Think there's some flu bug going around and I caught it around Monday evening. Maybe it's the haze the week before. But by tuesday evening, was alternating between normal n lousy throughtout the day. But as it was the last session of assignment just before exam, I took a 15min nap and felt better to make my way down.
Wednesday was slightly better, thought I was recovering. Tried to sleep earlier. By Thursday, I felt quite zonked out by late afternoon. Had a headache developing, more zombified. Went to see doc in the evening but declined taking mc.
Friday, I started being quite okay, thanks to medication n rest. But after 4th, where again my temper meter went up cos collegue 'ask me stupid stuff' and can't tell me what she want clearly, felt worn out. Decided not to think or do anything besides finish off what's on hand.
As I had agreed two weeks earlier to attend another level's monthly party. Somrhing like show them face once since they tried to invite me twice already... But that meant $66... I chose to drink cos I know that San Migel draught beer would be free-flow for 2 hrs. Cos if not drinking, got to pay $55 for generally lousy n cheap food. It's like the non-drinkers subsidize the drinkers. So after doing some math, $10 for food. Left $56 which translates to 7 mugs of beer. In general, a mug of draught beer can cost $9-11.
I had to wait around at workplace cos though I knock off at 5pm, it was slated for 7pm. I killed time by hanging around the kitchen, watching n chatting with a collegue while she bakes her cakes. My flu flared up some. I was very stoned. Brain really shut down though I am still functional plysically. Then around 6.45pm, I went down to my work station and found almost everybody gone... I realized they had mostly left together so I walked over there by myself. The pub is very near to Clementi stadium. I could see them walking about 100m ahead of me. So while walking, I kept asking myself WHY the hell I ever opened my mouth to agree. Cos literally feel like shit, plus extended my day of sort, cos this whole week, I tio about 10hrs of computer lab duty which actually eats into my free periods. Also though I could surf the net, just need to keep an eye on that few students, I couldn't do anything too productive. That's why this entire week seem so long. Like never-ending.
Anyway I reached there and sat at an empty seat right smack in the middle of guys. They also seem to follow this 'rigid' way of ladies one side, guys one side. I just sat where it's not too unpleasant for me, cos actually this whole week, the 2 new female collegues have been pushing my "irritation button" by either asking me really stupid stuff or using extremely vague and strange English to sort of 'tell' me what they wNt me to do in their classes when I go into theirs. But dunno why, though they actually stay n work in Eng-speaking countries, when they work here, suddenly their English regresses so much until I can't make out what is it they are trying to tell me in the vague, round-about manner. I literally have to be a psychic to guess out what they want... AND that really irks me. My temper wasn't so good especially when I am unwell already. Then asking or telling such 'stupid' things really drives me nuts. I snap at them the few times they did so. So I decided not to sit near the two ladies to give myself time out n also not to have to spoil anything by snapping when they unknowingly push my "buttton". Think that was the best choice of the day.
Dinner food wasn't fantastic. Fried rice, smoked duck breast like the one I bought from seng siong, potatoe wedges, a tray of assorted fried dumplings, fish cake. IF I had to pay $55 for this, I would be grossly overpaying. Hence that's why I decided to drink. To help with the calories, I had lor mee n coffee in the morning, Plain pork porridge for lunch.
I dug in and for the first time, eat dinner with beer. I don't eat dinner while drinking, maybe for liquor but not for beer. Also usually alcoholic drinks come after dinner. Then had some conversations here n there. Mostly collegues ask about why I become teacher, quit teaching, ask about family. Cos these are not so personal topics, so I just tell them frankly. Though I did ask them about similar stuff.
When they wanted to refill my partially drunk beer, I told them I would after I've drunk more cos I wanna keep count, to know and test my limit. The Aussie collegues were quite chatty and funny at times. But I've realized, for all thr insistence on getting free flow of beer, they don't really drink that much. As in, they don't hi the value they are paying. Plus its obvious they are ripped off cos they don't let us locals or Aussies help negotiate n plan such parties. There are so many fantastic deals a budget of $70 can fetch yet they just settle
for such. Leaves us sighing at times. Think it would be much cheaper just to order ala-carte n happy hour. Still pay much lesser.
After it ended, I've finished 6-7 mugs of draught beer in the 2 hrs of free flow. So got my money's worth. I was tipsy but can still think, walk in straight line, no spinning world. Can feel the alcohol but not as strong as other times when I drank alot of spirits or Martinis. Walked home after and reached home in 10minutes. It was unexpectedly more enjoyable than some ofthe other parties I've been to, think it's cos I've talked more, the beer tastes good too plus I got the value for it - for a change. Whether I would go for another, mostly no unless it's a value proposition.
