Moments, Memories and Melancholy...

Well Received?

2009-08-01T19:38:00.002+08:00

I wonder how some people can say that their event or idea is well received when evidently it is not.

I just saw this email where one of the heads mentioned that one of the events is well received last year and so the school will be doing the same thing again this year. This email caused me to faint, literally.

In PW we always tell our students to substaintiate whatever is important to them. For instance, if they want to say that their proposed event will be well received, they either have to find some source which supports their view or do a pilot test to see if what they think is true. So I wonder if the head went out to do a simple perception survey. Or did I do any survey but the response was not regarded because of some reason to do with 'convenience'?

I sometimes wonder if our feedback is collected and chucked somewhere and things continue to be the same as long as somebody says the event is well received.

This makes me apathetic to future surveys and feedback collection processes.

Ronaldo is moving..

2009-06-11T23:43:00.003+08:00

Ronaldo is moving, ending a saga that started two years ago.

People move on but institutions remain. No individual is greater than an institution that requires team work.

But I think all of us has a part in us which wants us to be important, to be that person who a company or team cannot live without. We want to be in front and be at the best in what we are doing.

Don't get the wrong impression of slackers who claim that they do not have high goals or they are not important. They are usually the most talented people. Sometimes you learn from them how to be efficient and quiet.

The thought that is going around in my head is: do our talent programmes teach our talents to be humble and generous? Or are they just loudspeakers and thinkers?

想你的夜

2009-06-11T23:37:00.002+08:00

It has been a babe-less week so let's post a song she likes.

想你的夜信乐团

不相信我们的爱情
像阵风消失不见踪影

闭上眼往事又重演
一瞬间我已再次沦陷

想你的夜我已为我已走到终点
一杯酒解不开我心中悲伤
想你的夜思念像海一般无限的蔓延
才发觉爱不会走远

时间不停留结局不会重头
心像停摆的时钟
断不了思念曲终人去楼空
不可收拾的心痛在无尽的夜晚

闭上眼往事又重演
一瞬间我已再次沦陷

想你的夜我已为我已走到终点
一杯酒解不开我心中悲伤
想你的夜思念像海一般无限的蔓延
才发觉爱不会走远

时间不停留结局不会重头心像停摆的时钟
断不了思念曲终人去楼空
不可收拾的心痛在无尽的夜晚

离歌

2009-05-10T15:31:00.003+08:00

离歌信乐团

一开始我只相信
伟大的是感情
最后我无力的看清
强悍的是命运

你还是选择回去
他刺痛你的心
但你不肯觉醒
你说爱本就是梦境
跟你借的幸福
我只能还你

想留不能留才最寂寞
没说完温柔只剩离歌
心碎前一秒用力的相拥著沈默
用心跳送你辛酸离歌

原来爱是种任性
不该太多考虑
爱没有聪不聪明
只有愿不愿意

看不见永久听见离歌

If there was a "Er Hu Instrumental Ensemble" for SYF, they would have probably got GWH. Why? Because there was a wide range of instruments and have people singing.

Sick - My Health and My Heart

2009-04-03T23:45:00.002+08:00

I been sick for the past four days.

On Tuesday I was out of school for a course. It was really beneficial to me as it gave me an insight to what those markers in England really wanted. But I was developing a flu as my nose was leaking towards the end of the course. Then I went to visit a colleague in hospital.

Then on Wednesday morning I woke up feeling fine but once I sat down in office I started sneezing non-stop. Well, the air in my office must be polluted. Or I am allergic to the air there. Or my body could be screaming to inform me to rest. Then on Thursday I went back to work instead of taking MC because I had to prepare for a meeting on Friday. But I was feeling quite weak so I took a MC to rest on Friday morning before heading back to school in the afternoon to attend a meeting.

The meeting progressed well. Colleagues were bouncing ideas off one another, exchanging insights among themselves. Tasks were clarified. My nose was better although my head was aching. And I forgot to bring my medicine to school, so I missed a dose.

Then after the meeting I saw somebody break down because she was too stressed over work. Perhaps it is the heavy load and responsibility and the internal sense of unfairness of why she had to take on something she felt she was not trained in or cannot do well in that did her in.

Heard from another colleague that a new colleague also broke down on Wednesday.

To those who say teachers have an easy job, think again.

My heart goes out to them. I really pitied them but we have to move on. I recalled the times I spent wondering what to do when I was thrown to do something I did not know how to do. She must be feeling the same way as me. The difference was then I was a new teacher but she is not. She must be wondering why her experience is not helping her cope with the present situation.

I hope they realise that it is alright to fall. We always tell students that it is okay to make mistakes but do we believe in this ourselves? Sometimes I think we don't.

Like I don't feel like studying any more but I tell my students that education is for life and they should keep studying. I can't bear the thought of juggling work and studies. I need a life!

Or else what I may catch is not only flu.

Babe is also down. She is experiencing toothache and it seems that the pain is spreading to the surrounding areas. Hopefully a visit to the dentist tomorrow will reveal the cause. It was really heartaching to see her eat dinner just now.

I really don't know how to help them. I can be with babe but I can't do anything for my colleague. I don't counsel well anyway.

No Mood

2009-03-28T18:43:00.002+08:00

No mood to do anything today, even when the bag of marking is next to me and I have to type solutions.

At least she dropped in today, to use my shower.

Long Time No Blog

2009-03-08T23:35:00.004+08:00

It has been a long time since I put something meaningful here.

I'm looking forward to a break. I have not been working optimally. Hopefully I can keep my spirits up and go strong. There will lots of work after the break.

Hope for the best.

Absence

2009-02-04T00:03:00.001+08:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. It seems that I have fallen deeper and can no longer climb out.

Photos of Japan

2009-01-06T10:21:00.003+08:00

This is one of the many outlets in Shinjuku, Tokyo that arranges for social escorts for the locals. The tour guide said that these are mainly controlled by the gangs that control the area.

This is the ryokan (or traditional hotel) that we stayed in for a night. We were supposed to sleep on tatami mats but since I was not feeling well so we got a room with mattresses.

Shinkansen means bullet train in Japanese. Our tour package included a bullet train ride from Hakone to Toyohashi. The interior of the train is clean and comfortable. The ride was like taking an airplane, there was a lady staff pushing trolley asking if we wanted to buy drinks! Unfortunately my camera battery went flat so I did not take any picture of the interior.

Kimono show at a kimono store in Kyoto. This is one of the nicer kimono being modelled.

One of the places I want to visit again, Ueno park in Tokyo. The scenary there is brilliant. I wish I have the chance to go there again in spring!

Too Late..

2009-01-06T10:21:00.000+08:00

How often do we regret when it is too late to change anything?

How often have we allowed pride to get into our way to taking a step back and just say or do something nice or apologise, even when we are not in the wrong?

It is often said that the greatest sins in life are murder and theft, as both involve taking away what belongs to others. My mother once told me as long as one does not commit one of those crimes, then one has nothing to be feel guilty about.

However, I realised that there was something in me that caused me to hurt others and made me feel guilty and wanting others to forgive me. I may have never committed murder or theft, but I still feel guilty.

Interestingly, the first two sins mentioned in the Bible are murder and theft. Instead it is disobedience and then pride, which resulted in Adam eating from the Tree of Life and sinning against God.

So it is quite obvious that what is inside us causes us to do wrong things and hurt people. So one does not have to murder or steal to feel guilty, one just needs to have pride that leads to one exalting oneself above others.

I know of somebody who likes to tell stories of her experiences. When people share their experience, I always hope to learn from them. For her case, I can only pick up signals of her praising herself, thus I cut myself off from whatever she is saying.

Let this be a reminder to us that we must remain humble and not let pride inflate our souls, no matter where we are and what we do.

Apologize

2009-01-06T10:01:00.002+08:00

Apologize by Timbaland

I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say
But I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down
But wait...
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around and say...

That it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
(But that's nothing new)
Yeah yeah

I loved you with a fire red, now it's turning blue
And you say
Sorry like the angel Heaven let me think was you,
But I'm afraid

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
Woahooo woah

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah

I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground...

Back in S'pore

2008-12-22T10:47:00.002+08:00

I'm back home. Photos will be up on Facebook and a few will be up here soon.

Came home and found a stack of bills to pay on my table. Typical life of an adult. Work, pay and pray for the best.

