Rating upon 10: 11.
Gonna buy her a nice gift to reward her effort.
Love you, dear.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
BOP TO THE TOP!
My 6 year old son Michael bought a pencil set of some cartoon characters after lunch. In it there was a paper with some profile questions, such as asking for hobbies, favourite book, favourite subject, phone no. etc... On the way home, our conversation went something like this:
Mike: Hey Daddy what's a nickname?
Dad: For example, your name is Michael, but we call you Mike for short. Or just like instead of calling Gabriel, we call him Gabs. Or instead of Raphael... (pause)... we call him... (pause)...
Mike : Raf!
Dad: That's right!
Mike: What's a-d-d-r-e-s-s?
Dad: That's where we live. It has a street name and the house number. So people know where to find us.
Mike: e-m-a-i-l. What's that?
Dad: Instead of talking to a person over the phone, or writing a letter, we can type something in the computer and send a message to a person. I'll show you when we get back. Tonight we can send Grandpa and Grandma an email. I'll show you. Its easy.
Mike: Best friends. That's EVAN! Favourite music. 'Bop to the Top!' and 'What have I been looking for.' Happi...est Moment. What's moment?
Dad: That's the time that you remember yourself when you very, very happy. The happiest time. Like when I heard Mummy was pregnant with YOU! So what's your happiest moment?
Mike: (Thinks for a while). Going to Disneyland! Playing with Adam!
Dad: That's nice.
Mike: Your greatest dream.
Dad: That's what you want to be, do... or have. Like Gabs wants to be an altar boy. Or Daddy wants to be a gardener. (Just kidding). Or some people want to be a lawyer or doctor. Or be rich when they grow up. Some want to help poor people, or build a school. Others want to travel the world and spend more time with their family and friends.
Mike: Oh I know! Having high school musical coming over to my house. (I think he means the cast of HSM).
Dad: Okieee.... er... right... that's good, Mike!
Mike: Hey Daddy what's a nickname?
Dad: For example, your name is Michael, but we call you Mike for short. Or just like instead of calling Gabriel, we call him Gabs. Or instead of Raphael... (pause)... we call him... (pause)...
Mike : Raf!
Dad: That's right!
Mike: What's a-d-d-r-e-s-s?
Dad: That's where we live. It has a street name and the house number. So people know where to find us.
Mike: e-m-a-i-l. What's that?
Dad: Instead of talking to a person over the phone, or writing a letter, we can type something in the computer and send a message to a person. I'll show you when we get back. Tonight we can send Grandpa and Grandma an email. I'll show you. Its easy.
Mike: Best friends. That's EVAN! Favourite music. 'Bop to the Top!' and 'What have I been looking for.' Happi...est Moment. What's moment?
Dad: That's the time that you remember yourself when you very, very happy. The happiest time. Like when I heard Mummy was pregnant with YOU! So what's your happiest moment?
Mike: (Thinks for a while). Going to Disneyland! Playing with Adam!
Dad: That's nice.
Mike: Your greatest dream.
Dad: That's what you want to be, do... or have. Like Gabs wants to be an altar boy. Or Daddy wants to be a gardener. (Just kidding). Or some people want to be a lawyer or doctor. Or be rich when they grow up. Some want to help poor people, or build a school. Others want to travel the world and spend more time with their family and friends.
Mike: Oh I know! Having high school musical coming over to my house. (I think he means the cast of HSM).
Dad: Okieee.... er... right... that's good, Mike!
Kids will be kids. I should just accept his answers for now. One day he will decide to dream bigger. At least its a start. And no matter how small a dream or wish, its always a good way to start.
Hey Mike, I know you can read this. This song's for you!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
86,400 seconds
I used to be satisfied with just getting by. Until I nearly failed my first year in uni and was given the option to buck up or get out. Fortunately for me I decided to work harder! Now as a teacher I wouldn't settle for this second-best attitude from my students. I'd say to them, "If you don't do it right the first time, you will pay the price for it later." And so they learn they have to redo it again... and waste more time... but eventually get it right, and in most cases, they perform pretty well!
To do a good job in studies, you must work smart. A few clever students realised they needed help and asked for me to coach them. They realised that time is really precious everyday for these next 4 months. I'm glad they know their priorities and put their studies first. Since they were persistent, I've made some provisions to help see some of them right through to the O Levels.
