Monday, April 22, 2013
Online course
A few days ago, I signed up for a course on https://www.coursera.org
It seems pretty good. Do try it!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
End of another era
It has come to the time of my life again when I have to leave my job again. Well, if this is the worst, everything else that is to come will definitely be better. =)
I guess I can again look forward to getting appreciation for being a good teacher and bid goodbye to the bitter me. I should be able to look forward to being the cheerful sunny girl I used to be until gloom sets in.
If I may make a choice, I will choose to prioritise my love life and my future new family, then my music and finally a stable salaried job. Now it is probably the time to dump the accumulated junk my life, just as I did when my ex dumped me five years ago at the same time when I was told to leave my job. It will probably be much less painful, for now I have a decent boyfriend who understands the situation and understands my quirky character to. Most importantly, he cares about me.
Now I have to be strong and depend on myself. I cannot lean on him anymore when I move on to a new place where I have to walk through alone, at least before I find new trustable support.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Good and Bad buys to prepare you for cold vacation
Having just returned from Italy, I felt like blogging about my warm clothing and cold weather items which I bought and brought for my trip. When I was there, it was autumn with temperatures ranging 16-26 degree celcius, according to our smart phones.
Warm clothes
Cotton long sleeved turtle neck Tshirts are enough. I bought one from Uniqlo (at a limited offer $9.90 U.P. $14.90). It helps to buy them in dark colours so that they look clean and look less wrinkled.
I also brought along a cashmere woolen sweater, which I didn't need to wear at all, so just bring one of these, in the event it is freezing cold you can wear this outside for days.
A good, but not too hot outer coat is important. This keeps the wind from your arms, maybe neck and sometimes your face and ears if yours comes with a hood. I bought my knee-length polyester jacket from a HANGTEN atrium sale at only $7.50!
Warm leggings
I am not a fan of pants and jeans so I tend to prefer wearing skirts and dressses. I brought along many pairs of stockings ( the thicker variety). I was glad I brought a variety of brands and thickness. One very good one is from UNIQLO, 2 pairs for $14.90. I had always wanted a pair of patterned stocking and here I got them in a pair of different designs. If you don't like it patterned, they have it in solid colours like black, maroon and I think navy.
Cheaper variety costing $2 claiming to be 60 or even 80 denier do not do the job of keeping warm. But from another perspectie will make very good wears in hot and humid Singapore. So price do make a difference.
Heat packs
What is good at $2 are the heatpacks, way cheaper, but does the job well enough for autumn/spring weather. Although the outer cover is not as comfy as those you get from travel coldwear stores, you can always put them in a pouch or pocket. These heat packs kept me much warmer than the overly wrapped up tour-group-mates.
Cashmere Pashmina
Here's a tip I saw online after buying my scarf, no wonder it kept me so warm.
"
Inspect the label on the pashmina. A real pashmina will have a tag sewn on the material. It will say 100 percent cashmere instead of 100 percent pashmina.
Read more: How to Tell a Fake From a Real Pashmina | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6153930_tell-fake-real-pashmina.html#ixzz1c33lwgep"
I bought mine at MUSTAFA Centre (Farrer Park MRT on NEL)for $19.90. A more expensive choice compared to the $3.90, $7.90,$16.90 ones available that had glued on labels and felt rough and scratchy.
Another good thing was its size, big enough to wrap around even my body on days when I am under-dressed. Cheap ones may end up being half its length and three quarters its length, still good for tying around the neck.
Warm clothes
Cotton long sleeved turtle neck Tshirts are enough. I bought one from Uniqlo (at a limited offer $9.90 U.P. $14.90). It helps to buy them in dark colours so that they look clean and look less wrinkled.
I also brought along a cashmere woolen sweater, which I didn't need to wear at all, so just bring one of these, in the event it is freezing cold you can wear this outside for days.
A good, but not too hot outer coat is important. This keeps the wind from your arms, maybe neck and sometimes your face and ears if yours comes with a hood. I bought my knee-length polyester jacket from a HANGTEN atrium sale at only $7.50!