多想

2008-12-09T13:04:00.002+08:00

多想张信哲

我觉得人的心不只一面
任何事都不是绝对
曾因失去他感到痛苦心伤
无爱一身轻隐约约淡淡的酸

偶尔会想他此刻过的怎样
但这只是随便想想
眼前还有好多事让自己忙
常常忘了身在何方

扑面风一阵气氛不一样
发现季节已经更换
午夜梦回时莫名的彷徨
暗自怀念幸福模样

多想再为某人忙碌和分享
又怕空忙一场
情歌满街淹没人心房
我却没有一个倾吐对象
多想再为某人欢喜和忧伤
却怕旧创又患
爱情这东西
拥有了好麻烦少了又拼命想

多想再为某人忙碌和分享
只怕空忙一场

Read What You Distribute

2008-12-08T11:39:00.000+08:00

The recent case of two Christians distributing materials offensive to Muslims and being charged in court for sedition teaches us an important lesson. We must read and understand whatever beliefs or values or news we are trying to spread and if we decide to propogate them, then we must do so in a sensitive manner.

This not only applies to religion, but also to our views on life and work and also when we are doing sales.

The excuse of not having read what you are trying to distribute is not a good one. What made this excuse really poor is that these two Christians involved are highly educated and hold high positions in repectable companies. Do they sign reports and approve proposals without going through them?

In some forums, there were a few individuals who used "freedom of expression" to defend these two Christians but freedom comes with responsibility. If one is free to express one's views without responsibility, then one is not responsible for the outcomes of one's expression, then there will be chaos in society.

The most respectable way to get people to agree with one's views is not to condemn or insult or hurt others but to promote one's views. We must respect the other party's choice not to believe our views.

End of Work

2008-11-28T11:19:00.002+08:00

Finally, I have finished all my work for 2008. Now every ounce of work in my head is for next year 2009.

I will be facing new challenges in 2009. Besides teaching Maths to groups of very smart students, there is SYF and some very interesting but I don't know how things will work out concerts. Suddenly it seems that SYF is very much easier to handle!

And yup, it has been confirmed that I will not be following my classes up to JC2 but they are in very good hands, except I foresee problems when one of my colleague takes over one of my classes. I foresee personality clashes, catfights etc.

Babe is coming home tonight after spending a week in Vietnam working. But she still has to go back to work next week, so sad..

Going Japan in two weeks time! I have been training myself to live in cold air-con conditions in the staff room so I think I am prepared. The air-con in the section where I sit used to be weak, now it is so powerful that it seems to be tearing the strips of paper pasted on the vents.

Hopefully I will come back refreshed and recharged for work in January.

Eventful November

2008-11-20T23:18:00.003+08:00

I'm tired after finishing my reservist duty next week. The commanders said that this exercise will be the last major one. If this is true, then I am very happy. If it is not true, then I am very disappointed.

Went back to work and saw tonnes of work and deadlines in my email. I have been working hard, and hopefully efficent as well, so that I can clear all my work by next week. Then I can rest for a while before I go on my tour.

Also collected my new car yesterday. Happy to be able to drive a car I wanted to buy for three years. Although there are some issues with the deregistration of my previous car, I am optimistic that it will be all over soon.

The business for next year's SYF has started. Pity the students who have to work very hard in April and May next year, but teachers are not exempted too.

Miss babe terribly. She is on a working trip overseas. Looking forward to seeing her again next week.

Sway

2008-10-26T11:57:00.001+08:00

Brings back memories.

Sway Michael Buble

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me
When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Long Time No Update..

2008-10-19T21:43:00.002+08:00

Haiz..have not updated my blog for a long time.

I miss the days when I wanted to blog everyday. I miss the days when I felt motivated to pen down my thoughts about anything. I also miss the days when I felt inclined to defend myself by blogging.

Perhaps nowadays my life is happier and so I do not blog that often anymore.

I want to return to the days when I wanted to blog everyday. Not that I want to be unhappy or not as happy as now, but I want to revive a passion I once had, and one I promised myself to continue if at least one person reads this blog.

Do anybody read this blog any more? Perhaps many of my readers have lost patience with me.

Decision Making Time

2008-09-29T00:02:00.002+08:00

I have been thinking about it for more than a week and I gave myself up till Tuesday to decide. I will be strong and make up my mind.

I recently had my end of the year work review with my superior. For me, work review is never pleasurable, because I do not enjoy reporting what I do in a manner that makes me sound as though I am doing a lot or being impactful. But then nobody wants to get a lousy grade by sounding simple right?

So my superior always ask: What do you want to highlight? Then I will say a little bit. Then he will ask me: What else? That's all? Then I will look at him in a bemused manner, as though to tell him: What else do you want me to say?

I also asked him about the work deployment next year. It seems likely that I won't be following my classes up next year. While I do enjoy teaching some of the classes under my charge and I will like to continue teaching them next year, but I guess I have to part with them some day. Anyway my colleagues are more than capable of taking over from me, so they are in safe hands.

Many of my colleagues are resigning to join private schools. Perhaps one day I shall follow them. Or should I study again? Another decision to make in a few years time.

While I have a headache deciding what to do, I shall leave it to God to direct me. He knows best.

黑白画映

2008-09-10T23:39:00.002+08:00

黑白画映张学友

收拾下自己的心说给自己听
那黑那白全都不在
那风那梦风吹进我的梦

收拾下自己的心好让天使听
那黑那白全都不在
那风那梦风吹进我的梦

无力抱紧看着又伤心
偶而想起我爱你
想追又自己鼓不起勇气
我心中黑白
无力靠近猜测你的心
今夜又会在那里
窗外的风起天下起小雨
我心中黑白的画映

我无力找到真爱可怜我只剩下空白
找不到靠近的理由也只能开不了口
静静的我守在窗口享受这寂寞

无力证明　才让你相信
有个傻子在想你
想你和我有一天相遇
我心中黑白的画映

More Than A Woman

2008-09-07T18:56:00.002+08:00

This song always reminds me of 7th September 2007.

More Than A Woman

Oh, girl I've known you very well
I've seen you growing everyday
I never really looked before
But now you take my breath away.
Suddenly you're in my life
Part of everything I do
You got me working day and night
Just trying to keep a hold on you.

Here in your arms I found my paradise
My only chance for happiness
And if I lose you now I think I would die.
Oh say you'll always be my baby
We can make it shine, we can take forever
Just a minute at a time.

More than a woman, more than a woman to me
More than a woman, more than a woman to me
More than a woman, oh, oh, oh.

There are stories old and true
Of people so in love like you and me
And I can see myself
Let history repeat itself.
Reflecting how I feel for you
Thinking about those people then
I know that in a thousand years
I'd fall in love with you again.

This is the only way that we should fly
This is the only way to go
And if I lose you now I know I would die.
Oh say you'll always be my baby
We can make it shine, we can take forever
Just a minute at a time.

More than a woman, more than a woman to me
More than a woman, more than a woman to me
More than a woman, oh, oh, oh.

One Year...

2008-09-07T09:54:00.002+08:00

It has been one year since that fateful day. Time flies by so quickly, but I am glad that I followed my heart. Can never really thank her enough for all the warmth and love.

Back!

2008-09-02T00:04:00.001+08:00

Just came back from a short trip over the weekend to Macau. Legs are sore from all the walking. I will post some photos soon.

Back to work..

2008-08-17T21:17:00.003+08:00

Finally I'm going back to work tomorrow. Have not been to office for four days and I wonder if I will find any additional work on my table.

Being sick gave me time to rest and think about many things.

I wonder why I can feel the Monday blues when it is not even Monday yet. What's wrong with me?

Waiting..

2008-08-02T22:20:00.002+08:00

Why is he doing such things? Does he think she will be affected by his actions? I can tell him a straight "No".

He has shown her his photo with his new her. Heard that the photo on MSN is too small. I am now waiting for it to be up on Facebook! When is he going to put it up?

There should be new developments soon. I don't understand why he must so nasty.

Levels Up!!

2008-07-27T23:22:00.002+08:00

As the end of the year approaches, I can envision my work increasing. In fact, I have so many 'art work' around my work area that I have to 'borrow' space from a colleague who recently went on leave to give birth! Thank you God!

At the same time, I can see that my stress level is going to increase too. Have vssignments to mark, arrangements with Esplanade to make, 'art work' to grade and got to prepare for a workshop on Thursday! I cannot run away because I got to conduct it. And I have not prepared the materials for my colleagues to go through yet.