This blog post is dedicated to my committed heros who will be reaping their just rewards. I'll be with you until you cross the finish line. But the road to success is never smooth. There's going to be some tough times ahead. Stay focused, stay the course, and remember each day brings you 86, 400 seconds to get closer to your goals. You either use it or lose it!
And after the exams, we are going to celebrate your achievements.
Big time!!!
"Time lost is time lost. It's gone forever."
To do a good job in studies, you must work smart. A few clever students realised they needed help and asked for me to coach them. They realised that time is really precious everyday for these next 4 months. I'm glad they know their priorities and put their studies first. Since they were persistent, I've made some provisions to help see some of them right through to the O Levels.
This blog post is dedicated to my committed heros who will be reaping their just rewards. I'll be with you until you cross the finish line. But the road to success is never smooth. There's going to be some tough times ahead. Stay focused, stay the course, and remember each day brings you 86, 400 seconds to get closer to your goals. You either use it or lose it!
And after the exams, we are going to celebrate your achievements.
Big time!!!
"Time lost is time lost. It's gone forever."
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Say it Right! with Nelly Furtado
Ok Yuheng thanks for your feedback... here's a change to the song...
This song is dedicated to red hot chili... because you seem to have JUST discovered who this singer is! Also out to all of you who like Nelly Furtado.
Lyrics bottom left. Lyrics to 'Better Man' shifted to my earlier dated post...
Hey can anyone give some feedback on my blog entries... pls give comments below my entries so my tagboard has some space... then I don't have to delete my tags! What would you like to see/read more of in my posts??? : D
This song is dedicated to red hot chili... because you seem to have JUST discovered who this singer is! Also out to all of you who like Nelly Furtado.
Lyrics bottom left. Lyrics to 'Better Man' shifted to my earlier dated post...
Hey can anyone give some feedback on my blog entries... pls give comments below my entries so my tagboard has some space... then I don't have to delete my tags! What would you like to see/read more of in my posts??? : D
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Everyone's a Teacher
Heard some of you have been dropping by and I wasn't in. So so sorry... pls gimme a call and let me know so we can have that pic... I would just love to capture a snapshot of each of you in my mind and also as a memory of how blessed I am. I know that in my senior years to come, apart from my family life, I will look back and truly say to myself these have been the most wonderful years, sharing with you about my life and stories, helping you with your studies and having a laugh with you.
I'm not posting all pics cos some have super strongly requested not to put it up on my blog. Ha ha ok. Respect that. So here are some taken today... Angela, Desmond, me at my desk (3E1 your flower is in the pic!), Mr Anbu (who's been a real wonderful mentor and friend every since I first came to Sengkang Sec - thanks so much bro I'm gonna miss you - really hope you don't mind me posting your pic... you've been just a terrific buddy and I want to share that with others!). Thanks for the card, Melissa! Will keep it and treasure the lovely thoughts...
A few of you texted me about seeing me before i go. Guys, it's ok if you're working or busy. i understand and its the thought that counts. My official last day is 2 June (mon). I'll be in abt 9 or 10am on mon, and out prolly by 11 or 12pm latest. And then it's "adios amigos" as a current school teacher!!!
Since we're on this topic, I'd like to share with you a story.
After my 1st son came into the world, i read a poster about a man walking at the beach in the sand with a boy coming along from behind, stretching out his steps as he tried to put his feet in the man's footprints. Inscribed on the poster was a poem "A Little Man Follows Me." Its words have impacted me greatly over the years. Now I share them with you.
A Little Man Follows Me
by Lee Fisher
A careful man I want to be,
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear he'll go the self-same way.
-
I cannot once escape his eyes,
Whate're he sees me do, he tries;
Like me he says he's going to be,
The little chap who follows me.
-
He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine,
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.
-
I must remember as I go,
Through summer's sun and winter's snow;
I am building for the years to be
That little chap who follows me.
-
I've realised the most important profession in the world is parenting. The second is teaching, and EVERYONE is a teacher to someone.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Ready... action!!!
A couple of days ago I posted about having dreams and believing in yourself.
Just want to say its important not just to dream and plan, but to TAKE ACTION. One of the best lines in the movies about the importance of taking action came from Yoda, the Jedi Knight trainer in the Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back. While teaching Luke Skywalker about the power of the Force, Yoda says, "Luke, there is no try; there is either do or not do."
