Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Pretty pleased

Rather happy with the work my sec 4s did in their class presentations so far. Some of their presentations clearly exceeded my expectations. Very creative work and in depth analysis of the Principles of Governance and also some of the policies. Although I had to correct some misperceptions, it is still allright because they are only teenagers and yet they are discoursing on some issues that I would expect uni students to do. It goes to show that if one pushes them a little bit and give them room to explore, they can come up with pretty amazing things. I did not give them any specific guidelines or specific websites but I keep telling them I want to see creativity and imagination in their presentations and they did not disappoint me. I am pretty pleased with them. Video presentations, skits, poems, songs...they all take effort to do and I am very impressed. While some resort to powerpoint slides but they did in depth analysis of policies and their shortfalls. How could I not be proud of them? Moments like this gives me a warm feeling, I forget the ugly parts and I love teaching.

here is a poem 2 boys from 4A wrote. I am very proud of them. The poem is cynical (normal for the teenagers today) but cute. Enjoy. Please do not copy the poem. Ask permission if you wish to use the poem.

Education
by Edison Neo and Goh Zhong Da (AHS 4A 2007)

The long education
Of this great nation
Takes us to graduation
With a sea of competition.
Mental abrasion
End up in asylum

The weight of the pressure
Goes beyond nature
Homework from my teacher
Scolding and a lecture
Get a degree and become a doctor
Is it so easy? Are you so sure?

Tertiary, divided into three
JC, Poly, ITE
Different levels of study
Immediately judged by society
The curse of this country
Built through hardship
By our dear PM Lee

Then comes Tharman
Changed the system
Upside down our surriculum
Affecting the whole generation
But we could be wrong
Anyway it is education

Sunday, January 14, 2007

state of mind

State of mind: a documentary about the people of Communist Korea. President: Kim Jung Il. If you think that Singapore's National Day parades are spectacular, precise and out of this world, you have not seen North Korea's parades. Go to You Tube and try to find North Korea's mass games and you see what I mean. just click on the link above. Watch it and be amazed. Then watch the other video clips about the mas games and be even more amazed. Watch, and you see no one is out of synch. Everything's perfect. They are all smiling and happy. They train twice a day everyday. And the best part is, they think it is an honor to be chosen as part of the regiment. They want to perform in front of their great general. To perform in the mass games is their proudest moment. That, I think is even more amazing. Go, watch.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

how quickly things change

I was looking through my uni notes for inspiration. Found some of the papers I wrote during my PS/SEA days and I was happy that I did make good grades. I marveled at some of my work because it has been so long and I am not so sure I can do the same kind of work I did before. It seemed like a lifetime ago and yet uni life was very enlightening and intellectually enriching. I even found my Honours thesis. I still am not proud with what I did. A 12,000 word full of crap. I shoved it back into the cupboard with disgust. I found an assignment I did with 2 other people for module Change and Diaspora in SEA. We did on the changing rituals of Malay weddings. That is one cool assignment. And I am amused when I read the insciption we put for our lecturer. "Laksa is not served at Malay weddings. Maybe food served at weddings will revolutionise in the future." Upon reading it, it struck me that Laksa IS now served at Malay weddings. The food served HAS revolutionised. That project was done 6 years ago. I still remember how much I had learnt during that project. So much I did not know and I still do not know. The thought of this project and how much has changed in such a short space of time and the fact that time just flew by was mind boggling. All I could think about was "WOW". Amazing. By the way, we got an A grade for it. :)

Friday, December 22, 2006

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Tears rolled continously while reading this book. Picture this, Anna, a 13 year old girl asking for medical emancipation from her parents because she refused to donate one of her kidneys to her 16 year old sister. Kate, who is dying of leukemia. Anna, has been her sister's donor since she was born. In fact, she is a designer baby. A baby created especially to match her sister so that she can give blood, bone marrow and platelets to her sister. It seems a clear cut case of a child who yearns for attention because her parents are caught up with Kate's never ending ailments. Yet, it is not so. As the book is written from the perspectives of every main character in the story you get insights into their thoughts and feelings. And from Anna's perspective, there is some great mystery and big secret that she bears. When all is revealed in the court, the truth is so much more sad than speculation and assumptions. It is easier to be angry than to see and accept the truth and letting a loved one go. The ending is cliched, but because of the emotional roller coaster one gets from reading the book, it is totally unexpected. Questions on what Anna would do in the end is answered in one fall sweep of fate.

