Careful followers of my blog would have picked up little signs and hints of my pregnancy, although I have not announced it explicitly.
Yes. I am 3 months pregnant.
That explains my "evening sickness", my one-off vomitting episode, my frequent "fevers" and "headaches", my idling during the hols (was instructed to bed-rest), and the fact that I did not travel anywhere (I always travelled during June and Dec hols).
After my check-up today, gynae announced a series of good news to me. My clinical blood test shows that I am in good health and am not a carrier of any major hereditary illnesses. My urine test is also normal. My first trimester pre-natal screening showed that my risks for Trisomy 21 and 13/18 are 1:12191 and 1:20833 respectively. In other words, the chances of having a down-syndrome child are very low. Baby is doing well inside me, with a length of 5.8cm and a strong heartbeat. Hubby and I are totally elated.
I cannot believe that I am slowly entering my second trimester very soon.
I'll keep my entry short today. I need to sleep now and I just want to share my joy with everyone before I go to bed.
Nite nite.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
National Service
Hubby is doing his reservist training this week. Usually, if he books out every day, I'm pretty okay with it. This time, although a short one (1 week compared to the usual 2 weeks), is inclusive of an exercise, so he is required to stay in for 2 nights.
Last nite, he had to book in by 12am, so I was very depressed to see him go. After saying goodbye at the lift, I went to the corridor beside the refuse chute to catch a glimpse of the car leaving. He slowed down in front of our block, I didn't know why, I couldn't see. Later on, he told me in sms that he was waving at me. I was so angry with myself for being so stupid.
Today I have taken medical leave. I just couldn't get out of bed with that rock in my brain. Have been feeling groggy since yesterday. Fever came and went, temperature is fine now but I feel feverish, weak, nose stuffy, head feels funny, throat dry. Doc says I'm probably having a slight flu. all I need is plenty of rest.
I'm also serving my national service, but mine is just the beginning of a lifetime commitment. I can't wait for the day to see my baby, but it also scares me that I am responsible for another person's life, at least for the next 21 years.
I don't know how to rest properly. I got so much work waiting for me to do in school. And I really miss my hubby. I wish I could just drop everything and rest at home.
One more lonely night to go.
Last nite, he had to book in by 12am, so I was very depressed to see him go. After saying goodbye at the lift, I went to the corridor beside the refuse chute to catch a glimpse of the car leaving. He slowed down in front of our block, I didn't know why, I couldn't see. Later on, he told me in sms that he was waving at me. I was so angry with myself for being so stupid.
Today I have taken medical leave. I just couldn't get out of bed with that rock in my brain. Have been feeling groggy since yesterday. Fever came and went, temperature is fine now but I feel feverish, weak, nose stuffy, head feels funny, throat dry. Doc says I'm probably having a slight flu. all I need is plenty of rest.
I'm also serving my national service, but mine is just the beginning of a lifetime commitment. I can't wait for the day to see my baby, but it also scares me that I am responsible for another person's life, at least for the next 21 years.
I don't know how to rest properly. I got so much work waiting for me to do in school. And I really miss my hubby. I wish I could just drop everything and rest at home.
One more lonely night to go.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Lost Sheep
To those of you who have responded to my appeal for 6A1 people's addresses, fanquevellumud.
I managed to retrieve some addresses on my own because I have a complete set of addresses of those in 5A1. (Remember SARS? Had to send letters, homework, etc, yup...) Many of them came to 6A1, sowee.......
Anyway, these are the lost sheep whose addresses I have not managed to lay my hands on. If you happen to be the one, or have contact with any of them, or you are neighbours with them, or in the same school, please email me whatever info you've got.
In order of Class Index Number:
1. Xiao Xiao
2. Zhe Ching
3. Revathi
4. Sim Wee
5. Hui Ting (think I have it somewhere in my pencil box but anyway...Hui Ting, just gimme again)
6. Justina
7. Vaish
8. Adam
9. Yuan Dong
10. Anthony
11. Zhiwei
12. Aqil
13. Thinesh
Okay! I'll hear from you guys!
Happy School Re-opening! (Eeeoow....)
I managed to retrieve some addresses on my own because I have a complete set of addresses of those in 5A1. (Remember SARS? Had to send letters, homework, etc, yup...) Many of them came to 6A1, sowee.......
Anyway, these are the lost sheep whose addresses I have not managed to lay my hands on. If you happen to be the one, or have contact with any of them, or you are neighbours with them, or in the same school, please email me whatever info you've got.
In order of Class Index Number:
1. Xiao Xiao
2. Zhe Ching
3. Revathi
4. Sim Wee
5. Hui Ting (think I have it somewhere in my pencil box but anyway...Hui Ting, just gimme again)
6. Justina
7. Vaish
8. Adam
9. Yuan Dong
10. Anthony
11. Zhiwei
12. Aqil
13. Thinesh
Okay! I'll hear from you guys!
Happy School Re-opening! (Eeeoow....)
Friday, June 24, 2005
Terribly sick...
Last Wednesday
Having bummed around for so long, I decided to start doing some serious work. So, I went to school last wednesday. All was well until around 5 plus, I started feeling a small headache. Later the night, the headache grew into a humongous brain earthquake. Hubby made me hot tea, didn't help. By 1 am, I thought I was going to die. Then he flipped through the book on the coffee table "What to Expect when You're Expecting", a book that I read when I couldn't sleep. Using the advice given , he tried to put a hot towel on my forehead. That somehow made me feel a little more comfy, but it didn't take the pain away. After a while, I threw up. Vomitted the tea and I think-the-after-dinner-fruits, and felt a lot, lot better. Not wanting to take any medication, coz I wasn't sure if I could take, hubby planted 2 medicated plasters on my forehead. The cooling effect helped me to sleep. Thankfully, I was fine the next morning.
That was the only time I vomitted, other than the "evening sickness" that I get.
This Monday
Monday came, and I decided to go to school again. That was the biggest mistake I have made. I think the air in the HOD Room was bad. Because it's the school hols, the windows and door (facing the outside, not the office) were kept shut throughout. So, despite the air-con being switched on, the air inside was totally stale. I worked at my desk for 2 to 3 hours and felt sick. Quickly left and went home, but little did I realize that the start of my agony had just begun.