I reached home and drank 2 cups of water n was too full to drink the soup my mom made. Then I changed and slept. With the amount of alcohol, I had a good night's sleep. Slept through until I woke up naturally at 8.30am!
Was feeling okay, went over to buy breakfast but after that, felt sickly. Like the flu flaring up. Ate meds and rested until guitar. But after guitar, flu flared up again. I thought of killing time by watching a movie. After lunch at PO-MO, I actually walked over to the Cathay. But headache starting up and alternating light-headedness n heavy-headedness. Decided to go home instead.
Reached home, ate meds and lie in bed. My mind is alert and can't fall asleep but kept sweating. My mom said I dragged on too long, didn't let body rest enough. It's a pity I can't head out or stay out longer. Will miss the Halloween signts n dinner but really don't think I would want to wear the same outfit even if I am not sick.
Would just want a simple meal to catch up but not have to 'kill' so many hours waiting for the meal. Maybe cos I want my weekends to last longer, so I prefer to be out more in the rapier afternoon. More hours to do things before dinner.
If I am at home, just meet for dinner, I also find that it shortens time. Cos I can't make any plans inbetween dinner time. Rather meet for lunch or around tea time. Still have time to do other stuff then wait until dinner and after dinner to walk around.
Then if I am already out, it's even worst. Got so many hours to kill. At least 4-5hrs in town, alone. What is there to do, that would interest n occupy me for that long? It's very difficult in my normal physical state. Can't go gym cos no public ones that near. Go home and come out again is a very time-wasting and tiring thing. Spend 1hr to go back then shortly have to travel 1hr out again. I won't make it out of the house, too much effort. Shopping doent occupy nor interest me much. I don't like to browse too long hours at bookshop nor can I read properly in a cafe. I don't see the merits of sitting at a cafe to just play I-touch or people watch for 4hrs. Nor just settling for a movie to while away time. I would rather have the time to either rest, exercise at gym or practice guitar. All which requiresme to be at my area. Though I make the effort to come out. Having to while away several hours alone, doing things that don't really appeal to me, is q waste of time, effort n by the time, I am mentally n physically tired cos doing all those is taxing.
A Sat is a precious day. Make full use of the morning, afternoon and evening hours to do something useful, relaxing n enjoyable. Not wait until evening to start. From 7pm until 10pm, it's just 3 hrs before everywhere is closing. Then really nothing much to do except eating or drinking. A bit more then it's midnight, and it's over. I wanna stretch it out by enjoying the morning with breakfast, free n easy hours until it's time for guitar. Though I sometimeswinder why I put so much effort to go down for it but after it, there's many more hours to do things before evening arrives. On days, I can even go gym by 5pm-6pm and finsih by 7-8pm. Still have a few hours to watch tv, read manga, relax before it's time to sleep. That's an ideal.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Time and Effort Dilemma
Last night I was typing this very long passage about the above dilemna but lost it when I tried to post it. Here's a repost.
The time and effort dilemma exist for everybody. It manifests very acutely at work. On a 2x2 matrix, there is the 4 matrixes,
more time, less effort more time, more effort
less time, less effort less time, more effort
For most of us, we are paid a salary for putting in effort and time at work. If one could put in lesser time and lesser effort and yet be paid the same, it would bring about more satisfaction. Cos we would perceive that we are getting a better deal. Then how to bring about putting in less time and effort. This comes about by being efficient. It would mean having to commit lesser hours and lesser effort to the job. Methods of efficiency differs, be it a systematic one or it could be personal eg priortise tasks, a to-do list, breaking task down into small steps and doing, filing and doing things a bit at a time. There are many of these little things one can do to 'help yourself'. So consequentially we end up with spending lesser time and effort. Though pay didnt increase, its being paid the same for less. Job satisifaction increase of sorts.
My previous job at MOE had me working at the more time, more effort matrix. Though my salary was higher, everything else is more. I value my personal time but had to put in long hours and working intensely. Couldnt continue on with that type infinitely. Job satisfaction was low cos I felt salary-wise, doesnt compensate me enough for all that I am doing. Decided I need a rest from burning out.
