Pictures from Monday's dinner are already uploaded and there's a link on the left. Sorry for the relatively slow upload. I have also sent you all the relevant link to your email.
Here's a preview of what is it that you're going to recieve:



Playing Charade... I don't really like that game, but I've enjoyed that though.


The time spent together was good; catching-up, playing games, bonding, chatting, the usual. It's just too bad that time wasn't on our side. Meet up some other day, when we more free, with more time to spent. Hopefully, we'll see one another around school. Have fun in school.


Anyway, yesterday was my bro's 16th birthday. Happy Belated 16th Birthday. Yep, bought a cake, sang Happy Birthday, took pics. If you ask me what was his best present, I would say is his Chinese O level results. Yes, he aced that. But I don't think he'll agree with me. My brothers are not results-oriented students. It's both a good and bad thing. I love my family, ok, that's so random.

There seem to be people who like to abuse their freedom of free speech. Anyway, I can't really be bothered with their comments. I have removed these comments and banned such users (there's something called the ip add...) and in the event that there's more of such silly nonsense (as I can foresee), I will not hesitate to ban them as well. I will not voice my opinions about such people, as I must be really careful with my words here. And for the purpose of friends and people who really care and who are concern about me and want to drop a tag, feel free to. For those who want to vent their anger or complain, do so elsewhere, or you may want approach anyone with real authority; you know it's not very brave of you to do so here in this virtual space where no one knows your true identity. You can run and hide from others, but you are not being courageous here and it just shows your level of maturity and ability to think. I may not know who you are, but you do. Is this what you want to do for the rest of your life? Be brave, if you are unhappy with whatever, do something about it; report the matter to someone with the real power, the real authority.

School has started! I think I will post less and less frequently as work starts to pile up with time. Anyway, I woke up to the feeling of happiness of starting school. I guess it's only because today's the first day. I met so many people in school today... close friends, good friends, lecture mates, not-so-close friends, crusade people, and many more. I wish I can sit down with all of them and catch up on their lives. But nevertheless, just seeing them around in school makes me feel good and happy and that's enough for now. So, to those who are feeling down because of school and are dragging your feet to school everyday (or on most days), think about your friends. They are most likely to be dragging their feets too, and it helps to think that they are in the same situation as you're in. I'm not being sadistic or gloating over somebody's misfortune here, but I think this is human nature.
To those having Common Test: All the best for your Common Test. Study hard.

If you have the time, you may want to read Sophie's World. I'm currently reading that book and it's truly a page turner. It's been a long time since I came across such books. Really a good read.

I went back to St Margs to visit just yesterday. Had been looking so forward to going back that I've told practically everyone I can abt it. And as promised, I've taken plenty of pics... of people and of places and all.
Just the trip back and talking with the teachers had brought back many memories. We remembered how we used to stay back after school for tests, peer-tutoring and to study with friends. We remembered the used-to-be mosquitos-infested ground floor classrooms, and how we were food for the hungry mosquitos. It feels good to be back, in fact, it feels like home-coming for me.
Many things have changed. But some others have remained. The dedication of the teachers, the friendly canteen vendors... I so miss all that. I am seriously considering going back for attachment next year.

The entrance to the school.

School Pic 2002. I always thought that it was cool to take a photo of the whole school. It's like taking a family photo.

The Admin Building and the fence-shaped Parade Square. It took us some time to learn how to line up in neat rows according to the usual shape of our parade square.

The 4E4 classroom. How much I miss it.

The plot of garden that is directly outside the classroom.

The Garden on the ground level. I think it provide a nice environment in the school.

That's Gloria's drawing hanging outisde the 4E2 classroom. It's been there for years.

The river-like pond that stretches from St. John's Chapel to the classroom.

And along the corridors, you'll see many of these sculptures... all of them look so artistic...

The Bible verses that can be found in many corners and walls in the school. I think I am so used to the Christian environment in both sec sch and in jc that I joined crusade just for that spirtual support in sch now.

The laboratories, music room, band room, home econs room and all...

How I miss sec sch labs sessions... they were all short and sweet and straight forward, so unlike labs in uni...

The food; judging by our empty plates and bowls, and cups, I'm sure you'll know the standard of the food.

The enticing, yummy food offered at the Western Stall.

The happy us being back at St Margs.

I personally like this pic alot. Don't ask why. I just like it.

Walk of Stars: To honour our girls who have scored five or more distinctions in the GCE 'O' Level Examinations.

And my proudest achievements in St Margs is to have a star of my own on one of the pillars.

Thinking back, I've always told my friends and family that St. Margs is the changing point of my entire life. It is really God's grace that I got into the school, and I thank Him for all the dedicated teachers and faithful friends He had provided me with.

And I got this photo from Xinyi. It was taken back in 2003, on Racial Harmony Day celebrations. Our whole class wore ethnic costumes in school on that day. I kind of miss the class spirit back then. Those were the years which I will never forget.