Developed a fever that very night. Temperature was at 38.2. Worried sick. Since my gynae said that panadol was safe, I took 2 tablets and did feel better. But soon the fever returned and at around 4am, I took another 2 tablets. This time I sponged myself to keep my body cool. A but upset with hubby for being negligent towards me. He was playing on his computer and that made me very upset with him. Later he realised that I was unhappy and came to help put iced towel on my head. Slowly I slept.
Tuesday
Fever returned. Whole day it hovered at 37.7. I decided not to take anymore panadol. Started diarrhoea. Saw the GP downstairs and he gave me charcoal pills. Took them, but the entire night, from 1.30am to 9am, I went to the toilet for diarrhoea non-stop. Only managed to sleep from 9am to 12pm. Woke up and rushed to the toilet again. It was terrible, terrible.
Wednesday
Called gynae for help. He prescribed a medicine called smecta and hubby went to pharmacy to get. It helped. The diarrhoea stopped. My fever also went down to 37.4.
Thursday
Felt ok. Fever was gone but I was very weak. Stools were still watery but had improved. I stopped the medication.
Friday
Today wasn't very good. The diarrhoea seemed to have come back, although it wasn't as acute as the last time. Had the runs 5 times today and as I am typing right now, my stomach feels funny still. Had taken another dose of smecta but it didn't help much. Tried to see my gynae but the evening clinic wasn't open. Tomorrow I will go early in the morning.
I hope baby will be okay.
Having bummed around for so long, I decided to start doing some serious work. So, I went to school last wednesday. All was well until around 5 plus, I started feeling a small headache. Later the night, the headache grew into a humongous brain earthquake. Hubby made me hot tea, didn't help. By 1 am, I thought I was going to die. Then he flipped through the book on the coffee table "What to Expect when You're Expecting", a book that I read when I couldn't sleep. Using the advice given , he tried to put a hot towel on my forehead. That somehow made me feel a little more comfy, but it didn't take the pain away. After a while, I threw up. Vomitted the tea and I think-the-after-dinner-fruits, and felt a lot, lot better. Not wanting to take any medication, coz I wasn't sure if I could take, hubby planted 2 medicated plasters on my forehead. The cooling effect helped me to sleep. Thankfully, I was fine the next morning.
That was the only time I vomitted, other than the "evening sickness" that I get.
This Monday
Monday came, and I decided to go to school again. That was the biggest mistake I have made. I think the air in the HOD Room was bad. Because it's the school hols, the windows and door (facing the outside, not the office) were kept shut throughout. So, despite the air-con being switched on, the air inside was totally stale. I worked at my desk for 2 to 3 hours and felt sick. Quickly left and went home, but little did I realize that the start of my agony had just begun.
Developed a fever that very night. Temperature was at 38.2. Worried sick. Since my gynae said that panadol was safe, I took 2 tablets and did feel better. But soon the fever returned and at around 4am, I took another 2 tablets. This time I sponged myself to keep my body cool. A but upset with hubby for being negligent towards me. He was playing on his computer and that made me very upset with him. Later he realised that I was unhappy and came to help put iced towel on my head. Slowly I slept.
Tuesday
Fever returned. Whole day it hovered at 37.7. I decided not to take anymore panadol. Started diarrhoea. Saw the GP downstairs and he gave me charcoal pills. Took them, but the entire night, from 1.30am to 9am, I went to the toilet for diarrhoea non-stop. Only managed to sleep from 9am to 12pm. Woke up and rushed to the toilet again. It was terrible, terrible.
Wednesday
Called gynae for help. He prescribed a medicine called smecta and hubby went to pharmacy to get. It helped. The diarrhoea stopped. My fever also went down to 37.4.
Thursday
Felt ok. Fever was gone but I was very weak. Stools were still watery but had improved. I stopped the medication.
Friday
Today wasn't very good. The diarrhoea seemed to have come back, although it wasn't as acute as the last time. Had the runs 5 times today and as I am typing right now, my stomach feels funny still. Had taken another dose of smecta but it didn't help much. Tried to see my gynae but the evening clinic wasn't open. Tomorrow I will go early in the morning.
I hope baby will be okay.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Fanquevallemud
Here's a new word for the day -- "Fanquevallemud"
Know what it means?
Read the following conversation to find out.
The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Hong Kong, Asia.
Room Service = RS
Guest = G
(RS): "Moling! loom sirfesee"
(G ) : "Yes......"
(RS): "Dju witch true odor somefing??"
(G ) : "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs"
(RS): "How July it done peace?"
(G ) : "What??"
(RS): "How July it done?... Fi, boy?"
(G ) : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled >>please."
(RS): "Howbow bkan?"
(G ) : "Crisp will be fine."
(RS): "O light. An some DOS?"
(G) : "What?"
(RS ): "Dosee. July some DOS?"
(G ) : "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what'Door-C' means."
(RS): "Mmm...............Toes! toes!..."
(G ) : "O, you mean Toasts!....No, do you have something >>else?"
(RS): "Howbow ink-ga-nutsu mudfun?"
(G ) : "English muffin!! I've got it! Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
(RS): "Copy?"
(G ) : "Sorry?"
(RS): "Copy...Mill...all T?"
(G ) : "Yes. Coffee please, and that's all."
(RS): "O light. Seeangle ache, quits bkan, DOS, mudfun and copy..wite??"
(G ) : "Well....Whatever you say"
(RS): "Fanquevallemud!"
(G ) : "You're welcome"
Got the word?
Bingo! Yes, it's "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
Know what it means?
Read the following conversation to find out.
The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Hong Kong, Asia.
Room Service = RS
Guest = G
(RS): "Moling! loom sirfesee"
(G ) : "Yes......"
(RS): "Dju witch true odor somefing??"
(G ) : "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs"
(RS): "How July it done peace?"
(G ) : "What??"
(RS): "How July it done?... Fi, boy?"
(G ) : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled >>please."
