Dear Nao Shu,
You left us on 17 Oct 2005. Yesterday on 16 Oct, you had scratched yourself till you bled. We tried to stop the bleeding but you stubbornly scratched the wound again and again.
This morning, Mama was so relieved to see that you were still alive. In the afternoon, Papa told Mama that you were groggy. When Mama came back in the evening, you had already passed on.
We are sorry that we couldn't stop the bleeding for you. We just want you to know that we love you and we'll always remember you in our hearts.
Love, Papa and Mama
This was the note that I wrote on the card for Nao shu. It was buried together with her at the foot of our block, just beside her buddy who had died on March 27. They are finally together now.
Actually, she started getting better last week after we took her to the vet. The skin on her right side (neck) was broken as she had scratched it. We treated her with antiseptic, then applied powder to dry the area. She also had to take 2 types of liquid medicine, one of which smelled awful. We also added a powder-like medication in her water. She was obviously recovering. In fact, her right side was healing very well. We put her cage into a big tray of shallow water to prevent ants from getting into her cage. She had been active and happy for the past week.
Suddenly last night, she scratched her left side so badly that it started bleeding. And I mean profuse bleeding. She must have torn an artery or vein and the blood just oozed out non-stop. She, being uncomfortable, scratched even more. We forced tissue paper on her wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't help. The minute we put her back inside the cage, she started scratching again. I tried to "bandage" her wound, but she refused to let me.
She died in her favourite blue container where she loved to sleep in. Her eyes were not closed and they looked watery. She must have been in pain but was too weak to do anything. The last few minutes must have been bad. She was a brave girl.
Although we had anticipated her departure, when we really faced her death, we were still overcome by grief. Now I feel an emptines, a void which I cannot explain.
I'm glad that she doesn't have to suffer anymore. I hope that she's happy at where she is now.
Hubby and I are not planning to buy any more hamsters. These 2 are special to us. Hubby had bought them for me as my Valentine's Day present last year. They had brought so much joy into our lives, and we had also given them a lot of our love. To us, they are irreplaceable.
Bye bye, Nao Shu. May you rest in peace.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
My Mousey is Dying
One mousey has died in March this year. The one left behind is not doing too good. I think her days are numbered.
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Smoke Gets In Your ... Face
Today hubby and I went to the hawker centre at Heartland Mall for lunch. It was very crowded but I manage to find an empty table and sat down.
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
Anticipating Baby's Arrival
I have set up a corner in my room for my little darling. Did it some 2 weeks back. Due to space constraints, it's not fabulously fantastic but it is cozy and comfy enough. I think my princess should like it.
Started feeling her kicks a fortnight ago. The first time I felt it was when I was watching Jackie Chan's movie, "The Myth". It was amazing! Since then, her kicks and turns have become an everyday routine. :)
Recently hubby and I bought this gadget that allows us to play music to her. Hubby put a lot of Mozart music into the MP3 player which we connect to the gadget. Then we place the tiny speakers on my tummy for her to listen to. Some research says that Mozart music makes the baby intelligent! Haha, not that we totally believe it, but the music is nice to rock her to sleep. Strangely enough, when we play the music, she reacts! She would start rolling and kicking inside me. I wonder if she's dancing to it or asking us to shut it off. Haha!
This gadget also comes with a little microphone, so we can use it to talk to her. Her daddy talks nonsense but I ask her how she is and sing her songs. Tonight I shall read her nursery rhymes.
Haven't called up Raffles Hospital to sign up for the antenatal classes. I should do it soon. :)
I'm getting bigger and have bought more clothes to add to my maternity wardrobe. Vain mother! I think my princess is going to grow up as vain as I am. Hee!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Teachers' Day Part 2
Like every year, my 6A5/2002 pupils always made it a point to have a meal with me on Teachers' Day.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
Miss Wonderful 2005
That's, erhm, me. I don't look 5 month's pregnant, do I? Beside me is Mdm Kok, our Principal.
Teachers' Day 2005
I celebrated my first Teachers' Day outside of Xinghua this year.
There are a few things memorable about this year's Teachers' Day. Let me try to make a little list.
1. It's my first one at Fernvale Primary School.
2. Never celebrated Teachers' Day with a "tummy." :)
3. Conferred "Miss Wonderful" at the Fernvale Pageant.
4. Mr Low, my ex colleague from Xinghua, joined us in the celebration as he is doing long term relief here. He was "Mr Handsome"!
5. Received a surprise flower basket from Mrs Lee Lay Seng. It came with such a cute huggable bear!
6. The highlight - So many of my ex pupils came to visit me at Fernvale!
At around 11.30am, a group of ex pupils, 5A5/2001 + 6A5/2002, came. They were Cerella, Jaslyn, Pei Sheng and Dickson and 1 more girl from 6A4 (I couldn't recall her name). They represented the whole gang as some of them couldn't make it. I was glad to see them, not only because they never fail to visit me after all these years (they are now in Sec 3), but more of the fact that they have managed to remain decent kids. I was so afraid that they will stray to the wrong side but they didn't. Of course I shall not sentence Pei Sheng to the title of "bad" because of his pierced lips (Although the safety pin he was wearing on his lip made me quite uncomfortable). The fact that he bothered to come and visit me all the way at Fernvale was enough to touch me. Anyway I had to cut the chit chat short as I had class at 12pm.
I'll talk more about this 5A5/6A5 lot in my next entry.
I shall put on record my experience with my 6A1/2004.