My current job meant I had to take a pay-cut. Its quite a bit of paycut of several hundred dollars and also less bonus. Only 1 month compared to the previous of at least 2-2.5 months. The trade-off is the lesser effort involved. The hours are longer but still end earlier enough in the day, like office hours. Also I have free time in the working hours unlike previously. So there is some satisfaction from just the pure effort-time matrix. But the whole matrix shifts to the left due to the lowered salary.
I decided to expend some time and effort outside of work to derive added income. It meant I had to put in extra hours and effort thrice weekly. It wasnt easy at all. Could feel the fatique and tiredness. But bo bian, its my decision to do it to make the extra money. Whether one is able to put in extra time and effort depends partly on your job, whether there are available hours and also personally, whether you can and will make the time. Definitely money wont drop in the lap without some exchange of time and effort. There's no free or easy lunch.
Luckily for me, I have my investments, which helps me generate some extra income. I had to put in some extra time and effort to monitor them daily, make decisions daily. But I dont take any short-cuts. Its not really possible to realize gains if I just take the so-called easy way of "listening to what other people say and tell me". I do my own research and make my own decisions. I want to make gains NOT lose my capital. So just meant more time and effort.
With the 3 income streams, I actually almost matched my previous Nett salary. Definitely not able to match the Gross salary yet. The rest depends on the stock market. Whether I can sell off and realize the profits. Though at times I ask myself, why is it that I had to do 3 of these just so I could match my previous income? Why not just stick to one and enjoy the same income level. The matter of fact is that I dont think I could continue on at my previous job. Its too much time and effort that left me in a perpetual zombie mode, grumpy and dissatisfied. At least though I needed 3 income just to match, but overall I am happier in a sense. I dont really think I would be able to manage my investments along side the job.
But as fatique catches up with me from the extra time and effort, I do find myself wishing for my job to pay more, so I dont have to do the assignments. Next year, I might just be doing one instead of current two. It meant halving the income. I could try to live with lowered income of sort. Even with investments, investment gains realised are never certain. Depends on market conditions. So if my main stable job gives me more, can reduce the time and effort on others.
Its the same dilemma for other stuff. Things like exercising, learning a course, learning an instrument, going out. All of them requires extra time and effort. It seems the only things that dont really requires that are watching tv and sleeping. That's why many of us do it mostly on weekends. There's still time but really much much less effort. Just too bad those 2 activities dont pay us monetarily. Also they dont count for anything when looking back at one's life. There's no sense of accomplishment nor is there any skills gathered. Furthermore doing these meant clashing with work - time and effort. All these whittle down personal time.
I have quite a bit on my plate and something gave. I gave up tv and gaming. I only watch tv on weekends and its only to watch recorded cable tv shows at one go. Then I havent gamed on my PS2 in years. Even my PSP is neglected. On public transport, I find myself listening to mp3 more than playing games.
To sum it all up, at least for me. " The worthwhile things are the ones that requires time and effort." No free lunch, easy way out. Sometimes the 'easiest way' is just to start something in small steps and continue and persisting. Doing a bit a day, meant accumulation starts. Over time surely there is something more tangible at the end. Yet due to time-energy constraints, its best to do a few things that one can manage, then priortise and do. A schedule helps. Surely at times, some lapses here and there but overall still a more positive picture.
I have work stuff to do during work hours. I am having more and more to do but I try to clear them during work hours, not bring back home. I still have the holiday work syndrome. Easier to segregate work and personal life this way. At work I file my stuff and clear things as quickly as I can. Trying to work smart so that I can enjoy the free time to do other stuff.
Though now, my weekdays are finally freed up. Glad for the lax. Need to rest my tired and a bit sickly body. On the weekly agenda includes - exercise 2 times, practice guitar, monitor stocks and rest.
The time and effort dilemma exist for everybody. It manifests very acutely at work. On a 2x2 matrix, there is the 4 matrixes,
more time, less effort more time, more effort
less time, less effort less time, more effort
For most of us, we are paid a salary for putting in effort and time at work. If one could put in lesser time and lesser effort and yet be paid the same, it would bring about more satisfaction. Cos we would perceive that we are getting a better deal. Then how to bring about putting in less time and effort. This comes about by being efficient. It would mean having to commit lesser hours and lesser effort to the job. Methods of efficiency differs, be it a systematic one or it could be personal eg priortise tasks, a to-do list, breaking task down into small steps and doing, filing and doing things a bit at a time. There are many of these little things one can do to 'help yourself'. So consequentially we end up with spending lesser time and effort. Though pay didnt increase, its being paid the same for less. Job satisifaction increase of sorts.