(RS): "Howbow bkan?"
(G ) : "Crisp will be fine."
(RS): "O light. An some DOS?"
(G) : "What?"
(RS ): "Dosee. July some DOS?"
(G ) : "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what'Door-C' means."
(RS): "Mmm...............Toes! toes!..."
(G ) : "O, you mean Toasts!....No, do you have something >>else?"
(RS): "Howbow ink-ga-nutsu mudfun?"
(G ) : "English muffin!! I've got it! Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
(RS): "Copy?"
(G ) : "Sorry?"
(RS): "Copy...Mill...all T?"
(G ) : "Yes. Coffee please, and that's all."
(RS): "O light. Seeangle ache, quits bkan, DOS, mudfun and copy..wite??"
(G ) : "Well....Whatever you say"
(RS): "Fanquevallemud!"
(G ) : "You're welcome"
Got the word?
Bingo! Yes, it's "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Lion City Cup
Guess what? Went to Toa Payoh Stadium today to catch a football match (of the above cup) between Singapore and Brunei for the Under 16s. I'm not the football crazy kind, never was, but thought that I shall be nice and accompanied my die-hard-soccer-fan-husband to see the match. One of his students is a player in the Singapore team, so we went there to support. I was surprised to see a crowd at the spectators stand. We also spotted Fandi Ahmad among the spectators.
The mood there was quite lukewarm, but whenever Singapore attacked, the fever would go up a little and you can sense some excitement. Singapore attacked many times but just didn't manage to ram the ball in. Finally, towards the end of the first half, the captain (number 17, I forgot his name) scored the first goal. Then, as if catching on to the "winning wind', he scored another goal during the 2 minutes of extra time. The first half ended at 2-nil.
During the break, half the stadium emptied (such was the support Singaporeans gave the youngsters). I thought that they went out to get some drinks but it turned out that these people never returned. My husband turned to look at me, and seeing the question mark in his eyes, I said we'd stay for the second half.
The players in yellow jersey were comparatively smaller in size, with our red lions towering above them. However, their advantage was that they were fast and nimble. Our players, although taller, did not run as fast as them. Nevermind about speed. Football is about skills right? The lions kept their form and scored a third goal. I smsed Kumari telling her that I was at Toa Payoh (since she stayed in the area) and told her the score. She replied a few minutes later. By then it was 4-nil. Just as I was composing my reply to her, the Singapore team scored a fifth goal! It was a really triumphant victory. Spectators cheered.
I'm not a football person, but today, I did enjoy the game. Well done, kids! Keep it up!
The mood there was quite lukewarm, but whenever Singapore attacked, the fever would go up a little and you can sense some excitement. Singapore attacked many times but just didn't manage to ram the ball in. Finally, towards the end of the first half, the captain (number 17, I forgot his name) scored the first goal. Then, as if catching on to the "winning wind', he scored another goal during the 2 minutes of extra time. The first half ended at 2-nil.
During the break, half the stadium emptied (such was the support Singaporeans gave the youngsters). I thought that they went out to get some drinks but it turned out that these people never returned. My husband turned to look at me, and seeing the question mark in his eyes, I said we'd stay for the second half.
The players in yellow jersey were comparatively smaller in size, with our red lions towering above them. However, their advantage was that they were fast and nimble. Our players, although taller, did not run as fast as them. Nevermind about speed. Football is about skills right? The lions kept their form and scored a third goal. I smsed Kumari telling her that I was at Toa Payoh (since she stayed in the area) and told her the score. She replied a few minutes later. By then it was 4-nil. Just as I was composing my reply to her, the Singapore team scored a fifth goal! It was a really triumphant victory. Spectators cheered.
I'm not a football person, but today, I did enjoy the game. Well done, kids! Keep it up!
Friday, May 20, 2005
6 YEARS!
20th May 2005 marks 6 full complete years of my teaching career.
Let me catch my breath.
P H E W !
I stepped into NIE in mid 1995. This year is 2005. I cannot believe that 10 years of my life had passed! And prime years to mention the least. Oh my God.
I had never looked back all these years. To think that a decision that I had made after 'A' levels had shaped my life so much. At NIE, I studied hard, played hard, met my husband, fell in love, and signed on the dotted line (to teaching!) Then I graduated, taught, got married, set up my own home, taught some more, got promoted, and transferred myself to a new school.
Wow. All these happened because I made a decision to become a teacher at the age of 18.
Suddenly, after 6 years, I am beginning to feel that I've had quite enough of teaching. Is 6 years a good time to blow the whistle?
Let me catch my breath.
P H E W !
I stepped into NIE in mid 1995. This year is 2005. I cannot believe that 10 years of my life had passed! And prime years to mention the least. Oh my God.
I had never looked back all these years. To think that a decision that I had made after 'A' levels had shaped my life so much. At NIE, I studied hard, played hard, met my husband, fell in love, and signed on the dotted line (to teaching!) Then I graduated, taught, got married, set up my own home, taught some more, got promoted, and transferred myself to a new school.
Wow. All these happened because I made a decision to become a teacher at the age of 18.
Suddenly, after 6 years, I am beginning to feel that I've had quite enough of teaching. Is 6 years a good time to blow the whistle?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Spin A Fairy Tale
Yesterday I attended the Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Singapore Philatelic Museum for the above event. Our pupil bagged the Third Prize in the Primary Category in the whole nation. I am very proud of Nadiah from Pr 4-1, and I also appreciate all that Bhavani had done to help her. Moreover, it was the only entry I had sent in.
Guess what? I met an ex pupil of mine! Yue Yang was also there with his dad for the same purpose. He had won a consolation prize for the event in the Secondary Category. My goodness, it had only been a matter of 5 months and he had grown so tall! Yue Yang had also become very dark, and he had apparently lost quite a bit of weight. I talked to his dad also. Still remember all those times we had spoken last year to discuss about the boy. Time flies.
Anyway, it was a happy day for me. I could shake his hand personally and congratulate him for having done well. Keep up the good work!
