Friday, June 30, 2006

Had a fun day at East Coast yesterday. It's been a long time since I was so active physically. We did roller-blading and cycling. Though it was physically demanding and with the sun sorching hot, it was a satisfying day for I like the feeling of the beads of sweat and perspiration running on my skin. It makes me feel more alive. I suddenly miss PE at this point in time and I seriously doubt I will make time to exercise come university days.
July is going to be a busier month; not that June was busy. Well, at least I have more stuff lined up for the month of July and afterall, it is going to be the last month before school starts. Talking about school, I think I have lost the momentum for studying. I wonder is it going to be hard to pick up the momentum and study. As a freshie, I certainly look forward to the different lifestyle of university and the different culture. But yet, on the other hand, I'm apprehensive of having a culture shock and having to meet new people and to study again.
I'm not sure how I will do in university. But one thing I know is that I can rely on
my friends, family and God. Since He brought us to it, He will bring us through it.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Hey pple! It's been ages since I updated...Maybe not ages, but a long time... Anyway, I have been rather busy for the past weeks. Busy and yet fulfilling. Anyway, I may be going to NUS Science instead of Engineering. I think many of you know the reason. But if you don't and you want to know, just msg me and I'll share my reason with you. And if anyone knows of any person going to NUS Science, kindly inform me as well. So, that's uni update.
Another thing worth mentioning is that I've started tutoring. I'm currently tutoring a Sec 2 girl in her maths and science. And I was really glad that I got along with her and her family. What's more is the family shares many similarities with me...For instance, her mum was from the same secondary school as me! Also, the girl and her younger sister studies in the same primary school as me! Talk about coincidences. Anyway, I really enjoy the tuition sessions.
I have been enjoying my time at home so much so that I don't really feel like going back to school. Well, I'm not really that lazy and lackadasical. I went jogging twice ast week and went out cycling and shopping. It's just that I'm used to this lifestyle that I think I'm going to take a long time to adjust to school life again come this August.
I'm going to school to collect my cert later this morning. And I have many things that I have to attend to; like going to the optician for an eye check-up, and going for medical check-up this or next week. Enough about all this. I shall update another time.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Looking for tutors?
Well, fret not!

Charge: $120/month (1.5 hr/wk, 4wks/month) (negotiable)
Subjects: Primary school maths and science,
Sec 1&2 maths and science,
Sec 3&4 a maths, e maths, biology and chemistry
JC1&2 maths, chemistry and biology

Tutor's qualifications: The tutor has is currently waiting to enter NUS(Chemical Engineering) and would be willing to follow through secondary school or college.

Interested?
Contact me at 91623996 or e-mail me at: ban_leng13@hotmail.com
Thank You.
Due to popular demand, I think I shall post for the sake of posting and updating... Well, I have already stop working at the lab...and enjoying my time at home and with friends...it is good timing as the Great Singapore Sales is coming and I can go shopping with my mum again! As expected, I went shopping with my mum, not just shopping for clothes and all, but also shopping for baking needs...I'm going to learn how to bake cookies and brownies (someday). Oh...I also went out with Lydia and XY the day before yesterday, and found out that the 3 of us are going to work till uni start...so fun, I can meet up with them more often...Back to that day, we met City Hall and walked all the way to Marina Square...to bowl...didn't know that bowling can be so fun and exciting...should master bowling skills someday as well. And the 3 of us are going to East Coast tml! To cycle. But I also hope that we can roller blade...I bet rollerblading will be more fun and exciting. As for today, I'll be going out with mum and spending time with her.
As for university application, I think I'll settle for chem eng at NUS. Not too sure now...if you happen to know of anyone who is going for chem eng at NUS, do let me know...and I'm also looking for students for tuition...let me know if you know of anyone who needs tuition...well that's all for now...

Thursday, April 13, 2006

People come and go. Seriously. Especially in the working world. I really miss the part of making lasting friendships in school. In school, your friends will most likely stay in contact with you for years and even for your entire life. However, the reality of the working world really hurts. People move on to greener pastures. And sometimes, it came at such a time when we are getting to know each other better. Indeed, there are more longer such things like a "metal or steel rice bowl" these days. I had seen many of my colleagues leaving in merely 4 months. Of course, I've met new people as a result. However, I dislike not being able to build a lasting friendship with many of them. My only hope is that I will build more of such friendships come university. As the saying goes "Friends are friends forever".