But luckily for me, love level is going up too! It is always a source of comfort for me.

One Step Closer..

2008-07-26T19:44:00.002+08:00

Is it a wonder that I feel that we are taking a step, small or big, closer to what we desire?

I can see a journey beyond our destination. We must learn how to experience life with each other, so that we can share our lives in the future.

How sweet this thought is, how sweet you are.

Guessing Intentions..

2008-07-24T23:30:00.000+08:00

I thought I had brushed them off, only for these thoughts to come back again.

I was guessing why a guy wanted to tell his ex that he was seeing someone else a few days ago. It has been months since they broke up and both of them had moved on, so why disrupt the peace that has evolved? Why stir up feelings again?

He called her again today, but she did not pick up her call because she left her handphone on her desk while she went away to work.

What would I think of a guy who months ago asked a girl not to leave him by claiming that he would not be able to forget her and it would be hard for him to start again and now says that he is seeing someone else.

My good impression of him has somehow eroded.

All I can do is to provide moral support for his ex. She has moved on and is now happy, but she was disturbed by his piece of news because she did not know how to react.

The only way she should react is not to react unless he tells her again. We really do not know his intentions. Was he innocently updating a friend? Or was he trying to prove that he has moved on? Or was he trying to find out if there is still a chance of getting back together? Was he trying to see if she will show any sign of distress or unhappiness?

I wish I can tell him that she has moved on too. She is happy now and what you told her has no long term effect on her. If you happen to tell her the same thing again, the response will be one that you should be disappointed to her. She will tell you to enjoy your new relationship.

And I hope that you are really in a new relationship and I too wish you all the best.

喜欢你

2008-07-20T09:12:00.001+08:00

喜欢你陈洁仪

喜欢你给我你的外衣
让我像躲在你身体里
喜欢你借我你的梳子
让我用柔软头发吻你
喜欢你车窗上的雾气
彷佛是你的爱在呼吸
喜欢你那微笑的眼睛
连日落也看作唇印

我喜欢这样跟着你
随便你带我到哪里
你的脸慢慢贴近
明天也慢慢地慢慢清晰
我喜欢你爱我的心
轻触我每根手指感应
我知道它在诉说着你承诺言语

喜欢你车窗上的雾气
彷佛是你的爱在呼吸
喜欢你那微笑的眼睛
连日落也看作唇印

我喜欢这样跟着你
随便你带我到哪里
你的脸慢慢贴近
明天也慢慢地慢慢清晰
我喜欢你爱我的心
轻触我每根手指感应
我知道它在诉说着你承诺言语

我喜欢这样跟着你
随便你带我到哪里
你的脸慢慢贴近
明天也慢慢地慢慢清晰
我喜欢你爱我的心
轻触我每根手指感应
我知道它在诉说着你承诺言语

我喜欢这样跟着你
随便你带我到哪里
你的脸慢慢贴近
明天也慢慢地慢慢清晰
我喜欢你爱我的心
轻触我每根手指感应
我知道它在诉说着你承诺言语
我知道它在诉说着你承诺言语

Some of my favourite songs..

2008-07-13T20:36:00.002+08:00

张信哲 - 太想爱你 (1996)
Reminds me of my first love.

叶良俊 - 距离 (1997)
Very good local singer who retired to teaching when he was in his prime.

彭羚 - 眼睛濕濕的 (1998)
Kit Chan has a hit by the same name, same lyrics but different tune.

All these are old songs. And they all have a common link: they involve Jimmy Ye. Unfortunately I cannot find any more video of his songs. :(

10 months!!!

2008-07-07T23:15:00.002+08:00

It has been ten months ever since I started a journey with babe. Unlike other journeys where we get tired and want to stop and rest, we want to just keep going on and on, as if there is no destination.

I may not know where we are walking to but I am happy we are still walking together.

Last day of June holidays..

2008-06-20T19:54:00.001+08:00

Well, he has changed his profile picture and relationship status. Happy for him.

Today is the last weekday of the June holidays. People always envy the fact teachers have holidays in June and December, forgetting that teachers have problems clearing their leave and going on off days during the regular school days. The fact is that teaching is a noble profession, not as easy to survive in as thought by outsiders and if people are still envious of teachers having holidays, I have two suggestions. Either you join my profession or you accept the fact that some people have to take on the role (or some say "dirty job") of teachers, so just accept the facts.

I had a good rest for the past week or so, except that I had to accompany my angklungnites to a symposium earlier this week. I have yet to upload the videos and photos I took. I hope they learned how to work with others and how to adapt to difficult situations. Hopefully the symposium is worth the money, but not when looking from the foodie's perspective.

I had migraine for the past two days, perhaps caused by my brain reacting to my impending return to the office. Thinking of what I have to clear on Monday makes me dread going back. Have to process a bill, have to request for more money, have to prepare H3 notes, have to prepare for work review on Wednesday, papers to mark from Wednesday afternoon onwards, a full day course on Friday and a last minute meeting on Monday late afternoon (surely very unwelcomed news).

Argh headache is resuming!

Glad I found time to read some books. I mopped up five books in June (which is a record). Also found time to go dating more often, even though she's away for camps for two and a half weeks out of four.

Back to working life soon. And I have yet to iron my shirts. Duh...

很多鹅

2008-06-15T11:58:00.002+08:00

很多鹅旺福

挥挥手摆摆头
我们一起去郊游
真快乐真快乐
快乐并不需要理由
小山坡小河流
天空飞过一只鹅
二只鹅三只鹅
四五六七八九只鹅
听那公鸡叫
咕......
听那青蛙叫
喔......
我们一起来齐唱和
快乐乐悠悠

Q & A: Changing Light Bulbs

2008-06-13T13:43:00.002+08:00

Q: How many RJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: 4 whole faculties. One to design the new bulb, one to manufacture and test it out, one to write a proposal on it and one to market it.

Q: How many HCJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: The whole school. To compete with RJC.

Q: How many VJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: The whole school. One student to screw it in and the rest to cheer and wave flags and banners to give him/her support.

Q: How many NJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They can study without light.

Q: How many AJC students does it take to change a light bulb?

A: They're too busy trying to be one of the top 5 JCs.

Q: How many ACJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They'll rather use all their money to employ YJC to do it for them.

Q: How many YJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. Only one teacher to tell them what a light bulb is in the first place and to demonstrate how to change the light bulb. (So how do you think they're able to change it for ACJC?)

Q: How many CJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: They'll prefer it to be darker. (Hmmmm?*raises eye-brows* )

Q: How many JJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. Their physics is so bad that they made their macho male physics teacher cry.

Q: How many TPJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. Would they even bother?

Q: How many SAJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They believe in praying for it.

Q: How many NYJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They are still using oil lamps.

Q: How many SRJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Huh, what litebarb?

Q: How many PJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Heck the light bulb lah, the principal would do something about the rightbarbs. Let's do 300 jumping jacks for not wearing the proper school attire.

Q: How many MJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They are too busy trying to get promoted.

Q: How many IJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They are Innovians. They'll find ways out of the dark.

Q: Who wrote all this?

A: A TJCian.

Q: How many TJC students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They think they are already very bright.

Have a laugh (:

June So Far..

2008-06-07T10:19:00.002+08:00

Feeling quite happy this month. I can finally slow down a little bit and catch up on some of the readings I have been neglecting for the past few months.

Really feel that I have learned a lot this month. Mainly it is because I have opportunities to stop and think about things. I also realised that I am feeling quite optimistic over how things will turn out in the future, which makes me feel good!

Read an ex-student's blog. She blogged about how important feeling is to a relationship. How can I disagree with her? A lot of things are easy to say but hard to do. Maintaining the feeling is one of them. Lucky for me, the feeling is natural and so maintenance is almost zilch!

为你写诗

2008-05-28T10:44:00.002+08:00

This song reminds me of her, as I wrote a poem for her.

为你写诗吴克群

爱情是一种怪事我开始全身不受控制
爱情是一种本事我开始连自己都不是
为你我做了太多的傻事第一件就是为你写诗

为你写诗为你静止为你做不可能的事
为你我学会弹琴写词为你失去理智
为你写诗为你静止为你做不可能的事
为你弹奏所有情歌的句子
我忘了说最美的是你的名字

爱情是一种怪事你的笑容是唯一宗旨
爱情是一种本事我在你心里什么位置
为你我做了太多的傻事第一件就是为你写诗

为你写诗为你静止为你做不可能的事
为你我学会弹琴写词为你失去理智
为你写诗为你静止为你做不可能的事
为你弹奏所有情歌的句子
我忘了说最美的是你的名字

Headache!