Guess what? I met an ex pupil of mine! Yue Yang was also there with his dad for the same purpose. He had won a consolation prize for the event in the Secondary Category. My goodness, it had only been a matter of 5 months and he had grown so tall! Yue Yang had also become very dark, and he had apparently lost quite a bit of weight. I talked to his dad also. Still remember all those times we had spoken last year to discuss about the boy. Time flies.
Anyway, it was a happy day for me. I could shake his hand personally and congratulate him for having done well. Keep up the good work!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
D'ACE
If you're wondering what that means, it's the acronym for DARE TO ASPIRE, COURAGE TO EXCEL.
It's Fernvale's School Vision. It was born from all Fernvalers after a series of vigourous envisioning exercises.
It indeed takes a lot of DARE and COURAGE to dream about big things and do them well.
It's a good reminder to myself to work in that spirit and perservere. The going is tough, the learning curve is steep, and I have to make a breakthrough in myself to become a better person.
It's indeed not easy at all.
I do know that I am working at a higher level (a level that I have never worked at before) and I do have a great influence on the way the school runs, and the type of education that the kids receive. I am no more at the receiving end. I am at the producing end. So I've got to do my stuff!
Life is very challenging, isn't it?
It's Fernvale's School Vision. It was born from all Fernvalers after a series of vigourous envisioning exercises.
It indeed takes a lot of DARE and COURAGE to dream about big things and do them well.
It's a good reminder to myself to work in that spirit and perservere. The going is tough, the learning curve is steep, and I have to make a breakthrough in myself to become a better person.
It's indeed not easy at all.
I do know that I am working at a higher level (a level that I have never worked at before) and I do have a great influence on the way the school runs, and the type of education that the kids receive. I am no more at the receiving end. I am at the producing end. So I've got to do my stuff!
Life is very challenging, isn't it?
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I'm so BUSY!
Can someone help me here? I'm so BUSY!!!!!
I'm not a lazy person ok, but I really have a lot a lot a lot a lot of stuff to do. (Now you know why I've not blogged in a million years?)
This is, btw, not a complaint. I just need to let it out. (It's a trait of Venusian. Martians who are reading this, please don't act so smart and try to provide solutions, because there AREN"T ANY. I know it so god-damn well)
1. SA1 exam. Have set my share of paper (full paper: Paper 1 and 2, LC, Oral). Finished vetting second round. Now all the papers are in for the final round of checking. Still got some changes to be made.
2. Also vetting all the Chinese papers.
3. Setting procedures for the exam. Must think about the marking exercise as well. The oral exam, how ah? Some papers I think I have to re-do.
4. Class Library. More or less in place, but I know some teachers have not started it. Lame.
5. MRL. This is the biggest headache. It is EMPTY lor. Ok la, I've bought curtains and put them up, the sofa is proudly sitting there. Got Raymon to propose a design. He should get back to me next week or so. The books and the system, arrh, it's killing me.
6. SEED. Got it going in instalments already. Very funny. I am so not trained in it and I have to train everyone for it. Have covered the changing context and personal target setting. Set up gallery walk already. Today we watched clips from "I Not Stupid". Okay lor. Haven't come to the main crux of it.
7. Class. Put aside the irritating Kelvin Chee who uses his ADHD excuse to drive everyone up the wall, and the perpetual liar Ang Shi Yi who swears even with lies, I'm trying to teach in a more integrated way that can engage the pupils. the food-tasting party was a success. But, I am so pressed for time I can't do that so often. The exams are coming and I am more stressed than them. I am so afraid they cannot make it. Want to set up the learning corners but time is really not on my side.
8. EPMS. Am supposed to sit down with my JH but I so don't have time! Don't care. I forced myself to get at least 1 done tomorrow. Meet Dora tmr. Die also must get one done.
9. Haven't even done my own EPMS. Sitting on it. Hopefully something will hatch.
10. Marking. I am taking too long with the compos. I ought to be shot.
11. Marking Schemes. Have more or less completed them. Keep forgetting to give it to Bhavani and Hwee Yng.
12. Editing video. When am I going to squeeze time to edit the food-tasting one? Don't talk about CNY. I think it's never going to be done.
13. Classroom Observation. Have to start doing CO. Aiyo haven't even done EPMS!
14. Meet Parents. Have to arrange a meet-up with kelvin's mum. Boss wants to lim kopi with the mother. I ask Siew Chian, the form teacher, to look into it.
15. Storytelling workshop. I am supposed to collate the feedback but I actually lost the whole stack. When start losing things, it's not a good sign. Cluster chasing me for it already.
16. Nadiah's prize giving ceremony this saturday. Lucky there's this good news (she got 3rd prize in essay competition, national) or I'll go mad. Keep forgetting to arrange with Pauline.
17. Want to work with Becky to set up this folder in the O Drive such that each EL teacher can go in to key their marks. Like that more efficient.
17. Monitor tests results. Need to analyse the data. Still waiting for the teachers to give me.
18. Must remember to monitor the class library.
19. Keep forgetting to email the class library expenditure to EL teachers. Khalidah still has some money left to buy books.
20. Connie, master teacher, wants to meet up with me to discuss about school programmes. I super don't have time.
21. I can't even attend the Friday's COP meeting. Have to send a rep. Will I be able to remember and approach someone? Appraoch who huh?
22. The EM3 paper not in yet. I wonder if I have time to edit it.
23. Learning Journey to Sengkang Library. Had to postpone because I am dying.
24. The date for the Assembly talk has not been firmed up. Need to settle it soon.
25. need to plan for Outreach programme also.
26. This Friday supposed to give test to the monkeys. I haven't even set. Tmr after seminar rush back to school to do EPMS, OMR training, then sit down and set.
27. have to think about school website. What to put up for my EL dept.