This is my first Jodi Picoult's book ever and she is a good author. Her style is simple, yet her words brings about emotions of empathy and sympathy. She manages to get you involved as the character and feel their emotions. In this book she sketches simply the lives of children and teenagers who suffer from terminal diseases. A place where the healthy would never thread, much less think about. The world of disease is sad enough but when it happens to innocent young lives, it is tragic. What do children with such a fate do, think and feel? What about their families? If you want to find out and get a glimpse, read the book. It is not a tear jerker kind of book because it is sad....The words make you cry only if you can identify with the emotions they convey.

Monday, December 11, 2006

End of the hols soon

Soon, Christmas will come and my holidays will end. Right after Christmas it is back to work. No rest for the weary. I have not taken any real hols as yet, apart from KL which was more of a discovery and sleep in car session than a holiday. But it was memorable. First time I did such a thing. My parents do not know the truth. Heheh. And those of you who know...Shhh. hee heh.

Ok, greedy me have read and bought at least 20 books this hols. It is like a pay back session for not doing enough reading the rest of the year. I have all the 13 books of the Series of Unfortunate Events and have read all. An intriguing series. Certainly not meant for kids. I have enjoyed The Kite Runner, The Time Traveller's Wife and I am going to devour For One More Day next. After that book, I will take a rest from reading. It is such a luxury to sit and read. It really is. I love Time Traveller's Wife. It is such a sweet and romantic book, full of happiness and sadness and it is such an easy read. The Kite Runner is also an interesting read although it had a one sided version of the Taliban and the atrocities they do. Otherwise, the themes of racism, war, chaos, brotherhood, rites of passage, father and son relationship and elitism are explored and conveyed in ways that a reader could truly emphatise. I do recommend these 2 books. My sister from the sisterhood made me read IT by Stephen King. That is one scary novel. Don't read if you are a scaredy cat. And I am a scaredy cat.

Even though I did not go away at all this hols. This is the best hols I have had. I hope it would remain so. I am happy.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

PGL, slowpitch softball and more

I can't believe I got tickets to watch PGL last Friday. Opening night, no less. I jumped for joy when a colleague offered me the tickets 3 days before the event. I can't believe I was so lucky. And category 2 tickets! A magnificient performance. PGL (Puteri Gunung Ledang), the musical was fantastic. The cast and crew did a wonderful job. Indeed, it was a world class performance. I am proud that the Malay theatre can be on par with international theatre standards. Bravo!

It was strange they casted an Ang Moh (Hughes) who speaks not a word of Malay as Hang Tuah. His performance was not too bad but we agreed that he could not convey the emotions that Hang Tuah had. That aside, it was splendid! I would love to catch PGL again if they ever perform at Istana Budaya in KL again. I am sure the Istana would be more fitting than the Esplanade.

Ok, change topic. I must thank my students who had gallantly step up to take part in the Slowpitch Softball tournament. It was tough because they had the baggage of playing fastpitch and our opponents are all adults, mostly expatriates from America and Europe. The brute strength and the mindsets of these adults definitely rattled my students initially. But we gained back what we had lost and came in 3rd. I am sure, my softballers could have clinched the top prize if they had been in their usual groove on the first day. But, it was an achievement and I am proud of them.

Meanwhile, that same weekend, it was the first time I was called a scuba diver. Hmm...I can see the reason why. But that borders on being rude. Especially the way it was delivered. Rather insensitive. Jokes are jokes but some jokes can get too far. I can laugh at myself, but when in a sports meet, you discuss differences in skills and not colour, creed or religion. In the past few years that I have been a softball teacher in charge my wearing the scarf had no bearing whatsoever. I have met almost all the coaches and teachers in charge and I never saw myself different. We only discuss softball matters and there is respect. I have never seen myself different and I am not conscious I am different. Never had anyone made me feel small because of the extra cloth I am wearing. My students joke, but it is to my face and good natured.

I am not angered but I got a glimpse of what other Muslims in other countries face. I had a slice of it and I felt bothered, slightly shocked and puzzled. This is nothing compared to the persecution other Muslims face in other countries. I thank Allah for I am born here in Singapore where there are attempts and efforts made for religious/racial harmony. Discussions and dialogues are most important here. People are more understanding and open. I thank Him for this. I also pray that my fellow Muslim brethrens elsewhere who are not so lucky as I am will be strong and look to Him for guidance.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Peace and love

Peace and love comes with a price? Hmm...