2008-05-21T16:01:00.000+08:00

I am having a splitting headache. Reading documents is not good for health, especially mine.

Went for lunch with somebody higher up there. Told him that I am reconsidering my future at the end of the year. Perhaps it is time to say goodbye.

Long Weekend..

2008-05-18T21:21:00.003+08:00

A long weekend before the last week of the school term.

I am beginning to feel weak, as usual, when a term is almost finishing. Hope I won't fall sick again.

落叶归根

2008-05-18T21:16:00.002+08:00

Beautiful song.

落叶归根王力宏

举头望无尽灰云那季节叫做寂寞
背包塞满了家用路就这样开始走
日不见太阳的暖夜不见月光的蓝
不得不选择寒冷的开始留下只拥有遗憾

命运的安排遵守自然的逻辑
谁都无法揭谜底

喔～远离家乡不甚唏嘘幻化成秋夜
而我却像落叶归根坠在你心间
几分忧郁几分孤单都心甘情愿
我的爱像落叶归根家唯独在你身边

Feels Good...

2008-05-16T21:25:00.002+08:00

It certainly felt good when she said that she loved me unconditionally.

She is really worth loving. I thank God for bringing her into my life.

Too Much Heaven

2008-05-04T20:23:00.000+08:00

Heaven is a wonderful place, a place where one will have good rest and escape from all the trouble in this world.

Too Much Heaven The Bee Gees

Chorus:
Nobody gets too much heaven anymore
It's much harder to come by
I'm waiting in line
Nobody gets too much love anymore
It's as high as a mountain
And harder to climb

Oh you and me girl
Got a lot of love in store
And it flows through you
And it flows through me
And I love you so much more
In my life I can see beyond forever
Everything we are will never die
Love is such a beautiful thing
Oh you make my world a summer day
Are you just a dream to fade away

Chorus..

You and me girl got a highway to the sky
We can turn away from the night and day
And the tears we had to cry
You're my life..
I can see a new tomorrow
Everything we are will never die
Love is such a beautiful thing
When you are to me, the light above
Made for all to see our presious love

Chorus..

Love is such a beautiful thing
You make my world a summer day
Are you just a dream to fade away

Chorus..

Nobody gets too much love anymore
It's as wide as a river and harder to cross

Chorus..(repeat and fade)

Why the sharper arrows?

2008-05-01T23:58:00.004+08:00

All I thought I had to do was to bring people to a certain place, make sure that they are safe and accounted for. So I agreed to be roped in.

When I was told that I had to guide them to prepare for some presentation, I agreed as I thought perhaps I could help out in some way.

Now it seems that when the in-charge goes for reservist, I have to take over the admininstration and communication with the external parties. So suddenly, I am in-charge? Interesting!

Seems like the arrows are getting sharper. Perhaps like what a particular respected individual told me, my duties are the easiest for the rest to cover. So I have to be thankful to people when they cover my duties when I want to be dutiful?

I guess I should not have been so 'agreeable' in the first place and now I cannot get out of it.

Feeling Stupid..

2008-04-19T18:19:00.001+08:00

I feel stupid, real stupid.

I don't feel good. Really.

With my eyes closed I hope that I can be guided and find a way to get out of this negative feelings.

How am I going to face what is going to come if I put myself down today?

无底洞

2008-04-15T09:37:00.002+08:00

This song reminds me that many people can only see the surface of love, that is why they "fall in or out" of love repeatedly. Did they really love or only wanted what they considered was love?

无底洞蔡健雅

有时寂寞太沉重
身边彷佛只是观众
你的感受没有人懂
难得谁自告奋勇
体贴让人格外感动
爱上他前后用不到一分钟

嘿回想恋情的内容
有谁想过有始有终
不过是一时脆弱让人放纵

嘿穿梭一段又另一段感情中
爱为何总填不满又掏不空
很快就风起云涌
人类的心是个无底洞

尝试亲吻尝试拥抱或沟通
没有好感再尝试也没有用
大多数人都相同
喜欢的只是爱情的脸孔

没有谁背后怂恿
不该爱又爱的冲动
是你害怕孤单而拼命补充

嘿回想恋情的内容
有谁想过有始有终
不过是一时脆弱让人放纵

It's over..

2008-04-14T21:34:00.002+08:00

It's over. Really over. I can take a breather and start thinking about the other tasks I have to complete.

The peak period of the year is here. Suddenly markings are coming in, deadlines are delivered via email and there seems to be so many small issues appearing here and there which take up a lot of my mental energy.

However, there is always comfort, the comfort she gives me. Really happy to see her, although I had to wait for an hour inside my car drinking soya bean milk.

Finally...

2008-04-09T23:32:00.000+08:00

The day has come. Finally, the concert is near.

The preparations began months before and all we hope is that the performance for that one and a half hours will be fantastic and justifies all the hard work put in by all members.

I'm sleepy but not sleeping yet as I am asking myself if I have left anything out for tomorrow.

Should I take on another challenge?

Sweet Child Of Mine

2008-03-31T00:09:00.002+08:00

Hear the rock song on this blog?

Can you imagine this song being played on angklung?

To hear it being played on angklung, please buy tickets to Reminiscence by the NJC Angklung Ensemble. It is on 10th April at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Each ticket costs $14.

Order through me before it's too late.

Denial?

2008-03-30T23:59:00.001+08:00

Am I witnessing somebody living in a state of denial?

I went to view his profile just now because I thought of him. I saw his relationship status and his profile photo. Is he still imagining things? Or is he hanging on to the faintest hope he imagines he has for her?

I'm not sure why I'm feeling sympathetic towards him as I don't know him well. But I know he had lost a great girlfriend, somebody who he saw as the special one, and somebody who I agree is a special person.

Looking at his profile photo, I can imagine how happy they were together. Judging from how she treated him ever since they split, I knew he is a nice guy, somebody who can be depended on as a friend. But too bad she knew he was not the one for her.

I hope he moves on. Looking at his profile I have a gut feeling he treasures the moments with her a lot and he is not yet over her. But she is now happy with another guy and friend, please forget her.

Be strong. I'm sure the one for you will appear someday.

Strong..

2008-03-28T00:26:00.001+08:00

I want to be strong. I must be strong. I have to be strong for babe. I want to support her forever so I need strength.

God please give me strength.

Tired...

2008-03-23T23:36:00.002+08:00

Feeling mentally tired. Don't really feel like going to work tomorrow.

Coincidences..

2008-03-17T22:58:00.000+08:00

Ever wondered why there are such things called coincidences in this world?

Coincidences always catch us by surprise, causing us to wonder how they can happen in the first place.

Especially when they occur with the special one.

Had a spate of coincidental thoughts with babe today, which made my short meeting with her today meaningful and interesting. So she said we were made for each other.

I used to tell her that something special is going on between us. Even though I have stopped saying it for some time, I still feel that there is some special about us, which is difficult to explain using words.

When God Made You

2008-03-13T17:13:00.003+08:00

This is going to be my wedding song.

When God Made You by Newsong and Natalie Grant

It's always been a mystery to me,
How two hearts can come together,
And love can last forever.
But now that I have found you I believe,
That a miracle has come when God sends the perfect one.
Now gone are all my questions about why,
And I've never been so sure of anything in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking, when He created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.

I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you,
With all my heart I'll be there too.
And from this moment on I want you to know,
I'll let nothing come between us, and I will love the ones you love.
Now gone are all my questions about why,
And I've never been so sure of anything in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking when He created you,
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you He must've been thinking about me.

He made the sun He made the moon,
To harmonise a perfect tune,
One can't do without the other they just have to be together.
And that is how I know it's true,
You're for me and I'm for you
'Cos my world just can't be right without you in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking when He created you,
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
He must have heard every prayer I've been praying
He must've knew everything I would need
When God made you, He must've been thinking about me.

Energy..

2008-03-11T22:18:00.003+08:00

Long time no update.

I have lost my energy to blog. Somehow whenever I look at my own blog, I don't know what to record in here.

I have given all my energy to writing somewhere else, but now since I had already passed on my works to somebody else, it is time to re-divert some energy back here.

