D-Day. I know it does not even come close to the Battle of Normandy, but I guess, the description is apt enough for the turmoil and anticipation of many who are waiting for the results.
It is not a time for regrets...It is not a time for what if's. Even though, this is when we will clearly get to see if the adages of 'what goes around, comes around' , and 'you reap what you sow' are true.
Based on experience, I say, it is not.
I have seen the determination and perservance of some who put their heart and soul into what they really hope to achieve. There are others, blessed with good brains and a pinch of luck, who are able to get by with minimum effort. Come D-Day on Monday, it is likely that for some, history may repeat itself.
In my eyes, I can distinguish between those who have won the battle, ... and those who will go on to win the war. A victory in life, is not marked by one episodic win...for in life...there are many, many other things which will mark out the great hero. Those who stumble, may push themselves on...and go on to make a more lasting mark.
"'So it's not just scoring in examinations that would bring you a good life...Some people are good with their hands, some are good with thinking out problems, and an economy needs all kinds of talented people.'
And so these students include those who 'do not necessarily do well in universities but will do well in life'.
'That's a concentration (to) which I think we should give,' he said."
The words above were quoted from non other than MM Lee on his recent visit to Nanyang Polytechnic recently. Not bad from a leader who skilfully moulded the nation which places great emphasis on meritocracy.
Whatever the outcomes of the results may be on Monday, it is time for many of you to think ahead of the next step. If you do well, (which I pray you will), I will applaud and congratulate you. If you don't, please remember that it is not the end of the road.
Resilience, persistence and determination will propel you to meet the next set of challenge. I hope you will go ahead and make your mark in the world. All the best.
Dear God,
Today, I pray for hope and blessings. Calm the minds and hearts of the many kids out there who are nervous and probably frightened. Reward those who have put in effort, and support those who have tried, but perhaps, have greater things you have in store for them, even though they may be disappointed. Fill them with courage and strength, and make them stoic and resolute. I pray that each and every one of them will do well, and be proud of themselves.
I pray that Zafran does well, for I have seen how hard he works. Let him know that no matter what he gets, I will always be proud of him. Bless also his special friend, Namira, who has given him a lot of motivation and support to give his best. I pray that the special kids C, E & J will do exceptionally well (so that all their dreams and special wishes will come true)...and bless the class of 2008...Ameen.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Falling in Love ...with Words - The Lost Art of Love Letters
I wanted to start the year on a right note, and was cracking my brains to find things to teach and do so that the kids in school would be in the right frame of mind to learn. How to excite them? How to get them to enjoy lessons...and not say, "Oh no...not the boring stuff again."
If you want something the teens will find interesting, you have to think like a teen. In today's high-tech age, language has taken a back seat. Instead of being the best form of communication, words have been relegated to images and visuals.
Anyway, through a series of letters, I tried to coax the kids into believing that the dictionary is indeed an exciting tool that would broaden language skills. And introducing them to the varied idiomatic expressions hopefully, will encourage them to colour their writing. Of course, for 4E1...how to handle texts with 'finesse', and 4E4...to temper the tone with dry wit.
And of course, I hope that the kids will realise how beautiful letter writing can me...a simple love letter. With the right words, carefully thought phrases, and heartfelt emotions, you will melt any young girl's heart.
So how boys? Ready to learn how to woo? (hahahaha)
If you want something the teens will find interesting, you have to think like a teen. In today's high-tech age, language has taken a back seat. Instead of being the best form of communication, words have been relegated to images and visuals.
Anyway, through a series of letters, I tried to coax the kids into believing that the dictionary is indeed an exciting tool that would broaden language skills. And introducing them to the varied idiomatic expressions hopefully, will encourage them to colour their writing. Of course, for 4E1...how to handle texts with 'finesse', and 4E4...to temper the tone with dry wit.
And of course, I hope that the kids will realise how beautiful letter writing can me...a simple love letter. With the right words, carefully thought phrases, and heartfelt emotions, you will melt any young girl's heart.
So how boys? Ready to learn how to woo? (hahahaha)
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Day I Met...."the other woman"
The Day I Met..."The Other Woman"
(Confessions of a Harried Mum Part II)
I am getting old.
It is not because I know that the dreaded digits will jump in another few days.
It is not because of the pesky white hair that are sprouting all over my head.
It is not because of the wrinkles and excess flabby tissues on the body that are beginning to to go out of control.
It's official...I am old, because my son...my baby...has decided to introduce me to someone he acknowledges as his GF!