My previous job at MOE had me working at the more time, more effort matrix. Though my salary was higher, everything else is more. I value my personal time but had to put in long hours and working intensely. Couldnt continue on with that type infinitely. Job satisfaction was low cos I felt salary-wise, doesnt compensate me enough for all that I am doing. Decided I need a rest from burning out.
My current job meant I had to take a pay-cut. Its quite a bit of paycut of several hundred dollars and also less bonus. Only 1 month compared to the previous of at least 2-2.5 months. The trade-off is the lesser effort involved. The hours are longer but still end earlier enough in the day, like office hours. Also I have free time in the working hours unlike previously. So there is some satisfaction from just the pure effort-time matrix. But the whole matrix shifts to the left due to the lowered salary.
I decided to expend some time and effort outside of work to derive added income. It meant I had to put in extra hours and effort thrice weekly. It wasnt easy at all. Could feel the fatique and tiredness. But bo bian, its my decision to do it to make the extra money. Whether one is able to put in extra time and effort depends partly on your job, whether there are available hours and also personally, whether you can and will make the time. Definitely money wont drop in the lap without some exchange of time and effort. There's no free or easy lunch.
Luckily for me, I have my investments, which helps me generate some extra income. I had to put in some extra time and effort to monitor them daily, make decisions daily. But I dont take any short-cuts. Its not really possible to realize gains if I just take the so-called easy way of "listening to what other people say and tell me". I do my own research and make my own decisions. I want to make gains NOT lose my capital. So just meant more time and effort.
With the 3 income streams, I actually almost matched my previous Nett salary. Definitely not able to match the Gross salary yet. The rest depends on the stock market. Whether I can sell off and realize the profits. Though at times I ask myself, why is it that I had to do 3 of these just so I could match my previous income? Why not just stick to one and enjoy the same income level. The matter of fact is that I dont think I could continue on at my previous job. Its too much time and effort that left me in a perpetual zombie mode, grumpy and dissatisfied. At least though I needed 3 income just to match, but overall I am happier in a sense. I dont really think I would be able to manage my investments along side the job.
But as fatique catches up with me from the extra time and effort, I do find myself wishing for my job to pay more, so I dont have to do the assignments. Next year, I might just be doing one instead of current two. It meant halving the income. I could try to live with lowered income of sort. Even with investments, investment gains realised are never certain. Depends on market conditions. So if my main stable job gives me more, can reduce the time and effort on others.
Its the same dilemma for other stuff. Things like exercising, learning a course, learning an instrument, going out. All of them requires extra time and effort. It seems the only things that dont really requires that are watching tv and sleeping. That's why many of us do it mostly on weekends. There's still time but really much much less effort. Just too bad those 2 activities dont pay us monetarily. Also they dont count for anything when looking back at one's life. There's no sense of accomplishment nor is there any skills gathered. Furthermore doing these meant clashing with work - time and effort. All these whittle down personal time.
I have quite a bit on my plate and something gave. I gave up tv and gaming. I only watch tv on weekends and its only to watch recorded cable tv shows at one go. Then I havent gamed on my PS2 in years. Even my PSP is neglected. On public transport, I find myself listening to mp3 more than playing games.
To sum it all up, at least for me. " The worthwhile things are the ones that requires time and effort." No free lunch, easy way out. Sometimes the 'easiest way' is just to start something in small steps and continue and persisting. Doing a bit a day, meant accumulation starts. Over time surely there is something more tangible at the end. Yet due to time-energy constraints, its best to do a few things that one can manage, then priortise and do. A schedule helps. Surely at times, some lapses here and there but overall still a more positive picture.
I have work stuff to do during work hours. I am having more and more to do but I try to clear them during work hours, not bring back home. I still have the holiday work syndrome. Easier to segregate work and personal life this way. At work I file my stuff and clear things as quickly as I can. Trying to work smart so that I can enjoy the free time to do other stuff.
Though now, my weekdays are finally freed up. Glad for the lax. Need to rest my tired and a bit sickly body. On the weekly agenda includes - exercise 2 times, practice guitar, monitor stocks and rest.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Why so many many parties n invitations? S1, 2, 3, whole place plus Pink(ladies)
In the end on Sun, I didn't go for third cardio. Will try again this week. Good news is that today, another of the pants went back to being loose, but since it's a size bigger, so it's not much yet. Still got long way to go.
