Thursday, January 31, 2008
I learnt about the passing of D's cousin today. Although I did not know her personally, I did meet her in person before and that was just a few months ago. It was cancer that claimed her life. I remember her telling us excitedly about a cafe at Vivocity which had swings as seats. She had seemed so happy then, sharing with us her little discovery. We never managed to find that cafe she was talking about.
Somehow whenever I went to Vivo after that, I would remember what she had told us because of her unusual excitement. Just like a child. Yet, she's actually more than 10 years older than myself only.
It was when I found out about her selfless decision to serve God that touched me when I heard about it. Not an easy decision to make. However, all the more I would wonder to myself why fate is sometimes so cruel and why death cannot be postponed to an age which we could call a "ripe old age". From a religious point of view, I could say that God just wanted her to move on from here and leave behind this world which is after all, a cruel one, to join him somewhere where there is eternal and blissful existence.
But I suppose all humans would agree that it wouldn't hurt to let a person live longer to fulfill dreams and experience more.
I hereby just hoped that she had left peacefully after all the struggle and that she's in a much happier place.Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 9:59 PM
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I never knew that the viewership rating for Te Xie's so high. Everyone seemed to have watched it and no, I didn't tell them I would be on it. Told only a couple of friends "@_@. Suddenly I had a friend in friendster (who have never msged me in friendster) leaving a msg to tell me he saw me and sent me some well-wishes. Right after that show, it was another friend whom I have not chatted with for ages on msn, msging me to tell me someone (whom I've never met for years since JC) told him that I was on it. My few pupils were talking about it for days asking me questions about it and giving one another secret smiles. "-_- The admin lady told me about it, the canteen vendors mentioned it to me. Even a Malay teacher watched that show (to this I didn't know what to say also).
I was pretty nervous before it was screened. I didn't know if I would look hideous. I didn't want to be traumatised for the rest of my life and have to undergo therapy with a psychiatrist...
Ok, I'm exaggerating abit here haha..
I guess it wasn't that bad. Acceptable. I've come to realize that when one is on TV, one tends to look better than when one is on a photo. Or maybe mediacorp's camera is too good that it works wonders for everyone's faces and no one will be "uglified", at most just look as bad as in real life wahaha...
Time really really flies and gets out of hand. It's Thurs again tomorrow... the eve of the eve of the weekend! PLUS next Wed is half day for us! Just 2 hours with them only. Yooo hoooo! Then everyone can get the well deserved break with the long long CNY holidays haha...
SHIOK!
Serendipity believed today at 10:50 PM
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
When I was at Marina on Sunday, while walking past Pariss, the seafood buffet restaurant, I realized that it was pouring in the restaurant at the cashier counter which was near the entrance. Actually for some reason, the ceiling was "leaking" water but it's not the "drip, drip, drip" kind of "leak" but more like someone pouring water from above. It's quite a funny sight because the cashier still had to stand there (don't know for what reason) and she was holding an umbrella so naturally.
One thing I noticed that day about the restaurant was they had a Buddhist/ Taoist altar there and it was also facing outside, with only a glass panel separating it from the outside people. Kind of eerie because that whole part had red lighting. What's the purpose of it? It's so unlike a restaurant to openly display something so religious unless well, if you happen to step into a Christian bookshop of course hahaha...but surely there must be a reason?Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 10:38 PM
It's sweet relief for me, at least for now...
I've been told that what I'm incharged of isn't an independent CCA by itself and that things will commence only from term 2 onwards plus a coach will be hired. At least my head feels lighter now. However, the recruitment side is still going to be something that's done by me. Actually I'm not a marketing kind of person. I'm a take-it-or-leave-it kind of person who doesn't like to sell something to someone. Of course I know I can do it quite well since I've tried sales before. It's just not me though, to have to act all humble and pleading.
Well... I'll worry about that only when the time comes. Chuan dao qiao tou zi ran zhi.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 10:50 PM
Am watching the repeat of the Heavenly Ghost Catcher. Not particularly following the show but it just happens to be showing at this time. The female lead for this story was beheaded for something she was wrongfully accused of. This makes me wonder why in reality, people could bear to even kill someone and then behead him/her. I remember studying the Japanese Occupation where heads were displayed by the Japanese as a warning to others about going against them or something. It's such an unthinkable act and was simply too morbid to even picture in detail. It makes me wonder how people could be so heartless. I know it's the war then but to go an extra mile in the cruelty category isn't something a normal human can easily do.
My thoughts moved on to those who carry out executions in the prisons. I wonder if their identities are being kept a secret? How about their salary? How did they actually feel about having to carry out the executions even though those criminals mostly deserved the death sentence?Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 1:50 AM
I actually made time for shopping for CNY. I figured out that since I have to by hook or by crook get my clothes in time for CNY, I might as well go all out and have an intensive few hours of shopping today. Marking can come later at night. Hopefully not at the expense of sleep though :P
It was initially my intention to just go to Orchard for shopping. However I made my way to Marina Square via Citylink Mall after deciding to shop for a friend's birthday present too. It was a fruitful trip after all since I managed to get the clothes and shoes that I need for CNY, as well as a present. Whew...
It's such a coincidence but I actually met my supervisor at Orchard "-_- I can't believe that even when out shopping, I can get reminded of work in this way too hahaha... I haven't spent so much at one go for a long long time. Great feeling though I wouldn't be able to afford this always. At least I don't need to crack my head at the last minute about what to get for the birthday.
Now back to marking.Labels: Shopping
Serendipity believed today at 10:22 PM
I actually forgot to bring my contact lens out today "-_- Feel that I'm getting more and more absent minded. My intention was to keep a lookout for clothes for CNY but did not get anything because everything was a blur unless I go up close haha.
