Hmm, on a day like today, many random thoughts struck.
As a teacher/ tutor, you'll learn a lot. You're not just the one at the giving end. You receive too. In fact, you receive a lot more than you expect. No wonder some teachers can teach for life. Just like what one of my lecturers said, to teach is to learn.

Like how I learnt about the element song from someone while doing my lesson plan. I never knew that such a song exists. Check out the link, it's cool.

http://www.privatehand.com/flash/elements.html

I really can't wait to join the teaching force. I know that it's definitely not easy to be a teacher and much harder to be an educator, especially in the first few years. And I think I have a lot to learn. But I think it's really worthwhile seeing for yourself how minds transform.

But before all this, it's back to school first.

I'll try to wake up early every morning, eat regular meals, snack healthily, and get some activities done every day (which is why I think buying a Wii will be good). Ha.
Finally got my tuition stuff, the revision exercises done. I'm still trying hard to think of ways to help them improve; this final stretch is no doubt crucial. They need to work hard and smart. Me too. School's going to start soon. I need to get myself mentally prepared. Have to get back all my books I've lent out and returned the books that I've borrowed. Endless of things to do. Many will be going on exchange; US, UK, Taiwan, China, ... Enjoy you lucky fellows.

Came back from the half-day feedback and sharing session. After hearing the experiences of fellow scholars and awardees and friends, I've come to this conclusion that the girls and teachers at cgs are really a fortunate and priviledged bunch. I feel blessed to have been posted to such a good school, but on the other hand, what scares me is the possiblilty of me having to teach at a normal, mainstream school. I don't think I have been really exposed to a setting where discipline is a big issue, and I don't think I have the ability to discipline them. I think, if I have the opportunity to do relief teaching, I'll try my luck at neighbour schools.
Also, I've also realised that I have been taking most of the technology and resources available to me for granted. I seemed to forget that there are so many other students out there without pcs, not to even mention tablet pcs. It's good to have been posted to a future school, but I need to keep myself grounded and aware of the situation at other mainstream schools as well.
I'm so going to miss the fruit punch from the school canteen.

I'm going to miss waking up real early in the morning, taking the early, cold bus, and walking the stretch of road to go to school. I'm going to miss the past three wks. It have been a nice and good experience, and I'm really blessed to have been posted to one of the future schools in Singapore, to have made great friends, to have been given such warm hospitality by the principal and the teachers and of course, to learn loads of stuff from the school and my CT and the comments that he has given to me. I'm really grateful to everyone who have made us feel welcomed and at home for the past three wks. Thank you so much.
I'm also going to miss the disciplined lifestyle of the past three wks; of having to wake up early, eat regular meals and to do work.
And, oh yes, Wii is so fun.

I kept seeing this girl whom I taught last year in the school that I'm in now and she always says hi to me. Ha. Anyway, I think my mindset about certain things is changing. And I'm think I can say that it is towards a positive one. I hope. I now think that students, at least those in primary and secondary schools, sometimes need to be reprimanded so that they will learn. I used to think that I will only teach the interested, and not bother with those who are not interested (this, I think can be attributed to the lecturers in uni where they don't really bother whether or not anyone is listening). Hmm, isn't that a positive change in mindset?
But then again, I think if I were to come across a class where most students are the uninterested parties, I think no matter how hard I try and reprimand and nag and put away my pride to beg them, they may not listen. I may end up hurting myself. Hmm, so I guess, one have to be realistic and understand that it takes both hands to clap and two to tango. Nevertheless, I determined to teach and try my best to make even the uninterested interested in my lessons. When the mind and attitude is right, everything else tends to fall into place more easily.

I saw some of the students whom I relief-taught last year at today's Lit Fest and they said hi to me. That made my day. I'm such an easily satisfied person.
I'm caught in a dilemma, what should I do?

For the past few mornings, I have been waking up to the doom and gloom of Year 3. Oh my, school is starting real soon. Seriously, sometimes, I think Year 3 is going to be a tough and diffcult year. But I always went to the conclusion that it's just that I left out the friends' aspects of school. Right, friends and family are such important people. They definitely make diffcult times easier and the same people make time flies. Right. But I just can't help feeling depressed about school starting soon. Think friends, family, God.
Attachment's fine. I can't help but wonder whether I'll look back on it with fond memories. I certainly hope so.

Didn't know that shopping with Lydia can be so fun. This girl. She tells you to try everything possible blouse/ skirts/ pants/ dresses/ shirt-dresses... for the reason that it's free. But, hey girl, it was really fun that day and thanks for your company. It's really nice to go out and have fun after so many days of going to school to observe lessons, ccas, projects... am planning to for different people to go out with some other day...
Have been trying to finish some book. But these days, tiredness got the better out of me, and so even speed-reading hadn't helped me progress much into the book. It's back to school tml. I know that I will enjoy it when I get back tml, but I just can't help feeling a little down today. It's psychological I know.