And as we walked out of the school, I saw this house that looks like a pig. If memory serves me, I think Jie or somebody else had spotted this many years before. I think it's kind of cute, isn't it?

After that, we went to Island Creamery to chill out and to catch up with one another. It was good; there's so much that we can talk about. And that place is seriously good for gathering and I think for studying too, I mean with all the nice food at an affordable price.

The ice-cream

And I think the mudpie is good, not too sweet.

The happy us...

And this pic reminds me of my childhood days when my mum will bring my bro and I to Mac and take pics with this same uncle as well. Will try to find those pics one of these days and make a comparsion.

Anyway, it's been a great day. Hope that there's many more great days to come. National Day's coming and tomorrow will be the celebrations in schools. Have you gotten your red shirts ready?

It suddenly dawned on me last night how much both my bros have matured.
***
One was filling up his NS pre-enlistment form and I was taken aback by his seriousness.
I have never seen him so serious before; trying to measure the circumference of his head (for the helmet and cap), the widest width of his foot (for shoes), the width of his shoulders (for the shirt), and trying to see whether he has flat foot or high arch foot... I guess, NS do turn boys into men. It's a good start for my bro, definitely.
***
The other has been seriously studying and revising for the upcoming Os. He has got a log book in which he has to sign and enter the number of hours he had studied for a particular day and for which subject he had been studying for. And I think the teacher in school will check. And so, he had been doing this, studying for hours each day since last month. I know how hard it is to keep the momentum going, but, I'm sure my bro can do it. And the O level Mother Tongue result will be out soon. According to my bro, it'll be out next Mon. I don't know how true that is, but I just hope that my bro will get the result he desire and deserve, whatever grade that is.
***
My bros and I, I've just realised, are past the age of pillow fights and childish quarrels. We talk more about the more serious stuff, like NS, studies, growing old and all. But that doesn't mean that we are very serious when we talk. We share our opinions on these issues in a light-hearted manner. I guess, people do change, all of us change. We have no idea why and how we change, we just do.
I think I'll miss my bro when he gets enlisted soon.

I secretly love shopping at a quiet supermarket, be it cold storage, fairprice, market place... so long as it's quiet and not crowded, i'll love it.
And so, recently, I discovered a new cold storage at cluny court near Bukit Timah which fits the above criteria... i've been there quite a few times and found that place nice, and coupled with friendly cashiers and staff and high-end decors, it make me want to go back again. I don't know why I always seem to find the peace i need whenever I go supermarket shopping at a quiet supermarket, away from the busyness that the rest of the world is constantly involved in. I can't help but love shopping at a quiet supermarket!

Maybe that's what they meant by 'Redefining your shopping experience'.

The entrance

Some other stuff along the road...

I heard the choc cakes from here is good. Shall try it someday.

And because it is sad to leave the supermarket empty-handed, look at what I've bought...

I bought the oolong cha because somebody told me that it is really thirst quenching... well, I almost vomitted after a few sips of the drink... I'll never touch oolong cha ever again.

The French restaurant at Serene Centre...I like the smell of the food there...

What a relaxing place to have lunch/ dinner with your friends and family.

And on the way back, I bypass St Margs... Well, I always do, but because I've my camera with me today, I snapped a few pictures of the school building. They weren't very good shots but they are still shots nevertheless. Btw, I'm going back to St Margs with Lydia and all on Tues... may take more pics then, and of better quality of course.

A view of the courts from a distance...

Nearer...

The front view.

The classroom block.

St. John's Chapel.

The Chapel and the bell.

And because National Day is coming soon, you can see most flats, homes and buildings beautifully decorated with flags...

Most students are looking forward to the long weekend. Happy 42nd Birthday Singapore in advanced!

Mum and Dad are at cousin's engagement party now... should have gone to take pics... well, anyway, hope that my cousin and his fiancée stay happy and blissful. Aunt must be grinning from ear to ear now.

Had a long day today... So many things to do within so little time.
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Met many familar people today.
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On the bus, at the bus-stops...
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I don't know how I'll feel come Monday.
I have mixed reactions with that sort of emotions developing within me.
Don't really want to elaborate on that. But, that was a wonderful experience where I've learnt that I have a whole load of things to learn.
Thanks to those who help make it memorable and worthwhile.

We often heard about idol or other reality tv contestants that they try not to go online to look at the remarks (esp those bad, demoralising ones) made about them. And I used to laugh that away. Now, I know why they don't do so. I came across students' blogs that comment about my science lessons, saying that they were boring and dry and...
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Here it goes:
1. " Science test after that. Oh my tiann, section B was blank (:... anyway, everyone's head down after 5 mins..."

2. "Science after that, oh my gawd!We had our science test & guess what?I didn't even know how to do the whole paper,so i ended up guessing the MCQ answers & when it comes to the open ended questions, i left it totally blank.I slept throughout pratically the whole test".