A trip to Chinatown was to stock up on cleansers and also to buy the Taiwan mochi. However, I suspect I'd end up finishing the mochi even before CNY :P The crowd was kind of insane. Even had to queue to go across that bridge which linked the side of the road where OG was to the other side where Mosque Street, Temple Street, etc were...
It's strange how I can leave Vivocity empty-handed almost everytime I went there. It's supposed to be the biggest mall or something with numerous brands all under 1 roof. There's nothing that attracted me when I went to those shops like Forever21, Topshop, Pull & Bear, Mango (all near one another) today. However, it wasn't a trip without a mission. I finally went to collect my membership card from Laneige. Apparently, members got to collect the cards from the counter where they originally bought the stuff which qualified them for membership. Initially I had thought that the card would be mailed to me or something "-_-. The guy gave me more freebies with the membership card. He's nicer than the salesgirl from whom I bought the products from the other time. She wanted to continue talking to her other colleagues and gave me that exaggerated patience and patronizing look the other time. Thankfully she's not around today :PLabels: Shopping
Serendipity believed today at 4:01 AM
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Shops have started to display CNY food items and decorations. Pasar malams are also sprouting with different promotions. New year goodies, junkfood, sweet drinks, BBQ pork and the likes are around almost everywhere you turn.
Have you done your shopping yet? Or are you more of a last minute buyer hoping to snag food items at great bargains on CNY's eve? Chinatown is known for selling CHY goodies at super low prices on the eve. Things like tarts..cookies... Taiwan mochi and jelly... candied lotus root, persimmons, coconut strips... and of course melon/ pumpkin/ sunflower seeds... For about $1, you can grab a plastic bagful of mochi which usually goes for a few dollars for maybe 200g? Those are kind of heavy so you wouldn't get many too if they go according to weight.
Would you dare to take up the challenge of walking at Chinatown on the eve though? It's an insane place to be at on that day. During the eve of past years, I was tempted to drop by to soak in the CNY mood. However, almost as quickly, this thought would vanish as I know that I'd probably feel giddy with so many people squeezing here and there.
I wonder if I would drop by on impulse this year. :D Not that there wouldn't be a crowd this year. @_@
I was speaking on the phone with a pupil's parents yesterday. She's such a nice parent to talk to. Understanding and yet, knows how to keep track of her son's homework. How I wish all parents would be like that. She's sounded so grateful that I bothered to call her twice to update her on her son's attitude problem in school. For parents like these, as a teacher, you'd really want to go an extra mile to help her because she's doing her part also instead of demanding this and that. She also helped me to identify what could be the root of the problem and also helped me to understand her son's history a little better, not to try to make me be more lenient towards her son but rather to guide me in thinking of ways to help him open up.
I truly am thankful for moments like these when I know that a parent like her appreciate the help of the teachers and that I have her support in decisions I make towards her son.
Respect goes 2 ways after all.Labels: Chinese New Year, Work
Serendipity believed today at 12:56 PM
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I feel very relieve these days whenever it rains. It's so hot and humid that it makes feel feel even hotter and more bothered when the little ones make a lot of noise or interrupt me. No PE again today because the hall was occupied. I was secretly glad because that meant I could use that period for something else - Eng or Maths.
They feel disappointed of course. I'm unusually tired. I hope I'm not coming down with a cold. That's the last thing I need with so many things lining up. My sup actually told me today to try to enjoy my stay here @_@ I finally truthfully told her that things are taking a toil on me. Not in those exact words of course. There are simply too many things for me to settle and it's the first time I'm dealing with such things somemore that I feel I can no longer keep up. Just feel more and more drained these days. Best thing was I found out that's no external instructor for the CCA that I'm incharged of, which means I am to recruit, settle admin matters and teach them how to play when I don't think I can even identify a volleyball from other balls? I only know the balls are white and light "-_-.
I don't think the school is being fair to me by using me as someone to fill in the space they are so desperate to fill up without thinking about whether it'll overwhelm me. I scold so much everyday that I'm becoming more and more bad and hot tempered. Scolding plus being buried with stuff make me a rather unpleasant teacher. I don't know what the kids think though, I just feel they still don't fear me enough.
At certain moments, I really feel like throwing in the towel. It's easy for others in there to tell me not to stress myself too much but when things don't go well, it's even easier for those at the top top top to judge right? Who knows what humans think? I don't like to tell people I can't do something especially at a workplace. It only reflects incompetence to those who do not genuinely understand. Don't like to ask people too much because they have their own stuff to handle but when you don't ask enough and then things do not go perfectly, people might start questioning why you didn't ask in the first place.
Super tired. Even weekends aren't enough for me to recharge. It's not just about sufficient sleep anymore. In fact, in terms of the number of hours, I do have enough sleep. It's more of like having no personal time for myself, for my hobbies anymore. I really wonder if working often means having to almost give up on your hobbies totally? I can't get work out of my head. On weekends, I'm still preparing my work stuff. When I'm out, at times, I would wonder in what way can I hurry up with the topics and yet enable more of them to understand the concepts. Despite thinking of work all the time, I have to say that I'm no super dedicated teacher. I just feel that when you're in the service line, you have to make sure that no matter what, your conscience is clear because you have a lot to answer to everyone. You have to make sure you done your best and that is just that.
Yet, what is considered the best? When it's an environment which emphasizes a lot on results, it's difficult to turn away from the result slip and still think that everything is like in fairyland.
Today I actually yelled at one of my boys until he cried. I shouted at the top of my voice and he finally burst into tears. Why? It's because I have a simple requirement that I expect my kids to follow, that is, whenever I write the homework to be done on the board, I expect them to take out their diaries right away to copy so that they will not forget. I will also write down a specific book to bring too. These are the books which we use only once a week like social studies workbook and health education workbook. Fearing that they will forget, I will write down the day before even though they have their own timetables and should know how to pack their bags. I feel that I'm already spoon feeding them like mad but there's not much choice too.