Goodbye to frivolous reads and dvds. Have been reading and watching lots of movies and drama serials on dvds recently. So much that I can almost predict accurately as to what will happen next. Similar timelines have been applied to most stories. Stories these days are seriously in need of a twist!
Attachment will commence tomorrow. I don't know what to expect. I mean I don't want to get my expections too high in case I get disappointed. Perhaps the best thing to do is to go there with an open mind. Do pray for me.

the number three

Have heard a lot about the beauty of the number 3 today, about how some things come in three. and i'll add more here.
1. In primary school compositions, we were told to write 3 paragraphs; intro, body and conclusion.
2. In secondary school, an English teacher taught me that 3 is a good number to remember. Like when you need to include examples, 3 examples will be nice.
For instance, my hobbies include reading, eating and sleeping.
3. In our DIY photo-taking, usually 3 people can be included/ captured in the photo (assuming normal length of the arm).
4. Most of my friends come from a family of 3 children. Maybe it's because we come from the era of the 'Have 3 or more children if you can afford it' policy. See 3?!
5. If memory serves me well, a band/ choir will be expected to perform 3 songs in the SYF judging.
6. I have always taught that 3 mins is just a nice period of time to grant students for a break to the toilet.
Maybe the number three has kind of resonates subconciously in our minds.

Fixed On Christ Camp

Another day spent at Mt Faber. I love sitting under the sky, having the tree shade me from the afternoon sun, and letting the wind bring my troubles away.





Visited the many places where I used to come with my family years ago.

This ship thing is still there. I have a vivid memory of that cos of Titantic


Hadn't know about the pond of turtles there though.




Then there is the much-talk-about The Jewel Box.


What's these Lego bricks doing here?


Cable Car made of Lego! For display only.


Cable Car Centre at Mt. Faber.


Though I live relatively near to Mt Faber, I hadn't visited the place for many years.
Though we hadn't planned any activities for the day, I really had fun; simply chatting and crapping away.



I like the idea of spending a day like this; not having to worry about how time should be used to study and ... Wonder when will I have such a relaxing day again.

I've got news from MOE regarding the attachment. Guess which school I'm going to?

Went to walk the Southern Ridges today... what an achievement! It feels good sweating it out. I guess it would will better if not for the rain that came when we were in Kent Ridge Park. Could have walked to NUS. Nevertheless, the walk was definietly worth it. The bridges make the view real scenic and pretty!

The view of Habourfront Towers


Jewel Box at Mt. Faber


The Henderson Waves








Obviously, there are lots of trees along the way. Saw lots of trees that I had learnt in the ss module; simpoh air, adinandra just to name a few.

Can you spot the squirrel?




Next stop: Alex Arch


Didn't manage to capture the complexity of the trail


This is the arch that I always see at the bus-stop where I take bus to school. It looks different from the bus-stop.




We discovered some places too. HortPark is one of them. It's suppose to be a gardening hub...
but i thought that the place has a resort and relaxing feel to it.

HortPark- the gardening hub












Then came Kent Ridge Park. By then we were too tired to take anymore pictures. Plus it rained. Then it was lunch at IMM. We talked and chatted and I guess I felt accomplished. Afterall, we have decided on the presents and stuff that we need to get for someone. Well, I kind of looking forward to the picnic@Mt Faber on Monday... it'll be another day of fun! I hope.

I revealed yesterday that I like to bake cos baking help me de-stress. And because I haven't bake in a long time (the last time I bake was a few sems ago; I baked cookies then :-)), I decided to bake something this morning. In the end, I managed to bake this:

Ignore the fudge... it's just the brownies!

And because i used only half of the brownie mix i couldn't use the bigger, thicker rectangular pan. The result? slightly thinner than usual brownie.

I like using brownie mixes... it makes baking fuss-free and simple and it makes me feel like an expert.

It seems like I have plenty of activities this and next week.

I discover the joy of watching dvds this hols! I have been watching movies which I didn't have the chance to catch.

Tml, I'll be going to walk the hill-top ridges with yw. Really looking forward to that. Finally, the sun, the fresh air and the beautiful scenary.

Went out with the ss bunch today... I'm glad we still meet up in sch and outside sch even though we no longer took the same module as one another. What's more exciting is that we have planned to meet up more this hols! Yippee! As usual, we chatted and pass sarcastic remarks at one another and talked! Had a wonderful time with those girls! Am looking forward to meeting up again!