Warm leggings
I am not a fan of pants and jeans so I tend to prefer wearing skirts and dressses. I brought along many pairs of stockings ( the thicker variety). I was glad I brought a variety of brands and thickness. One very good one is from UNIQLO, 2 pairs for $14.90. I had always wanted a pair of patterned stocking and here I got them in a pair of different designs. If you don't like it patterned, they have it in solid colours like black, maroon and I think navy.
Cheaper variety costing $2 claiming to be 60 or even 80 denier do not do the job of keeping warm. But from another perspectie will make very good wears in hot and humid Singapore. So price do make a difference.
Heat packs
What is good at $2 are the heatpacks, way cheaper, but does the job well enough for autumn/spring weather. Although the outer cover is not as comfy as those you get from travel coldwear stores, you can always put them in a pouch or pocket. These heat packs kept me much warmer than the overly wrapped up tour-group-mates.
Cashmere Pashmina
Here's a tip I saw online after buying my scarf, no wonder it kept me so warm.
"
Inspect the label on the pashmina. A real pashmina will have a tag sewn on the material. It will say 100 percent cashmere instead of 100 percent pashmina.
Read more: How to Tell a Fake From a Real Pashmina | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6153930_tell-fake-real-pashmina.html#ixzz1c33lwgep"
I bought mine at MUSTAFA Centre (Farrer Park MRT on NEL)for $19.90. A more expensive choice compared to the $3.90, $7.90,$16.90 ones available that had glued on labels and felt rough and scratchy.
Another good thing was its size, big enough to wrap around even my body on days when I am under-dressed. Cheap ones may end up being half its length and three quarters its length, still good for tying around the neck.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Trip to italy
Buon giorno, ciao bella.
A trip to Italy, a heaven of the arts, had costed me nearly a fifth (~20%) of my annual income. However, I was happy in many ways.
Having a like-minded friend to travel was a pleasure due to company, safety and makes learning (about the destination, culture, architecture etc)more fun. On this trip I had my senior from high school cum orchestra mate, PY, along with me and I am thankful for her patience.
A trip to Italy, a heaven of the arts, had costed me nearly a fifth (~20%) of my annual income. However, I was happy in many ways.
Having a like-minded friend to travel was a pleasure due to company, safety and makes learning (about the destination, culture, architecture etc)more fun. On this trip I had my senior from high school cum orchestra mate, PY, along with me and I am thankful for her patience.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
李敖，《只爱一点点》
From my friend's post
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的爱情像海深，我的爱情浅。
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的爱情像天长，我的爱情短。
...
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的眉来又眼去，我只偷看你一眼。
-- 李敖，《只爱一点点》
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的爱情像海深，我的爱情浅。
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的爱情像天长，我的爱情短。
...
不爱那么多，只爱一点点。
别人的眉来又眼去，我只偷看你一眼。
-- 李敖，《只爱一点点》
Sunday, September 4, 2011
三字经,礼运
何为人情,喜怒哀惧爱恶欲,七者弗学而能。
日喜怒,日哀惧,
爱恶欲,七情具。
喜怒哀惧爱恶欲是正常行为,怎样处理却十分重要。
善于克制感情的人理智。不加以控制,任凭宣泄,
容易陷于不正当的诱惑而不能解脱。
日喜怒,日哀惧,
爱恶欲,七情具。
喜怒哀惧爱恶欲是正常行为,怎样处理却十分重要。
善于克制感情的人理智。不加以控制,任凭宣泄,
容易陷于不正当的诱惑而不能解脱。
Monday, June 13, 2011
work zoo
Ever since I started working on this current permanent job in a private institution, I realised that most people are getting their jobs done because they want to get the final outcome.... money money and more money.
There are no friends at work, anyone may just be nice for personal gains and may even trample over you to get a spot higher, it is all about personal glory.
Some elephants brag about how well they trumpet, other dinosaurs threaten to throw their weight around and get you squashed. Yet trailing alongside these physically humongous creatures are always the disgusting lizards, scorpions, worms among other crawlies, small yet equally lethal.
There are no friends at work, anyone may just be nice for personal gains and may even trample over you to get a spot higher, it is all about personal glory.