Anyway, he forgot to bring the book today and when I questioned him about the diary, he said he didn't copy. That's when I blew my top. I'm repeated myself many times that if a pupil were to copy and yet forgot to bring/ do, I might not scold but if the pupil didn't bother to even copy and yet dare to forget to bring, I would really scold. After that when he went back to his seat, he also didn't copy again to remind himself to bring it tomorrow. I had to scold him again.
After recess, when I added on the board, more homework to be done at home. His classmates actually finished copying when I walked to him and asked him if he'd finished. I found out that he had not even taken out his diary. In the end, the whole class had to wait for him alone. "-_- So he received another round of scolding from me.
Wah lao.. I felt out of breath man. I don't like to scold but a few of them are really lazy. They can't even be bothered to copy a few lines from the board. Yes, outsiders' comments would be things like, "he's still young.." blah blah blah. But now it's not a matter of age. It's not a matter of coming up with answers that impress me to death. It's just about following a simple instruction that I say to the class everyday. It's just a simple act of copying homework to be done, onto the diary.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 10:48 PM
The most recent shopping I've done was online shopping for earrings. Haha... pathetic isn't it? What's happened to walking from shop to shop to actually feel the material and look at something in its 3D form?
Have you ever experienced the feeling of wanting many things when you're broke but when you're feeling a wee bit rich, you lose interest? What I can conclude from this feeling is that when you have that bit of money to spare, you also get reminded of how hard- earned it was. That's when you actually think twice about spending a lot all at once.
However, from time to time, don't we all need to pamper ourselves a little? ;PLabels: Shopping
Serendipity believed today at 12:25 AM
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
photo taken from http://www.auntyyochana.blogspot.com/
Does the cake look delicious? Makes me feel like rushing somewhere to buy a black forest cake to feast on. I would love to be able to make this some day. That is, if I have the luxury of time. Black forest cakes are one of my favourite cakes. Bet you didn't know that! But yes, if I were to pass by a normal cake shop, that is, one of those neighbourhood bakeries, I would look out for the black forest cake on display. I don't know when was the last time I had that. Could be years ago since it's not something that people would eat on normal days. More like a birthday cake kind of cake isn't it? ;P
The reason I like black forest cakes is because it's moist plus rich and chocolatey. I love rich cakes. I don't like chocolate cakes that are made from just cocoa powder. I want my cakes to have CHOCOLATE being used when they are being made. Cocoa powder just adds a little brown colour to the cake without much flavour. Bleh!
Together with blueberries, the effect is simply potent. It's kind of cruel to oneself to keep looking and admiring the photo without being able to eat it. I guess I'll just have a feast on Fri and Sat. I don't even have time for proper lunch these days. It's usually lunch while doing something else or else I would have to make do with a 10-15min lunch. Free slimming service I guess hahaha...
On a different note... I've found out today how sensitive children are to the words adults use. I tend to be quite sarcastic to naughty pupils who do not pay attention when I'm teaching. I would say things like,
"Having a party at the back?"
"Those at the back having an important meeting?"
"Want to share with the class what's so funny and make us happy?"
"You can talk means you are smart enough to teach. Why don't you take over while I listen?"
Then today, one of the prefects in my class came up to me saying, "Miss ****, _____,______ and _____ are like having a party there." Earlier I had asked her to make sure the rest stayed quiet while waiting for their turn to take their heights and weights. I was sort of surprised by her choice of words. She wasn't sarcastic. She sounded really sincere, that's the amusing part (to me...). She was genuinely frustrated by the 3 boys playing some finger games and she actually phrased it that way when she reported to me. Hahaha.... poor girl... the naughty boys couldn't care less. "-_-
I feel like I've aged overnight.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 6:57 PM
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I found out today that kids really take notice of adults' dressing. Maybe not the boys but the girls especially. At the end of the day, one of my girls asked me, "Why do you dress until so nice today?" I was dumbfounded. It's one of those unexpected questions which one would not and could not come up with an answer on the spot. I simply looked at her and smiled. Then she asked again, "Why do you look sexy today?"
I nearly fainted.
I guess children's idea of sexiness is different from adults. I doubt they even know the actual meaning of "sexy". No way are teachers allowed to dress revealingly. Could be the heels and earrings that I put on today. Rarely do I put those on these days.
Adults tend to have this mentality that children wouldn't appreciate the way others dress. How wrong we are. I remember when I was little, I would like jie jies with long flowing hair. That's my idea of pretty females. That is probably why I have grown up to want long hair and that's also how I became ghostly. Hahaha....
It's been a long time since I'd baked anything for leisure. I guess the last time was in December.
:(Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 7:22 PM
She, standing at maybe just slightly taller than my waist looked up at the painter and called out, "Hello, uncle!"
It's such a cute sight that I couldn't help smiling at. It was along the corridor when we were walking to the gate to go home. Come to think of it, I don't even remember the last time I smiled in class. I'm trying hard to maintain an image which the children would at least fear a little. Smiling is like a weakness which gives the kids the go-ahead to try to play the fool.
She repeated herself when the painter just concentrated on his work while standing on the scaffold, ignoring her. It's such a sincere acknowledgement of his presence from her. Only children will do such a thing and even then, not all children.
Poor thing... Haha...Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 7:13 PM
The other day when I was in school for a P.E. workshop, a girl in Pri. 3 whom I taught last year for about a week actually called and waved to me when she walked passed me, not in direct opposite direction but from another direction like 90 degrees. I remember her as a girl who's in the best class but wasn't as good in English as her classmates. She's also a very shy and well-behaved girl who would smile sweetly whenever something amusing happened and even when she's puzzled. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when she actually called out to me. She has probably become braver now that she's Pri. 3 and I'm glad :) As times like these, one would feel glad about teaching in a primary school. Children appreciate the little little things that adults do for them. Giving them a smile could make them happy. Therefore, I tend to be more generous when it comes to giving them stuff as compared to acquaintance or colleagues.