Thursday, August 31, 2006

The Devil Wears Prada

I just caught a glimpse of Teacher's Day Rally on the news and one word went through my mind. Suffice to say, it was not something wholesome. Hah haha heh heh. Amusing and sad.

I just finished reading the above mentioned book. Read, mind you, not watched it in the movies. It is a brilliant book! Go read it, I really recommend it. I find it has a satisfying resolution. The big dramatic scene when the protagonist finally made up her mind and did the most sane thing she had ever done was wonderful. I imagined I was her all the time. Hahah haha. powerful stuff. That scene is my fave. :)

I was kind of inspired by the book. It is time for risks and changes. :)

Monday, August 21, 2006

have you ever wondered?

Have you ever wondered...

1. What happened to all the clothes that Superman tears off when he goes into the phone booth to change?
2. How come no one recognises Superman as Clark Kent when all he does is to put a curly lock on his forehead to change his appearance?
3. How come a small piece of mask that covers the eyes of superheroes/villains will make them unrecognisable to the rest of the cartoon world?
4. Why do Superman and Batman wear their underwear outside?
5. How come Hulk's boxer shorts expands and shrinks according to his personality changes? Shouldn't they rip apart?
6. How come all the Superheroes/villain are concentrated in USA (or a country that resembles USA)?
7. How come bad things happen in cities of USA and when it happens in some other countries, these countries are depicted as rural and backward?
8. How is it when Mary Jane got caught by Dr. Octavia's claws her skirt did not flip up? Nothing dirty here, but wind and gravity... go figure...?
9. Why do the Teen Titans get to stay at home and fight crime? Don't they have to go to school?
10. How does Hawk Girl wears her clothes? She wore a white body hugging tank top in one of the Justice League cartoons ... how in the world did she get it on if she has a pair of wings sprouting from her back?
11. Why is it that the Powerpuff girls have no fingers or toes?
12. Who makes Superman's and Spiderman's costumes? If their identities are such a secret, do their alter egos sew their own costumes then? But they never seem to do so in the shows ... the costumes can't appear out of no where...
13. Batman relies on Alfred a lot ... what happens if Alfred dies? Alfred is old ....
14. Super heros never go to the toilet, never.
15. But what happens if they need to?

The affairs of the Stamp

Good news!

My Core History class did very well at the Singpex competition recently.
We sent in 5 entries and we won 1 silver and 4 bronzes. Good work people. I am rather proud of them. They had put in a lot of hard work, effort and I am sure, sweat, tears and blood as well.

I also sent in an entry under the Adult category and I won the silver prize. Heh, didn't expect to win anything. Anyway, cool. So, the prize giving ceremony is this Saturday, 26th August at United Square. Do visit the exhibition which is held there this weekend. My entry is Fantastic Felines and I go by the pseudonym of Queen Z. Heehhe, go figure....

Monday, August 14, 2006

Water spout

Water spout sighted off the coast of Sentosa. Eye witness account said that all the people started running towards the shoreline and started taking photos of it.

Water spout = something like a mini tornado

Think about it, you would think that with all the deaths and tragedy that was caused by natural phenomenons around the world, Singaporeans will be smart enough to take shelter instead of "look, look, tornado! Let's take photos! Yippee!"

Of course, no harm done cos water spouts dissipates quickly. Still, let's be smart about stuff. Singapore is safe - no volcanoes, no hurricanes, no earthquakes - but not totally safe.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Gratitude

I can't control what happen next so I should stop being worried and think so much about this issue. Sensitive issue, can't really blog about it. I am just thankful that I have so many wonderful friends who are so willing to listen and advise me. I feel blessed that they are there to comfort me when I needed someone. The past few days, I just didn't want to work. I wanted to bury my head under my covers, sleep and fall into oblivion and perhaps miraculously when I wake up the problem is solved, the sun is shining and everyone is happy again. But sleep, especially excessive sleep is an enemy - signs of depression. I am glad I stuck to my decision to do my circuit training and meet up with some people at the talk at DA. I felt happy and all charged up after a good workout. My discussion over this issue with 3 worldly wise people had put me in the right direction. I know what to do now. I feel empowered.