This Friday, my mouth agreed to go for another level's party... Cos I work across levels, so other levels have tried to invite me for their monthly or termly party. So far I've 'missed' one from both levels which I don't belong to. Missed another 2 from my own level, those were mainly due to assignments n lessons. But there's still the Ladies party plus whole-school parties.... That's really alot. To cut the story short, I'll be $66 poorer cos I opened my mouth to agree. So it meant I would be drinking at least 6 mugs of beer from the tap... So I have to watch the calories the whole week. Better squeeze in as much gym as I could. Also need to find time to cut hair, make myself practice guitar n not keep putting it off.
Today settling the paper work of my collegue's insurance case to get ready to get a legal counsel, cos the other insurance is sitting on his claims n no payment forthcoming. So Bo bian, have to help him this last part, to settle the paperworks, ger duplicates receipts n invoices n medical report from the hospital again. Then going to pass to lawyer to represent. Hopefully can get the lawyer in, by this week cos this case might have been dragged out a bit too long by the other party's "inaction".
Think I would look forward to the beer from tap this Friday. Still think they kena katuk but Bo bian, my other collegue helped out n gave them so much cheaper deals with much much better food but they so hung up about the free-flow beer for just 2 hrs... After this, I won't be going for anymore of this level's party cos technically I don't belong, so it already meant I got invited to so many more parties compared to the other local collegues. My pocket and waist-line cannot tahan too. Rather spend that same amount eating way way way more quality food. With what I am paying, I could eat that crab buffet n still have change. So definitely no more.
This Friday, my mouth agreed to go for another level's party... Cos I work across levels, so other levels have tried to invite me for their monthly or termly party. So far I've 'missed' one from both levels which I don't belong to. Missed another 2 from my own level, those were mainly due to assignments n lessons. But there's still the Ladies party plus whole-school parties.... That's really alot. To cut the story short, I'll be $66 poorer cos I opened my mouth to agree. So it meant I would be drinking at least 6 mugs of beer from the tap... So I have to watch the calories the whole week. Better squeeze in as much gym as I could. Also need to find time to cut hair, make myself practice guitar n not keep putting it off.
Today settling the paper work of my collegue's insurance case to get ready to get a legal counsel, cos the other insurance is sitting on his claims n no payment forthcoming. So Bo bian, have to help him this last part, to settle the paperworks, ger duplicates receipts n invoices n medical report from the hospital again. Then going to pass to lawyer to represent. Hopefully can get the lawyer in, by this week cos this case might have been dragged out a bit too long by the other party's "inaction".
Think I would look forward to the beer from tap this Friday. Still think they kena katuk but Bo bian, my other collegue helped out n gave them so much cheaper deals with much much better food but they so hung up about the free-flow beer for just 2 hrs... After this, I won't be going for anymore of this level's party cos technically I don't belong, so it already meant I got invited to so many more parties compared to the other local collegues. My pocket and waist-line cannot tahan too. Rather spend that same amount eating way way way more quality food. With what I am paying, I could eat that crab buffet n still have change. So definitely no more.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Stay-home weekend plus rain
Friday was having some mild cramps n decided to head home. Changed plans of gy
that night. Think I watched cable tv and stoned infront of laptop. Not really productive I guess.
Sat is stay-home cos my guitar was postponed, and everyone else was busy with wedding lunch n dinners to attend. So I stayed at home. Woke up naturally at 9am and headed over to buy breakfast for family. After that watched cable tv again. I was quite determined to go for gym. So at 6pm, despite the rain I changed and headed for gym. Felt very accomplished after that. Felt more 'settled' n no more of the unsettling feeling staying indoors.
Today my mom and two sisters headed to Genting until tue evening. Home
with dad and a list of daily chores to do. Plus sister needed me to check her phone and emails for interviews. Yep. Thinking of heading to gym to do the 3rd slotfor this week. I am considering making this a pure cardio, meaning stepper, rower and stationary bike. 1hr of cardio. At least it won't make my gym workouts too repeatitive cos if I do the same regime 3 times a week, it gets boring and might put me off. Try this out and see how.
Next week is last week of assignment plus payment. Yipee. But at work hot some sorta open class aka observation of sorts. Plus tha piece of admin... See how things go then. I am just gonna charge my batteries and try to reset my irritation n cranky meters. Hopefully with the exercise routines back to 2-3, I'll be less irritable. My tolerance was waning especially with certain 'silly or stupid' questions asked to me by the two new collegues whom I have to work with. Oh well... Just take it a day at a time.
that night. Think I watched cable tv and stoned infront of laptop. Not really productive I guess.