Just helped to bake something for someone's colleagues. It's a favour and yet what I get in the end wasn't gratitude but criticism. Criticism that I did not put in effort and that's why it didn't turn out well. Really don't know what to say. Just feel extreme disappointment. It's not something I had to do. I took time off from my own stuff to prepare everything from scratch without any help and that's what I got at the end. Even said that she probably wouldn't want to give to her colleagues anymore. Come on lah, you want to thank your colleagues, you don't want to bake it yourself. I did everything and now that it's not perfect, you keep on criticizing and criticizing. That's what you are good at. Want to put on a front and yet want to make use of people to do it. Forget it. Might as well throw everything away lah. It's only oilier than usual and make so much noise.
Hate it when people waste my time.Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 9:09 PM
I wonder if dogs feel tired when they bark and whether there has been any dog in the world which barked until it lost its voice. Just a very strange question that just came to my mind.
It was a walk down Orchard Road yesterday. I realized that when it comes to window shopping/ shopping, my stamina can be quite good. I guess the most important thing to note when you know you're going to do serious window shopping/ shopping (read: long hours) is NOT to be in high heels. Flats ensure you can walk properly and swiftly avoid the next person cutting into your path. Never mind that you do not look as good in flats as compared to heels. It's a walk down a street, not a catwalk along a platform.
The CNY fair is now on at Ngee Ann City. Fairs (foodfairs especially) are a must see whenever they are on. But of course there's no guarantee that you'd get a good deal although you can get many things all at once under 1 roof. There was a sale going on at G2000. Guys long-sleeved tops were going for as low as $23 each and pants cost $29 for those on sale. Needless to say, it attracted a rather huge crowd.
When walking around the upper floors of Ngee Ann City, I noticed guys long sleeved shirts costing like $200 or $300 over. I wonder how many they can sell out each day... But of course, it's a luxury that is for the super rich. It's like LV. We do not have to worry for them about the stores closing down or going bust. Luxuries will always remain because they are symbols of status and there will always be demand for them. But one thing for sure is, I don't know how to tell a $300 shirt from a $23 one. Guys' shirts just look the same to me, just that some prints look nicer and have more pleasant colour combinations.
A guy friend once told me it's easy to buy women's clothes and shoes whereas guys got to spend so much. I could only muster a "..." look. That's because I've never heard of such rubbish before. Nobody would care if a guy wears the same pair of leather shoes to work for the rest of his working life but women have to match this and that. I feel that in this society, more is expected from women in terms of dressing especially for work. At the end of the day, guys only wear shirts and pants to work. Even if a decent and super nice shirt cost like $100. Think of it this way, no matter what shirt a guy buys, at the end of the day, the shirts will definitely match the typical black pants (which do not vary that much to the naked eye in terms of cutting) Everything just look monotonous. Guys can use the same old ties and cuff links again and again and no one would care too. You can mix and match and everything will work just fine.
However, I didn't do any shopping for clothes myself. Buying clothes for CNY can be both a chore and a challenge. I've already bought 1 top about a week ago and am looking out for a dress. It's easier to get a dress for CNY so that I do not have to think about getting a bottom that matches my top and vice versa. Dresses definitely make life easier :)Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 12:11 PM
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Weekdays pass quickly but weekends simply zoom by. Fridays always make me happy because to me, they signify the beginning of the weekends. Then voila! It's Sunday night again. These days I try to settle as much work- related stuff on weekdays (Thursday and Friday) for the following week so that I would have sufficient rest and play time on weekends. However, very often, I still find myself struggling with completing much on weekdays. The more tedious and heavier marking would have to wait until the weekends because admin and preparation of stuff already take up the bulk of the free periods and before and after school.
I was so busy yesterday during the few periods that I have that I actually forgot to give them homework except art homework. I know some parents aren't going to be very happy about their kids not having much to do on weekends. Well, it just slipped my mind although I had written down what to give them. There are so many schedules to meet eg: having to complete topic and that within a stipulated time frame that I simply have to hurry the little ones too for many things which is not a very good thing. They are seldom allowed to do homework in school. They don't have the luxury of doing that because they take alot of time just to understand instructions and the same few wouldn't pay attention so I have to repeat myself many times. Finally I decided to just let them bring home their homework to do, while I do the teaching and dish out instructions to guide them in school during curriculum time.
Yesterday a HOD (not the Art one...) asked me if I could join a design competition with them that's due on 15 Feb. It's a different one from the previous one which I had wanted to join myself some time back. I just had to oblige man since she gave me this hopeful face. "-_- But since she's a nice person, I guess I just have to put in some time in thinking.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 12:12 PM
Thursday, January 17, 2008
This is the lyrics to a very beautiful love song by Bread, titled "If". I like it's simple and yet meaningful words which hold alot of longing and love :).
If a picture paints a thousand words,
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show the you I've come to know.
If a face could launch a thousand ships,
Then where am I to go?
There's no one home but you,
You're all thats left me too.
And when my love for life is running dry,
You come and pour yourself on me.
If a man could be two places at one time,
I'd be with you.
Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way.
If the world should stop revolving spinning slowly down to die,
I'd spend the end with you.
And when the world was through,
Then one by one the stars would all go out,
Then you and I would simply fly away
Do listen to it when you have the chance. You've probably heard of it on TV or something when they advertised compilation CDs...Labels: song
Serendipity believed today at 12:20 AM
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
When was the last time you did star jumps? Hahah... today was the first time in years. Well, I didn't have the intention to do it in the first place actually. Just that we were having PE and I just thought it would be fair and more motivating to do such jumps with the little ones. Some were complaining that they're tired and we did less than 10 only! Hello? Your grandma teacher here is 3 times your age and also heavier than you yet I could do star jumps. It was only after some time then I felt the effect of the jumps though.