Some elephants brag about how well they trumpet, other dinosaurs threaten to throw their weight around and get you squashed. Yet trailing alongside these physically humongous creatures are always the disgusting lizards, scorpions, worms among other crawlies, small yet equally lethal.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
farmstay
This year was special. My maternal extended family were in Malaysia on a sheep/goat farm for the count down. It was exciting to light firecrackers and the more challenging species of fireworks which are banned in Singapore. I do not quite enjoy the smoke though.
I enjoyed the vast land owned by the farm, the goats and sheep and passion fruits straight from the tree. The stay made me want to plan for a longer farmstay in a larger farm with better hosting experience, for instance, Australia.
I enjoyed the vast land owned by the farm, the goats and sheep and passion fruits straight from the tree. The stay made me want to plan for a longer farmstay in a larger farm with better hosting experience, for instance, Australia.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The last Tuesday
End of the day. Happy to be going for music lesson with my music teacher. Life in school is busy and unavoidably full of politics. I just hope 2011 brings me more peace so that I have more time to think of how to better my students 'results. I want to be the second best. Now they are very close to bottom among 11classes. Some people tell not to be too demanding of working because the weak ones will give up. I wonder how I can differentiate teaching to benefit all. This shall be my year end reflection.
Monday, December 27, 2010
2011 I welcome you!
In less than a week, 2010 will be over. I realised I haven't quite accomplished much other than land myself in a decently permanent job of a lecturer.
I am falling in love again. He tease me a lot, so i hope it turns out well.
Next year shall be a even better year.
I am falling in love again. He tease me a lot, so i hope it turns out well.
Next year shall be a even better year.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Another wedding attended
Today I attended a friend's wedding despite having lost my voice since Thurday evening.
As much as I hate to attend wedding alone, I decided to go for it, so much for "gaining experience"
and also to show my friend that I care about her (and her husband of course)
Being in a church, not an official christian, I usually would sing along with the hymns, just to take it as some nice music that the congregation enjoys together.
However, I could not sing today without my voice, and sympathised with how Ariel in the Little Mermaid must have felt.
I felt like a mute, trying to convey my messages across proved to be a joke in office yesterday.
Colleagues say that I am in "Silent mode" and some even said it was the best day they could pick a fight with me without me retaliating. I felt hurt.
Some even asked sarcastically how I managed to still be happy with a smile (with I equate with courtesy) when I am doing a thing as silly as holding a billboard to tell others what I want to say.
Just some thoughts going through my mind while being in church listening to the sermon in two languages, making me remember how I conduct class in school:
in English for the formality of it, then again in mandarin so that those who can't understand can have chance to learn, while those who learnt had the chance to ...(feel bored)
Perhaps I am too immuned to attending weddings that I do not feel anything already. The couple was still like as they were before, wedded or not, still as loving, not much difference.
As much as I hate to attend wedding alone, I decided to go for it, so much for "gaining experience"
and also to show my friend that I care about her (and her husband of course)
Being in a church, not an official christian, I usually would sing along with the hymns, just to take it as some nice music that the congregation enjoys together.
However, I could not sing today without my voice, and sympathised with how Ariel in the Little Mermaid must have felt.
I felt like a mute, trying to convey my messages across proved to be a joke in office yesterday.
Colleagues say that I am in "Silent mode" and some even said it was the best day they could pick a fight with me without me retaliating. I felt hurt.
Some even asked sarcastically how I managed to still be happy with a smile (with I equate with courtesy) when I am doing a thing as silly as holding a billboard to tell others what I want to say.
Just some thoughts going through my mind while being in church listening to the sermon in two languages, making me remember how I conduct class in school:
in English for the formality of it, then again in mandarin so that those who can't understand can have chance to learn, while those who learnt had the chance to ...(feel bored)
Perhaps I am too immuned to attending weddings that I do not feel anything already. The couple was still like as they were before, wedded or not, still as loving, not much difference.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
From my friend, Jenn Chiang
These are called paraprosdokian sentences.
The first half has one meaning and the second half provides a whole new meaning.
I asked God for a bike but I know God doesn't work that way.
So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with idiots.
They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.
Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian
any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you.
But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound.
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you,
we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up,
we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right,
only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common.
They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.
The early bird might get the worm
but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening'
and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism.
