photos with Tab. Waiting for her photo of photos.
My last plate was yoghurt and choose a plate of fruits - watermelon, dragonfruit, pineapple, honey dew from the fruits section & strawberries and apricot from the chocolate fountain. The yoghurt was so good I went for a second generous helping. Ate until really full. We waited for Quetzal and helped her get some food. We were the last to leave, literally seating until they were ready to open the high-tea buffet.
This time, I discovered the salad area had pre made salads and a couple tasted really good. My own with the sauce was good too, especially to offset the seafood taste. The cheese was also good, some of the cheese were really tasty on bread and crackers maybe except the blue cheese... The yoghurt was delicious, not too sweet, bit sourish neat with fresh fruits. The salmon sashimi was nicer than the tuna this time. There were stuff I didn't have the stomach for but it's okay. More next time. I dun mind the lunch, just slightly more than the high tea. Can consider.
Then we walked around, windows shopping and went to Tiffany. Walked around back and ended up with drinks in Ion basement. For me, it was tea and more tea to aid digestion. We headed home around 5pm. I drank more tea and didn't eat anything else that night. Been looking forward to this cos the actual day before I was so tired from work...
My form class knew cos I told them to write a message to cheer me up cos I had 6 periods instead of 4 due to timetable changes and had to check their dairies. Later got 1 period break cos FW surprisingly decided she would rotate so I didn't have to go for the first lesson of that series. I had to go for the second. Was still tired nonetheless but one student made an extra bookmark from FW lesson and gave it to me. It was unexpected so I thanked her. Later on, a bunch of boys from last year who had been wishing me Happy birthday for an entire year came and especially say Happy Birthday. I told them thanks and finally they got the right day. Asked them about their high school, most leaving to go back to Japan to study. Ended the day and the form class sang English bdae song. I was too stoned and didn't expect that. Kinda awkward so just smile and stand there. Thanked them after. At the bus duty, a few more former students greeted me happy birthday.
Went home cos supposed to go with family to the airport to eat dinner. I thought it was for special occasion but cos my mom's friend is arriving and then taking another plane, had to pass her something so shun bian go there and meet my sister after work there to eat dinner too. I fell asleep in the car on the way there. So dinner at Astons and we waited from 8.30pm until 10th plus dunno why airports always is a place to keep waiting. I walked with sis to explore the basement of T1 and queued for coffee. Kinda just enjoying the lax and not having to rush around. After we reached home, near twelve, just slept. Kinda like a rather uneventful day of sort so i looked forward to Sat.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Thoughts for 2014
Haven't been updating much cos the Samsung interface for blogger sacked and the normalwewebsite blogging is not as easy. Their version of auto correct is irritatingly stupid at times. Hence my misspelling a lot.
Updates n thoughts
Our main KM instructor asked me to try for the coming grading but I was hesitant cos ever since the shift of venues, haven't covered that many techniques so I didn't feel like I've learnt much of the P2 techniques. True enough later when I looked at the list, half of it I haven't learnt. He assures me that there is time but I still don't think I am able to train so intensively with the further location and it's really a challenge at times to drag myself there and squeeze in the crowded trains. Maybe it would be better if I went only for the Adv classes, at least it's much later and hence less rushed, trains probably less packed by then. Now grading cost extra $$$ and money has been tight with my current pay, lowered pay and bonus. So all these adds to cost though. I was working through my finances with these courses and meds and insurance and commitment and not able to have much surplus... After July, even the cost of KM would rise cos no longer have the 6 months package... so lots of money pressure. I will train but dun think I would go. It's too soon, rushed n I am not mentally prepared. Also the scheduled date is a Sunday, in the week of the exams. There's my bdae, CNY, work trip & frantic checking of books now marking of exams. Then that Sunday go for grading... I am afraid that I would end up unable to work the next day cos of the severe muscle aches like last time. I was bed-ridden n survived on bottles not bottles of isotonic drink after the grading which was on a Sat. By Monday, I could work but with lots of aches all over. I shudder at the thought of going through it and now even have to pay extra for it. But I will still train for it. I hope to reach P2 by July.
Work is still draining. Despite me trying to increase my workout til 4-5 times a week, including twice KM, still drained and mentally concussed at times. The good thing is I haven't been drinking myself to sleep almost daily like last year. So far I've drank a couple of times, abt 5, more as something to go along with food especially fried chicken and not so much as a night cap. Pretty decent. Sleeping naturally.