I thought that all the 'rehearsals' I had before this would prepare me for DDAY. After all, the 'special kids' have regularly been introducing me to their girlfriends or boyfriends as the first layer of screening before they take these people home to meet their mothers. Hahaha...if the person pass through me, then it is not likely that the mother at home, will object...(Note to K...please do not show me any more girls...I will only meet the girl who has your name on the marriage cert ok?!!!)
Alright...those of you who have read the earlier entries would know how I handled Zafran when he first broke the news...(panic...panic...breathe...breathe...it is not as if he is announcing that he is getting hitched!). As long as I can see that he is not mooning or lovestruck ( I would have hung him upside down)...this mother is 'cool'. He does tell me when he goes out on dates, and I can expect him to be home at the time he promised to be back...(and so far, no heart attacks for me)
Then...he wanted me to meet HER!
(Breathe....breathe...breathe...inhale...exhale).
Alamak...How?....What?...You want to bring her home?...
(Breathe...breathe...breathe...hey...hey...be cool...cool...)
That was the hardest thing I can to do (and maybe...the pain did hit hard)...My baby is growing up, and I have to accept that pretty soon, there is another woman in his life besides me. (My baby...the one I carried for nine months...my little...aiyah...do drama...!kekeke...these were the thoughts that flashed through my head).
But as I looked at him, his bated breath; his face eager to seek understanding and support, I remembered something he had earlier told me. "Don't you trust that you have raised me right?"
So...after hemming and hawing, I relented.
I got to meet HER...and I realised she was just as unnerved as I was.
(hahaha....I will write about the actual meeting which took place during the holidays another time.)
Ah....I can breathe....
(Confessions of a Harried Mum Part II)
I am getting old.
It is not because I know that the dreaded digits will jump in another few days.
It is not because of the pesky white hair that are sprouting all over my head.
It is not because of the wrinkles and excess flabby tissues on the body that are beginning to to go out of control.
It's official...I am old, because my son...my baby...has decided to introduce me to someone he acknowledges as his GF!
I thought that all the 'rehearsals' I had before this would prepare me for DDAY. After all, the 'special kids' have regularly been introducing me to their girlfriends or boyfriends as the first layer of screening before they take these people home to meet their mothers. Hahaha...if the person pass through me, then it is not likely that the mother at home, will object...(Note to K...please do not show me any more girls...I will only meet the girl who has your name on the marriage cert ok?!!!)
Alright...those of you who have read the earlier entries would know how I handled Zafran when he first broke the news...(panic...panic...breathe...breathe...it is not as if he is announcing that he is getting hitched!). As long as I can see that he is not mooning or lovestruck ( I would have hung him upside down)...this mother is 'cool'. He does tell me when he goes out on dates, and I can expect him to be home at the time he promised to be back...(and so far, no heart attacks for me)
Then...he wanted me to meet HER!
(Breathe....breathe...breathe...inhale...exhale).
Alamak...How?....What?...You want to bring her home?...
(Breathe...breathe...breathe...hey...hey...be cool...cool...)
That was the hardest thing I can to do (and maybe...the pain did hit hard)...My baby is growing up, and I have to accept that pretty soon, there is another woman in his life besides me. (My baby...the one I carried for nine months...my little...aiyah...do drama...!kekeke...these were the thoughts that flashed through my head).
But as I looked at him, his bated breath; his face eager to seek understanding and support, I remembered something he had earlier told me. "Don't you trust that you have raised me right?"
So...after hemming and hawing, I relented.
I got to meet HER...and I realised she was just as unnerved as I was.
(hahaha....I will write about the actual meeting which took place during the holidays another time.)
Ah....I can breathe....
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Responsibilty & Accountabilty
Responsibility & Accountability
I am back to 3 words I live by - Choice, Attitude & Responsibility.
Last week, someone reminded me that when I have all 3 in place, only then that I can face accountability with courage when things go right; or wrong.
This is a timely reminded to myself as I begin the year, and reach out to the new group of charges I have under me.
Choice
There is always a choice in life...no matter how good or bad things get. Sometimes, circumstances may not be favourable, and the odds are working against me, but I must try to keep reminding myself to choose to do the right thing at that moment.
At the moment, there are some things which upset me...especially with certain individuals...my special kids... But I will now choose to take and step back and not say anything...Since these kids are the 'chosen'ones...maybe this is a test.
Attitude
Well, the choice affects the attitude.