To steal from man is research.
If God is watching us,
the least we can do is be entertaining.
A bus station is where a bus stops.
A train station is where a train stops.
On my desk, I have a work station.
If you think nobody cares if you're alive,
try missing a couple of payments.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire
but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything
but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are smart,
within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career;
turns out I just wanted pay cheques.
A bank is a place that will lend you money
if you can prove that you don't need it.
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill
and a laxative on the same night.
I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.
I didn't say it was your fault;
I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars
but check when you say the paint is wet.
Women will never be equal to men
until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president
and 50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman.
Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive.
You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real
but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist.
He won't expect it back.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home
even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness
but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
I discovered I scream the same way
whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Change is inevitable,
except from a vending machine.
The first half has one meaning and the second half provides a whole new meaning.
I asked God for a bike but I know God doesn't work that way.
So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with idiots.
They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.
Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian
any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you.
But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound.
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you,
we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up,
we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right,
only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common.
They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.
The early bird might get the worm
but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening'
and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism.
To steal from man is research.
If God is watching us,
the least we can do is be entertaining.
A bus station is where a bus stops.
A train station is where a train stops.
On my desk, I have a work station.
If you think nobody cares if you're alive,
try missing a couple of payments.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire
but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything
but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are smart,
within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career;
turns out I just wanted pay cheques.
A bank is a place that will lend you money
if you can prove that you don't need it.
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill
and a laxative on the same night.
I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.
I didn't say it was your fault;
I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars
but check when you say the paint is wet.
Women will never be equal to men
until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president
and 50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman.
Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive.
You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real
but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist.
He won't expect it back.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home
even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness
but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
I discovered I scream the same way
whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Change is inevitable,
except from a vending machine.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A Fresh New Begining
After lofting around for many years since my graduation in 2006, I am finally set to take up a full time permanent job.
Well, I didn't lose much either, for the past years these are what I have been doing:
2006 Aug-Nov: 1st attempt at Relief Teaching in a Secondary School (Neighbourhood one somemore)
2007 Jan-Mar: Still relief teaching but at a school much nearer to my home, was pleased to hear that HOD finds me qualified to teach Add Math even though some perm school teachers aren't (not their fault, just that they didn't do Math up to Uni level, most of these have Math as 2nd teaching subjects, and are usually "stuck" at lower sec classes). Here I met my ex, was covering his class, was impressed by his sense of moral righteousness and hence fell in love and decide to grab him. SIGH
2007 Apr-Aug: Got a GREAT opportunity to relief teach at and independent school, a all-boys school. Met great colleagues who became good friends. Love the place but had to go to make space for prioritised people.
2007 Sep-Nov: Back to the near-to-home school, felt a little weird that they can actually allow relief teachers to invigilate the important end-of-year exam, but didn't think much of it then since I had the chance to get a few more days' pay.
2008 Jan-Oct: Happy that HOD got me to teach longer term, she had plan for me to stay for long and handle the not-so-nice students in hope they will turn good and score a little better for the exams. It did work, a part of these students turned for the better, some naughty ones continued to test waters for room to misbehave but had to give in to my consistency. However, the teaching term had to end. And I still didn't make it into NIE despite several attempts in application.
2009 Jan-Aug: Moved on to yet another school near my home, still with the hope that some form of help from the school principal can help me get into NIE. But here I was asked to teach English. Eventually, clash of conflict when the Maths department wanted me to do some work and English needed me too (not that I am that important or useful, just happen to be in the same time frame), and I ended up dismissed when more trainee came to test out the teaching scene.
2009 Sep-Dec: I was asked to be the in-house musician of a chinese restaurant, decided to give it a try since the pay is not too bad and I knew it is hard to get employed by schools near the end of the year. Unfortunately, the company ran out of funds and decide that it was not very useful to the sales having live music and decided to terminate my service.
2010: Private tutoring still goes on, with tuition centres as well. Even got the chance to teach in school's Chinese Orchestra. But these tend to have messy schedules and have off peak periods when no lesson equals no money. Finally, HOD invited (or rather dug out my application from I can't even remember when) me to join their school. Pay, benefits, work scope quite my cup of tea, far though--- in Kovan. I had to give in a little: some CO in the weekdays, a few tuition (good chance to rid of the less hopeful)
Here I am, with apprehensions to start my new teaching job, on Teachers' Day.