I promised myself that I will maintain this blog. I will do so, as long as I know somebody reads it.

Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day. A TV crew is coming to film the Angklungnites in action and I am very excited. Hope everything goes well and I will pray hard tonight.

Just received a bumper of instructions from the Esplanade over email and I almost fainted. Why do I have to submit so many documents to them? And it seems that there are many other 'hidden' costs there. I really hope the college approves the concert budget soon, I really need the money!!!

All the trouble is worth it, as long as the ensemble ascends to the next level of brilliance.

They will, definitely.

恋曲 L.A.

2008-02-24T11:06:00.000+08:00

恋曲 L.A. 袁惟仁

还记得去年夏天在L.A.的机场
你捧着一束鲜花清纯的模样
在入境大厅里不停的望
怕我的出现消失在你身旁

你说这座城市有你编织的梦想
在时速限制只有九十的路上
我莫名期待的望着窗
让你驾著我们未知的去向

Sunset boulevard，santa monica
爱情的地图原来是怎么样
Above the city, around the highway
你就是我的天堂
Santa barbara, pasadena
爱情的幻灭原来才是成长
Above the clouds, around the shadow
迷失也是方向

Money Money..

2008-02-21T09:51:00.000+08:00

It is not easy to raise money, especially for something one deems important.

The dreams and vision of many may not be realised if financial assistance is not found in time.

Hopefully, the report and budget I am putting up to the AM helps, then I can tell my students to relax.

It is hard to earn money. It is even harder when you know that there is money somewhere but you can't get it.

From Now On

2008-02-17T22:37:00.001+08:00

From Now On Leslie Cheung and Sandy Lam

You've given me a way to see how perfect life can be
You've given me the master key that really sets me free
And if it's taken me some time to realize that you are mine
At last I'm yours and life's so fine so finally

I can't believe you've given me me a love so warm and true
And I can't remember wanting more now I, I have you
Now I know for sure it's time to leave the darkest days behind
'Cos you're mine and life's so fine so finally

From now on you will stay forever in my heart
From now on you'll be with me though we are apart
From now on I somehow just know
I'll never let you go away from me from now on

You've shown the way for me to stay I'll love you till the end
Into beyond when life has gone I'll still love you if I can
I know it's taking me some time to find the one I've had to find
At least I'm yours and life's so fine so finally

From now on you will stay forever in my heart
From now on you'll be with me though we are apart
From now on I somehow just know
I'll never let you go away from me from now on

I somehow just know
I'll never let you go away from me from now on

Valentine's Day..

2008-02-15T22:37:00.000+08:00

On Valentine's Day, everybody in school has at least a stock of flower. One student I met even bought a rose for himself, a sign of loneliness?

The florists must be happily laughing away at the profits they made on V-day as men swamp their outlets for bouquets of flowers, a sight I witnessed at Westmall yesterday.

The traffic was especially heavy and I had problems finding a space to park near my home as I live opposite a pub. Everybody must be having their V-day dinner there, causing nuisance to people like who live nearby.

The question here is: Why do we need Valentine's Day? Why must we wait until 14th February to show our love and appreciation to the significant one, who is willing and brave enough to stick with us?

In fact, we can do it on any day, any time, in simple and yet significant ways. We need not bring our partners to expensive restaurants or extravagant trips, like to the newly opened Singapore Flyer, to show our love and appreciation.

The fact is memories need not be created on special occasions. They can be created any time, they need not be extravagant and fanciful and there need not be a crowd to witness the love and faith in two individuals whose hearts are linked.

Remember that love is simple and yet powerful and mysterious.

The strength of a relationship is not proportional to how much we spend on V-day. Similarly, the cohesion of a marriage is not dependant on where the groom proposes. Lastly, the value of promises made is not linked to the number of stalks of flower you give.

爱你让我勇敢

2008-02-05T13:48:00.000+08:00

I have some spare time so I changed the song. Another classic duet, which expresses how I feel about my current relationship. I have been undergoing emotional upheavals so it is good to listen to some songs which comfort me.

爱你让我勇敢苏慧伦杜德伟

像小提琴配上美妙的弦
和你在一起日子这么甜
现在就是永远
我不在乎世界变不变

不会有两颗心比我们和谐
能侃侃而谈
能彼此温暖
一天不见面
就开始想念

爱你让我勇敢
什么事都不难
想你想得坦然
不再心烦意乱
眼角的泪水
总能被你的笑容擦干

爱你让我勇敢
什么事都不难
想你想得坦然
不再心烦意乱
从此一个人
都不会觉得自己孤单

Short Holiday...

2008-01-30T20:06:00.000+08:00

I lost my voice.

I recall losing my voice in November but I did not have to teach then. This time around, I had to take a MC yesterday because I could not even whisper. The doctor suspected throat infection and gave me antibiotics.

I wonder what my classes did when I was not around.

Today I was on a full day course at Republic Polytechnic. I realised that speakers who were the most practical and down to earth sounded more interesting and relevant while speakers who spoke about big pictures and idealistic notions were boring, at least to me as I was looking forward to listening for ideas and solutions to challenges that I face at work.

So I rested my voice for two days and I can now talk normally. I cannot project my voice yet and so tomorrow I will find ways to talk as little as possible.

I feel happy now because babe said something magical to me.

The Future...

2008-01-27T00:12:00.000+08:00

I do ponder, once in a while, about our future.

You said that the future may be uncertain. We don't know what is going to happen. We can't predict anything. But there is one thing which is certain to me, that is we want to make things work and we want to have a future together, no matter what happens.

So far nothing have changed. Whenever I am going to meet you, I still feel excited, even though we are not going to do anything exciting. When I hold your hands I still feel contented, even though it is the same pair of hands I am holding. When I hear your voice on the phone I still smile, no matter how tired and sleepy I am.

I guess I am crazy. I may have ruined my own life but I am happily allowing it to happen.

Sick..

2008-01-24T21:46:00.000+08:00

Babe is sick. Babe started to lose her voice yesterday and totally lost it just now as I couldn't hear much of her on the phone.

Babe is so hardworking that she refused to take MC today, so she lost her voice taking students on a museum tour. Luckily she took MC tomorrow, or else I don't know what to do with her.

Tomorrow bringing her to x-ray her knee. Hope that it doesn't reveal any serious injury.

Hope she gets well soon, she has important things to do on Saturday.

让我取暖

2008-01-20T19:37:00.000+08:00

让我取暖王力宏彭羚

(彭羚)　看起来朋友很多　知心的没几个　而最关心的就是你
尤其是这些年后　分开的那么远　感情更难说出口

(王力宏) 回程的机票在手　或许明天就走　其实都可以更改的
只要是你开口留我　只要一个理由　就能让我停留

(彭羚)　别太晚　别太乱　别太烦　告诉我有没有人让你取暖
谈情感　谈孤单　谈平凡　虽然所有相聚都可能面对离散

(王力宏) 下一晚　下一站　下一段　告诉我有没有人让你取暖
如果能　再回到　你身边　那些走在大街的日子多简单　多自然

(彭羚)　看起来朋友很多　知心的没几个　而最关心的还是你
(王力宏) 回程的机票在手　也许明天就走　除非是你留我

(合) 一直到天黑了　人散了　谁也都不要离开
一直到我们都相信了　还有爱

Back to Work..

2008-01-17T16:13:00.000+08:00

Work has begun. I mean real work, full timetable and ad-hoc assignments are flowing in.

I have finally met all my classes and some classes left a good first impressions. There are some classes which once you walk in, you know you can have lots of fun with them and they can get things done. For some classes, you feel that they are so lifeless and besides sharing with them content knowledge, you must also think of ways to make them alive.

I won't be thinking too much because I know that the classes will change. The turnover rate is 50% two years ago and I don't expect it to be different this year.

I forgot to take my camera out of office, otherwise I would have uploaded some of the photographs I took of my new students here.

I shall enjoy myself with babe as much as I can.

Long Time..

2008-01-13T23:04:00.001+08:00

Long time no blog. I shall put up something decent soon, I promise.

First Week..

2008-01-04T23:54:00.000+08:00

The first week of the new school year had just passed. As I am teaching the new batch of students, I did not have to conduct any lessons. Everything seems quite peaceful and relaxing. I even had time for a very slow breakfast!

I wonder how this batch of students will turn out to be. I heard that they are smarter and hence should be able to perform better than their seniors.

One more week of no lessons, then school life really begins!

