Wow! Today is the first time I blog since school started about 2 weeks ago. For the whole of two weeks, I’m busy with many different things; getting used to know friends from different modules, registering for tutorials and labs sessions and all. I remembered being very apprehensive about school on the first day of lecture. But, not anymore. Instead, I’m starting to LOVE school. LOVE sounds very extreme. But I do LOVE school now; especially the SS module. Today is probably the highest points of my life since school started. It must be because of the lunch cum bonding cum self-entertaining sessions we all had just now, before the guest lecture started. It was so fun, getting to know each other and crapping together. It was definitely not what I had expected from the SS module. I was not expecting to meet new friends who can click so well with me! Cheryl, Angela and Lisa! Thank you so much for making the SS module so fun and enjoyable. Thank you for the enthusiasm that you all had for the course. I remembered the first time we met. The only thing we all had in common is that we were alone in the huge LT 25 for the first lecture. I’m glad that I was alone then. If not, I don’t think I would have been friends with them! So, being alone is not so bad afterall.
I had my first Discipleship Group (DG) session yesterday with the nursing girls. I really want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to get to know and grow in Him through this group. I hope all of us will grow together and be true, living testimonies for Him. The spiritual support is great and much needed by me. I’m grateful that I can still turn to Him and for the spiritual support on campus.
Thinking back of everything, I'm more sure than ever that He has a good plan for me. He had meant for me to go to the course alone so that I can make new friends; if not for this, I would have stick with my friends. Of course, this is just one of the many many examples that happen in my daily life and spirtual walk with me. I hope that I will keep Him on the throne of my life and let Him guide me.

To impart, impact and not to impress- I'm still learning to do that. Seriously. I think I tend to be egoistic at times. Some times, not all the time. I'm still learning. I have lots of things to learn. Lectures commencing next week. Really need to learn to juggle lessons and tuitions. After all, common test and prelims are around the corner for my students, and some of them requested extra lessons. Really, they're hardworking students. Hope that they will learn as much from my lessons as possible. And I hope that I can be of some help to them. I want to impart them knowledge and skills, make an impact in their lives and not to impress them with my credentials. I don't want the glory for myself. The glory goes to Him, for whatever I do.

  

  

Every human being is alike in the basic sense that they have an aim in their live; either a life-long aim or many aims at very other point of their life. In my opinion, I think that many people will have the latter instead of the first-mentioned, especially in these days when kids and children are constantly being bombarded my parents and teachers alike to do goal setting for their PSLE, “O” and “A” levels. That’s already 3 goals in the short life span of 18 years. And this is not mentioning the little target settings for minor tests and C.A.s. And as one proceeds on in life, one will be overwhelmed by the number of goals that the society expects of the individual and what one expects from oneself; achieving financial stability, career advancement, starting a family, bringing up one’s own children in the best possible method, planning for retirement so on and so forth.
The above passage may have a negative tone to it. But I’m definitely not saying that having goals and aims to achieve is a bad thing. Instead, I’m implying that the exact opposite is true. Goals and aims can really spur a person to work hard. Without them, it simply feels like I’m missing something in myself. The something can be the drive to work, or anything else. I know it just too well. I mean, for myself, I’ve always have had goals and aims to work towards to. In secondary school, it was to study hard and score at least 5 distinctions for the “O” levels so that I can have my name up on a star and displayed along the stretch of walls leading to the classrooms. I achieved that goal of my 3years back. Then, the next goal was to study hard to make it to the university of my choice. I achieved that as well. And I find that though I spent the last 4 to 5 years studying very hard for the “O”s and “A”s, I find that period of time very well-spent and I don’t regret not spending as much time with my family so that I can focus on studying. (Well, at least I’m not regretting now, maybe in the future, I don’t really know). It was because of the aims that I had that pushed me to study hard so that I can achieve them. And now, after more than half a year of not studying, I feel that I have lost the momentum and the drive to do anything. I figured that it’s the aimless lifestyle that caused this. Other than preparing for tuitions and tutoring, I’m not looking forward to anything else. One can argue that to lead a relatively free and easy life can be an aim. Yes, this may be the lifestyle that many is looking for, but it’s definitely not the kind of lifestyle I want to lead. I feel the need to be doing something constructively during most of the time. This explains the restlessness in me right now. Hopefully, when school starts, this will change and that I will have a aim to work towards. I guess, that aim will be to balance studies with tuition assignments.