Well, I didn't lose much either, for the past years these are what I have been doing:
2006 Aug-Nov: 1st attempt at Relief Teaching in a Secondary School (Neighbourhood one somemore)
2007 Jan-Mar: Still relief teaching but at a school much nearer to my home, was pleased to hear that HOD finds me qualified to teach Add Math even though some perm school teachers aren't (not their fault, just that they didn't do Math up to Uni level, most of these have Math as 2nd teaching subjects, and are usually "stuck" at lower sec classes). Here I met my ex, was covering his class, was impressed by his sense of moral righteousness and hence fell in love and decide to grab him. SIGH
2007 Apr-Aug: Got a GREAT opportunity to relief teach at and independent school, a all-boys school. Met great colleagues who became good friends. Love the place but had to go to make space for prioritised people.
2007 Sep-Nov: Back to the near-to-home school, felt a little weird that they can actually allow relief teachers to invigilate the important end-of-year exam, but didn't think much of it then since I had the chance to get a few more days' pay.
2008 Jan-Oct: Happy that HOD got me to teach longer term, she had plan for me to stay for long and handle the not-so-nice students in hope they will turn good and score a little better for the exams. It did work, a part of these students turned for the better, some naughty ones continued to test waters for room to misbehave but had to give in to my consistency. However, the teaching term had to end. And I still didn't make it into NIE despite several attempts in application.
2009 Jan-Aug: Moved on to yet another school near my home, still with the hope that some form of help from the school principal can help me get into NIE. But here I was asked to teach English. Eventually, clash of conflict when the Maths department wanted me to do some work and English needed me too (not that I am that important or useful, just happen to be in the same time frame), and I ended up dismissed when more trainee came to test out the teaching scene.
2009 Sep-Dec: I was asked to be the in-house musician of a chinese restaurant, decided to give it a try since the pay is not too bad and I knew it is hard to get employed by schools near the end of the year. Unfortunately, the company ran out of funds and decide that it was not very useful to the sales having live music and decided to terminate my service.
2010: Private tutoring still goes on, with tuition centres as well. Even got the chance to teach in school's Chinese Orchestra. But these tend to have messy schedules and have off peak periods when no lesson equals no money. Finally, HOD invited (or rather dug out my application from I can't even remember when) me to join their school. Pay, benefits, work scope quite my cup of tea, far though--- in Kovan. I had to give in a little: some CO in the weekdays, a few tuition (good chance to rid of the less hopeful)
Here I am, with apprehensions to start my new teaching job, on Teachers' Day.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Japanese Food at Illuma again!
Last Saturday, I was at Illuma for the scan-your-order-from-the-menu japanese food restaurant again!
http://www.ebisboshishotengai.com/
This time we finally tried the Taiyaki, which is the traditional fish-shaped pan cake with red bean filling. There are other flavours to choose from as well.
http://www.ebisboshishotengai.com/
This time we finally tried the Taiyaki, which is the traditional fish-shaped pan cake with red bean filling. There are other flavours to choose from as well.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Pictures of food and Menu
Here are 4 Photos, 2 from Malaysia with my ex-colleague Aida. Chicken from Kenny Rogers and Ice cream from Baskin Robbins.
Another 2 picture shows a menu from a Japanese Restaurant at Illuma top floor. PY and I were excited by the way we have to order using a scanning pen to touch on the menu and make our selection.
Another 2 picture shows a menu from a Japanese Restaurant at Illuma top floor. PY and I were excited by the way we have to order using a scanning pen to touch on the menu and make our selection.
Friday, May 7, 2010
how to stay COOL in this HOT weather-PRELUDE
My inspiration to write this started off when I woke up on Wednesday morning, later than usual (for my weekly harmony class) soaked with perspiration and thus an itchy neck with rash.
Wednesdays has always ben my busiest yet most fulfiling day of the wee. I usual head off to my harmony teacher's place for a morning filled with musical thoughts and quality opinion exchange. Splendissimo!