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Faith in HIM
Love given by HIM
Joy because of HIM
Had been relief teaching for 2 days. I would say that it was really a valuable experience for me. I was rather apprehensive about it at first; however, I soon realised that my worries are in fact unduly. First of all, I was afraid that I couldn't project my voice. Though I do speak up in class, the class population in a primary school is larger than that in college. But fortunately, my voice was loud enough to be heard by all. Secondly, I was worried that I would not be able to teach them anything if they get too noisy and playful. However, the class did pay attention to what I was teaching and did some work which I marked. Thirdly, I was afraid that I would be like some of the relief teachers (which I had during school days) who simply just give us work to do and walked away. I am glad that I manage to interact with them and help them when they needed my help. They really make my days and I would love to go back and teach them again. Though they tend to get too vocal at times, it was nevertheless a joy to teach them. However, I don't think that I am suited to be a teacher. Or rather a primary school teacher. No doubt, I love teaching them and imparting them my knowledge, I think I am not very good in instilling values and discipling students. And students, especially young children, need positive role models who will continously drill the right values and message into their brains. And this, I don't think I'm very good in. Perhaps this will change as I grow older. Maybe. No matter what. this relief teaching stint really widen my perspectives and make me learnt a lot of things about myself and the students.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Polkadot for life!
Saw that? Missing the days back there.
Work is getting busier and more monotonous. Sometimes, I really feel like quitting. But I don't like being a quitter. I need time to reflect about my life. I realised that I haven't actually done a lot apart from studying all these years. I'm also not a very independent girl (according to my parents), though I would like to think otherwise. Which is probably the reason why my parents don't really want to to go overseas to study. But I do know something about housework; I can sweep, mop. Cooking? I guess I can. I never cook a meal for my family but I can cook for myself. Laundry? Just simply leave it to the laundry shops. See, I can settle all these myself, but according to my parents, they claimed that I can't take care of myself. They said that I'll miss home and will have no one to turn to when I need help. They said I may not adjust a life overseas. But who knows when I don't give it a try. Anyway, I guess I'm most likely studying here in Singapore. Firstly, I don't want to go through all the admission procedures again. Secondly, I don't want to upset my parents. And perhaps, deep down inside me, I don't really want to go overseas to study at all. But given a chance, I would. I guess, I really need time to think about my future. Moulding in the process. Am nothing without God.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Just the other day, I was reading my dairy entries for the past year, and suddenly found myself looking back at those memories fondly. I am glad that I can be able to do so. I found myself being grateful for many things. I think I have enjoyed my past 2 years in SA and will have to move on with life. Of course, my friends will move on with me. I think I have to thank many people who have had made life in college as beautiful as it was. Firstly, my OG and OGL. They were the first group of people I had met in school. Newly found friends came from there first. Next, my civics groups; both the first 3 months and after. I love talking, studying with these people. Of course, not forgetting my tutors and lecturers and everyone else who have been a part of my 2 years in college. And oh! There's another special group of people whom used to sit with me at a table in the cafe almost every morning, where we would discuss abt school and school work. You all know who you are. And I really miss those mornings.
Thinking back, I feel a little nosgtalgic. Just a little.
Enough. I have to move on.
I'm starting to like work. I like the interactions with the people there. They're nice, friendly people. But I think there's going to be a big project soon. I don't know how soon, and I don't know whether I'll still be there. Part of me wants to stay; but the other wants to leave. Anyway, I'm off work today and tommorrow. I'll be going out with mum, and I will make use of the time to think about the courses I want to apply for in university.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Results was out yesterday. Though I stepped into the college with a rather heavy heart, I was glad that I did not walked out there like that. I think I have to thank a lot of poeple for this. I did well, I guess. [To whoever who wants to know my results, kindly msg me.] I'm truly grateful for the results. Grateful to my tutors, my friends, my family and of course, God. Really, nothing can taste sweeter than this; tasting the very fruits of our hard labour. It's sweet, I can tell you. Thanks to everyone for making this possible. Thank you for letting me taste this sweetness of life, for which I'm sure the taste will still linger for the rest of my life. For those who are not satisfied with their results, do not be disappointed. God did not fail you. He has a plan for you. Continue to place your trust in Him. He is forever faithful. Am nothing without Him. To God be the glory.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Happy Lunar New Year everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying themselves, eating, visiting, exchanging greetings, spending time with loved ones and simply enjoying the time off from work and school. CNY is an excuse for us to put on the weight and enjoy all the new year goodies and sit in front of the television set and enjoy all the CNY programmes. All the fireworks and various performances at the many different locations are indeed beautiful and splendid and really keep me glued to the television sets. All the new year goodies are so delicious that I couldn't stop eating them. The lightings at Chinatown are really beautiful and pretty. But the crowds there kept me away. If I happened to be at a crowded place, I'll be more concern with how to get out there rather than with shopping. Then again, I doubt I'll ever be at a crowded place.
I do understand why some people choose to get down to Chinatown or any place for celebrations and countdowns. It's the crowd and the festive atmosphere that entice them there. Talk about the attraciveness. Well, and I do know that some people do go to Chinatown on CNY eve to get new year goodies at a cheaper price. But, I prefer to stay at home and watch countdown programmes. Think about the comfort of your cosy sofa set and air-conditioning at home. And nowadays, more and more families are going to restaurants for reunion dinners; because of the convenience. All the commercialisation and money earning opportunities. Restaurants are competing for more patrons and hence many are offering compeitive prices to attract more patrons. Well, after all, the consumers are those who benefit the most out of this. Anyway, while more and more are going to restaurants for reunion dinners, I still prefer the good old traditional reunion dinner at home. The joy of every family member coming together for an extra long dinner; the smile on every person's face; the bits of perspiration rolling down the cheeks; the warmth generated when everyone sat so close to eat; all these, definitely make the preparations and the so-called inconvenience worth it. Not that you can't experience the joy and warmth when eating at the restaurant; it's just that you can take your own sweet time eating at home without worrying about the next batch of patrons. Also, you don't really have to care about your table manners when eating at home; when we are eating outside, we tend to talk more softly and more conscious but at home, we tend to be less conscious about all these and enjoy ourselves more. Plus, home always serves our favourite dishes.My brother alone ate 4 bowls of rice that night. These make eating reunion dinner at home enjoyable; a tradition I really hope that we will observe every other year.
Here's wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. May all your dreams come true.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