28. IT budget. Wa leow. I don't know la! Must hand in soon. I drag very long already. Super lame.
29. School Vision. Forget tmr still must discuss with Pauline. Hav't even done my homework.
30. Musr rmember to ask Sharon to do the reading presentation for contact session next week.
31. Dency's wedding. I haven't got a Lilac dress. Why must Lilac? Super stress one.
32. Roger Kool's CD. Haven't listened to it. He keeps bugging me!
33. LSP Budy reading. Until now, Dora hasn't come up with anything. Already week what?
34. CL dept hasn't submitted their action plan. Super buay tahan.
35. Dept action plan. Not yet finalised.
36. Purchase of resources. Not complete also.
37. Dept inventory records. Also not complete. Half here half there.
38. Email bursting with things. Where got time to read?
39. This week whole week never go Amore. Don't have time.
40. I want to have a baby. How ah? Very stressed.
I am not going to continue. I am very tired.
I'm not a lazy person ok, but I really have a lot a lot a lot a lot of stuff to do. (Now you know why I've not blogged in a million years?)
This is, btw, not a complaint. I just need to let it out. (It's a trait of Venusian. Martians who are reading this, please don't act so smart and try to provide solutions, because there AREN"T ANY. I know it so god-damn well)
1. SA1 exam. Have set my share of paper (full paper: Paper 1 and 2, LC, Oral). Finished vetting second round. Now all the papers are in for the final round of checking. Still got some changes to be made.
2. Also vetting all the Chinese papers.
3. Setting procedures for the exam. Must think about the marking exercise as well. The oral exam, how ah? Some papers I think I have to re-do.
4. Class Library. More or less in place, but I know some teachers have not started it. Lame.
5. MRL. This is the biggest headache. It is EMPTY lor. Ok la, I've bought curtains and put them up, the sofa is proudly sitting there. Got Raymon to propose a design. He should get back to me next week or so. The books and the system, arrh, it's killing me.
6. SEED. Got it going in instalments already. Very funny. I am so not trained in it and I have to train everyone for it. Have covered the changing context and personal target setting. Set up gallery walk already. Today we watched clips from "I Not Stupid". Okay lor. Haven't come to the main crux of it.
7. Class. Put aside the irritating Kelvin Chee who uses his ADHD excuse to drive everyone up the wall, and the perpetual liar Ang Shi Yi who swears even with lies, I'm trying to teach in a more integrated way that can engage the pupils. the food-tasting party was a success. But, I am so pressed for time I can't do that so often. The exams are coming and I am more stressed than them. I am so afraid they cannot make it. Want to set up the learning corners but time is really not on my side.
8. EPMS. Am supposed to sit down with my JH but I so don't have time! Don't care. I forced myself to get at least 1 done tomorrow. Meet Dora tmr. Die also must get one done.
9. Haven't even done my own EPMS. Sitting on it. Hopefully something will hatch.
10. Marking. I am taking too long with the compos. I ought to be shot.
11. Marking Schemes. Have more or less completed them. Keep forgetting to give it to Bhavani and Hwee Yng.
12. Editing video. When am I going to squeeze time to edit the food-tasting one? Don't talk about CNY. I think it's never going to be done.
13. Classroom Observation. Have to start doing CO. Aiyo haven't even done EPMS!
14. Meet Parents. Have to arrange a meet-up with kelvin's mum. Boss wants to lim kopi with the mother. I ask Siew Chian, the form teacher, to look into it.
15. Storytelling workshop. I am supposed to collate the feedback but I actually lost the whole stack. When start losing things, it's not a good sign. Cluster chasing me for it already.
16. Nadiah's prize giving ceremony this saturday. Lucky there's this good news (she got 3rd prize in essay competition, national) or I'll go mad. Keep forgetting to arrange with Pauline.
17. Want to work with Becky to set up this folder in the O Drive such that each EL teacher can go in to key their marks. Like that more efficient.
17. Monitor tests results. Need to analyse the data. Still waiting for the teachers to give me.
18. Must remember to monitor the class library.
19. Keep forgetting to email the class library expenditure to EL teachers. Khalidah still has some money left to buy books.
20. Connie, master teacher, wants to meet up with me to discuss about school programmes. I super don't have time.
21. I can't even attend the Friday's COP meeting. Have to send a rep. Will I be able to remember and approach someone? Appraoch who huh?
22. The EM3 paper not in yet. I wonder if I have time to edit it.
23. Learning Journey to Sengkang Library. Had to postpone because I am dying.
24. The date for the Assembly talk has not been firmed up. Need to settle it soon.
25. need to plan for Outreach programme also.
26. This Friday supposed to give test to the monkeys. I haven't even set. Tmr after seminar rush back to school to do EPMS, OMR training, then sit down and set.
27. have to think about school website. What to put up for my EL dept.
28. IT budget. Wa leow. I don't know la! Must hand in soon. I drag very long already. Super lame.
29. School Vision. Forget tmr still must discuss with Pauline. Hav't even done my homework.
30. Musr rmember to ask Sharon to do the reading presentation for contact session next week.
31. Dency's wedding. I haven't got a Lilac dress. Why must Lilac? Super stress one.
32. Roger Kool's CD. Haven't listened to it. He keeps bugging me!
33. LSP Budy reading. Until now, Dora hasn't come up with anything. Already week what?
34. CL dept hasn't submitted their action plan. Super buay tahan.
35. Dept action plan. Not yet finalised.
36. Purchase of resources. Not complete also.
37. Dept inventory records. Also not complete. Half here half there.
38. Email bursting with things. Where got time to read?
39. This week whole week never go Amore. Don't have time.
40. I want to have a baby. How ah? Very stressed.
I am not going to continue. I am very tired.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Goodbye, baby....
My little mouse passed away today... at 11.45 pm.She and her buddy had been with the family since 14 Feb 2004 and hubby and I adored both of them very much. Although a little smaller in size, she has always been the more active one, often "bullying" her partner. We find joy in watching them grow fat, and sometimes we can just spend time watching them laze and snooze the afternoon away. We clean them, feed them, talk to them and play with them, and before we even realize it, we have already treated them like our babies.
Recently, she started dropping her fur. At first we thought that the cage was dirty and that might have caused her to look "wet". As the days passed, we found traces of her fur all over the place and realized that she was really balding. We've been wanting to take her to the vet but because of work commitments, we couldn't find time. 2 days ago, which happens to be Good Friday, hubby went to a vet but it was closed. Then he walked into a pet shop and related the condition of our little mouse to the shop owner. He suggested that we buy this vitamin syrup for her, as she could be changing fur. We have never heard of "changing fur" in hamsters, but decided to try anyway. Went home and put the syrup into the water bottle. Unfortunately, it didn't help and she just died.