In the meantime I will juggle studying Japanese, drums, music theory, guitar and KM. Not all of them I am going for classes. Some I am doing self-study. So see how. I think before this year ends, I would try for driving under private instructor... my dad's getting old and his driving is erratic at times... sigh.
So much to do and so little time, energy and money.
Updates n thoughts
Our main KM instructor asked me to try for the coming grading but I was hesitant cos ever since the shift of venues, haven't covered that many techniques so I didn't feel like I've learnt much of the P2 techniques. True enough later when I looked at the list, half of it I haven't learnt. He assures me that there is time but I still don't think I am able to train so intensively with the further location and it's really a challenge at times to drag myself there and squeeze in the crowded trains. Maybe it would be better if I went only for the Adv classes, at least it's much later and hence less rushed, trains probably less packed by then. Now grading cost extra $$$ and money has been tight with my current pay, lowered pay and bonus. So all these adds to cost though. I was working through my finances with these courses and meds and insurance and commitment and not able to have much surplus... After July, even the cost of KM would rise cos no longer have the 6 months package... so lots of money pressure. I will train but dun think I would go. It's too soon, rushed n I am not mentally prepared. Also the scheduled date is a Sunday, in the week of the exams. There's my bdae, CNY, work trip & frantic checking of books now marking of exams. Then that Sunday go for grading... I am afraid that I would end up unable to work the next day cos of the severe muscle aches like last time. I was bed-ridden n survived on bottles not bottles of isotonic drink after the grading which was on a Sat. By Monday, I could work but with lots of aches all over. I shudder at the thought of going through it and now even have to pay extra for it. But I will still train for it. I hope to reach P2 by July.
Work is still draining. Despite me trying to increase my workout til 4-5 times a week, including twice KM, still drained and mentally concussed at times. The good thing is I haven't been drinking myself to sleep almost daily like last year. So far I've drank a couple of times, abt 5, more as something to go along with food especially fried chicken and not so much as a night cap. Pretty decent. Sleeping naturally.
In the meantime I will juggle studying Japanese, drums, music theory, guitar and KM. Not all of them I am going for classes. Some I am doing self-study. So see how. I think before this year ends, I would try for driving under private instructor... my dad's getting old and his driving is erratic at times... sigh.
So much to do and so little time, energy and money.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Almost til the end of the winter break
Tom is my last day of break. So far nothing much concrete is achieved and done in this period of 2 weeks. The usual; KM & drums, lots of cable TV n staying in cos of the often wet weather.
Kinda let myself go in the first week with the continuation of the incessant eating. Finally got sick of the soba after more than 14 packs. After the Christmas party and eating the next day after my stomach rebelled. Next few days of detox. New Years Eve, ate Bk lunch and pizza dinner, stomach rebelled... After another episode of 5 piece fried chicken, a large mash and whipped potato and 2 slices bread, next day stomach again. Stomach is flabbier. Work starting again would help me with the over-eating. The only perk of work I guess. I did try to exercise more but that's mainly triceps dips and leg lifts.
Did enjoy shopping with Quet in Ion. Lots of sale, though the 4 polo I bought were for work. I did manage to buy two berms that were of a nice length and not so loose, though it's a guy style one. Girl's berms are all so short and thigh revealing which is great if ya had slim legs but not good for carrot thighs like mine. maybe I go and get a few more cos it's a closing down sale.
Working on my 2 NY resolutions; study for JLPT 3 and work towards a N2 and secondly is exercise 4-5 times a week to boost fitness, health and energy levels. Generally more health focus given I do abuse my body with the food I eat at times and also the amount of drinks I had last year. Time to clean that up and move onto a clean slate. Esp cut back on my alcoholic-drinks-to-sleep. No more.
It's good to enjoy the lax. Really let go cos I ended up sleeping in the wee hours of the morning 3-5am and wake at 12 noon. Tonight I plan to sleep at 12 and practice waking at 7th. My last minute reversal method to jump back into my routine. Didn't manage to start reversing the timing last week. Still indulging in the lax. Home has been quieter cos parents went back so no blaring TV that helps in sleeping.
Parents were both in Msia during this whole period of time, so here and there I helped to do a bit of chores to keep the place a bit tidier from our slothing around. I end up helping to settle and data my sis's lunch and/or dinner as well as my own. She also does certain chores. Don't want mom to come back and nag.