I had expected to see some of them as they had smsed me the day before. However, I was really pleasantly surprised to see a whopping 20 of them turning up at my school! It was really .... aww! We gathered at the canteen and I think for some of them, it was a good opportunity to catch up with one another, since everyone is in different schools now. Some have changed quite a fair bit, like Ting Hao, who's become "tall, dark and handsome"and some are still the same, like Yi Jing! Anthony still lived up to his name of "Old Man" due to his genetic white hair. He still has his charming smile! The girls are more or less quite the same, as I reckon they have already started changing when they were in P6. Grown taller, though. Woei Jiun looks prettier with her fringe. She used to have long fringe which she combs to the back.
In the end, the whole jing bang of us went to tear down Pizza Hut at Compasspoint. Met Shuangyu and Yu Jie who passed me gifts before saying goodbye. We had a very good time.
Check out the lovely big kids in this photo. :)
Saturday, August 20, 2005
On Air !
We were in the car listening to an interview on radio FM93.8 this afternoon. The DJ was interviewing a group of undergrads about what a degree can and should do for them. I was quite put off by the first speaker, a girl and an apparent bimbo. When asked about what she thinks a tertiary education means to her, she said that at the end of it, she must be employable, but the most important thing is that the process is enjoyable. She quickly added that it's nice to get a degree at the end of it. I was like, what kind of undergrads do we have nowadays? How can she say something so bimbo-ish and STUPID on air?
I was making all sorts of comments about her when the DJ asked a question. He said, "Do you think a degree can prepare you for a job in the real world?" I was quick to answer loudly in the car, "Of course not la! No degree in this world could prepare anyone for a job entirely. Nothing beats real experience." My husband turned around and challengd me, "Call in and tell them your views."
Not wanting to be defeated, I whipped out my mobile and called in. To my greatest surprise, I got through! A lady on the other side answered hello, and I was so shocked that I asked, "Is this 93.8?" Haha! She said yes, and screened my opinion before asking me if I want to offer my views on air. I said OK!
Then I was really put on air. Hubby became interested and upped the volume of the car stereo a little, but it kindda distracted me coz there was a time difference between what I hear in my phone and the radio. Anyway, I answered as what I had told the lady earlier, and the DJ went on to ask another question.
He said, "Would you prefer to work for 3 years and gain the experience before getting a degree, or would you prefer to get a degree before getting employed?"
I said, "I think I would appreciate the knowledge before starting work. It will put me in a better position. However, before starting my degree education, I would do enough research to ensure that I am really interested in this area or field."
The DJ thanked me for my views.
What an episode! I didn't know that I would do such a thing on such an impulse, but it was really fun!
I was making all sorts of comments about her when the DJ asked a question. He said, "Do you think a degree can prepare you for a job in the real world?" I was quick to answer loudly in the car, "Of course not la! No degree in this world could prepare anyone for a job entirely. Nothing beats real experience." My husband turned around and challengd me, "Call in and tell them your views."
Not wanting to be defeated, I whipped out my mobile and called in. To my greatest surprise, I got through! A lady on the other side answered hello, and I was so shocked that I asked, "Is this 93.8?" Haha! She said yes, and screened my opinion before asking me if I want to offer my views on air. I said OK!
Then I was really put on air. Hubby became interested and upped the volume of the car stereo a little, but it kindda distracted me coz there was a time difference between what I hear in my phone and the radio. Anyway, I answered as what I had told the lady earlier, and the DJ went on to ask another question.
He said, "Would you prefer to work for 3 years and gain the experience before getting a degree, or would you prefer to get a degree before getting employed?"
I said, "I think I would appreciate the knowledge before starting work. It will put me in a better position. However, before starting my degree education, I would do enough research to ensure that I am really interested in this area or field."
The DJ thanked me for my views.
What an episode! I didn't know that I would do such a thing on such an impulse, but it was really fun!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Authentic Leadership
I was reading this book "Authentic Leadership" by Bill George, and came across this quote which I find interesting.
The first thing a leader must do is to define reality. The last thing that a leader should do is to say thank you. In between, the leader must be a servant and debtor. That is Authentic Leadership.
I cannot agree more. The first and last things are the easiest to do. It is the in-between process that challenges you as an authentic leader. To become a servant and debtor, one must possess a lot of humility and high integrity. It is definitely not something easy, especially if the team members are not committed.
I can't say that I am such a leader, but when I read this quote, I am relieved that my approach in my leadership is along this line.
Suddenly I thought of a person. She is a leader in a similar organization, but holding a leadership post that is of higher seniority. Her leadership basically can be defined as this:
The first thing that a leader does is to scold. The last thing that a leader does is to scold louder. In between, the leader scolds and scolds. That is Scolding Leadership.
Wow. Isn't that inspiring?
Ha ha.
The first thing a leader must do is to define reality. The last thing that a leader should do is to say thank you. In between, the leader must be a servant and debtor. That is Authentic Leadership.
I cannot agree more. The first and last things are the easiest to do. It is the in-between process that challenges you as an authentic leader. To become a servant and debtor, one must possess a lot of humility and high integrity. It is definitely not something easy, especially if the team members are not committed.
I can't say that I am such a leader, but when I read this quote, I am relieved that my approach in my leadership is along this line.
Suddenly I thought of a person. She is a leader in a similar organization, but holding a leadership post that is of higher seniority. Her leadership basically can be defined as this:
The first thing that a leader does is to scold. The last thing that a leader does is to scold louder. In between, the leader scolds and scolds. That is Scolding Leadership.
Wow. Isn't that inspiring?
Ha ha.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
I am 3 months pregnant
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.
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.
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?
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