Though our emotions affect our thoughts and inner self, we can still have some form of self-control and keep them in check. It's tough...there is no one who is always happy ever moment; and again, no one is always low, bitter and angry. It is an exercise of the will.
Responsibility
I constantly have to remind myself of the different roles I have to play...and the weight of responsibility I shoulder. It is something that we cannot run away from...though sometimes, I wish it is so easy to say "It's not my problem; it is not my responsibility."
As humans in this world...we all have very strong responsibilities
- to our own self, as a living, feeling, caring, empathatic individual
- to our family and friends
- to our society , and the larger community of the world; as a global citizen.
I hope, by the end of the year, I will be able to do some self-audit.
Can I be accountable for all my actions?
Can I be held responsible for the things that happen to me and all those around me?
I do hope...that I would have a clear conscience.
(God give me courage and strength...please)
I am back to 3 words I live by - Choice, Attitude & Responsibility.
Last week, someone reminded me that when I have all 3 in place, only then that I can face accountability with courage when things go right; or wrong.
This is a timely reminded to myself as I begin the year, and reach out to the new group of charges I have under me.
Choice
There is always a choice in life...no matter how good or bad things get. Sometimes, circumstances may not be favourable, and the odds are working against me, but I must try to keep reminding myself to choose to do the right thing at that moment.
At the moment, there are some things which upset me...especially with certain individuals...my special kids... But I will now choose to take and step back and not say anything...Since these kids are the 'chosen'ones...maybe this is a test.
Attitude
Well, the choice affects the attitude.
Though our emotions affect our thoughts and inner self, we can still have some form of self-control and keep them in check. It's tough...there is no one who is always happy ever moment; and again, no one is always low, bitter and angry. It is an exercise of the will.
Responsibility
I constantly have to remind myself of the different roles I have to play...and the weight of responsibility I shoulder. It is something that we cannot run away from...though sometimes, I wish it is so easy to say "It's not my problem; it is not my responsibility."
As humans in this world...we all have very strong responsibilities
- to our own self, as a living, feeling, caring, empathatic individual
- to our family and friends
- to our society , and the larger community of the world; as a global citizen.
I hope, by the end of the year, I will be able to do some self-audit.
Can I be accountable for all my actions?
Can I be held responsible for the things that happen to me and all those around me?
I do hope...that I would have a clear conscience.
(God give me courage and strength...please)
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Chicken & Egg Debate: A Twist
Chicken & Egg Debate: A Twisted Tale
I know I had written my entry for the day; but what happened over dinner is too good not to record down.
First I must apologise if the content is going to offend some people, but lets take it in the spirit of learning.
I was so tired after school to cook dinner, so my hubby heated up something. Earlier, I had skipped lunch, so I was famish. I sat on the kitchen floor, bingeing on on sambal crisps and pepsi twist (tsk..tsk..tsk).Anyway, the kids saw me, and decided to scoop hot rice with some rendang. In the midst of things, the conversation took a strange turn.
Me: OMG...do you know how much the chicken parts cost now?
Hubby: How much?
Me: One small chicken is almost $8.80...that's too much. (then I turned to the children)
Me: From today onward ok...we eat out less...whatever you want to eat, we try to cook it at home. You had enough treats during the holidays.
Sons: Ok mama
Daughter:...ok...ok...we eat more omelettes then.
Everyone: Huh? (where is the connection)
Daughter: Since chicken come from eggs, then eating eggs is like eating chicken.
Big son: No...not really the same. Those eggs are not fertilised. That's not chicken.
Daughter: If they mate...then we can get so many eggs what.
Me: Chickens do not need to mate to produce eggs.
Daughter: Oh...how come the chickens are not mating? How do we get so many eggs?
Husband: No lah...the chickens do 'mate' in order to produce the eggs.
Me: No...with chickens...it is not the same. That's why we just get egg....egg...
Husband: In the olden days (huh) we need the rooster....to produce eggs.
Big son: No lah...it's like when women and their monthly period...they produce just the egg...they release the egg...only chickens got more.
Daughter: Oh...you mean chickens also have periods? What do the farmers use for the chicken? Pads?
By then we were all rolling all over the floor in laughter...
So ...for now...I think, in my family, we shall abstain from eating chicken for the next few weeks.
Sigh...I will never be able to look at the chicken and an egg the same way again.
I know I had written my entry for the day; but what happened over dinner is too good not to record down.
First I must apologise if the content is going to offend some people, but lets take it in the spirit of learning.
