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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Another week down

This year has really been tough & that's an understatement. This Week has been really really long. 6 days workweek due to another event. It's been a hectic slew of events & a mad rush to finish teaching b4 the exams, then frantic all checking books then endurance marking then more books checking. On top of these is that event that Kanjeong spiders ask 'Me damn last min for activities.

This time, A couple felt my wrath cos ask me at a time where I'm tying very hard to clear my work and so vague and last min & expect miracles? There's no pre-made activities possible. Last time I had time to clear and think, but this year I am struggling already so fed my wrath though some idea struck me, and I made up something. Though stupid questions asked are being shot down by me.

For my own lessons, lagi best, already so few inspiration this year, helped settle FW's partial lesson meant I had little ideas for my Own. I had on idea for a sort-of after-eXam first lesson which isn't much of the formal style. Decide just to go along with it. Dun car that there would be visitors and it might not be What they want to see. But its not for them, just heck and did it. Then after hear some positive comments from some but I take with a pinch of salt cos culturally they can't say bad things to a foreigner... Scully say thing behind the back.

Happy that it's over. Met up with Krynnder & ZX plus the gang for dinner @ Shin Kushin. T was there and was tired & hungry. So I ate @Soupspoon, a Soup and salad. Dinner was good, too. Chatted, updated and joked. Headed to Ang Siang Hill area for dessert. The chook cake Was excellent but the service was patchy. Thanks to Quet who kindly sent Mb back. Hera ends a working Sat. Time to enjoy my weeknds. It's well-deserved & harI-earned.

WTFHis wrong with tthis year? Where's my windfall??

I am being floored by poor planning. Need to rant. Damn pent-up cos didnt go KM this week yet. Summary is on top of my already damn hectic schedule on a daily basis. I tio extra ad-hoc duties cos of another event. Plus had extra students pushed onto me. And hence it disrupted the plans to finish syllabus just in time for the exams... and that stupid priject-based lesson is poorly planned and coordinated.

I had to rush around like crazy in that sole lesson to film 3 groups which obviously dun end up being ready. So I had to co tinue with that incomplete groups over my free break time. Trouble is my timetable is so packed that on top of this, meant I either had to forgo going out to buy lunch or had to anticipate and dabao morning food as my lunch. I am already damn du-lan. I had to do that for 3 classes hence 3 days liao. Even a siant has limits.

After all these rushed filming and I loaded them all onto the network. Damn tired but still got lessons to go. Editing was supposed to be out of my hands. I couldn't even relax and pick up the guitar to strum my blues away and achieve inner peace before it got shattered. Basically damn screwed up... windows and apple dun communicate, so the same file once loaded on windows cant be transferred to apple. I got students coming frantically to find me and try to get the originals which I dun have cos all the video cams and sd cards are with that colleague whom I dun know where... bloody hell. Climbed up and down several times looking. WtH! Damn fucked-up!!! Wasted the entire hour plus and I didnt get any lax.

Damn du-lan that I brought my guitar home and did some playing ti calm myself. Bathed, ate dinner, sis bought dessert. My new military bags arrived that helped to lift my mood somewhat. Now just very tured but nerves frayed from all these intense and hectic crap. So drained and its just Tue. Tomorrow is another hectic day so hectic that I shudder at the thought cos there's two of that lessons with that FW. Bloodycrap. I think once the exams are over,  if I am not up to it, wouldn't fight it anymore, just surrender...

Where's my financial windfall? The horoscope is right sbout the hectic crap at work and the ill-effects on my health and well-being. Then where's my financial windfall? that's the big question? Think my overtly-irritated mind needs some alcohol to shut down.