It came as a shock to us. She was still active the whole day, doing her usual thing like eating, running around, cleaning herself and sleeping. Hubby washed the cage earlier, and only when he wanted to put her back into the cage that he realized that her body had turned stiff. He came into the room to tell me and, I just couldn't take it. I wrote a little card for her and we buried her at the foot of our block at midnight. Rest in peace, baby..... We'll miss you.
Recently, she started dropping her fur. At first we thought that the cage was dirty and that might have caused her to look "wet". As the days passed, we found traces of her fur all over the place and realized that she was really balding. We've been wanting to take her to the vet but because of work commitments, we couldn't find time. 2 days ago, which happens to be Good Friday, hubby went to a vet but it was closed. Then he walked into a pet shop and related the condition of our little mouse to the shop owner. He suggested that we buy this vitamin syrup for her, as she could be changing fur. We have never heard of "changing fur" in hamsters, but decided to try anyway. Went home and put the syrup into the water bottle. Unfortunately, it didn't help and she just died.
It came as a shock to us. She was still active the whole day, doing her usual thing like eating, running around, cleaning herself and sleeping. Hubby washed the cage earlier, and only when he wanted to put her back into the cage that he realized that her body had turned stiff. He came into the room to tell me and, I just couldn't take it. I wrote a little card for her and we buried her at the foot of our block at midnight. Rest in peace, baby..... We'll miss you.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Fitness Workout
Yesterday I signed up for a 3 month power package with Amore Fitness Centre. This package allows me to attend unlimited number of classes for the next 3 months. Besides the normal Aerobics, there are other types of exercises on the menu, like StretchFit, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, Step and Dance. For Dance, there are Jazz and Hip Hop. For each type, they also have various kinds/levels for you to choose from.
I went for my very first 2 classes today. First one was Low Impact Aerobics. Do not be misled by the name Low Impact. It was quite SIONG okay! For a solid 45min, we were moving non-stop to fast-paced music. Most of the ladies (it's an all-ladies fitness centre) were panting like mad. We could catch a bit of breath during the last 15 min, which required us to lie on a mat. It focuses on leg and stomach muscles, which was equally demanding at times. I perspired profusely but enjoyed the session thoroughly. It was a real good work-out, and I must say it was an achievement for a tau-huey like me.
Stayed on another hour for the jazz class. That wasn't tiring, thank goodness. We did simple stretching and movement, but I found out how uncoordinated I was. Couldn't manage simple movements well. Sigh. Never mind. Will become better with more practice.
After 2 solid hours of workout, I checked out the shower facilities. (Can't imagine how much space there is inside that small-looking outlet at Heartland Mall, but wow) This shower room is only for the exclusive use of the power package people. Not bad. There are several shower rooms besides 2-3 changing rooms plus a steam bath room (sauna). Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower foam were provided. A sink and 2 mirrors with hairdryers. There was also a hot and cold water cooler. Of course, the lockers were there as well. Quite spacious. I showered happily and went home to koon.
I hope I don't ache all over tomorrow.
I went for my very first 2 classes today. First one was Low Impact Aerobics. Do not be misled by the name Low Impact. It was quite SIONG okay! For a solid 45min, we were moving non-stop to fast-paced music. Most of the ladies (it's an all-ladies fitness centre) were panting like mad. We could catch a bit of breath during the last 15 min, which required us to lie on a mat. It focuses on leg and stomach muscles, which was equally demanding at times. I perspired profusely but enjoyed the session thoroughly. It was a real good work-out, and I must say it was an achievement for a tau-huey like me.
Stayed on another hour for the jazz class. That wasn't tiring, thank goodness. We did simple stretching and movement, but I found out how uncoordinated I was. Couldn't manage simple movements well. Sigh. Never mind. Will become better with more practice.
After 2 solid hours of workout, I checked out the shower facilities. (Can't imagine how much space there is inside that small-looking outlet at Heartland Mall, but wow) This shower room is only for the exclusive use of the power package people. Not bad. There are several shower rooms besides 2-3 changing rooms plus a steam bath room (sauna). Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower foam were provided. A sink and 2 mirrors with hairdryers. There was also a hot and cold water cooler. Of course, the lockers were there as well. Quite spacious. I showered happily and went home to koon.
I hope I don't ache all over tomorrow.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
New Kids On The Block
Today I had 2 new pupils who joined my class. One is Jeong Won Seok, a boy, and the other is a girl, Jeong Min-Ji. Both are Koreans.
Yesterday when I met up with their mothers, I tested the children on their reading abilities. Not too bad, they can read.
Both Min-Ji and Won Seok have got 1 younger brother each in P1. One is in 1-1, and the other in 1-2, so I won't get to teach them. I found out incidentally that they actually reside in JB, as their fathers work there. The poor kids have to travel every day across the causeway to Jalan Kayu to study. Prior to our school, they were actually studying in an international school in JB, but according to their mums, the school has just closed. Woodlands area does not have any school with available places for them, so they have to come all the way here.
I saw how much trouble the parents have to take to settle the kids, and I really admire them from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I met Christine in my school. She and a colleague came to Fernvale to meet up with Li Li for something. I went to say hi. Christine is visibly pregnant, looking good. We couldn't talk much as I was busy with my book display for the class library, so we just had brief exchanges of hi-s.
Yesterday when I met up with their mothers, I tested the children on their reading abilities. Not too bad, they can read.
Both Min-Ji and Won Seok have got 1 younger brother each in P1. One is in 1-1, and the other in 1-2, so I won't get to teach them. I found out incidentally that they actually reside in JB, as their fathers work there. The poor kids have to travel every day across the causeway to Jalan Kayu to study. Prior to our school, they were actually studying in an international school in JB, but according to their mums, the school has just closed. Woodlands area does not have any school with available places for them, so they have to come all the way here.