I was so tired after school to cook dinner, so my hubby heated up something. Earlier, I had skipped lunch, so I was famish. I sat on the kitchen floor, bingeing on on sambal crisps and pepsi twist (tsk..tsk..tsk).Anyway, the kids saw me, and decided to scoop hot rice with some rendang. In the midst of things, the conversation took a strange turn.
Me: OMG...do you know how much the chicken parts cost now?
Hubby: How much?
Me: One small chicken is almost $8.80...that's too much. (then I turned to the children)
Me: From today onward ok...we eat out less...whatever you want to eat, we try to cook it at home. You had enough treats during the holidays.
Sons: Ok mama
Daughter:...ok...ok...we eat more omelettes then.
Everyone: Huh? (where is the connection)
Daughter: Since chicken come from eggs, then eating eggs is like eating chicken.
Big son: No...not really the same. Those eggs are not fertilised. That's not chicken.
Daughter: If they mate...then we can get so many eggs what.
Me: Chickens do not need to mate to produce eggs.
Daughter: Oh...how come the chickens are not mating? How do we get so many eggs?
Husband: No lah...the chickens do 'mate' in order to produce the eggs.
Me: No...with chickens...it is not the same. That's why we just get egg....egg...
Husband: In the olden days (huh) we need the rooster....to produce eggs.
Big son: No lah...it's like when women and their monthly period...they produce just the egg...they release the egg...only chickens got more.
Daughter: Oh...you mean chickens also have periods? What do the farmers use for the chicken? Pads?
By then we were all rolling all over the floor in laughter...
So ...for now...I think, in my family, we shall abstain from eating chicken for the next few weeks.
Sigh...I will never be able to look at the chicken and an egg the same way again.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Why Today Matters
Why Today Matters
Welcome back to reality.
Yup, today as we began the new academic year, it was fun to hear the noise and chatter again. What is a school without its students?
The changes have already been put in place, though it will be quite a while before we really get to see these changes taking effect. Most are good, I hope, for we really need to start off things on the right note. The tone has been set, and expectations are high.
I am doing a little reminder for myself (based on Maxwell's Today Matters)
Today...I will choose and display the right attitude (yes...yes...must appear sane)
Today...I will determine and act on IMPORTANT PRIORITIES (er...after this entry)
Today...I will eat...healthily (dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate right?)
Today...I will communicate with my family EXPLICITLY (nagging does not work)
Today...I will practice and develop good thinking (shoo...go away naughty thoughts)
Today...I will make and keep proper commitments (and not be the last minute optimist)
Today...I wll earn and manage my finances (sob...sob...Ben& Jerry's - a luxury now)
Today...I will embrace and practise good values ( patience...patience...breathe)
Today...I will seek and experience improvements(yea...my table is still clean)
If today, I act on these decisions and practise self-discipline,...then one day, I will see the compounding results of a day lived well.
There is really no short cut to success; no amount of good luck charms and amulets can guarantee us success. Life is never a bed of roses...It is those who work hard at life, that make their lives seem easy.
So, if I choose to lead my life by taking full responsibility for me, then I know that it will get me to the vision I have, of what I want my life to be.
2009 is a year of personal change...I am taking steps right now.
Welcome back to reality.
Yup, today as we began the new academic year, it was fun to hear the noise and chatter again. What is a school without its students?
The changes have already been put in place, though it will be quite a while before we really get to see these changes taking effect. Most are good, I hope, for we really need to start off things on the right note. The tone has been set, and expectations are high.
I am doing a little reminder for myself (based on Maxwell's Today Matters)
Today...I will choose and display the right attitude (yes...yes...must appear sane)
Today...I will determine and act on IMPORTANT PRIORITIES (er...after this entry)
Today...I will eat...healthily (dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate right?)
Today...I will communicate with my family EXPLICITLY (nagging does not work)
Today...I will practice and develop good thinking (shoo...go away naughty thoughts)
Today...I will make and keep proper commitments (and not be the last minute optimist)
Today...I wll earn and manage my finances (sob...sob...Ben& Jerry's - a luxury now)
Today...I will embrace and practise good values ( patience...patience...breathe)
Today...I will seek and experience improvements(yea...my table is still clean)
If today, I act on these decisions and practise self-discipline,...then one day, I will see the compounding results of a day lived well.
There is really no short cut to success; no amount of good luck charms and amulets can guarantee us success. Life is never a bed of roses...It is those who work hard at life, that make their lives seem easy.
So, if I choose to lead my life by taking full responsibility for me, then I know that it will get me to the vision I have, of what I want my life to be.