Had my pre-birthday haircut & highlight as a sort of present for myself. Technically I could buy a PS3 or 4 but I really don't have the time and mental energy to play the RPG and strategy games I so loved. It's like time and energy is limited so if I have a virtual life, there's no real life and vice versa. Chose a color I never did before and did the same style as the previous style cos I like the contrast of black against colored hair, and second even if the hair grows out, I don't have to do any touch up so it's great for a lazy person like me. Low maintenance. Have to ask and book for the bdae lunch soon. Man getting older... I did replenish my supply of collagen. More sleep, better eating habits and reduced diet soda would help greatly I think.
Kinda let myself go in the first week with the continuation of the incessant eating. Finally got sick of the soba after more than 14 packs. After the Christmas party and eating the next day after my stomach rebelled. Next few days of detox. New Years Eve, ate Bk lunch and pizza dinner, stomach rebelled... After another episode of 5 piece fried chicken, a large mash and whipped potato and 2 slices bread, next day stomach again. Stomach is flabbier. Work starting again would help me with the over-eating. The only perk of work I guess. I did try to exercise more but that's mainly triceps dips and leg lifts.
Did enjoy shopping with Quet in Ion. Lots of sale, though the 4 polo I bought were for work. I did manage to buy two berms that were of a nice length and not so loose, though it's a guy style one. Girl's berms are all so short and thigh revealing which is great if ya had slim legs but not good for carrot thighs like mine. maybe I go and get a few more cos it's a closing down sale.
Working on my 2 NY resolutions; study for JLPT 3 and work towards a N2 and secondly is exercise 4-5 times a week to boost fitness, health and energy levels. Generally more health focus given I do abuse my body with the food I eat at times and also the amount of drinks I had last year. Time to clean that up and move onto a clean slate. Esp cut back on my alcoholic-drinks-to-sleep. No more.
It's good to enjoy the lax. Really let go cos I ended up sleeping in the wee hours of the morning 3-5am and wake at 12 noon. Tonight I plan to sleep at 12 and practice waking at 7th. My last minute reversal method to jump back into my routine. Didn't manage to start reversing the timing last week. Still indulging in the lax. Home has been quieter cos parents went back so no blaring TV that helps in sleeping.
Parents were both in Msia during this whole period of time, so here and there I helped to do a bit of chores to keep the place a bit tidier from our slothing around. I end up helping to settle and data my sis's lunch and/or dinner as well as my own. She also does certain chores. Don't want mom to come back and nag.
Had my pre-birthday haircut & highlight as a sort of present for myself. Technically I could buy a PS3 or 4 but I really don't have the time and mental energy to play the RPG and strategy games I so loved. It's like time and energy is limited so if I have a virtual life, there's no real life and vice versa. Chose a color I never did before and did the same style as the previous style cos I like the contrast of black against colored hair, and second even if the hair grows out, I don't have to do any touch up so it's great for a lazy person like me. Low maintenance. Have to ask and book for the bdae lunch soon. Man getting older... I did replenish my supply of collagen. More sleep, better eating habits and reduced diet soda would help greatly I think.
Monday, December 16, 2013
sun-allergy nose & dog attack
In a span of 2 weeks, I have suffered immensely.
One week, on a Wed, I headed out to buy lunch around 9.15am, with cloudy skies, no sign of the sun and it even drizzled slightly. Thinking it was safe enough, I didnt use an umbrella. So I came back by 9.30am plus in the same drizzly weather. By noon, my nose felt a bit burning. I had to supervise cleaning dutt and when I touched my nose, felt sore n got pus. OMG, not that pus-ey nose episode nightmare from last year. It wad to be exactly that. There wad no ointment from the nurseroom, I got a cold pack against my red nose that was starting to burn and all the pores were turning inflamed. Emergency permission to go out again, with umbrella to go to the pharmacy to buy acne cream. It closed down... luckily bought an Oxy from the supermarket. Put generously and went for classes. The burning abated until I reached hone and it resumed. Overnight burning sensation n I woke up to a pus-filled pimpley nose. It was as bad as the episode from last year. So put on tinted pimple cream and again had to endure stares. I mean stares. But u know me, I pre-empt their questions by mentioning what happened and told them if they wanna stare, go ahead, at least u know why answer so don't ask me. Again being a confident and bochap person, if ya stare at me, I'll look back at the person and they are culutrally inclined to look away first...