I saw how much trouble the parents have to take to settle the kids, and I really admire them from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I met Christine in my school. She and a colleague came to Fernvale to meet up with Li Li for something. I went to say hi. Christine is visibly pregnant, looking good. We couldn't talk much as I was busy with my book display for the class library, so we just had brief exchanges of hi-s.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
My Open House
Yesterday the record was broken.
We were visited by 71 students from Bowen. Plus the 6 who came on Friday evening, that was a total of 77. And that is not inclusive of the 5 from Xinghua.
It was nice to have so many people in our house, although the noise level was way above NORMAL. Of course they didn't all come at one go, and our small nest cannot hold so many anyway. The kids started streaming in at 10am, and all the way until 6 plus in the evening, we were busy entertaining them. Hubby and I are both used to that kind of noise, but if any other normal human being was around, he or she would have gone deaf. At one point I tried to do some work in the room, but the noise was so overpowering (some of them were karaoke-ing) that I decided to join them in the card game! It was quite fun. Kumari laughed and asked me if I had distributed flyers to Bowen. In our sms discussion, we came to a conclusion that my open house was more successful than Xinghua's Open House last year. Ha ha ha!
We were visited by 71 students from Bowen. Plus the 6 who came on Friday evening, that was a total of 77. And that is not inclusive of the 5 from Xinghua.
It was nice to have so many people in our house, although the noise level was way above NORMAL. Of course they didn't all come at one go, and our small nest cannot hold so many anyway. The kids started streaming in at 10am, and all the way until 6 plus in the evening, we were busy entertaining them. Hubby and I are both used to that kind of noise, but if any other normal human being was around, he or she would have gone deaf. At one point I tried to do some work in the room, but the noise was so overpowering (some of them were karaoke-ing) that I decided to join them in the card game! It was quite fun. Kumari laughed and asked me if I had distributed flyers to Bowen. In our sms discussion, we came to a conclusion that my open house was more successful than Xinghua's Open House last year. Ha ha ha!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Bye Monkey, Hello Rooster!
It's CNY again.
For the first time in my life, I had to look into the CNY programme in school. Happened to be in-charge of the Mother Tongue Dept as well this year. I'm glad everything went well, thanks to helpful colleagues and a team of capable CL teachers.
Some of my 6A1 girls came to bai nian at Fernvale on chu xi. After that, I packed them into my handsome Chevy and took them all to my place. Guess what, we ended up playing mahjong!
On the second day of CNY, I hosted a lunch gathering for my relatives from dad's side. This year is supposed to be dad's turn to host, so I offered my place. Take it as a housewarming party, since they have never been to my place before.
Caught the show "I Do I Do". I liked it. It's so Singaporean and so funny. 'A' is for Ambutan, 'B' for Buah Duku and 'C' is for C-Kway! I wish I could teach English like that!
I will remember the year of the monkey because I had a class full of monkeys. Ha ha!
The arrival of the Rooster reminded me that my mummy is 60 this year; this is her year. I can't believe it! My mummy still looks 45.
Read some feng shui/prediction and found out that this year is bad for rabbits. How ah? I'm not the superstitious sort but I have big plans to carry out this year. Can't afford any more bad happenings! Last year was bad enough. Must try to zhuan yun.
Gave my kids a red packet each at the end of class today. Told them that they can only open it when they go home, so they tried to put it under the sun to peep at the content. When they discovered that there was $2 (eh, REAL money OKAY!), they beamed. It made them happy, and that brought a smile to my face as well.
Well, Kids are meant to be loved.
For the first time in my life, I had to look into the CNY programme in school. Happened to be in-charge of the Mother Tongue Dept as well this year. I'm glad everything went well, thanks to helpful colleagues and a team of capable CL teachers.
Some of my 6A1 girls came to bai nian at Fernvale on chu xi. After that, I packed them into my handsome Chevy and took them all to my place. Guess what, we ended up playing mahjong!
On the second day of CNY, I hosted a lunch gathering for my relatives from dad's side. This year is supposed to be dad's turn to host, so I offered my place. Take it as a housewarming party, since they have never been to my place before.
Caught the show "I Do I Do". I liked it. It's so Singaporean and so funny. 'A' is for Ambutan, 'B' for Buah Duku and 'C' is for C-Kway! I wish I could teach English like that!
I will remember the year of the monkey because I had a class full of monkeys. Ha ha!
The arrival of the Rooster reminded me that my mummy is 60 this year; this is her year. I can't believe it! My mummy still looks 45.
Read some feng shui/prediction and found out that this year is bad for rabbits. How ah? I'm not the superstitious sort but I have big plans to carry out this year. Can't afford any more bad happenings! Last year was bad enough. Must try to zhuan yun.
Gave my kids a red packet each at the end of class today. Told them that they can only open it when they go home, so they tried to put it under the sun to peep at the content. When they discovered that there was $2 (eh, REAL money OKAY!), they beamed. It made them happy, and that brought a smile to my face as well.
Well, Kids are meant to be loved.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Eat, Meet, Sick
I haven't blogged in a long time. Shall just record small lil highlights for this week.
I must say that this week was a week full of makan and meeting up of friends.
On Monday, I picked up Mr Lin Min at Xinghua to attend the EL Breifing at IPAM. We had a quick lunch at the coffeeshop nearby. Caught ourselves in small chats in-between. It was nice. (Minus the getting lost on the stupid AYE part)
On Tuesday, Elaine called (surprise!) and asked me out for dinner. I turned her down initially (coz usually spend evenings with hubby) and she sounded so disappointed. Felt bad, called hubby for permission, and said yes to her. Met her and Shirley at J8 Sweet Secrets for dinner and it was a great evening.
It's strange, but our friendship actually blossomed after I have left Xinghua. Started talking only during the danceathon period, but that was already the end of the year. Last Friday we went drinking and we suddenly became good friends overnight!