Wobbly legs. While walking home from school. Hahahaha... Hey! At least I was fair to do with them so I'm not Psycho Chew torturing poor kids.
P.E lasted for like 5 min only. Not surprising since it took them so long to pack up and settle down. I just have to teach them about trade-offs. If choose to talk, then less P.E. time. If talking isn't the option, then I will let them play something different. Fair and square. I've learnt that teachers cannot make empty threats, especially when I'm only just begun my semester with them. Empty threats will only make it more difficult to control them the next time round. But I do try to give in a little, like for really naughty ones, will let them have less time for recess instead of totally forbidding them to even eat. At the end of the day, I need to constantly remind myself that no matter how naughty they are, they are just kids. At least their naughtiness is an outright thing, nothing scheming, zero manipulation.
Two parents asked me for my mobile number after school yesterday. I gave it to them. But I'm starting to wonder if I should have. I mean, I'm not a 24/7 teacher, I shouldn't have felt obliged to give it to them. Who knows if they would know their limits? Furthermore, even if some parents do not know how to email or do not have a computer (I've given the class my email address), they can always call the school to ask for me. A pupil actually asked me today whether her tuition teacher called me. @_@ Well, I did get a missed call but I didn't call back because it's not a practice of mine to return missed unknown calls especially when the person chose not to leave a voice message.
Anyway, no point regretting it also. But I won't entertain unknown calls after 9pm. It's not about the lack of commitment or dedication but I feel that a line has to be drawn somewhere when it comes to personal life and personal time outside of school. I know some teachers have this practice of giving out their mobile numbers freely but I personally don't really see the need to be within reach the whole day long especially when I already see the two parents when they come everyday to fetch their kids.
Perhaps I should be glad I'm exposed to all these. So that in the future, I would know what to expect from parents and can sort of predict situations. There's always a first time to everything I supposed.
Such things like the above, no one will be around to teach you nor to warn you beforehand. No one told me anything before in fact. However, hopefully, some of the experiences I have gone through would help friends or even outsiders who chance upon this blog because this is after all a selfish world. Personally, I have a friend (now an acquaintance) who would not share her experience as a contract teacher which was what she was about a year ago. Probably because she had a hard time and so did not want to let others after her have an easier time? I don't know too.That's the world of adults out there, lots of hypocrisy - preaching to kids about not being selfish and yet do not practise it.
But I don't see any harm in sharing info and experiences. What goes around comes around. If you render help to others, others might return the favour to you one of the days too, whether you know it or not.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 7:06 PM
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
My arms are numbed from carrying heavy stuff for the past days. But I've learnt how to make pupils carry my books by dividing into 2 so that the weight is just right for them. I just we all just learn along the way. There no end in learning for this line.
I've powerpoint slides to do later. The pace that I do up slides is faster and faster now. Hahah... your skills will improve when you do it everyday "-_- Heard that remedial is gonna start soon for them. I don't even know if I'm going to be involved in the actual teaching. Just know that there must be another teacher observing (lesson study) when a teacher is doing remedial with the weak students. So wayang lor. Every single thing must make till so big.
As a contract teacher, I guess you would have to tolerate not having any status at all. As in amongst all the teachers, you're just 1 insignificant person. Well, so it seems from the attitude of certain teachers. Perhaps they feel that contract teachers are of no value to them and so cannot make use. So they will ignore you and not offer any teaching stuff but will offer to others infront of you. You just got to take it in your stride. Or just tell yourself that they're just jealous of your youth wahahahaha!
Just like what my trainer said to us, "When you are under contract, you just say yes to everything and after your NIE training, you can walk with your head held up higher." Hahaha.. he's hilarious but his advices were really valuable.
*Yawn*
Serendipity believed today at 8:10 PM
The staffroom was only left with me and a colleague. One of the friendly colleagues whom thankfully I got a chance to finally ask a little about her time a few years back when she was doing contract teaching at this same school. It seemed like she met with a similar problem which I am sort of facing now - having to juggle all subjects. Especially when all of the subjects need preparation work plus marking. No joke. I guess in a way it was worst for her because she had to handle everything for 1 full year before going for training. I guess that's a little comforting.
Sigh...
She mentioned to me I didn't look fierce enough. "-_- Actually I think I'm already being very fierce to them already, having scolded them almost everyday for not listening to instructions. But probably still not enough. What was not comforting was what she told me about NIE days, which I will not repeat here. However, she did ask me to think carefully about going to sec sch because such students are not easy to manage. I supposed that's a repetition of what's in my heart all these while.
I watched the movie Harold and Kumar go to the White Castle. Overall, we couldn't really make out what exactly was going on because the scenes seemed to end abruptly each time. However, there's finally one part which left us in stitches.
There's this fat and black guy who recounted how he ended up in prison. He was actually arrested for a robbery which occurred in New York. The thing was he had never been to New York before and he's convinced that he's arrested because he's black and fat. Then when he was in the jail cell, he was just innocently reading a book and recounting his story to Harold, one of the 2 male leads who's American born Korean. Now, Harold's friend, Kumar finally managed to find the key to the cell and wanted to set Harold free when suddenly all the policemen came back. Harold was actually standing infront of the door of the cell and the keys were in the keyhole. Kumar was lured by the marijuana left on a policeman's desk after they'd arrested a drug dealer. Immediately ALL the policemen ran up and opened the cell door to charge at the black guy who was still innocently sitting on the bench in the cell reading the book.
It's so racist ok!?!?!?! Hahahahah...
