Monday, December 31, 2007
Welcome 2008
I managed to secure a job that supposedly will last all the way till May (not sure if the last day of work is on last day of April of last day of May), it was more like a we-will-see-how-things-go assignment. Looks good in terms of their willingness to help me to learn more, hope everything goes well.
I wish that 2008 will be a year I can finally put an end to my floating status in terms of job. Hopefully I will get accepted by somewhere somehow and start my contribution to some industry and stay there for the next couple of year and if I like it stay on forever.
May 2008 be a good year for all!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Fruitful Final week of 2007
Wednesday I had planned to do the MPM books review so as to complete the full training before I can do certification. But in the end I cancelled it as I could not make it in time to last 3 hours or more and I find the long trip to ubi rather wastefulif I catch them at their office for the final hour before they close. Job offers came to me through the day, I had three in all, as I have blogged about previously.
Thursday, I went to relief a CCA instructor for 3.5hours at S$50 (out of confidentiality I shall not disclose the school), that's pretty good money! In the afternoon, I went for an interview, which turn out that the relief teaching position is only for a month (although they said "if" it's only one month would I mind the length), a little disappointed. Back home, got an email from another of the 3 offers from wednesday that I need to complete a trial assignment and bring it for interview on monday. It is too difficult to manage and the office is in ubi, very near the MPM taining centre. I am feeling like giving that up.
Friday,which is today, I went to relief the CCA again. Taught a cello girl who is in primary two and playing the miniature version of the Cello. Still, the instrument is overwhelming to her. After the half-time break, the better half of the students were to join the main orchestra for combined while leaving me to have more time to coach the weaker ones. Children being children are so easy to psycho. I taught them a way to make use of time efficiently and make use of time on their bus journey to practise their rolls (which children at the tender age should be able to do it very very well compared to us adults who have to struggle even to move our joints), and I told them that's a secret method that I only tell the 2 of them and too bad for those who are picked by the conductor to join him downstairs. The two kids smiled gleefully. Isn't that cute?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sick from Vietnam trip
My friend and her boyfriend are down with serious flu. Dear dear is having gastric flu that comes with diarheoa.
Hope everyone is well soon. ( so that I'll have playmates)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
3 job offers
1. Relief Teacher at XXX Sec Sch, 1 class of Sec 3 express English plus ad hoc relief duties, location at 30mins train ride from my house
2. Relief Teacher at School of the Arts, Mathematics, not sure of workload, location, mountbatten area
3. Content Specialist planning curriculum resource in cd-rom/ multi media form, full time job, normal ofice hours, location unknown
Thinking of which to take.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Link to my Photos taken in Vietnam
http://www4.snapfish.com.sg/share/p=140201198162187589/l=231841028/g=115485877/cobrandOid=1041/otsc=SYE/otsi=SANU
Friday, December 21, 2007
First Christmas present from Dear
Also passed to dear the little cute souvenir I bought in Vietnam for his sister, a little kiddish, but something in me tells me she will love it. True enough, I SMSed him to ask about her response and he said she loved it and kept playing with it so much that he thinks that little thing will soon be damaged in a few days. Here's how it looks like with wings made of feather and it kind of flutters around when you give it a light shake:
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Back from Vietnam (Day Two)
We started Day 3 with a long long ride in the tour vehicle all the way southwest to the Mekong Delta. Our destination was My Tho, which was changed from Vinh Long that has Cai Be floating market. To me this part of the trip isn't that exciting though there are many interesting things. To me, this is just like more of malaysia, ship, plantations, but nonetheless relaxing and works well in terms of bonding.
After that was dinner, and the guys went for a full body massage for only SGD20! I didn't really liked that place, the massage girls were dressed in low-cut V necked tight-fitting shirts and very short skirts. The room was dim with red lights. Yes, really sleazy, like" hello? are we in geylang or some red light district?"
Thus I was again disappointed by the lack of shopping, at least window shopping to satisfy my eyes' curiousity. :(
Day 2:
Day 2 started smoothly with breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. The food was quite tasty and had Singapore style fried noodles (actually somewhat like fried beehoon) as one of the buffet dish.
After breakfast, we embarked on a journey to CU CHI (yeah, gucci) to see the tunnels dug by the vietnamese to use during the war. On our way there, we had an episode of a motorcycle scratching our Hiace travel van and some negotiation process. Finally we reached CU CHI. We had a try to walk in the tunnel which is narrow, low pitch dark and musty in smell. After that my thighs felt so tired. Thanks to Dear who later gave me massages to soothe the aches using my mopiko (yes the tube says " for muscle fatigue"). The tunnels had most facilities, there were bunking areas, dining area, kitchen with special secret chimneys, and even a hospital area to treat the wounded. We also saw some demostration of the gruesome trapdoors that had spikes to kill the intruders.
Lunch was at a restaurant that serves many tourist. Again more overdose of succulent seafood.
After CU CHI was the city tour, Khoa had some personal urgent matters to attend and we had his colleague Vu to take us to the city tour. We went to the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, War Remnant Museum (I hated this place because the gross pictures remind me of zombies in 28 Weeks Later which I had nightmare about. Ironically, that's the first movie Dear took me to).