I don't think I could have made it through without my friends. TKAmazons who saw me online and immediately picked up my SOS. My DA people and Salem's daughter who kindly advised and listened to me and were patient even though I was in a self pity/self justification mood and did not want to accept advice. But they prevailed and I know what they said was right. My sisterhood of the magnetic chains babes who have their own huge problems but so willing to go out so we can bitch together and make ourselves feel good. Lastly, I am glad I have the support of a very young person who does not even know the details and yet told me that my happiness is most important and I should do what is right to achieve that happiness even if it means sacrificing something. If anything, this young person made me stronger and more determined. I am not going to sacrifice something close to my heart so that I can be free of this problem. The solution is just round the corner, I should just wait and stop agonizing over it. Afterall, Allah will never put me in a test that He knows I can't cope. I am very thankful to Him for I am in a good company.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

It's been almost a month since my last blog. The tournaments are all over. Top 8 in Nationals again for my boys. Hopefully, better achievements next year. Spur them on to greater heights.

Saw Peterpan on tv just now. They showed the concert I went to and the interview and then a video clip of my fave song - Langit tak mendengar. For a while, I was in a state of bliss. Forgot all the unhappy thoughts and feelings.

Not been very happy lately. So many things happen. Shocking things. Each time I recall that incident, I still feel shock. I wish it didn't happen, then I wouldn't do what I did. I feel badly. It should be a good moment for me, but I don't feel good about it. Soemtimes, I wish I kept it to myself. No one would know and time would pass and I will eventually forget about it. But then what? The matter could be made worse. If I didn't stand up for my rights, then perhaps it would go on and on and soemone else could get hurt. I wish the words were not said. Perhaps, I could have handled it differently. I could have said something and then drop the matter.

But it already happened. Look forward. Tmr is a new day. It could be a better day. I wish I have a mean streak in me. Then, I would not feel badly over what I did. So many have told me that I did the right thing. I should feel comforted over it, it is not my fault. I know it is not my fault, for goodness sake. I should just not think about it. I did the right thing. I was not in the wrong. It was a serious thing and it demanded a serious course of action. I wish I know what is going to happen next over this matter.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Down and out

I discovered that disappointment is worse than having a broken heart and trust me I had a few broken hearts in my lifetime. I wish I am angry. With anger, I can shout and go for aerobics or kickboxing and feel better after that. Disappointment lingers on and weighs you down. I want to cry yet I can't cry. I am not angry. I don't think I can handle anymore disappointments like this. My hopes for the best is in a precarious position. Funny, my hopes are not even for me. They are for those boys and gals that I care for.

They say the people you care for will disappoint you. I never thought it true until lately. Small waves of disappointment and then today... I can't take it anymore. I have my quota for disappointment filled up already. Please, no more. I got over my disappointment with the B div. Now both C divs.... heart wrenching.... please God, let them win!

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Lost in Translation

This is my recent fave song by Peterpan band. Initially I like the song for its music. Later on I scrutinised the lyrics, they are beautiful. Once upon a time a long time ago, this could be my theme music. Sad, but true. Now, I look at the kyrics and the literature buff in me just fell in love with the words. The lyrics are so poetic. Simple language but so profound. It is more than just about a broken heart, the lyrics are positively philosophical. Of course when translated in English most of the deeper and hidden undertones of the lyrics are lost.


Langit Tak Mendengar

Jalan hidup telah memilih
Menurunkan aku ke bumi
Hari berganti dan berganti
Aku diam tak memahami


Mengapa hidup begitu sepi
Apakah hidup seperti ini
Mengapa ku selalu sendiri
Apakah hidupku tak berarti


Coba bertanya pada manusia
Tak ada jawabnya
Aku bertanya pada langit tua
Langit tak mendengar

The sky didn't hear me
The path of life have chosen
To put me here on earth
Days keep on changing
I stood still, failing to grasp the meaning

Why is life so barren?
Is life like this?
Why am I always alone?
Does my life have no meaning?

I try asking mankind
No answer is given
I question the old sky
The sky didn't hear me

Monday, June 19, 2006

They rocked the house down! Part 3

okie...more pictures. Enjoy


They rocked the house down! Part 2

Okie, I really should back track. Prior to the concert and stalking, I did the teeny bopper groupie thingy. I greeted them at the airport. hehhe hehe. I know, I know, my students have been telling me that I am old, not supposed to be over excited by some band and chase them around town. Some think I am crazy .... but guess what? I don't care. It is something I have never done in my life and I am glad I did it. Besides, what is age? It is nothing but a number. Don't compartmentalise me and say this is what a teacher/person of 27 should not be doing. Hehe Besides, it is fun. And I have my Sohabahs with me. We are a fun loving, crazy bunch of people.