Ok seriously, racism is still very much prominent in our so-called developed little island. Many a times, females tend to look at Bangladeshi workers with prejudice because they're very sure that these workers would pounce on them like lions on little lambs. Is this really justifiable? Being dark-skinned doesn't make them more horny or potential molesters and rapists. In fact, scums whom I've come across are seldom of this race. And I don't know about you, but I've read about foreign workers being the first to rush forward to help someone in desperate need of help while our dear high-class Sporeans just stand aside to view a "free-show". I've also seen these people not wanting to rush for seats on the train, unlike locals who push their way through and fight for seats as if their lives depend on it.
I've also seen how at times, a foreign worker would not want to squeeze in between 2 females who're sitting down. I was sure they could sense that they're not welcomed. It's kind of a sad thing. Scums of society who harass women on the streets can be of any race. Being fair-skinned doesn't mean 1 has a heart of gold. Similarly, being dark-skinned doesn't signify pure filth on a person's mind.
Of course, I'm not saying all of these foreign workers are perfect. We do read about rape cases involving them. Or molest cases during the New Year's Eves celebrations. I've also seen how some could be so unruly in public. I guess what some of these are guilty of are more outright. On the contrary, many of the China women who come here rely on their scheming and manipulating skills to get what they want.
If you're forced to sit beside the above mentioned foreigners (whom I emphasize MAY NOT be guilty of anything), which would u opt for?
It's indeed a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea and of course the former represents the manipulative one.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 10:59 PM
Somehow I can never obtain enough SunPerks Points to redeem anything. Perhaps it's because I rarely exceed the free sms and talktime that come with my handphone plan. How come m1 doesn't give everyone something as a token? I only have 700 over points and it seems like the min no. of points is 1000 to redeem a stored-value card or something. @_@
I'm taking a break from doing powerpoint slides. From what I can remember, I've been doing up slides since a week ago when we started on counting. I'm so looking forward to get over with such topics so that as least I can use everyday objects as examples for other topics. I think children can relate better when they see objects they come across in daily life. It's easier for them to understand and visualize. I've found out that the easiest thing may be the most difficult to teach. It's like an atom and a molecule. If you understand what's an atom, you will most likely understand what's a molecule. But if you can never understand what's an atom, how do I even break it up to something smaller and more understandable? haha..
I can't believe I just used the above to create an analogy for a problem I'm facing now. The stuff that comes to mind! "@_@
It was a trip to the National Museum with Yuwei today. I don't even remember when was the last time I went to that place. It could be during my sec sch days or maybe when I was young, my dad brought me? Can't recall too. It's a rare chance to see some sculptures from the Louvre indeed. Such works have always amazed me. The intricacy and details carved out so neatly and perfectly on marble. The parts of these sculptures that attracted me most were the folds on the cloth. Even in photos, they look so beautiful, much less when seen in 3D form at the museum. There's a feeling of softness and yet heaviness. Softness of fabric and heaviness from robes. All these achieved in the end products.
There were however, a few irritating photographers with those huge cameras who were blocking the way and who made one feel obliged to stand aside and wait until they finished taking the photos. And it's not like they're selective. They took pictures of every single display. Were they that impressed with ALL the works? There was a guy with a professional camera who didn't even know who's Aristotle and yet took a photo of the sculpture. He had to ask his friend, "Who's this?" And then proceeded with clicking his camera. "-_- Come on lah...
However, the exhibition was worth the $8 entrance fee. If one has the time, one should go for the guided tour first and then move around by oneself. It's easier to appreciate the history when listening to the stories told by the volunteer. Going through all the texts on the walls could be quite a confusing process after some time especially when the place's dim haha...Labels: Art
Serendipity believed today at 8:41 PM
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I tried acupuncture for the first time yesterday and it wasn't as painful as I expected. In fact when the 1st of 2 needles went into my calf, I wasn't that aware of the moment of entry also. Perhaps it boils down to the skills of the physician plus the needles for acupuncture are very thin. It's slightly better now but I suspect I would have to return to do it a second time since it's still abit painful. Not very ex also, at $24. Well.. as compared to the few minutes massage I had at Bukit Timah shopping centre a couple of weeks ago.
Dinner was the sinful cheese-baked spaghetti with a piece of pork chop at Xin Wang at Marina Square. The cheese was thick and super chewy. Yum yum! I can't describe it man. I just love cheesey stuff. However, the french toast at Xin Wang's more expensive than the HK cafe at Vivocity - Kim Gary. Being that full, we didn't order any toast just now. Were just very content with our main. Kim Gary's french toast consisted of bread soaked with egg and fried (as explained by its name..duh...) and between the 2 slices of bread, there was peanut butter and at the top, was a piece of butter just waiting to be spread on the already sinful combination of french toast and peanut butter. It's addictive I tell you....
Now back to proper work.Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 11:29 PM
Eating laksa at the wee hours of the night is so sinful and yet so satisfying. After braving the cold night wind, it's a relief to be able to eat something a little spicy. However, I don't have the habit of adding extra chili into my laksa. That's too insane for me but maybe not for others out there who like to blow out fire from their mouths hoho...
I was looking through a celebrity's blog when I realized that when celebrities post photos, they tend to portray an image of being chummy with everyone, from co-actors to the backstage crew. However, they stop short in posting photos of people who may be deemed as rivals (though the rivalry has not been declared openly...). It's like no matter how many photos they post, at the end of the day, they want to make sure that they are solely the lead even in photos and that they stand out. I wonder if it's just a coincidence or am I over- analyzing.
I've been with my class for only 1 and a half weeks and already I've seen many types of scenarios. I supposed in this line, you really can only learn as time goes by. It's not like a post in an office whereby, you just need to know what to key in or how to use the system and then you take off from there. In this line of work, you can't have someone more senior sitting next to you and directing you and teaching you step by step about what to do. No one has that kind of time for you anyway and secondly, it's not practical just to verbalize things. Many a times, you would have to trial and error too even when it comes to the way to behave or react towards the different characters of the pupils.