All I can say about my life right now is that I'm rather satisfied with what I'm doing. The work, though temporary and has got weird working hours, is quite all right. Though there's some 'office politics' and some other stuff among the people, I got along rather well with them. I'm starting to enjoy their company now, and I hope more so in time to come. Today, I did something new. That is, helping them to do the barcoding and pouring the urine samples from the containers into tubes. Something new and it kept us really busy and tired. But, it's better than sitting there doing nothing. I feel bad and I really have to worry constantly about being asked to explain why I didn't look for work. That's me. Oh well. Anyway, this week is the first week that I ever work for full 6 days. I started work on a Wednesday for the first week; then next was a Christmas holiday on a Monday, if I remember; then it was a New Year Day holiday; and next was Hari Raya. So, you see, I've been working for a month. Though I'm happy with my life now, I miss school! Seriously. I miss the people, the friends, the lecturers and the tutors. I miss the lectures, tutorials, breaks, and I miss the mornings when we always sat together at a table in the cafe to do our work and to talk. I miss having to do tutorials and having to read notes. The 2 years spent in college flew by so quickly. Flew; literally. I will cherish all the wonderful and beatiful memories and the friendships forged in those 2 years. I hope you will too. Take care all my friends, and do continue to keep in touch. Thank God for everyone who have come into my life and has helped me in one way or another.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

I've just recieved my pay for the past 2 weeks. Not much; I'm just a few hundred dollars richer. But money is not the issue here since my family doesn't need it. I'm fortunate, I know. This is my first pay check and I haven't really figure out how to use it. I know I'm opening myself to people asking me for treats; I know what to do. In my opinion, I don't equate money with the type of work that you do. One can earn a lot. But if one does not get along with the people in the company and colleagues, then I guess, one will not be happy. I'm not trying to say that I'm noble by not thinking of the amount of money one gets from work. Bread and butter issues are still the most important for many people; especially for parents and many others. But what I'm saying here is that, for me, I think relationship with people and getting along well with others one of the more crucial factor. I'm still trying to bridge the gap between me and my other colleagues. It's improving; but there's still quite a way to go.
Ever since I work, I have come to realise the expenses needed to maintain a family; with children. I'm not sure how I know, but I just do. Really, believe me, it's not easy. Our parents really are doing their best. I mean, they have to pay for our food, clothes, education, and not forgetting the water, electricity, gas and many other bills. Though what's left goes into their banks, but remember who pay for the occassional holidays and other luxuries? It's reaaly not easy on their part. Now, when you spend your next dollar, try to think of your parents who are always working for our sake.