相信

2008-01-02T23:50:00.000+08:00

相信林玉婷

我的冷漠或许让你黯然神伤
对你沉默或许让你慌乱而不安
其实我的内心是你看不见的慌
而你又悄悄把爱植进我心房
心中残留太多的伤模糊了爱的方向你能否让我勇敢

让我再相信再相信爱和情
不为曾经伤心对爱一生都怀疑
让我再相信再相信爱和情
让我可以为你再点亮我的心

Review of 2007...2008?

2007-12-28T22:24:00.000+08:00

2007 was a satisfying year for me.

Most of the students I taught were hardworking and self-motivated. It feels good to see most of them improving by leaps and bounds in their final year. Most of them had matured a lot and had started to plan for their future.

The classes I took over at the beginning of the year were classes that brought me lots of fun and I never got tired of teaching them. For the students who were under me for two years, I hope that they not only learned how to solve Maths problems, but also learn how to work smart.

The Angklungnites did themselves proud by retaining the Gold award during this year's SYF Central Judging. Although they were aiming higher, they can truly be proud of their success. They should also be aware of a fact, that is the Angklung Ensemble had never been awarded Gold in two consecutive SYF Central Judging, so they had already managed a break through. There will be more exciting years ahead for the Angklung Ensemble.

This year I chose to try out a new role in the PW Committee. The work is at time stressful and gave me lots of headache. Luckily, I was given full support and so I managed to complete the task earlier than expected.

So work wise, everything went well.

At times in life, we have to make tough and important decisions. Sometimes we regret, sometimes we rejoice and sometimes we obtain unexpected results. This year, on 7th September, I decided to take a risk and tell her how I felt for her. I never thought I would discover that she had been waiting for me. Since then, our relationship has developed into a sweet and comfortable one. We got to know each other better and since them we never looked back. Although there were times when we were reminded of how difficult it would be for us to remain together, her support encourages me to carry on and not give up.

I can say that this has been the happiest stage of my life! Thanks babe!

2008 can be a defining year of my life.

Firstly, it should be (and most likely it will be) the year I find out how far I go with babe.

Secondly, I have inherited a challenge. The challenge is to ensure that my CCA continues to progress. For the first time, the concert will be at the Esplanade and it will be a challenge to hold a concert befitting the Esplanade.

Thirdly, I will finish my bond and I can finally listen to offers.

Most importantly, I must stay sane and healthy.

Soon...

2007-12-26T20:16:00.000+08:00

It is going to be time to review how 2007 has turned out for me. I wonder how different has it been from how I expected it to be.

Love, work, life, lessons and all. It will be done soon.

I hope 2008 will be better for me.

Uncomfortable...

2007-12-23T23:04:00.000+08:00

I feel uncomfortable. My heart is thumping hard. My eyelids are twitching. What is happening?

My eyelids have been twitching for the past week. I wonder if it is an omen? I read a book that says "follow the omen" but how to follow when I don't even know what it is trying to tell me?

Work, work, work...

2007-12-22T10:30:00.000+08:00

In about five days time, I am returning to work.

Work is necessary. Work allows me to earn some money, maintain my current lifestyle, plan for my future and learn how to deal with people. Once upon a time, work was an avenue for me to not think about my life, but I am glad I no longer think this way, ever since I felt a tug in my heart.

This tug told me that I could not not think of my life, as in I can achieve something beyond work.

Very very soon, I will be able to tender my resignation and leave a career that I had chosen because I felt a calling. Usually, people who feel a calling find themselves idealistic and when they have to be realistic, they either forget about their callings or leave if they cannot align their callings with what they have to do.

This is what I believe, is happening to many of the educators out there.

It is true that teachers who want to teach, influence lives and play a part in nation building find themselves disillusioned when they have to combat unrealistic goals, administrative work and their schools' advertising campaigns. They find themselves even more disillusioned when they cannot see how what they are doing improve their students' lives.

I can say that after two and a half years in the teaching profession, I am still idealistic. I am lucky that I am able to steer myself clear of work that do not benefit students. But I know if I want to soar, I have to get myself involved in activities I do not believe in.

Sometimes we must be selfish and take care of ourselves. If we fall, we cannot do what we want to do.

I get the feeling that some people do not stop working, even when they are supposed to relax. I once saw a lady flaring up on the phone at a chalet in the middle to a gathering! Perhaps by working and making herself busy, she would have no time to think about something else?

But exhaustion and illnesses exist for a good reason: they are breaks designed for us to stop and re-evaluate ourselves. However, most of us do not realise it and work even though we are very tired and ill.

How often do we stop and ask ourselves: If we compare the objectives we have now and before we started out, will they be the same? Have we forgotten why we started out in a path we are on now?

Or do we have a path? Or we cannot see our path? Then until death do you part with work!

I miss you...

2007-12-17T19:05:00.001+08:00

Easy to win honours?

2007-12-16T13:51:00.000+08:00

A few nights ago I almost got into a very serious discussion with a colleague who I sat with at the same table during another colleague's wedding dinner.

We were talking about the performing arts CCAs in our college when she said that playing the angklung was easy and it was not difficult for the CCA to do well. Of course, this statement got me heated before my logical soul told me to cool down. Anyway, why get into heated discussion over work at a wedding dinner in December?

So I told her that all students in the performing arts groups had to work very hard to achieve good results. When I said that I was also including the Angklungnites. So she responded by saying that these students suffer physical injuries, so I responded that my students do get physical injuries too, like blisters and swollen palms, but somehow she was not convinced, insisting that my CCA did not have to 'suffer' as other CCAs to win honours.

Going by her logic, it seems that drummers have it easy because all they have to do is to hit the drums, no need to learn the notes, but we all know that this is not true.

My view is every performing arts CCA has to put in a lot of effort to win honours for the college and gain a reputation for performing to high standards at any event they perform in. The problems and challenges faced by all performing arts CCA are almost the same, mainly time lines, team coordination issues and always trying to be creative and different.

I am sure that the colleague (I have no idea who) who joins me next year will find out that things are not that simple as they seem. Perhaps then, can he or she appreciate our students more.

More Than Words

2007-12-16T13:17:00.000+08:00

More Than Words by Extreme

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cos I'd already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you

More than words..

Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don't ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cos I'd already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you

More than words..

爱的就是你

2007-12-10T23:09:00.000+08:00

爱的就是你王力宏

在爱的幸福国度你就是我唯一
我唯一爱的就是你
我真的爱的就是你

失去才会懂得珍惜但我珍惜你
伤越痛就是爱越深我不相信
你和我同时停止呼吸每一次我们靠近
你让我忘了困惑忘了所有烦心

我把你紧紧拥入怀里捧你在我手心
谁叫我真的爱的就是你
在爱的纯净世界你就是我唯一
永远永远不要怀疑
我把你当作我的空气如此形影不离
我大声说我爱的就是你
在爱的幸福国度你就是我唯一
我唯一爱的就是你
我真的爱的就是你

就是你~yeah~就是你
唯一爱的就是你
爱的就是你

My Anata

2007-12-09T21:09:00.000+08:00

My Anata (My Love)

三更半夜sabishi的我　只听见ojisan骑着单车卖着馒头
yoji han desu 你究竟在哪里
难道你又是在kurabu唱着nakashi哟

oh 不知道你　还爱不爱我
我哪里做错　请你快告诉我
我打不还手　我骂不还口
只要你说一声 "ai shiteru" 别说sayonara

hitori de　孤苦伶仃的我
苦等着anata两年三个月也没有消息
快要发疯　我听到门铃声
sumimasen宅急便说他要找的在隔壁

oh 我怀疑你　已经不爱我
想要离开我　我求你不要走
我为你减肥　我为你喝醉
请不要说你已不爱我　亲爱的anata

(anata anata oh, please don't go!)

我要你知道　我永远爱你
如果失去你　我就活不下去
我们最match 我不会怪你
因为有一天你会看见我爬出电视机

About babe..

2007-12-09T20:55:00.000+08:00

Apparently some people have been reading this blog but did not tag for the fear that I will shut down this blog and run if I know that they are reading.

This fear is unfounded because this blog is for all who come here to read. Whatever I put here is something I can let others know. So what I don't put here are stuff that I don't want people to know.

This post is about babe. Although readers may know more about babe through this post, it is not the intention of this post to advertise her. This post is for me to record down my memories of her.