Something happened in class today which still gets me thinking about it now. Two boys (non-Chinese) came to me and complained that a classmate (who's Chinese) said something which they claimed was a bad word in their Mother Tongue language. I did suggest that the boy could have just been making a noise (you know how kids like to say stuff which are like sound words but don't really make sense) but the two boys were not appeased. They insisted that he said it intentionally. I had no choice but to ask the boy out.
Now, although I do not know them for long, I was very sure that the boy wasn't the type who'd do such a thing. He's not a troublemaker nor a chatterbox. He minds his own business and does his own work independently. He's quite mature for his age too and I would say he's the most obedient boy in the class. Of course he insisted he did not say anything offensive. In my heart, I did believe him. However, two against the words of one... I didn't exactly scold him but it did tell them three that one shouldn't poke fun at other races or languages. The two were satisfied after I said it.
What happened after my class was, the boy actually came and tried to tell me that he really didn't say anything of that sort. He was so earnest and it must have disturbed him alot for him to actually bring it up again. Usually children don't bother to bring up matters once you have chided them. He looked quite sad when he tried to explain to me. So all the more I believe that even if he said it, he didn't mean it as something offensive. It probably just happened to sound like words of another language. Coincidentally.
Till now, I feel that I could have approached the matter differently. How? I still do not know... Some children yearn for approval. So when they get misunderstood by an adult, it disturbs them alot and they get upset. Not with the adult but maybe with the matter itself.
But one of the best things about children is that they don't stay upset for long. They forget something very quickly and start talking to classmates whom they have an argument with no so long ago. For adults, it's tough to let go of grudges. Perhaps because adults know that fellow adults are old enough to think and be considerate. Thus, when something gets offensive, one would not be able to let go easily.
I guess I still have alot to learn about children's behaviour. However, there's insufficient time because proper lessons already take up so much time and I find myself rushing through and looking at my watch when I'm teaching to make sure I'm on schedule and finish what I should for that period. As much as I would like to, I hardly have the chance to get to know every pupil better, apart for those exceptionally good or infamous (read: notorious) ones who tend to be very high-profiled among all teachers who have taught them before. It would be good to know them better so as to have a greater sense of ownership and pride towards one's own class.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 3:06 AM
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I wonder how do people teach English. Languages are never easy to teach. It's something that is up to the individual to expose himself or herself to grammar usage and new vocab words in order to improve his or her reading or writing skills. I can speak English for 5 or 6 periods to a kid and yet when the kid goes home and speaks his/ her Mother Tongue language and refuses to read English storybooks, any improvement would only be very marginal. The good thing is his/ her Mother Tongue skills would be strong I supposed. I wonder if there must always be an offset when it comes to bilingual people.
What makes a good English teacher?Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 11:45 PM
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
At last, I have some time for myself. Just finished preparing for tomorrow's lesson. I sure hope I am doing everything right man. No joke if they don't do well.
Little Hazel drew me another picture again. Hahaha... ok she traced it. This time it's the cartoon hamster, Hamtaro and its friend Bijou. She named them, if not I wouldn't have known Hamtaro had a friend too. Colours were added, so I can tell she really put in the effort although it was traced. If she's going to do this often (1 drawing per week..), this is something I'm going to look forward to in school *smiles happily*
I've been thinking, I wouldn't even mind being her personal art teacher. Since she's an interest in it.
Quoting Pablo Picasso, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
That's a very meaningful quote isn't it? Something that has been going through my mind these days when pupils in my class draw when they should be doing silent reading. I can't bear to stop them for fear that one fine day, something I carelessly say or do might cause that spark to vanish for good. That would indeed be a pity.
I saw the enthusiasm in many of them when I took them for their first art lesson. It was so different last year when I took a primary 3 class for Art. Last year, it was as if I was forcing that class to do it and they wouldn't even bring the basic materials. I guess Art is here to stay even if health education, social studies or music periods are inevitably taken up by the core-subjects.
In the meantime, Hazel, more drawings please.Labels: Art
Serendipity believed today at 11:24 PM
I think I've never mentioned in my blog that there is a pair of twins in my class :D A boy and a girl. No one would ever suspect they are related in the first place because the boy is so tall and the girl, so teeny tiny. Not even a bit of resemblance hahaha..
The heartwarming thing is that they are very closed to each other and the brother always looks out for his sister. He would even help her pull her trolley bag even though he has his own bag to carry. Little gestures show that he loves her alot. I wonder if it's because they are twins? Especially when 1 is a boy and the other is a girl so it's a natural instinct for the bigger sized boy to look after his sister.
It did cross my mind to try to break them up by not letting them sit together or partner each other when queuing because it's important for children to mix around. However, on second thoughts, I would think since they are so attached to each other and the girl is physically reliant on her brother, it's best to let them stick with each other to help each other out. After all when they are together, they aren't noisy too.Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 9:02 PM
First day of proper lesson started off quite well although I didn't have much time to have proper lesson with them. Even collecting a form from them can take ages. Time management is something I would have to learn apart from classroom management because this class needs constant reminder about things like not to shout out the answer, not to laugh at classmates, etc.
A matter of habit I guess and I would have to instil this in them. Just worried that alot of time gets wasted each time I have to stop what I was saying or doing just to remind them to raise their hands. The command of English of many of them isn't good so they may have difficulty even understanding Math. It's unfortunate that many of these pupils are those who come from Chinese- speaking backgrounds. Unlike teenagers who may speak to friends in English in school, kids tend to speak to friends in the language they speak at home too. Which is why improving their manner of speaking can be an uphill task. In addition, they are in school for only a few hours each day. Teachers have to multi-task well I guess.