Sat is stay-home cos my guitar was postponed, and everyone else was busy with wedding lunch n dinners to attend. So I stayed at home. Woke up naturally at 9am and headed over to buy breakfast for family. After that watched cable tv again. I was quite determined to go for gym. So at 6pm, despite the rain I changed and headed for gym. Felt very accomplished after that. Felt more 'settled' n no more of the unsettling feeling staying indoors.
Today my mom and two sisters headed to Genting until tue evening. Home
with dad and a list of daily chores to do. Plus sister needed me to check her phone and emails for interviews. Yep. Thinking of heading to gym to do the 3rd slotfor this week. I am considering making this a pure cardio, meaning stepper, rower and stationary bike. 1hr of cardio. At least it won't make my gym workouts too repeatitive cos if I do the same regime 3 times a week, it gets boring and might put me off. Try this out and see how.
Next week is last week of assignment plus payment. Yipee. But at work hot some sorta open class aka observation of sorts. Plus tha piece of admin... See how things go then. I am just gonna charge my batteries and try to reset my irritation n cranky meters. Hopefully with the exercise routines back to 2-3, I'll be less irritable. My tolerance was waning especially with certain 'silly or stupid' questions asked to me by the two new collegues whom I have to work with. Oh well... Just take it a day at a time.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Admin work suddenly drop on my lap
This is a bit of work grouse. It just happened out of the blue, after everything has ended. Like after the event and just before cca.
I was doing up one of the activity for a collegue's lesson, when A told me she was told by B to tell me that I should continue this ALT spreadsheet that he was doing. Basically the collegues have no idea which class we would be going into. Initially in the earlier days, I did it by counting manually and writing it down in my teacher book, which I still do for my Sec 3 slots. Then I would inform them. Then out of the blue, B decided to do for the Sec 1 level. He clustered certain classes together such that I was with each teacher for a cluster of 4 lessons.
BUT when now you are asking me to take over suddenly. And I opened up the excel format, its too complicated. There's like monitoring every class for the Sec 1 is at the nth lesson, then choose to cluster the classes that are having the same nth lesson. Basically the story is its toooooo taxing to manually do it, unless there was a system that is used. So I would have to ask it from the horse's mouth tomorrow.
IF there is no system to aid this, I would just make it simple and easy for me. I would make my own format. I see NO reason why I should continue this taxing format when the whole aim about this is to inform all the rest earlier when exactly we are going in for the lessons. Plus I would have to print and put on relevant teacher's tables weekly.
It puts a sore taste in my mouth. Partly was that I was initially doing it manually and counting it originally. THEN you decided to take it over. Now after 1.5 terms, you decided to 'give' it back to me to do instead. You left behind this complex excel spreadsheet and obviously I am not going to follow if its so inconvenient for me to update and make a weekly update. I dont mind doing this cos its just a simple job of counting and writing down which class we are going into, except it can be done via excel for the benefit of others. BUT giving it back to me in the mid of the term... I think since you wanted to do it, then continue lor. Duh!
So tomorrow I am going to ask B about the existence of a system. If not, I would do it my way. The easy, fast and most effortless way. My excel skills are considered good, but its not for me to use it to follow your complex table for something so trival. I rather use it on other things, like my stocks and savings.
This left me sore though generally today was a pretty good day. I was looking forward to the end of the day after cca. But being told this out of the blue by a collegue who was only helping to relay a message cos the collegue wasnt around, kinda spoils the mood. After cca, which also left me frowning a bit cos of the level of skill... but nevermind. I went back to my seat and finished up by writing up two big tongue twisters. Then that finished my work. Walked up to the cooking room and chatted with collegue and complaining about the sudden piece of admin work. And she told me that they actually have a system they use for timetabling. So I would ask B instead. Actually B is a good guy, he is dilligent and he actually do up all the activities, so I just carry out in class. So there might be a miscom. I would clarify. Felt better after that.
Let me think about how to do ice-cream proto-typing or work on the next recipe, cheese cake.
I was doing up one of the activity for a collegue's lesson, when A told me she was told by B to tell me that I should continue this ALT spreadsheet that he was doing. Basically the collegues have no idea which class we would be going into. Initially in the earlier days, I did it by counting manually and writing it down in my teacher book, which I still do for my Sec 3 slots. Then I would inform them. Then out of the blue, B decided to do for the Sec 1 level. He clustered certain classes together such that I was with each teacher for a cluster of 4 lessons.