We met about two and a half years ago, when our paths finally crossed after being in parallel for almost four and a half years. It is amazing that we were achieving the same goals in the same institutions and yet we never really noticed each other.

I can say that our first impressions of each other were not that positive. I found her somewhat lacking in maturity and tact while she found me unfriendly. While we exchanged contacts, we never really contacted each other until one fine day when she came over to my college for a course.

That day was significant on two counts. One was that I unintentionally did something that made her see me in a different light. Another was by going out with her that day I pissed somebody off and my friendship with him changed course.

Soon we were meeting regularly for meals and gym sessions and we got to know each other better but we never really went any further.

Quarrels were inevitable because our characters and beliefs were so different but perhaps these disputes allowed us to know each other better.

Soon I felt my heart being tugged. While I might be attracted, it did not mean that I should go further. However, as time passed by, incidents told me that I really wanted to be with her.

So after many delays, I finally told her how I felt for her. That was three months ago.

To be honest, she is quite different from my dream partner. Dreams don't always come true and facing reality is more important. However, it does not mean that she is not good enough for me and I had settled for something less. It is more appropriate to say that I had found someone who is different from my dream partner and has the qualities and beauty which I admire.

Every time she asks me why I fell for her, I am stumped. The gift I gave her on our three-month anniversary was a small glass plaque with question marks on it. The gift is my answer to her question. She said that it could be because she was always around me. Well it could be, as I did not have to seek out too far to know her better.

I am thankful to her for being so wonderful to me. Without babe, there will be no idiot.

Three Months

2007-12-07T22:24:00.000+08:00

Three months and I am waiting to see if there is a fourth month.

Enrichment Month..

2007-12-05T09:28:00.000+08:00

I will like to call December my enrichment month because this is the month when I can find time to do what I could not find time to complete in the previous months.

I had finished reading numerous books, including those I bought last year. My mind felt so saturated that I did not feel energetic enough to read these interesting books.

Now I shall move on to read some textbooks that I wanted to read since last year but again some matters sapped all my energy away.

I even have time to watch some movies, something that I do not do often since my university days.

And there is two months of bonus, that is another kind of enrichment!

两只恋人

2007-12-01T10:22:00.000+08:00

This is my dream.

两只恋人曹格

傻傻两个人许过一个愿
当时星星眨着眼看起来并不远
为你长翅飞为你被风吹
请你千万要等我带幸福来给你的那一天

春天散步夏天看海秋天数落叶
（我们）一直没有烦恼一直没有争吵
让每天像糖一样甜
冬天飘雪我是棉被温暖你的夜
一直在你身边一直爱到永远
你就负责靠着我的肩

贴着你的脸拍一张照片
世界是很复杂的要靠我近一点
但愿你每天幸福又安全
两只恋人手牵手谁也不用再跑给谁去追

Forgetful...

2007-11-29T21:34:00.000+08:00

I can still feel the hurt and disappointment. These feelings have been around since the day I found out that somebody had betrayed my trust and confidence in her.

Apparently, she tried to scam the school and the school found out. And me, as her dear teacher, was mentioned as the executives in the school discussed about it.

It definitely does not feel good to be mentioned in such an incident.

I wonder if I should verify medical certificates before I accept them in the future. What happened to the supposed trust and confidence in my students?

I told myself to be forgetful and forget this incident but now, in the middle of a quiet night, I find myself musing over this incident.

I am just wasting my time away.

Dharmasakti

2007-11-26T21:05:00.000+08:00

NJC and Loyang Sec Angklung Ensembles combine at Dharmasakti at Fort Canning Park on 25th November 2007.

Sound quality is ermm because it was recorded using a handphone but not my handphone hor... Try to enjoy lah!

Changes...

2007-11-26T20:59:00.000+08:00

I woke up this morning and decided to take my mind off anything related to work today and so I did not respond to a message I received on my phone this morning. I know I am not professional enough but I had enough of non-stop work since I came back from reservist.

I have been watching soccer for many years and almost every soccer team has a star player. This star player, usually the captain, commands the respect of his team mates and is an icon of the team. When one mentions the team, the first player that comes to one's mind is him.

For example, before July this year, when one mentions Arsenal, one thinks of Thierry Henry. When he left, everyone thought that Arsenal was doomed.

Henry, in his last interview as an Arsenal player, said that after he was gone, another player would take over his position and soon people will start to forget him.

In short, people leave but life goes on and the organisation continues functioning.

Changes are inevitable but it is often difficult to imagine what will happen after the change had occurred. And it is often scary to think of how to thread the path ahead.

Things are looking good for Arsenal now because they have good quality players who can take over from Henry. Did the experts envision this happening?

How the organisation progresses after the leader has left depends on the will of those remaining. Do they have the passion and courage to carry on the fight? Can they see where the next level is and progress?

I will know, in 2008.

是否真爱我

2007-11-25T11:42:00.000+08:00

Okay, back to romantic slow melody songs.

是否真爱我黄莺莺

一棵树问一片土你是否真爱我
或你只是贴着我陪你度秋冬
我的枝与我的根已植近你怀中
不问秋不问冬
只想问你是否真爱我

一朵花问一只蜂你是否真爱我
或你只是吻着我不担我的愁
我的心与我的梦都让你帶走
不问心不问梦
只想问你是否真爱我

I love you, oh how I love you so
I love you, that is only everything I know

一艘船问一面海你是否真爱我
或你只是依着我带你天地游
我的帆与我的桨任你催着走
不问天不问地
只想问你是否真爱我

I love you, oh how I love you so
I love you, that is only everything I know

Finally Over..

2007-11-25T11:15:00.000+08:00

I am glad that I finished my final task for the year on Friday. Now I can look forward to some really good rest and catch up on the books I am supposed to read.

There are still some minor things to clear up before I can bid my office farewell until the end of December.

Somehow I am not looking forward to the end of the year. But time waits for no man, including me.

Imagine..

2007-11-13T20:59:00.000+08:00

I have seen many speedsters on the roads. Well, sometimes I speed too but I never go beyond 110km/h. Oh, I am driving a car and not a huge lorry. See if you can imagine what I experienced before.

Imagine:
You are driving at 100km/h on the right most lane and a pick-up overtake you on the left.

You are driving at 90km/h in the middle lane and you are tailgated by a lorry.

You see a lorry tailgating a sports car travelling at 90km/h in the middle lane.

You see a motorcycle travelling at 80km/h in the right most lane.

You see a lorry changing lanes as though you are watching people play Initial-D.

You drive in the middle lane at 70km/h and you are overtaken, on both sides, by heavy vehicles.

Remember that pick-ups, lorries and heavy vehicles have speed limits of either 60km/h or 70km/h.

It is scary that these drivers drive at such high speeds and they are not punished.

Lacking Ideas...

2007-11-10T23:11:00.000+08:00

I have not been updating this blog for a whole week because I am running dry of ideas.

There are times when I want to update here frequently and there are also times when I just don't want to put anything here.

I just returned to work and I am still adjusting to the pace and the fact that things I am doing are not going to straightfoward, unlike what I did during reservist.

If everything turns out right for me, then I will have time to relax in November and indulge in some enjoyment with my CCA. If not, then November will be hell.

And I recently found out that I will be teaching JC1 next year, so next year will start slowly for me.

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

2007-11-10T23:05:00.000+08:00

Pardon me for this noisy song but I love it!

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing Aerosmith

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I don't wanna miss one smile
I don't wanna miss one kiss
Well, I just wanna be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just wanna hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
Cause I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep, yeah
I don't wanna miss a thing

Back to work...

2007-11-04T21:18:00.000+08:00

Finally, I am going back to work tomorrow.

Although I am not very sure what I will be doing tomorrow in office, I am sure that there will be something to clear.

For about two and a half weeks I do not have to think of what to do when I wake up in the morning. Going for reservist temporary shuts down the part of the head that plans ahead what to do for the day.

I am sorting out my thoughts and while reading my emails just now, there seems to be a lot of things happening in college. I was thinking that I was lucky not to be around for some of the deadlines.

It seems that there are matters that I must settle personally because there seems to be a lot of confusion and worse still I am in charge of them.

And Angklung will resume soon. There will be three perfomances (if I remember correctly) in November and practices will resume next week. For more information on the performances (and if you want to listen to something different) please visit the NJC Angklung blog (link is on the left panel). I wonder how rusty the Angklungnites are.