Then I will go of for a nice (and usually expensive) lunch. Eating alone is always not easy to be cheap, consider the lunch crowd and no lunch buddy to reserve (or "chope) seats for you. I have thus learnt to live with eating at places where I can just stick out a finger and say "table for one, yes I am alone" and get air con and service and hopefully good enough food to match the bill.
After lunch would be a little time out for me to plan (maybe I should learn to just switch off for a while) the day and rest of the week till next wednesday, before heading off to tutor one of my secondary tutee's sister. Following her slot would be a class of Secondary 2 students.
Finally at 8pm, I head home for a unsually late dinner, which I always appreciate. And during this dinner I remorse over feeling angry that my mum scolds me for not puting effort into my cooking, especially when she comes home tired and have to eat my crap. I would better learn and discipline myself to get more organised with household chores and not compromise my own work.
And, before digressing too far, linking back to the topic: Wednesdays are long but it's always a day with all my activities in air conditioned places.
So on wednesday night, I googled options on how to keep cool without air con and was surprised to find HOMEMADE AIR CON! Basically, most posts include ideas of using ice or coolant and blowing air over it thus creating cool breeze. Here's the website:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-12V-Air-Conditioner---Cheap-and-easy!/
Wednesdays has always ben my busiest yet most fulfiling day of the wee. I usual head off to my harmony teacher's place for a morning filled with musical thoughts and quality opinion exchange. Splendissimo!
Then I will go of for a nice (and usually expensive) lunch. Eating alone is always not easy to be cheap, consider the lunch crowd and no lunch buddy to reserve (or "chope) seats for you. I have thus learnt to live with eating at places where I can just stick out a finger and say "table for one, yes I am alone" and get air con and service and hopefully good enough food to match the bill.
After lunch would be a little time out for me to plan (maybe I should learn to just switch off for a while) the day and rest of the week till next wednesday, before heading off to tutor one of my secondary tutee's sister. Following her slot would be a class of Secondary 2 students.
Finally at 8pm, I head home for a unsually late dinner, which I always appreciate. And during this dinner I remorse over feeling angry that my mum scolds me for not puting effort into my cooking, especially when she comes home tired and have to eat my crap. I would better learn and discipline myself to get more organised with household chores and not compromise my own work.
And, before digressing too far, linking back to the topic: Wednesdays are long but it's always a day with all my activities in air conditioned places.
So on wednesday night, I googled options on how to keep cool without air con and was surprised to find HOMEMADE AIR CON! Basically, most posts include ideas of using ice or coolant and blowing air over it thus creating cool breeze. Here's the website:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-12V-Air-Conditioner---Cheap-and-easy!/
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Upcoming performance Events
Here's a list to update readers about my upcoming performances:
16th May 2010 (Sunday)10am
Open Space near Tiong Bahru Market
An event by the Tiong Bahru Community Club
I'll be the accompanist for Mr Guo Peng from Tianjin Conservatory who will solo on his erhu the piece Ah Mei Zu Wu Qu (The Ah Mei Tribe's Dance)
23rd May 2010 (Sunday) 8:30pm
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Grand Ballroom
80th Birthday of Kheng Keng Auto Pte Ltd
45 minutes show with a 3 piece chinese ensemble, playing chinese oldies and traditional pieces.
16th May 2010 (Sunday)10am
Open Space near Tiong Bahru Market
An event by the Tiong Bahru Community Club
I'll be the accompanist for Mr Guo Peng from Tianjin Conservatory who will solo on his erhu the piece Ah Mei Zu Wu Qu (The Ah Mei Tribe's Dance)
23rd May 2010 (Sunday) 8:30pm
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Grand Ballroom
80th Birthday of Kheng Keng Auto Pte Ltd
45 minutes show with a 3 piece chinese ensemble, playing chinese oldies and traditional pieces.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A concert review: NUSSO playing Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique
On 19th March 2010, I was treated to the annual concert of the NUS Symphony Orchestra, compliments of my secondary school senior. My senior and I were both in our school's Chinese Orchestra, I play the yangqin while she plays the double bass which in my opinion as a teenager has a better potential to make music as a career since it has a place in both chinese and western music, in fact, in many genres of western music.