BUT when now you are asking me to take over suddenly. And I opened up the excel format, its too complicated. There's like monitoring every class for the Sec 1 is at the nth lesson, then choose to cluster the classes that are having the same nth lesson. Basically the story is its toooooo taxing to manually do it, unless there was a system that is used. So I would have to ask it from the horse's mouth tomorrow.
IF there is no system to aid this, I would just make it simple and easy for me. I would make my own format. I see NO reason why I should continue this taxing format when the whole aim about this is to inform all the rest earlier when exactly we are going in for the lessons. Plus I would have to print and put on relevant teacher's tables weekly.
It puts a sore taste in my mouth. Partly was that I was initially doing it manually and counting it originally. THEN you decided to take it over. Now after 1.5 terms, you decided to 'give' it back to me to do instead. You left behind this complex excel spreadsheet and obviously I am not going to follow if its so inconvenient for me to update and make a weekly update. I dont mind doing this cos its just a simple job of counting and writing down which class we are going into, except it can be done via excel for the benefit of others. BUT giving it back to me in the mid of the term... I think since you wanted to do it, then continue lor. Duh!
So tomorrow I am going to ask B about the existence of a system. If not, I would do it my way. The easy, fast and most effortless way. My excel skills are considered good, but its not for me to use it to follow your complex table for something so trival. I rather use it on other things, like my stocks and savings.
This left me sore though generally today was a pretty good day. I was looking forward to the end of the day after cca. But being told this out of the blue by a collegue who was only helping to relay a message cos the collegue wasnt around, kinda spoils the mood. After cca, which also left me frowning a bit cos of the level of skill... but nevermind. I went back to my seat and finished up by writing up two big tongue twisters. Then that finished my work. Walked up to the cooking room and chatted with collegue and complaining about the sudden piece of admin work. And she told me that they actually have a system they use for timetabling. So I would ask B instead. Actually B is a good guy, he is dilligent and he actually do up all the activities, so I just carry out in class. So there might be a miscom. I would clarify. Felt better after that.
Let me think about how to do ice-cream proto-typing or work on the next recipe, cheese cake.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Finally...
Headed to the first gym session this week. Last week only went once plus delayed until mid-week meant that I've broke the 7-day break between a routine. Felt way way weaker. Only did one set for the free weights. Think I have to build up my fittness level again.
Its great to finally make myself go to gym. Because of the gym reduction, I attribute my tighter pants, weight gain, fall in energy level, rise in crankiness and grouses to it, less patience and less smiley. So after the gym, suddenly my state of well-being went up. Feeling accomplished and brain not thinking of anything work-related. Think I really NEED to keep up at least twice a week. Otherwise I would morph back into a grumpy, tired and impatient educator.
Finally picked up the dusty guitar after almost a month of not even touching it. Watched a you-tube for "I dont want to live on the moon" by Burt in Sesame street. Printed out the guitar chords and inspired to try. Then wiped off the dust from the guitar and tuned it before practising. Slightly better when I looked at the previous lesson BUT there are still many parts I dont understand. It doesnt sound like what I heard... argh felt my irriation meter rising. Practiced the basic but still nowhere near playing the song.... so decided to take a break. Otherwise, I might just ignore the guitar again for weeks...
Think a break is good. Though it didnt mean I wasnt thinking about guitar. But sometimes forcing oneself to do something kills the passion and interest. So the breather is welcome. Same for assignment, glad next week is the last one. I am going to take several weeks off first.
Plan to pick up the gym and guitar routine and continue on. There's still 9 more weeks of work to go... That's almost a full MOE term... body still not used to that. The lack of exercise meant my stamina also lowered...
So many incentives to exercise, I just have to and this is one exception to 'taking a breather'. This exercise routine really have to persist.
Its great to finally make myself go to gym. Because of the gym reduction, I attribute my tighter pants, weight gain, fall in energy level, rise in crankiness and grouses to it, less patience and less smiley. So after the gym, suddenly my state of well-being went up. Feeling accomplished and brain not thinking of anything work-related. Think I really NEED to keep up at least twice a week. Otherwise I would morph back into a grumpy, tired and impatient educator.
Finally picked up the dusty guitar after almost a month of not even touching it. Watched a you-tube for "I dont want to live on the moon" by Burt in Sesame street. Printed out the guitar chords and inspired to try. Then wiped off the dust from the guitar and tuned it before practising. Slightly better when I looked at the previous lesson BUT there are still many parts I dont understand. It doesnt sound like what I heard... argh felt my irriation meter rising. Practiced the basic but still nowhere near playing the song.... so decided to take a break. Otherwise, I might just ignore the guitar again for weeks...