Here's something I read sometime back:
There were once 4 people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. An important job had to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it and that Somebody would do it. But Nobody realised that Everybody thought Somebody would do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
Whatever your dreams and plans, be SOMEBODY who makes things happen.
Just want to say its important not just to dream and plan, but to TAKE ACTION. One of the best lines in the movies about the importance of taking action came from Yoda, the Jedi Knight trainer in the Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back. While teaching Luke Skywalker about the power of the Force, Yoda says, "Luke, there is no try; there is either do or not do."
Here's something I read sometime back:
There were once 4 people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. An important job had to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it and that Somebody would do it. But Nobody realised that Everybody thought Somebody would do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
Whatever your dreams and plans, be SOMEBODY who makes things happen.
Great day.
Went to school.
Had lunch at Jalan Kayu.
Met with (see pics)... chatted a while and took some pics. Saw something 'scandalous'... actually it was 2 things 'scandalous.' Both right outside the school! SC and the now famous duo. wa ha ha. Those who witnessed understand. So I shall not post it here. But I will have to meet up with them and have a "chat."
Just returned after having a very lovely dinner with wife. She ordered german sausages and I wanted to try the seafood spaghetti... but it turned out the sausages were giant monster sausages... so she changed her mind & wanted the spaghetti & I had to eat the sausages. That's called love, cos I really was not in a sausage eating mood.
She had gelato, I watched. Because I had two giant sausages... I was too full... That's called REAL love again cos i wanted to eat it... and watching her eat my favourite gelato was priceless.
message of the day: unless you have a huge appetite or you really love sausages, avoid the GERMAN ones... lol!
Went to school.
Had lunch at Jalan Kayu.
Met with (see pics)... chatted a while and took some pics. Saw something 'scandalous'... actually it was 2 things 'scandalous.' Both right outside the school! SC and the now famous duo. wa ha ha. Those who witnessed understand. So I shall not post it here. But I will have to meet up with them and have a "chat."
Just returned after having a very lovely dinner with wife. She ordered german sausages and I wanted to try the seafood spaghetti... but it turned out the sausages were giant monster sausages... so she changed her mind & wanted the spaghetti & I had to eat the sausages. That's called love, cos I really was not in a sausage eating mood.
She had gelato, I watched. Because I had two giant sausages... I was too full... That's called REAL love again cos i wanted to eat it... and watching her eat my favourite gelato was priceless.
message of the day: unless you have a huge appetite or you really love sausages, avoid the GERMAN ones... lol!
Monday, May 26, 2008
A GREAT SONG!
Listen to the words of this song... Better Man sung by Robbie Williams... the lyrics at the bottom. My fav song at the moment. A fitting description of what I feel I'm going through as I take a leap of faith. And the mixed feelings of sadness I have to say goodbye to all of you my students and being your teacher... while excited and a little fearful about the great challenges and uncertainty ahead. But I BELIEVE in myself.
Question: Do YOU believe in YOURSELF? I've always believed in you my great student... you can do it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Dream, plan, and then go do it! No one can ever tell you "you can't do it" except yourself. Please remember that. YOU CAN DO IT... YOU CAN.
I believe in you. I believe in you. I believe in you.
Eileen wrote in her card to me "The journey uphill is going to be tough, but the view you get is well worth it." Tou che. I get it now. How true.
Question: Do YOU believe in YOURSELF? I've always believed in you my great student... you can do it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Dream, plan, and then go do it! No one can ever tell you "you can't do it" except yourself. Please remember that. YOU CAN DO IT... YOU CAN.
I believe in you. I believe in you. I believe in you.
Eileen wrote in her card to me "The journey uphill is going to be tough, but the view you get is well worth it." Tou che. I get it now. How true.
Better Man
Sung by Robbie Williams
Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain
Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel I'm getting old
Before my time
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord Im doing all I can
To be a better man
Go easy on my conscience
cause its not my fault
I know Ive been taught
To take the blame
Rest assured my angels
Will catch my tears
Walk me out of here
I'm in pain
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord Im doing all I can
To be a better man
Once you've found that lover
You're homeward bound
Love is all around
Love is all around
I know some have fallen
On stony ground
But love is all around
Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain
Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel Im getting old
Before my time
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I'm doin all I can
To be a better man
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HweeTeng helped me with the set up of the cbox earlier this evening over msn... appreciate it HT! Also she and Stella suggested communicating by MSN... so here's my email if you wanna add me: theguru711@hotmail.com . Try to figure what it means... and if you don't know think of "guru" and the store 7-11. If you still don't get it, ask me... lol. ; )
Melody Low, great idea to have music on this blogsite. Anyone knows how I would go about doing that?