3. "Science test ytd, n im soo gona 'pass with flyin colours'. I answered like only 3 qns for the whole of Section B and left the last pg blank (: And those 3 qns which i answered are juz random, i wrote like whateva i cn think of..."


It did affect me. I way very much affected.
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But, for very one negative comment, I chanced upon more comments that made me happy, though that does not mean that I was able to teach very well.
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Some comments from students' blog.
1. "haiya.anyways,after that miss goh BL came.HAHAHA.started on science again.this time is for gen and maya cos they werent there on thursday as they went for oral com.it was damn hilarious la,cant stop laughing.hahaha.i want miss goh to teach us everyday(: not only we get to laugh,can learn also la..so two in one(: HAHAHA.okay."

2. "Science- Last lesson with Ms Goh, she's nice (:"

3. "Science was fine." (to me, this is good enough)

4. "yeah got to go ,study science!i dont want to fail again):"

5. "After school, went to have tuition with Ms Goh.Vivien came along, & she pretended to become a MM student.But Ms Goh is smart, she knew that Vivien is from 1B, hahah!The tuition was fun! At least i got to understand a little about compound, mixtures & elements:D".

6. "todae went school as usual lesson lessson .after school went 4 extra science lesson in the libray(i guai )haha went with annie ,ethel and viven this science lesson i enjoy it very much cause goh was funny ,tomorrow it her last dae so sad luh! all the best to her i mean it ohkaye..."

7. "exams are so coming. and im still kinda confused about the chemical reaction chapter. THE WORST THING IS ... MISS GOH IS NOT TEACHING US ANYMORE! IM ALREADY MISSING HER! :'( i hope she'll visit soon. :) she's so nice! :) and her teaching is good lah."

I know who wrote them. I've marked the papers, it took me great courage. Anyway, I wish them all the best too, though some of the classes weren't the easiest classes to teach, but nevertheless, I believe that they are all good girls at heart.

Hmm, I'm done with the marking and recording. Lots of things went through my mind as I was marking, counting and recording down the marks. So, pardon me for the what may seem unorganised post.
***
I really don't understand.
Why is it that certain people can pass the test and even do well in it, while others do not even bother to try?
Sometimes, I feel that they deserve to get those grades, that they deserve to fail as they do not bother to pay attention and listen in my class.
But, for every one student who don't pay attention, many others listen.
So, I think, perhaps it's me. Perhaps, I should have dealt with those trouble/ noise makers first before going on with lessons. Perhaps, this could have prevented the tragedy that's happening.
***
I know that there are many who want very much to pay attention, to listen in class. But because of that few others who don't want to, I find it very hard to conduct lessons in the most effective manner. So, I guess, it is partly my fault that they are achieving such grades. Sincere apologies and I really wonder how can I now make the situation a little bit better for everyone.
***

Lots of thoughts... will put them in words soon, once I've rearranged the papers and recorded down the necessaries.

I just finished marking and collating the marks for one set of papers... Am feeling lousy now. Actually, more than lousy. Will elaborate about it later. Am struggling to get started on the next pile. I really don't dare to total up the marks. Am at a loss of what to do.

I don't know why. I was tired just a while ago, and I very much wanted to go to bed at 10pm. And now, about an hour later, I couldn't enter lala land. Must be the effect of the coffee I just had. Anyway, I think I'm getting messier and messier each day. All my notes, be it for tuition or for relief are not very much organised, and surprising, I manage to find whatever I need. I seriously think that my tolerance for messyness is getting higher and higher each day. It's not a good thing I know, and I'm trying hard to be organised. Maybe, I'll organised them this weekend, when I'm more free.

And I'm not afraid to show you my pile of messy notes for my tuition classes... I have loads of them at home, and even my tutor file is not very orderly arranged. And, it doesn't help that I teach quite a few subjects. So, I have chem, physics, a, e maths and lower sec science notes. Wow, one day, I'll put them in order... and hopefully, I'll set aside time to write or compile a guide book and publish it? Haha, it's been my dream to publish a guide book which is highly sought after by students, but, it takes a lot. To tell you the truth, I was once very proud of the notes that I compiled when I was in sec sch and jc. I thought my notes were good, at least good enough for me. But soon, I realised that many people don't understand why my notes are so wordy. Well, that's me. And most students nowadays respond better to graphics, and hence I guess it will be quite a tough process to produce a guidebook that appeals to them. Nevertheless, it's great food for thought isn't it?

Some piles of notes I need to go through before lessons this Sat...

Some resources I use...

I typed these questions out... it's not an easy tough with all the mathematical equations...

Can you believe that's my handwriting? My students can't... I take that as a compliment...

Anyway, I went to help out for matric yesterday, and there's a with problems that we encountered. So, do uphold the whole matric comm in your prayers and through God's grace, I'm sure we will pull through.

I'm glad for the many opportunities given to me to serve Him alongside with so many like-minded brothers and sisters- in- Christ.