I’ve just watched I Not Stupid 2 on disc last night. All right, I know, I’m sort of outdated…but hey, it’s better late than never. And I didn’t regret staying up till about 2am to finish the two discs. In my opinion, it’s time well spent. And yes, all the media reports about the movie and the comments from movie and independent critics are right; the show really does make even hearts of metal tear. I myself use up four pieces of Kleenex, and I believe I’m not the extreme case. The movie does have its humorous side as well. Such as how Jerry’s mischievous friends tricked Jerry into believing that he got his female classmate pregnant. The scene featuring the adults speaking the lingo of the teenagers brought laughter as well. Just their tone and pronunciation can make one roll on the floor, laughing. But overall, I guess it is the messages that the movie sent to the audience that make it stand out from other mediocre, commercial movies. I don’t know about others; but for myself, I can pick up about three to four points/ messages from the movie.
The most obvious point is about how parents should discipline their children. In the movie, Tom’s parents are busy working to even enjoy dinner with their children, not to even mention teaching and communicating with them. To the parents, Tom is basically a good-for-nothing. Nothing that he does ever pleases them; not even when he won the championship for the national blogging competition. In addition, they often misunderstood his intentions, leading their already sour relation to worsen. I know every parent have their own method of disciplining their children, and it is thus not very fair to comment. But as far as I’m concern, I think that the least parents should do is to spend some time with their children. It’s not about quantity, rather, it is the quality of time that make the difference to the upbringing and behaviour of the child. If parents do not spend time with their children, children may turn to their friends for company. Should they fall prey to bad company, I don’t wish to imagine that scenario. So, that’s the part about disciplining the child as a parent.
Secondly, we shouldn’t blame the parents all the time. I think as children, we should also put ourselves in our parents’ shoes and think from their point of view. We always ask our parents to do and buy things for us and behave as if they owe us a living. But truth of the matter is that they don’t. Why not pause and think about what we can do for them? If we can do them proud by doing well in our exams, I don’t think our parents will be unhappy. If we can grow up and mature and not anger them, I don’t think they will nag and scold us. Take me for instance, I try not to anger my parents by not quarrelling with my brothers. I make them happy by putting my best efforts in every thing I do. Those who know me well will know that my present to mum and dad for Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day, their birthdays, Christmas, and what not, is what I work hard every year for; my exam results. So long as I put in my best efforts and do well, they will be happy, which is something that they always wanted from us. I guess, it is not that hard to please parents after all. In a sense, they are easier to please compared to us, don’t you think so?
Thirdly, it is about how schools and teachers should discipline their students? I am rather concerned about this point since I am going to teach in about four to five years time. In my own opinion, I don’t think I will be a teacher who will use violence and corporal punishment to punish the students. I would prefer to punish them constructively and use logic to reason with students. If they do not listen, I’ll have to resort to nagging and in the worst case scenario, I will approach my ‘saviour’; the discipline master. Hey, there is a reason for the existence of discipline masters/ mistresses in schools. But that is in the worst case scenario and I personally hope that I will develop my own methods of dealing with my students. Well, that’s something to worry about in four to five years time.
And lastly, I’ve also thought about how I would teach and discipline my children in the future. I know that future is not so near, but nevertheless, that taught did came to my mind. Would I be very strict with my children? In my opinion, it is very tiring to be strict with children. You’ve got to have loads of energy as you need to monitor and correct their behaviour, actions, speech, school work and other aspects. Would I bring up my children like how my parents brought me up? I always thought that my parents are not those types of strict parents who will force their children to study and study. On the contrary, my parents never force us to study, neither did they force us to learn things we don’t want to learn. In fact, sometimes, when they see me studying for five to six hours consecutively, they would tell me to take a break or something. I guess, how I’m going to bring up my children is something I will have to think about in the future.
All in all, this movie really brings across many points worth pondering over. It’s a movie worth watching and shedding your tears over. The four Kleenex has being put to good use. But seriously, when was the last time you praise someone?

Just got my laptop...Compaq Presario...with white piano finish...that's what caught my attention first...so, this is the first post that I'm using the laptop to type and post. I've always wanted to get a white laptop, but the more common white colour laptop is iBook is more expensve...but the price of compaq is more affordable...so I decided to get this limited edition before it gets sold out...besides, I thought that it would be good to get to know the functions of the laptop and get used to using it. And that's the laptop...
These few days have been tiring for some unknown reason; probably I've been sleeping late and waking up early. And I've been thinking a lot...about school stuff, wondering what's uni is going to be like and other stuff. I don't deny that I'm looking forward to school, but on the other hand, the prospects of school and exams seem to daunt me. The idea of having to manage finances, choosing and bidding for modules and all...I guess there's always challenges for every new beginning and it is always these challenges that make school worthwhile, fun and meaningful. Though I miss those days of wearing the school uniform, the idea of starting a new phase of eduacation process seems exciting. And I really have to pray to God to help me get oriented and used to uni life. Prayer is the best source of strength.

  

Well, I like what I'm doing now; reading the books that I've always wanted to read, surfing the internet, sitting in front of the idiot box, preparing for tuition, giving tuition and so on... it's a reaxing lifestyle, I would say. But not very much fulfilling except for the reading and tuition part as they keep my brain alive. Nevertheless, this long break before uni starts is welcomed. I've never rested like this before.
Anyway, two Saturdays before, I've signed the agreement. I really have to thank Uncle Alex and Auntie Chris who agreed to be my sureties. And so I guess, the next nine years or so will be good and fulfilling. I certainly hope so. And last Friday was SAJC 29th College Day. I'm still secretly excited about it. I got to meet up with people whom I otherwise would not have met. And going back to school sort of bring back the memories of school life. Plus, choir performance was great. I mean, they are much better now...which is the reason why I do not regret buying the concert tickets. Giving tuition is wonderful. It gives me an immense sense of achievement when I see my student improves. And it makes you think; think of how to best explain concepts to the students, and how to plan the lessons and so on...all these, help to keep the brain working in the midst of a long break from school and studies.
To end things off, I'll share a little secret: I'm excited about starting uni. It's no longer a secret.

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.

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.

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...

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.