After the tour we got back to the hotel, again shower and wait for dinner.
Dinner was at a upscale restaurant called Liberty that had live band. It is situated in the city centre which is like Orchard Road. After dinner, we walked back to our hotel slowly while strolling the shops. My friend decided to tailor make an Ao Dai. That took us quite a while, but we still made it in time for the night market beside Ben Thanh market. Disappointingly, I didn't get to spend a single cent. Haha.
When we got back to the hotel, my friend and her BF were too tired for clubbing, so we gave it a miss.
Back from Vietnam (Day One)
Day 1:
To meet at Singapore Changi airport, my friend overslept!!!!! What a bad omen. She bought 6 pump 100ml bottles mean for toiletries to transfer water from her water bottle into, so that she will have "home-water". It was a rather stressful experience already for me and my loved one as we were the really bare-necessity people who only have passport, money, pen as our hand-held "luggage". We boarded the plane just 2 minutes before the gate close *phew* and start the suspected-to-be-not-too-time-efficient journey.
The usual SQ flight, beautiful smiles of the stewards and stewardesses, comfortable seats with individual screens to watch movies and play games...and which costed SGD130 more! Haha. But definitely relaxing upon arrival.
It was a short flight, we reached Saigon's Tan Son Nhat Airport before I could check out the toilet which I always liked doing just to have the fun of feeling pleased that Singapore is so nice to provide so many choices of toiletries within the small little compartment of privacy. After clearing customs, exchanged USD to vietnamese Dong which thankfully Dear and I only traded half of what we have, and I didn't spend much of it ultimately.
Saw Dear's and my name on a plate that a guide held " Mr XXX" and "Ms YYY". The guide is a pleasant man in his thirties called Khoa and we had a very friendly driver called Nyat. I am happy again as the trip seems to be having a good start.
Back to the hotel for shower(while I was just done with showering, there was a blackout, later asking the guide we got to know that blackouts are common in vietnam) and nap (what??!!! we come here to sleep?*sigh*). The new found disparity between me and my friend made we feel rather pleased that Dear's and my mindset and habits are quite matched. ;)
Dinner is at a restaurant where we were given a private room. The ambience was peaceful, the food was interesting. But sadly, my friend and her BF was planning to go to a church for service so the mood was a little rushed. (Not that I like to complain, perhaps they also didn't like that I was so princessy?) They left early taking a cab to their church, while me and Dear continued.
After dinner, we were driven back to the hotel. Dear and I took a walk in the streets around the hotel. The scene was interesting, so was the attempt to cross roads. When you cross roads there, you had to walk slowly at a constant speed in a fixed intended direction and the motorbikes that saturate the roads will weave around you like fishes in a pond. There was a very special thing about our hotel staff, they will hold light sticks with blinking lights, like those our traffic police use and help us to cross the roads.
Back to the hotel for rest and getting ready for the full blast of excitement of the itinenary
Saturday, December 15, 2007
FLYing...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Throwing away of the OLD
I used to tell myself and him that we can make a long-distance relationship work. I do not know what I am trying to proof, nor who I was trying to proof it to. Over time the relationship became lethargic, and I shall not rake up the past unhappiness. Well, thanks to this guy, I've grown up and met my current Dear who is physically older but still mentally young and fun!
I am now in the process of my yearly ritual spring cleaning, which is always not done until the very last minute just as my chinese new year guests are climbing up the stairs. Opps. I'd better learn to be a better homemaker (these things take time to become a second nature habit) so as to better prepare myself for my future life. Of course, daddy and mummy will be happier to come home to a neat and nicely done up home than a pig sty!
So this season I will throw away more old stuff, not be too sentimental or thrifty :" this is remembrance of blah blah", " this thing might come in handy, so keep it so that next time no need to spend money to buy"... All these are traps which cause the massive accumulation of unwanted "useful in the future" stuffs that makes the most of the clutter.
Anyone who is reading this please give comments, encouragement, household tips etc. Thanks :)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
3 Days to TAKEOFF!~
Tuesday I went to change some USD at Chinatown, people’s park complex. Went with Dear. After that we strolled around a little before heading home.
Yesterday went for lunch and movies with Dear again at west mall. We watched the Golden Compass, not too bad, but not too exiciting as I have already watched the trailer previously when we watched some other movie. After that went to collect my new spectacles from NUS Science Co-Op, then went to clement for pizza as my dinner, then Dear went home while I made my way to our extend Gamelan of 6.30 to 10pm. Jan is going away, then Thomas is going away, yes, I am going away too, so we shall all meet again next year.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Yet another rainy day
Went for tuition, the student said " I love maths already now!" I suppose that's MY accomplishment to feel proud of.
Went for the interview, too little slots, I told them I'll KIV.
Then met Dear at chinatown for exchanging money for our vietnam trip. The weather isn't very nice so we didn't stay too long outside.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas is coming
Last saturday I went Orchard Rd to take christmas photos with Dear. I would say the decorations weren't that fantastic as compared to my childhood days. Dear wanted to test out his new camera before our Vietnam trip so naturally I became his model, heehee~ I will try to coax him to send me some of the pictures so that I can post it here to share.