So I endured 2 days of tinted nose. I did pop in to see the docs after there was a mis-com in KM, which saw me skipping the basic class cos work popped up and when I reached for the adv class, it was cancelled cos lack of numbers. Didnt sms me. I reached there only to travel back. Since it was before nine. I went to the clinic. It is confirmed to be sun-allergy. Given steroid cream.
Just recovered from it and the next week following that, I got atk by a muzzled doberman dog. Basically I went out to buy lunch. I saw this chinese woman with a muzzled doberman. She was struggling to pull it. A man in front of me walked passed safely. I decided to give it a wider berth along the footpath. Next thing I know, it lunged at my left forearm and obviously tried to bite cos I was left with lots of dog saliva, reddness and soreness. The woman dragged the dog but never tied its chain and check on me. While on my end, I was frantic, only concerned to wash it and check for any break in the skin. My mind was wondering about rabies shot and so on. With no help forthcoming, I hurried to the hawker center to wadh my forearm. Obviously dog n owner gone by then. I wondered if it would have even helped by arguing with that woman cos what if the dog lunge me a second time. The muzzle wasnt well-fitting on the dog and it looked bith loose and worn.
Went back to the workplace. Told a few colleagues what happened but I still had two lessons. Went for one. Dropped by the nurseroom again and got ice-pack. After lunch told the mgt and asked for permission to go off once my lessons were over. Had to wait all the way until near 4pm. I rushed off to see the doc who saw me just last week. He was surprised when I told him a doberman tried to bite me. By the n my forearm was hurting not just the bruises but the entire area. He said it's soft tissue damage but since no skin was broken, need not have a jab. Given antibiotics cream n painkillers. I was home alone. Posted up on FB. My youngest sister who was outside saw it and called my mom who was in Malaysia with Dad. Mom called me and asked how I was. Even with the painkillers it was hurting quite bad cos I felt it got worse. Opted foran earlier night. Knocked out. Thankfully by the next day, the pain and swelling subsided. Took one more dose of painkillers and continued the rest of the week. Concerned colleagues asjed me how I was. I was glad to survive intact, no stitches or torn, broken arm. And thw bill was free cos no other treatment necessary. Well that was a slight relief. .
Can this bloody year end already. Luck damb bsd
One week, on a Wed, I headed out to buy lunch around 9.15am, with cloudy skies, no sign of the sun and it even drizzled slightly. Thinking it was safe enough, I didnt use an umbrella. So I came back by 9.30am plus in the same drizzly weather. By noon, my nose felt a bit burning. I had to supervise cleaning dutt and when I touched my nose, felt sore n got pus. OMG, not that pus-ey nose episode nightmare from last year. It wad to be exactly that. There wad no ointment from the nurseroom, I got a cold pack against my red nose that was starting to burn and all the pores were turning inflamed. Emergency permission to go out again, with umbrella to go to the pharmacy to buy acne cream. It closed down... luckily bought an Oxy from the supermarket. Put generously and went for classes. The burning abated until I reached hone and it resumed. Overnight burning sensation n I woke up to a pus-filled pimpley nose. It was as bad as the episode from last year. So put on tinted pimple cream and again had to endure stares. I mean stares. But u know me, I pre-empt their questions by mentioning what happened and told them if they wanna stare, go ahead, at least u know why answer so don't ask me. Again being a confident and bochap person, if ya stare at me, I'll look back at the person and they are culutrally inclined to look away first...
So I endured 2 days of tinted nose. I did pop in to see the docs after there was a mis-com in KM, which saw me skipping the basic class cos work popped up and when I reached for the adv class, it was cancelled cos lack of numbers. Didnt sms me. I reached there only to travel back. Since it was before nine. I went to the clinic. It is confirmed to be sun-allergy. Given steroid cream.