2009 is a year of personal change...I am taking steps right now.
The First Day
School Blues (Why it is not TGIF)
I think, after 20 years, I would be a seasoned pro. But the thought of starting a new school year still fills me with feelings of apprehension and nervousness. Maybe it's the thought of having to start everything almost anew...
Below is a funny poem about a teacher's thought that extracted from a well-known children' poet.
How to torture your Students
(Jane Pomazal & Bruce Lansky)
Start each day with a surprise quiz. Don't dismiss the class for recess until you've finished the lesson you're working on.
At the end of the day, hand out a huge assignment that's due the next day.
When a student says, "I have to go to the bathroom," say, "You should have gone this morning before you left home" or "You'll have to hold it in; it's time for the kindergarten to use the bathrooms."
Never call on students who have their hands up.
Only call on students who have no idea what's going on.
When a student asks you a question, say, "Look up the answer in a book." Don't bother to mention the name of the book in which the answer can be found.
When you read, go as fast as you can.
Skip a line or two, then ask questions about the passage to see if the students were listening.
When it's time for the students to read, call on someone who doesn't have a book.
When you hand out pencils, make sure they're dull and don't have erasers.
When you hand out books, make sure they're torn and tattered.
When preparing the students for a test, write all the information they'll need to know on the board.
Then stand in front of the board so they can't see what you've written.
As soon as you've finished discussing the test information, turn quickly and erase the board.
On the last day of school, hand out a surprise final exam.
Tell your students if they flunk it, they'll have to attend summer school-and if they flunk summer school, they'll have to repeat the grade.
Tell them you hope they all flunk because you like them so much and you wish they could be your students again next year.
Hmmm....some food for thought there..Hehehehe
While that is tongue-in-cheek, here is prayer that I found...which I feel may be more apt for tomorrow.
Teacher's Prayer
Author Unknown
God, Please help me,
To strengthen their voices,
bodies and minds,
To express their feelings and
control them sometimes,
To explore what's near
and venture afar,
But most important to love
who they are.
I guess I do love being with the kids in class...despite the challenges I sometimes face. It is fun being around young minds...who dare to question; to probe ; to seek understanding.
So I hope the kids will be kind to me tomorrow...and not notice the quake in my voice, and the shake in my limbs. But hey...I am ready to go...
I think, after 20 years, I would be a seasoned pro. But the thought of starting a new school year still fills me with feelings of apprehension and nervousness. Maybe it's the thought of having to start everything almost anew...
Below is a funny poem about a teacher's thought that extracted from a well-known children' poet.
How to torture your Students
(Jane Pomazal & Bruce Lansky)
Start each day with a surprise quiz. Don't dismiss the class for recess until you've finished the lesson you're working on.
At the end of the day, hand out a huge assignment that's due the next day.
When a student says, "I have to go to the bathroom," say, "You should have gone this morning before you left home" or "You'll have to hold it in; it's time for the kindergarten to use the bathrooms."
Never call on students who have their hands up.
Only call on students who have no idea what's going on.
When a student asks you a question, say, "Look up the answer in a book." Don't bother to mention the name of the book in which the answer can be found.
When you read, go as fast as you can.
Skip a line or two, then ask questions about the passage to see if the students were listening.
When it's time for the students to read, call on someone who doesn't have a book.
When you hand out pencils, make sure they're dull and don't have erasers.
When you hand out books, make sure they're torn and tattered.
When preparing the students for a test, write all the information they'll need to know on the board.
Then stand in front of the board so they can't see what you've written.
As soon as you've finished discussing the test information, turn quickly and erase the board.
On the last day of school, hand out a surprise final exam.
Tell your students if they flunk it, they'll have to attend summer school-and if they flunk summer school, they'll have to repeat the grade.
Tell them you hope they all flunk because you like them so much and you wish they could be your students again next year.
Hmmm....some food for thought there..Hehehehe
While that is tongue-in-cheek, here is prayer that I found...which I feel may be more apt for tomorrow.
Teacher's Prayer
Author Unknown
God, Please help me,
To strengthen their voices,
bodies and minds,
To express their feelings and
control them sometimes,
To explore what's near
and venture afar,
But most important to love
who they are.
I guess I do love being with the kids in class...despite the challenges I sometimes face. It is fun being around young minds...who dare to question; to probe ; to seek understanding.
So I hope the kids will be kind to me tomorrow...and not notice the quake in my voice, and the shake in my limbs. But hey...I am ready to go...
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