Just a little interesting thing to share. There is this pillar outside CK Tangs(Orchard branch of course) that is silver with yellow polka dots on it. It doesn't look nice at all but I suggested to dear to take a picture of it and zoom in using that as a background, walah~ it look like I am standing in a glass of fizzy drink (I think dad might do a better job, but it is more fun phototaking with Dear, cos dad takes ages before he snaps, haha)
I kind of dislike the fact that there is massive construction or reconstruction going on to build more shopping places in town. It is a stressful feeling having to walk through construction sites while trying to enjoy the chritmas mood. I must say the raining weather has made me feel more like winter wonderland, which is good, and I tend to feel like hugging my Dear tightly and feel his breath on my hair (hopefully my hair smells nice), even nicer if he kisses my forehead while we are in a cuddle. ;)
Maybe this is all just a dream but nonetheless I shall just enjoy the moment.
MERY CHRISTMAS!~
I am now thinking of what to buy for Dear for christmas, he seems to have a definite idea what to get for me already. Like I say, it's unfair that there are so many gift choices for ladies' gifts but so little for men, it's always belts, ties, wallet, pens, cologne, shaving set, shirts, cuff links... Anyone with ideas please suggest, I need many many ideas!~ (though some people say it's insincere if I take people's advice and buy for my Dear.
Vietnam trip coming!~
No news about jobs, or rather one not so suitable one, I applied to teach O level subjects full time in a private school. The guy called and negotiated for 3 classes of 2 hours a week at S$20. So difficult to decide to take or not as it will depend on what other offers I get. My priority and first choice is still of course MOE. I should contribute to my nation and it's more direct to talk about how to improve teaching to a group of children with background similar to mine as a Singaporean than private schools where there is a mix of different nationality.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
3rd installment of the BOOK of LOVE
When you are in love, there is snuggling, explosions of passion, and spooning, as scientific research shows, makes your dreams twice as nice. When you are in love, it means there is always someone who will jump around with celebratory squeals when you are a winner, or give warmth and support when you are not.
Love gives us the strength to test the boundaries of our weakness, knowing that when we get in over our heads, a rescue mission is already on the way.
To experience such a relationship is to know that every breath affirms that you are loved and that true love overcomes all obstacles. True love can climb the highest mountain and cross the deepest sea...
...eventually.
Love can overcome ludicrous working hours, abrasive in-laws, and even episodes of insanity. In other words, nothing can hold love back. True love overcomes anything and everything.
Realising the power of love feels like a light switch is suddenly turned on in your heart. The world looks different. Or perhaps you are looking at it differently. Your search draws to a close. You have finally found true love; or true love has finally found you. "Hello!"
The End [ maybe more suitably: The beginning]
Swimming once more

I seem to have a thing with swimming. I love it because there isn't too many special equiptment needed, all I need is my swimsuit and googles. No need to fuss about what shoes are suitable, which type of clothes trap heat etc. Although I don't really swim wel, or rather really swim not well, swimming is still very enjoyable.
I feel much more relaxed and exercised(and maybe exorcised) after a swim and the hot shower that the I had after feeling cold in the pool.
I am looking forward to more swims!



Monday, December 3, 2007
The Jobless me... :(
During school term, I was a relief teacher, lucky enough to fit in my year’s worth of teaching hopping from school to school, and very much indeed pleasurable to be able to bag a few good schools into my resume or portfolio. Relief teaching is really good as it not only pays decently, it contributes to my CPF too; the only difference is that I do not have leave benefits, bonuses and medical allowances. Compared to any other part-time or temporary job, I would call this a good deal, plus it helps me work my way towards a teaching/ educating career which I had always dreamed of since I was in Kindergarten.
Beyond school time I am a math assistant instructor with the MPM math enrichment. I decided to stick to this supervising more than teaching job as I was really impressed by the materials. You can check it out at www.mpmmath.com , the children use manipulatives which they call toys and the questions are designed almost as if you were playing a game instead of doing math homework. I love the kids, especially when they smile about the own accomplishment of having discovered on their how to do the tasks on their workbooks. J This job doesn’t really pay well, simply because the requirement of an instructor is O levels but preferred to be A levels or Poly, but I am a degree holder. I cannot really blame them for paying me low as I chose to accept it, but people around me have been telling me that I am not work to my fullest market value.
Besides teaching math, I also perform music: the yangqin for mealtime entertainment. The job I have pays quite little too, but I was holding onto it due to the fact that it was a regular once-a-week affair, and I had been doing it since I was 18.
Maybe the little warfare that is beginning at home is signalling to me that it is time to re-consider my career options. Also with my new commitments in a new relationship which started in the middle of this year, I should behave more responsibly. Afterall, no one owes me a living, and no one is obliged to take me in as a dependant. However if given a choice, I think I will still want to stick to the education industry, as it gives me great pleasure seeing students rejoice over learning new things.
Hence, should anyone reading this have any comments, job opportunities, career advice etc, please feel free to either leave a comment or ask for my email. Thank you all so much. I am feeling really down.