November will be an eventful month. I hope to achieve as much at work as I can with the minimum amount of time so that I can spend more time with babe.

天天

2007-11-03T00:32:00.000+08:00

This is how I feel without you.

天天陶喆

太阳天或下雨天人挤人的咖啡店
找一个能想你舒服的角落
看着情人肩靠肩慢慢转开我视线
有个女孩让我好想念

我的心已经飞到这个城市的另一边
想看着你我爱的脸把心里的感情都对你说

那马路上天天都在塞而每个人天天在忍耐
没有你日子很黑白原来这样就是恋爱
我想要你在我身边分享生命中的一切
我想要天天说天天说天天对你说我有多爱你

天天说

To do or not to do?

2007-11-01T17:50:00.000+08:00

To do or not to do?

Nobody may understand what I am posting below, but I think a particular person may understand.

There are times that I feel that I should do certain things but I am not sure if it is good for me if I do them or how others will see me.

Over the years I have told myself not to think about how others may see me because in the first place nobody may be bothered about how and why I do certain things.

And so my main consideration is how good it is for me. Of course motivation is also important.

The only time I abandoned this consideration is when I told babe about my feelings for her. My feelings, the source of my motivation, were strong enough for me not to consider if I might be hurting myself in the end.

However, sometimes in life, we may do something that we do not believe in or we do not feel is correct or good for us but in the end, we benefit and learn and become better.

So one day, perhaps I will do it, but I will do it for myself. I can't do it for anyone else. If I do it now, I will be doing it for you and I don't want you to be disappointed with me when you find out later.

I am still thinking of it because there is a lingering thought that if I do it, we may end up together and you won't have to think so much.

All because I don't want to lose you.

Messy...

2007-10-28T23:50:00.000+08:00

All I wanted to do was to call and tell people how I feel about certain things and why I did not do certain things.

I ended up irritating people because I lost focus and went off tangent. I sounded crazy.

Perhaps I am not really good at speaking impromptuly. I should have written a script. I may sound robotic but at least I will be more organised and structured instead of being messy.

I shall swear that I will never present myself in such a mess again, when all I wanted was to hear your voice.

天啊!!!

It's going to be over

2007-10-28T10:38:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow till Wednesday will be spent outfield. It is the last week of reservist and I am glad that I can get back to normal life.

It is going to be over and yes, I am quite sian because I am going outfield. I don't think anybody likes going to exercises, other than going to get things done and get over with it.

I am looking forward to life after reservist again.

Naturally...

2007-10-22T22:32:00.000+08:00

While I was driving home, I stopped behind a black car with the words "Naturally Punjabi" on the top part of its windscreen.

What does it mean to be "naturally punjabi"? Is there such a thing as "synthetically punjabi" or "artificial punjabi"?

Interesting. Perhaps next time I can consider putting up "Naturally Singaporean" on my car's windscreen.

Boring boring boring

2007-10-21T10:10:00.000+08:00

Thursday and Friday in camp was boring boring boring.

This is not the kind of life I want to live.

Rush to wait and wait to rush. I am sure all national servicemen know what this means.

至少还有你

2007-10-20T09:46:00.000+08:00

至少还有你动力火车

我怕来不及我要抱着你
直到感觉你的皱纹有了岁月的痕迹
直到肯定你是真的直到失去力气
为了你我愿意
动也不能动也要看着你
直到感觉你的发线有了白雪的痕迹
直到视线变得模糊直到不能呼吸
让我们形影不离

如果全世界我也可以放弃
至少还有你值得我去珍惜
而你在这里就是生命的奇迹
也许全世界我也可以忘记
就是不愿意失去你的消息
你掌心的痣我总记得在那里

我怕来不及我要抱着你
直到感觉你的发线有了白雪的痕迹
直到视线变得模糊直到不能呼吸
让我们形影不离

如果全世界我也可以放弃
至少还有你值得我去珍惜
而你在这里就是生命的奇迹
也许全世界我也可以忘记
就是不愿意失去你的消息
你掌心的痣我总记得在那里

我们好不容易我们身不由已
我怕时间太快不够将你看仔细
我怕时间太慢日夜担心失去你
恨不得一夜之间白头永不分离

如果全世界我也可以放弃
至少还有你值得我去珍惜
而你在这里就是生命的奇迹
也许全世界我也可以忘记
就是不愿意失去你的消息
你掌心的痣我总记得在那里
在那里

Farewell Assembly

2007-10-16T00:23:00.000+08:00

Well, later today, in about eight hours, the college will bid farewell to the current batch of JC2s.

This is a batch of students whom I had the pleasure of teaching them for two years.

It is a little sad to see them leave the college but then they have to leave anyway.

I have personally witnessed the transformation of blur, don't know what is expected of them and innocent students to confident, battled and matured young men and women.

Perhaps this is why I am in this profession in the first place. This is one of the few professions where one can personally witness the growing process of young people. Incidentally, this is what I said during my interview for the teaching award in 2000.

There are certain memories that I hold on dearly to. I don't know if these memories will fade but these memories will shape how I work and learn my way in this profession.

Teaching is never an easy job. It is probably one of the few jobs where everybody, except for the teacher himself, claims he is an expert in (look at the numerous letters written to the papers by concerned parents and the general public). With so many experts around, it is easy to lose focus on what we are doing since there are so many viewpoints and comments going around.

For the JC2s who are leaving the college, good luck in your A-levels. The A-levels are not that important, what is more important is the path that they choose to take after that.

Dinner Last Night...

2007-10-14T10:49:00.000+08:00

Dinner last night at the Singapore Recreation Club was excellent. Yours truly had an extra bowl of shark fin soup because I found a strand of hair in my first bowl, so I was rewarded with a second bigger bowl!

Dinner was to celebrate grandmother's birthday. Below is a photo of the birthday cake. Apparently there is a cake shop that scans photographs on to a cake for a price.

Since I was there I took a night photo of the scenery around the building.

爱你等于爱自己

2007-10-13T13:53:00.000+08:00

爱你等于爱自己王力宏

淋我淋过的雨吹你吹过的风
比风雨还亲蜜
两个人的影子在同一个天地
拥有一样的回忆

心想著你眼看著你就像贴近自己
傻的笑的就好像你像你一样甜蜜
是不是爱你就会变成你
oh..yeah..爱你就等于爱自己
mm..well...(alright)

我想你的难题你写我的日记
比爱人还亲蜜
我还没说可惜你已经在叹气
不可思议的默契

心想著你眼看著你就像贴近自己
怪不得拥抱感觉会越来越熟悉
是不是爱你就会变成你
oh..yeah..爱你就等于爱自己
mm..well...(alright)

是不是你所有的秘密
已经成为我的呼吸
oh..不再分离

是不是爱你就会变成你
oh..yeah..
爱你就等于爱自己
mm..well...
爱你就等於爱自己
oh..yeah..
爱你就等於爱自己
mm..well...
是不是爱你就会变成你
oh..yeah..
爱你就等於爱自己
mm..well...
是不是爱你就会变成你
oh..yeah..
爱你就等於爱自己
mm..well...
是不是爱你就会变成你

Be a better man...

2007-10-13T13:18:00.000+08:00

I must learn how to be a better man.

I lost myself to temptation and now I am really regretting it.

It hurts when I myself set certain standards for myself to follow and yet I failed to follow them.

So from now onwards I will follow two doctrines:
1) Don't put myself in situations where there will be temptations.
2) Learn from mistakes and not repeat them.

I am still disappointed with myself, although I was given comfort and reassurance when I bared my heart to her.

I do feel better but I need some time to get over this disappointment.

I want to be a better man.

Reservist Soon...

2007-10-11T22:19:00.000+08:00

I'm going for reservist soon and so had to settle some stuff as soon as possible.

Almost everything is settled except for the progress reports and testimonials.

PW matters are mostly settled, except for marking of live samples.

I'm trying to meet up with babe as often as I can as I don't think I have much energy and mood to meet her when I am clearing my reservist duties.

I decided to go for reservist even though some people said that I should be around when my students need to find me. It is like so close to the A-levels and I am going away. But I felt I should clear my commitments to the nation as soon as I can so that I can focus more on my career and life beyond the army.

I feel bad that I sometimes feel that I am abandoning people who need my help but if I don't clear my commitments then future batches of students will be affected.

Anyway I am confident that my students will do well. They have the spirit and desire.

When I return to college, it will be the day before Paper 2. And a busy November awaits me.