Melody Low, great idea to have music on this blogsite. Anyone knows how I would go about doing that?
woke at 5am.
went to JB.
dropped the kids at great-grandparents house. yay... FREEDOM!
stuck in traffic on way back.
went to school...
downloading stuff into my external harddrive...
handing over ncc to the new CO
called Dr Soh...
spoke to a couple of friends about holiday plans
now learning what else I can do with this blogging... kinda new to it....
life is good.
just completed filing all the cards received over the years and the pics with people i care about. you gotta see it to believe it. hope to catch up with some of my current & ex-students this week to add a pic of you in my life. Quite free just clearing up stuff... do drop by and call before that...
went to JB.
dropped the kids at great-grandparents house. yay... FREEDOM!
stuck in traffic on way back.
went to school...
downloading stuff into my external harddrive...
handing over ncc to the new CO
called Dr Soh...
spoke to a couple of friends about holiday plans
now learning what else I can do with this blogging... kinda new to it....
life is good.
just completed filing all the cards received over the years and the pics with people i care about. you gotta see it to believe it. hope to catch up with some of my current & ex-students this week to add a pic of you in my life. Quite free just clearing up stuff... do drop by and call before that...
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Teachers
I would like to thank all the teachers who have been so great. The Maths Dept trs, from my A Team (Maslinda, Joel, Adrian and Mr Toh), my NCC Team (James, Ryo & Chung Kiat) and colleagues & friends (u know who u r) for your gifts & treats at Swensens, Pizza, Golden Pillow... what else ar... I put on at least 5 kg last week alone! Time to start exercising soon... and not to mention drinking so much MUG rootbeer... super lol. To my colleagues... I have not uploaded your pics here to respect your privacy. Let me know if its okay and I'll do so... I really treasure the times growing with you and knowing you.
I am also grateful to serve the school and work with the respective School Leaders and KPs. Thank you esp to Mr Leong and Mr Singh for being exemplary role models for our youths and setting the high standards for our students.
We'll meet again soon.
I am also grateful to serve the school and work with the respective School Leaders and KPs. Thank you esp to Mr Leong and Mr Singh for being exemplary role models for our youths and setting the high standards for our students.
We'll meet again soon.
Wow... a CARTON of mug (too much to be shown here), a sunflower, back rub (how did you know I have a back ache???), a Goldlion tie (my fav!), FR chocolates, and many more... I feel so truly blessed. thanks to all of u.
I have filed up all your lovely cards, and apologise if I have not taken pics yet as some of your gifts are still in school... I will cherish all and remember each of you. Just want to thank my heros from 3E1 (also those whom I don't teach from 3E2), 3E3-5, 4E3 - 5 AM and 4E2 for your tokens of love. And the love from 4E1... You're the reason, baby! You ROCK!!!
Dedicated to my students & ex-students
This blog is dedicated to all my students and ex-students whom I have very been fortunate to care for and teach.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your many gifts, thoughtful cards, kind words, and friendships recently and over the years... its been a real blessing! I hope you had fun learning as much as I truly enjoyed teaching each of you the subject I love... Maths and A Maths! I enjoyed stepping in your classes and hope I made at least a small impact in your lives. Glad many of you opened up to me so that I can get to know you better.
Do give me feedback from time to time when you can. I love to know how you're doing. Also let me know how its been and share the memories you have/had... all the laughter and jokes... tears... and life as it was during our maths lessons...
GOD BLESS YOU!
And keep the comments coming!!! : )
I would like to sincerely thank you for your many gifts, thoughtful cards, kind words, and friendships recently and over the years... its been a real blessing! I hope you had fun learning as much as I truly enjoyed teaching each of you the subject I love... Maths and A Maths! I enjoyed stepping in your classes and hope I made at least a small impact in your lives. Glad many of you opened up to me so that I can get to know you better.
Do give me feedback from time to time when you can. I love to know how you're doing. Also let me know how its been and share the memories you have/had... all the laughter and jokes... tears... and life as it was during our maths lessons...
GOD BLESS YOU!
And keep the comments coming!!! : )
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