Think a break is good. Though it didnt mean I wasnt thinking about guitar. But sometimes forcing oneself to do something kills the passion and interest. So the breather is welcome. Same for assignment, glad next week is the last one. I am going to take several weeks off first.
Plan to pick up the gym and guitar routine and continue on. There's still 9 more weeks of work to go... That's almost a full MOE term... body still not used to that. The lack of exercise meant my stamina also lowered...
So many incentives to exercise, I just have to and this is one exception to 'taking a breather'. This exercise routine really have to persist.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Mini maple pancake - plain with maple syrup & chocolate chips
I gradually brought all the ingredients I bought to put at a corner in the prep room in the kitchen at workplace. Knowing today, I have enough free time to start cooking, I brought the fresh ingredients over, eggs and butter.
Today's agenda is to make mini-pancakes from scratch, flour, baking soda, powder, milk, egg, butter and maple syrup. Then instead of using a griddle to cook, bake for abt 8mins in the oven. Had enough to make 3 batches.
First try prototyping batch I baked too long so it's a bit dry.Cos I don't really eat pancakes to know what is the exact texture. Is it supposed to be crispy, hard, soft, moist? Later my local collegues told me should be soft and moist... So shorten timing and try out remaining batter from first batch with chocolate chips sprinkled. I ate one and it's moist and soft and the chocs were hersheys semi-sweet so it taste good.
Then made 2 more batches, one is with chocolate chips generously mixed in, the other is plain but can dip in maple syrup. Then after they are done, I took 7 of them back home. The rest I arranged on 2 plates and with a small bowl with generous maple syrup, brought down for collegues.
Personally I prefer the plain ones, it has some maple syrup in the batter already and looks n taste okay by itself but once it's dipped generously with maple syrup, very light tasting. The choc chips are good enough to eat by itself. Can't taste the maple syrup even when dipped with maple syrup. The choc chips are not that sweet, so it taste good too. Learnt that if there's lots of chips, it enhances the taste. Wouldn't mind eating this version too.
When I brought it down, there werea few collegues standing around and they dug in. High praises, I was too full after sampling 3 of the plain ones and 1 choc chip from the 1st batch. Had a delicious lunch at Thai express. The pineapple rice set is good. Enjoy the tapioca too. Really really too full from all these. I just ate my dinner. Try to eat normally.
It's already 7.36pm, really hard to dig myself out... Just settle for animes and relax and sleep. Tomorrow I better control the ice-cream buffet at the Udders course... :( little wonders my weight is still going up n down....
Today's agenda is to make mini-pancakes from scratch, flour, baking soda, powder, milk, egg, butter and maple syrup. Then instead of using a griddle to cook, bake for abt 8mins in the oven. Had enough to make 3 batches.
First try prototyping batch I baked too long so it's a bit dry.Cos I don't really eat pancakes to know what is the exact texture. Is it supposed to be crispy, hard, soft, moist? Later my local collegues told me should be soft and moist... So shorten timing and try out remaining batter from first batch with chocolate chips sprinkled. I ate one and it's moist and soft and the chocs were hersheys semi-sweet so it taste good.
Then made 2 more batches, one is with chocolate chips generously mixed in, the other is plain but can dip in maple syrup. Then after they are done, I took 7 of them back home. The rest I arranged on 2 plates and with a small bowl with generous maple syrup, brought down for collegues.
Personally I prefer the plain ones, it has some maple syrup in the batter already and looks n taste okay by itself but once it's dipped generously with maple syrup, very light tasting. The choc chips are good enough to eat by itself. Can't taste the maple syrup even when dipped with maple syrup. The choc chips are not that sweet, so it taste good too. Learnt that if there's lots of chips, it enhances the taste. Wouldn't mind eating this version too.
When I brought it down, there werea few collegues standing around and they dug in. High praises, I was too full after sampling 3 of the plain ones and 1 choc chip from the 1st batch. Had a delicious lunch at Thai express. The pineapple rice set is good. Enjoy the tapioca too. Really really too full from all these. I just ate my dinner. Try to eat normally.
It's already 7.36pm, really hard to dig myself out... Just settle for animes and relax and sleep. Tomorrow I better control the ice-cream buffet at the Udders course... :( little wonders my weight is still going up n down....
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