Anyway, back to Peterpan... what can I say. We waited for them despite the delay in their flight. Took photos of their luggage that came first. Went for the Peterpan fan club launching. They are so near to me. Like 2 metres away. So reachable, yet at times like this, my self consciousness will kick in. I could not bring myself to talk to them. So star- struck, I was. I am amazed at how gals could hug them (shameless hussies). I remembered when I stalked them and took a photo with them, I was trembling all over. I walked past them 3 times and backed out each time. I had to call Chups for moral support. Hahha. Well, I did it, anyway. He hehe, By the way, I forgot to mention in the last entry that because of Peterpan, I went into a pub for the first time. It was at Chjimes. The smell of alcohol is not very nice, you know.

I came out of this experience, more the wiser. I know more about these boys from Peterpan. Some things pleasant, some things not so pleasant. I still like them but I have learnt I am no longer star-struck. From afar, they seem so surreal, giant-like to be admired and loved by all. But, our meeting have shown me they are just normal human beings - they just have the talent to rock, and rock they did. For their music, I love them still, I cannot wait for their next album. I still think Ariel is sexy, Andika cute and Uki has charms though, but they are just like you and me. :)

So, ada apa dengan Peterpan? You listen to their songs, you just can't help loving them.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

They rocked the house down!

Concert at HRC 17th June 2006.

First time, I went HRC. Probably my first and perhaps my last. Peterpan was responsible for it.

Peterpan band, made me do many a first.

1. Join a fan club
2. Go to the airport to greet celebrities - them
3. Take photos with celebrities - them
4. Go on a stalking mission
5. Go to HRC
6. Queue for 5 hours for a concert
:) :) :)

A pretty fun, exciting and cool time. Definitely the highlight of this June hols. By the way, I am wearing a Peterpan t-shirt and listening to their songs while blogging all this. My mind is doing a flashback of the concert that rocked the house!






4 sohabahs who went through the Peterpan experience.

Ariel, he looked at me many times during the concert. I swear! Cos I am a head taller than everybody else as I climbed the bottom rung of the barrier and I was so totally noticeable. So, he was so looking at me!. Heh heh.

They rocked the house man! All their sonsg they made into rock version. They are so good. The drums, guitars, keyboard and vocals working in harmony to prosduce such wonderful songs. Bliss!

Me with 4 out of 6 of the band members. Notice, Andika's hand around me. Hah hha. Ariel and Uki, missing. From left, Andika, me, Lokeman, Reza, Indra. I was at Paragon and "accidentally" met them. he heh (15th June 2006)

Anyway, they are very nice.

I met Andika accidentally, this time pure coincident, on friday. Shook his hands. He's a cutie, both looks and personality.

Okie, enough for now. More Peterpan ... next entry. :)

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Old injuries

It is amazing how old injuries come back to haunt you. My right ankle and left elbow twinges when moved in a certain way. My right ankle's injury took me by surprise just now. It sort of twisted and gave a crack which hurt and made me lose my balance. Fell down, but I stopped the ball anyway. It still hurts when I twist them around. But, no pain no glory....? What glory? it's not like I am taking part in any tournaments. Oh well, satisfaction, I suppose. The competitor in me, the 'it is all or nothing' person, the 'you go girl, you can do it' character that does not give up that drives me to play just now.

I feel kinda guilty about my elbow. Every now and then when I exercise and my left elbow twinge, I remembered what my physiotherapist said at the last appointment 2 years ago : Now you are discharged, but you need to use weights to strenthen your left arm and you need to straighten it further another 5-10 degrees. (oh, if you straighten your arm, the angle is more than 180, my right is 194, but my left after it got broken is 18 something. So, when I straighten both arms, they are not parallel.) Well, it twinges and it is so weak. I can't support my weight with my left arm! The elbow really hurts. A constant reminder that I push myself too hard to attain excellence in sports, but I don't learn...I still push myself harder. Except for skating of course, that sport, I will take it easy... Don't want to risk another broken limb. heh heh.

Now, I am suffering from 2 old injuries, pain in the neck and stiff shoulders. I am not very comfortable. oooh my neck....my ankle, my elbow....Ow!