This pic is a personal fav of mine...


We'll be going to Mount Faber next week cos we need to exercise and save money. You don't have to pay to sit and Mount Faber and what's more, you'll get to sweat and exercise!

Results was released a few days ago. I did alright i guess. Praise God for it. I used to have the urge to study harder the next semester, but this urge hasn't come yet. Maybe it wouldn't come. I guess it's probably because I'm tired. Not tired of studying per se but exhausted by the competition and having to compete with the others (due to the nature of the bell curve used in grading). I never like such competition; you know, i resented those times way back in my primary school days when my mum and those aunties will ask for your marks and comment on it and compare you with the rest of the cousins and your friends. And obviously it doesn't really help when you have smarter cousins and friends as in my case. I felt like I had o value in me and i will resent words and advice given to me by certain people.

I really think that this had affected my life; it's like a scar, the pain will fade, but the mark will always remain. It caused me not to dare to look back my primary school days.

Therefore, I always make it a point to remind myself that I will not cause such pain to my children (if i have any in the future).

I'm sure that there were times whereby you ask your friends how much they score for their papers and you'll feel secretly happy when you do better. But as I move up in my academic journey, I realise that this tires me out. I realise that what's more important is to improve and do better the next time round. Compete and challenge with yourself. Perhaps this is a more sustainable way to go for myself.

Looking back at the past few semesters, I think I've learnt a lot about letting go and letting God take charge. Not that I don't study and expect a miracle to happen, but that I study, do my best and leave everything else to God. I have to attribute this to my many bros and sis-in Christ and for their encouragements, prayers and love.

June will be the month of rest for me. But I'll continue to pray for those on missions. Come July, I'll be on attachment. And I don't want to know what's in store for August; at least not now.

“When you grow and develop the right condition inwardly, the words Jesus spoke become so clear that you are amazed you did not grasp them before. In fact, you were not able to understand them before because you had not yet developed the proper spiritual condition to deal with them.” I find this so true in recent QTs… The passages that I am reading through these days seem to connect with me and I can understand and relate well with the verses. At the same time, intriguing thoughts that I never have had before seem to fill my mind. I guess I’m starting to take QTs more seriously and am putting more effort to read and understand the Words of God. It really feels good to be able to understand the words of the Lord and I guess the most important thing is to apply them into our daily lives and spiritual walks with Him.

I remember wanting to post this pic up some weeks ago before semester closed, but I guess I have been busy with things… it’s something that I have done during the last DG session.
Basically, it surmarises the ups and downs of last semester:

1. Person drawing a portrait: Represents how I used to be so mindful of how other people view me; but I have since learnt not to as I definitely will not be able to please everyone; the most important thing is to live a life pleasing to God.
2. Confident Super-kid VS background doesn’t-seem-to-be-bothered Super-kid imposer: Being a child of God, I can be confident in everything I do since my strength will come from Him.
3. Horses on the field: How enriched I have been having gone through the many events that Crusade has organized; Harvest Rally, The Naked i campaign, and even through the busy times that I have to cope juggling with so many things.
4. “Love is in the air” logo and the pretty, colourful flowers background: Represent how I have been showered with love and concern by friends and family members. The colourful flowers add on to the feelings of happiness.
5. Friends: Yes, the importance of friendships. They help you, encourage you and pray for you!
6. “Forever 21” logo: This logo was included not because I want to remain 21 forever, but rather to fill up the empty space and maybe because of the 21. Many of my friends have turned or will soon (within the next 7 months) turn 21. Many of those who have turned 21 have told me that they felt a sudden extra responsibility being placed on them. How scary. 21 is indeed a milestone in a person’s life. Not only does it mark the beginning of adulthood, it will also mean more freedom and of course more responsibilities.
Hmmm… didn’t know that I will write so much. Anyway, today’s going to be a busy day. I have planned to do so many things. I have been so tired recently… I think I’m getting too much rest, not that I’m complaining, but maybe it’s time to change.

Yippee. Exams are over now... I shall now keep my fingers cross for the results.
I think that God has been faithful and great to me this semester... I really thank God for surrounding me with supportive friends, providing me with constant prayer support. Thank you friends, brothers and sisters for your prayers.
Now is the time to catch up with friends, spend time with my family... I really miss talking and going out with mum...
I also know that many of my friends are going overseas, be it on exchange, summer programmes and mission trips, I will keep all of you in prayer. If you have any specific prayer requests, feel free to drop me a msg.

Here's something encouraging for all of us prior/ in the midst of exams:
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song". Psalms 28:7.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 29-31.

All the best for exams...