Friday, January 06, 2006

I'm sure we all like to be loved by everyone around us; and thus, most will go all out to be accepted by others. And they included ways like the following:
1. Following the crowd. Or more simply "Monkey see, monkey do".
2. Behaving the way that others wanted you to.
And so on...
Basically, for those in an all new environment, be it a new class, a new school, or even workplace, we will all be anxious about being accepted by someone, if not, everyone. It's the nature of a social being, no doubt. But does that include going against your own character just so to be accepted? Sometimes, being in a new environment does force one to grow up and mature, and to open up to others. But the basic principles that one live by should and must stay and not change with the flow. Sure, one can be a smart worker when it comes to work, but that doesn't mean that one should slack when working, or do the job badly. The main thing is to get the job done well and good. And also, do not be so eager to be accepted by all. It takes time for them to warm up to you. And you certainly do not want to mix with the wrong company. So, take your time. Besides, we are all accepted by God. A God who so loved us that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die for all our sins. Well, by writing all these down, all I hope is that God help me set my priorites right and not to go with the flow that I lose sight of my goals. I am learning to put everything into God's hands. Sometimes this can be hard. But I'm learning. Moulding in the process. And all glory goes to Him. Nothing without Him.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Isn't it very troublesome to tap your ez-link card before alighting from a bus? I was so so afraid that I might forget to do so and the moment I broad another bus, the card reader would give off a loud, disturbing sound. I'm sure it's not just me who find this too troublesome. I seldom have to do so when still schooling. And now, I would be so conscious of the amount of money left in my card and to top it up when necessary. Oh, how I miss those days when I have student concession.
And on working life. I'm now working longer hours. Positive and negative. Good because I earn more, and there's nothing I can do at home and there's only me and my mum. Bad because the hours are kind of weird. It's not like those 9-5, or 8-6 hours, but 1-8!!! it's like in the middle of nowhere. I can't go out before or after work. The only days when I can go out is on Saturday evenings and Sundays.And I'm usually so tired after work that I really don't feel like doing anything when I get home. I still prefer schooling days. Oh, how much I misses school. Wouldn't it be nice if I can don't tap my card before alighting the bus and not work and still get the money? I better face up to reality.

Monday, January 02, 2006

A brand new morning; a brand new year; a brand new start. Happy New Year, everyone. 2005 has become history and 2006 is the present. There are wonderful memories of 2005 that will always be remembered and looked back upon fondly by many, and I hope that 2006 will be one with many beautiful memories as well. Here, I must thank many people who have made my 2005 a wonderful year. Without them, there would not be such fond memories. And there are my classmates, my schoolmates, my juniors, my ex-schoolmates, my teachers, my lecturers, my tutors, and God Almighty of course. I want to thank them for making this year (deemed to be one of the most important years of my life), memorable. The journey towards the 'A' levels seemed much easier with them around. Without their constant encouragement and motivation, I would not have studied so hard. Without their friendship, I would not have graduated from college feeling loved and accepted. Without the love and care from the tutors and lecturers, I would not have felt that college was my second home. Without the strength and guidance of God, I would not have sailed through this journey as smoothly as I had. So really, a million thanks to all these people. Now, 2006 would be one of new challenges. Work, and university. These would be new things that I've never been through. I pray for God's guidance for me to get through them. Also, I hope that everyone will be safe from all harm in this brand new year. God bless.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

It's SAJC Symbolic Move back to Woodsville today. SAV is really a huge place. The campus is so large; it's true. We are not even done with walking through the school once, not to mention 'exploring' it. That's how huge it is. But I must say, from what I've saw, that the school is quite conducive for studying and sports. The classrooms and laboratories are reasonably spacious, and there's more fans in place of air-conditioners. The track, is in its 'tip-top' condition, and the grasses on the field seems longer than they were back in the old campus. These are just some of the many good points in the new campus. There are many more; like I say, I have not finish exploring the place.
In a few more days, 2005 would be a history, and 2006 will no longer be the future. I thought it would be meaning for me to think back about the past year and learn from my mistakes and give thanks and grace for everything good that had happened to me and my surrounding friends and family. Hopefully, this will gear me to be a better person in the new year. Maybe you can try that too.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Merry Christmas everyone. Tis the season to be jolly. Spread the love and joy He had given to everyone. May His glory spreads and may all of us be embraced by His love. Merry Christmas!