Honestly speaking, I am not a fan of live concerts and I do not usually watch a Symphony Orchestra's concert. However, ever since I took up theory lessons and eventually harmony and composition, I was able to better appreciate music from a broader perspective.
Hector Belioz's Symphony Fantastique is being labelled by my harmony teacher as a "must-know" piece for composition students due to its use of the central motiff with multiple variation techniques applied. Hence, I was keen to hear it played by different orchestras.
My own interpretation of the story of the Symphony Fantastique (hopefully more people will begin to like it or try listening to it)
First Movement: Dream
Berlioz had an idea of what his dream girl would be and always daydreams about her image, which is represented by the motiff that will keep on appearing in later movements.
Second Movement: The Ball
Berlioz attended a ball (party) and there he met a lady very much like the image of his dream girl. He falls in love at first sight but they barely had the chance to interact.
Third Movement: Pastoral
In the fields, Berlioz saw a pair of horn-blowers responding to each other's blowing. He began to think of the lady he met at the ball and the image of the dream girl appears again. Berlioz think it must be a bad feeling to be lonely.
Fourth Movement: March to the Gallows
Upset about being unable to be with his dream girl, Berlioz numbs himself with opium and eventually sees himself taken away to be beheaded. Just before he was beheaded, he still thinks of the dream girl and onces more the familiar music appears. Before the melody could finish, Berlioz was "beheaded" by the suddenly and stark clashing chord and his head fell off.
Final Movement: The Witches' Sabbath
Even in the nether world, Berlioz was still thinking of the dream girl. The melody is now somewhat distorted by many decorations sounding like devils or witches haunting him. I could picture a Halloween scene here, dark and ghostly.
Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique played by the NUSSO is the first I have heard played live in a concert hall, and also the few times I attend a Formal Symphony Orchestra Concert.
Generally, hard work put in to manage the technically difficult parts is worth applauding.
The Singapore National Youth Orchestra also led by the same conductor will be playing the piece as well. I wonder if age and life stage will affect the orchestra's expressiveness on the piece?
Honestly speaking, I am not a fan of live concerts and I do not usually watch a Symphony Orchestra's concert. However, ever since I took up theory lessons and eventually harmony and composition, I was able to better appreciate music from a broader perspective.
Hector Belioz's Symphony Fantastique is being labelled by my harmony teacher as a "must-know" piece for composition students due to its use of the central motiff with multiple variation techniques applied. Hence, I was keen to hear it played by different orchestras.
My own interpretation of the story of the Symphony Fantastique (hopefully more people will begin to like it or try listening to it)
First Movement: Dream
Berlioz had an idea of what his dream girl would be and always daydreams about her image, which is represented by the motiff that will keep on appearing in later movements.
Second Movement: The Ball
Berlioz attended a ball (party) and there he met a lady very much like the image of his dream girl. He falls in love at first sight but they barely had the chance to interact.
Third Movement: Pastoral
In the fields, Berlioz saw a pair of horn-blowers responding to each other's blowing. He began to think of the lady he met at the ball and the image of the dream girl appears again. Berlioz think it must be a bad feeling to be lonely.
Fourth Movement: March to the Gallows
Upset about being unable to be with his dream girl, Berlioz numbs himself with opium and eventually sees himself taken away to be beheaded. Just before he was beheaded, he still thinks of the dream girl and onces more the familiar music appears. Before the melody could finish, Berlioz was "beheaded" by the suddenly and stark clashing chord and his head fell off.
Final Movement: The Witches' Sabbath
Even in the nether world, Berlioz was still thinking of the dream girl. The melody is now somewhat distorted by many decorations sounding like devils or witches haunting him. I could picture a Halloween scene here, dark and ghostly.
Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique played by the NUSSO is the first I have heard played live in a concert hall, and also the few times I attend a Formal Symphony Orchestra Concert.
Generally, hard work put in to manage the technically difficult parts is worth applauding.
The Singapore National Youth Orchestra also led by the same conductor will be playing the piece as well. I wonder if age and life stage will affect the orchestra's expressiveness on the piece?
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