Just recovered from it and the next week following that, I got atk by a muzzled doberman dog. Basically I went out to buy lunch. I saw this chinese woman with a muzzled doberman. She was struggling to pull it. A man in front of me walked passed safely. I decided to give it a wider berth along the footpath. Next thing I know, it lunged at my left forearm and obviously tried to bite cos I was left with lots of dog saliva, reddness and soreness. The woman dragged the dog but never tied its chain and check on me. While on my end, I was frantic, only concerned to wash it and check for any break in the skin. My mind was wondering about rabies shot and so on. With no help forthcoming, I hurried to the hawker center to wadh my forearm. Obviously dog n owner gone by then. I wondered if it would have even helped by arguing with that woman cos what if the dog lunge me a second time. The muzzle wasnt well-fitting on the dog and it looked bith loose and worn.
Went back to the workplace. Told a few colleagues what happened but I still had two lessons. Went for one. Dropped by the nurseroom again and got ice-pack. After lunch told the mgt and asked for permission to go off once my lessons were over. Had to wait all the way until near 4pm. I rushed off to see the doc who saw me just last week. He was surprised when I told him a doberman tried to bite me. By the n my forearm was hurting not just the bruises but the entire area. He said it's soft tissue damage but since no skin was broken, need not have a jab. Given antibiotics cream n painkillers. I was home alone. Posted up on FB. My youngest sister who was outside saw it and called my mom who was in Malaysia with Dad. Mom called me and asked how I was. Even with the painkillers it was hurting quite bad cos I felt it got worse. Opted foran earlier night. Knocked out. Thankfully by the next day, the pain and swelling subsided. Took one more dose of painkillers and continued the rest of the week. Concerned colleagues asjed me how I was. I was glad to survive intact, no stitches or torn, broken arm. And thw bill was free cos no other treatment necessary. Well that was a slight relief. .
Can this bloody year end already. Luck damb bsd
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Exploded
I kinda exploded last week, abt this time cos of Female Wall and her bunch of lessons. She didn't feel the wrath but Male Wall got it cos he is the head and had to talk to me.
Background is that poorly planned and executed and left hanging there that in that one week leading up to the exams, I was still running around. And just before exams, I have to finish stuff with my classes, frantically checking their books, and there was an Open Day of sort and she asked for an activity for 10mins which to me, lacking inspiration and damn hetic schedule this year meant none. I managed something for her in the end, and I even led that part. Neglecting my own lessons cos used up my inspiration and time to make that.
Immediately after the exams, I was still frantically checking books and returning cos lessons would resume almost immediately after the exams. I used all my free periods to do so, still can't finish this year due to having more periods.
At this time, FE started these two lessons which were based on her culture, which to me, meant that you should know it better. I don't think I should have to conduct the lesson, so I stood and checked my books while the two of them conducted, helping to keep an eye here and there. But that wasn't good enough for her. After I had 'seen' them conduct the same thing twice, she asked me to conduct it, I told her it's her culture. She offered to continue it, which I replied ok.
But I wanted to trash things out with her after but I had a number of lessons and couldn't fun her in my sole free period. I wanted to let her know that I have been enduring the irritation at the video project which I still have to do, and this whole leading the lesson role. I was kinda worked up and during lunch at the long table, I remarked that I am damn unhappy.
Next thing I know during my free period, while I couldn't find the FW, MW who is like the Dept head wants to speak with me. My voice got louder and louder as I told him about what is happening at FW's lessons. The frustration and extra work for the video project that is still on-going, which I haven't mentioned a single word to FW cos I am enduring and trying to finish it.
This hoo-ha about me not wanting to lead. I told him two reasons, it's just after the exams, I can't finish the books despite me using all my extra free time, and secondly, it's her culture, she can explain it better than I can. I see no point in reading aloud and she translating. There is no sense. I told him honestly, I am not the lead, my role is supportive yet I have helped her a lot and almost led in every single class cos I have showed a lot of consideration towards her but she hasn't shown me one bit of consideration. She knows the whole exam deal with the books. I could clear it last year cos my teaching load was lighter. This year with the heavier load, just this short period of time, just before and after exams, no consideration. WTF lor! He did get one point down was that she didn't know how hard I and the other was working for that video project and still doing. I told him to talk to her cos in my current state then, I would shout at her instead. He was worried I would show my anger towards students which I told him I am professional, I won't.
I left on time, went for a double session of KM and felt so much more at peace after. There was no time at all to even think of anything else except what was happening right in front of me. I reached home spent. Slept soundly and the the next day I went to work and that day I didn't have lessons with her. One more day to calm down though I was already calmed then.
And so for those two sets of lessons, I didn't have to lead. I just cleared some work and kept an eye.
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