On Thursday, Dency and I were supposed to have our facial, but we were so late we had to call off the appointment. Had tea at Coffee Club at Hotel Rendezvous instead, and boy, we had a really good afternoon catching up. The interior of Coffee Club went through a facelift, and tho I really prefer the old one, I had an equally good time in this new one. There weren't many people around, I guess, and there came a point where we had the whole place to ourselves, so it was nice and quiet. The rays of the afternoon sun shone through the glass window, which blended with the already brownish-orange decor into a perfect finish. I could almost taste the rays as I sipped my camomile tea.
Friday was supposed to be another happening day. Kumari, Dency and Roger were supposed to visit me at Fernvale and then we would go for lunch or something. I was so looking forward to it the whole week and then it didn't materialize. K was attacked by food poisoning, Roger, as usual, came up with some lame excuses, and so couldn't make it. In the end, I went to Compasspoint with my colleagues to run some errands and shop for something to wear for our dance item, but bought nothing. Ended up buying some burger and went back to school to work. Met Jessica from the PSG in Xinghua. I was sniffing the entire day. Struggled through my workbooks (I swore I was going to finish marking those books) and felt really sick.
Met up with Shar and Pris for dinner at Sketches (Bugis) for our long overdue meet up. The evening would have been perfect if not for my dripping nose. It kindda drained me as well, so I wasn't as chatty as I normally am. The last time we met up as a trio was last June. I did have the chance to have meals with Shar twice before this meet up tho. As I was too sick to drive, I went there by train. After dinner, the girls all have plans (and anyway, I really CMI already) and I had to wait for a good 40 min at the taxi stand before I got my cab. Having been on the wheel most of the time, that wait was a real test of my patience! I could have accomplished a lot in 40 min... That's me. I just can't slow down. Blat. The minute I got home, I died instantly on my bed.
Today I fell ill, of course. Saw the doc and was officially declared a patient. Snoozed my entire Saturday. What a loser. I hope I get well soon. This year's CNY is big thing for me! School's celebration and home function, all in one.
Gong Xi Fa Cai.
I must say that this week was a week full of makan and meeting up of friends.
On Monday, I picked up Mr Lin Min at Xinghua to attend the EL Breifing at IPAM. We had a quick lunch at the coffeeshop nearby. Caught ourselves in small chats in-between. It was nice. (Minus the getting lost on the stupid AYE part)
On Tuesday, Elaine called (surprise!) and asked me out for dinner. I turned her down initially (coz usually spend evenings with hubby) and she sounded so disappointed. Felt bad, called hubby for permission, and said yes to her. Met her and Shirley at J8 Sweet Secrets for dinner and it was a great evening.
It's strange, but our friendship actually blossomed after I have left Xinghua. Started talking only during the danceathon period, but that was already the end of the year. Last Friday we went drinking and we suddenly became good friends overnight!
On Thursday, Dency and I were supposed to have our facial, but we were so late we had to call off the appointment. Had tea at Coffee Club at Hotel Rendezvous instead, and boy, we had a really good afternoon catching up. The interior of Coffee Club went through a facelift, and tho I really prefer the old one, I had an equally good time in this new one. There weren't many people around, I guess, and there came a point where we had the whole place to ourselves, so it was nice and quiet. The rays of the afternoon sun shone through the glass window, which blended with the already brownish-orange decor into a perfect finish. I could almost taste the rays as I sipped my camomile tea.
Friday was supposed to be another happening day. Kumari, Dency and Roger were supposed to visit me at Fernvale and then we would go for lunch or something. I was so looking forward to it the whole week and then it didn't materialize. K was attacked by food poisoning, Roger, as usual, came up with some lame excuses, and so couldn't make it. In the end, I went to Compasspoint with my colleagues to run some errands and shop for something to wear for our dance item, but bought nothing. Ended up buying some burger and went back to school to work. Met Jessica from the PSG in Xinghua. I was sniffing the entire day. Struggled through my workbooks (I swore I was going to finish marking those books) and felt really sick.
Met up with Shar and Pris for dinner at Sketches (Bugis) for our long overdue meet up. The evening would have been perfect if not for my dripping nose. It kindda drained me as well, so I wasn't as chatty as I normally am. The last time we met up as a trio was last June. I did have the chance to have meals with Shar twice before this meet up tho. As I was too sick to drive, I went there by train. After dinner, the girls all have plans (and anyway, I really CMI already) and I had to wait for a good 40 min at the taxi stand before I got my cab. Having been on the wheel most of the time, that wait was a real test of my patience! I could have accomplished a lot in 40 min... That's me. I just can't slow down. Blat. The minute I got home, I died instantly on my bed.
Today I fell ill, of course. Saw the doc and was officially declared a patient. Snoozed my entire Saturday. What a loser. I hope I get well soon. This year's CNY is big thing for me! School's celebration and home function, all in one.
Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Si Nian
Si nian shi yi zhong hen xuan de dong xi
ru ying, sui xing . . .
This is one of my favourite songs by Faye Wong.
----------------------
Last Thursday, 2 of my girls from Xinghua came to Fernvale to visit me. I was so looking forward to their visit the whole day, and when I finally saw them, I was really very happy.
As mentioned earlier in my previous blog, I really miss my pupils. Cerella's batch graduated in 2002, and the group of them still visit me (until last year, dunno about this year). 6A1 is my second batch of graduates, and those 2 years I had with my 5A1 and 6A1 are really very dear to me. No language is this world is powerful enough to express what I feel for them.
The little chat we had brought back a flood of memories. I suppose good old days will always remain as good old days.
Missing someone is a magical feeling
Like a shadow, it follows you around . . .
ru ying, sui xing . . .
This is one of my favourite songs by Faye Wong.
----------------------
Last Thursday, 2 of my girls from Xinghua came to Fernvale to visit me. I was so looking forward to their visit the whole day, and when I finally saw them, I was really very happy.
As mentioned earlier in my previous blog, I really miss my pupils. Cerella's batch graduated in 2002, and the group of them still visit me (until last year, dunno about this year). 6A1 is my second batch of graduates, and those 2 years I had with my 5A1 and 6A1 are really very dear to me. No language is this world is powerful enough to express what I feel for them.
The little chat we had brought back a flood of memories. I suppose good old days will always remain as good old days.
Missing someone is a magical feeling
Like a shadow, it follows you around . . .
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