I remember a colleague telling me she used to be a perfectionist. It's unrealistic to be a perfectionist in this line because many a times, things do not go according to plan since a child's behaviour can be erratic, and in this case, there are 30-40 pupils per class! She learnt to let go and stop being so harsh on herself because not being a perfectionist doesn't mean one produces sloppy work. One just got to try to do things right the 1st time round and then move on.
I used to think that being a form teacher simply means taking attendance everyday and settling the report books matter twice a year. It's a great misconception "-_-. There are really many many things to see to especially when parents write letters or notes to you about their child and you have to attend to them case by case. On top of lesson plans for all subjects and making sure the lessons flow, plus making sure you complete what you are supposed to do with the children within stipulated time, i.e. in time for exams. Oh ya, and maintaining discipline at all times.. kids coming to you one by one in class such that you can never go on with something you've planned. Duties around the school before school starts and during recess... the list goes on.
That's the reality and the above are only a fraction of the responsibilities. Coordination and timing are really important.
Whew...
Each day I feel relieved that things go well or at least there's improvement.
However when little children greet you both inside and outside school, there's a feeling of happiness. They are forgiving little creatures. Not that you've done anything that drastic against them haha.. But what I mean is even after you've scolded them, they tend to forget it later on. They don't bear grudges though I've heard that girls (esp. those in girls' schools) tend to be more petty and bear grudges. The nature of girls I supposed. Not that they are that evil hahaha.
Met little Hazel at Westmall on Sat. She waved and smiled. And I actually saw her this morning again (not inside the school mind you...). Don't know why I keep bumping into her. She's like all over the place hahaha. But she's a pleasure to teach because she's so polite and cute and listens to instructions. Smart too! :D Oh she's the one who drew me a picture. One of the mature ones in class. Next time I might upload the drawing.
TV time!Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 8:30 PM
Serendipity believed today at 10:09 PM
It's a pity that for our Art gathering which Charmaine and Yuwei so kindly organized, Mr Chia couldn't turn up but nevertheless, we all had fun hadn't we? With a crowd, we could try different food at Miss Clarity. We had 1 appetizer, 5 main courses and 2 desserts. Unfortunately, I forgot to fish out my camera to take yummy pictures for you to feast your eyes on. The bread and butter pudding was an interesting dessert which I had never seen much less eaten before in my entire life so far. Only today. The texture was one which was difficult to describe because it consisted of layers. Actually the portion wasn't as bad as stated by customers who gave reviews online. I wonder if they decided to increase the size of the portion after repeated feedbacks? :D
Food for Thought was another place where I didn't even know existed. Interesting and non-pretentious.. Nice and quiet too maybe because of the time we happened to pop by just now. Perhaps one day, I would drop in to try out one of what they have to offer.
I'm super exhausted after a day of standing and walking. Remind me not to wear heels if I can help it. My soles feel so strained maybe because the base of the shoes are hard. I think I should just soak my poor feet in warm water later and include lavender oil.. Indulgence.. :P I wonder how some young teachers can tahan wearing heels everyday when they're teaching. Peifu... peifu...Labels: Outing
Serendipity believed today at 11:35 PM
Thursday, January 3, 2008
I wonder how certain people can be married to their work. Being married to work is different from being forced to work, at least from the way I interpret it. I read it in the papers long ago and even till now I do remember vaguely about what someone said. He/she mentioned that work should be taken as it is. As in you do not think too much or try to go against it. Go with the flow and accept it as part of life. Only then would you not feel so depressed all the time. And of course, it is important to have a life outside work which would give purpose to it. Something along the line, not the exact words. True to a certain extent I supposed.
Another person who's retired and whom I've only met briefly during a 2-day training mentioned that whatever job you end up with, treat it as a vocation. Just simply those few words from an experienced person.
Ok, back to the marriage of human to work... Everytime when I (cunningly) tested Chia and asked him if he's married. He'd give an "I'm married to my work" reply. I guess in a way, it's true. Dedication is the word to describe him towards his job and yet did I detect a sense of resignation? Quiet strength towards what he believes in but yet is too aware of what the system holds for him here? Probably as the years go by, a person could have mellowed and numbness begins to set in gradually.
We all know too well that the last email isn't really the last and that final document isn't really the final. Slowly but surely, one starts to become a workaholic. There's always a voice in you telling yourself that there's still time to send out another email or type that final thing.. Last last last.. but there's really no end to everything.
Is life just about work?
And when you finally stop for a moment to look away from your work, you realize you don't even know how to make use of the stolen moment wisely to relax. You find that your mind is wandering to work-related issues again. So naturally, so inevitably.Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 10:24 PM
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Do you remember your first day at the primary school when you were an innocent 6-7 year old feeling insecure and nervous? Surprisingly I do. I didn't exactly feel nervous but more of like taking things in my stride. I remember that I even had classmates who were in the same kindergarten as me so at least the familiar faces served as comfort.
Today at school, the parents were all anxiously looking for their kids. It's understandable since the school is such a large place as compared to the kindergarten and parents would want to know if their children are capable enough to cope and adapt quickly even without their parents around. I even saw flashes from digicams! I guess parents want the photos to serve as a memory for the child and themselves in the future.
It wasn't really a bad day. Laying out the ground rules went rather smoothly. Just wished that the children didn't feel that comfortable with me. I've taken this class for their P.E. lessons last year and being a greenhorn then and being P.E. periods (plus not knowing their names), perhaps I was too lenient for my own good. They seemed glad to see me. Smiling and calling out my name.
That's bad.
Wish I could smile but no way should I let them think they can climb on top of my head. Young teachers are very much liked by students, especially the little ones. That might not be a good thing because they look at you as an older brother or sister and wouldn't respect you as much. It's really a challenge to strike a balance between respect and fear.
I didn't know if I had anything wrong because on my way home, I felt like vomiting and I finally did when I reached home. Vomitted twice and while typing this, I still feel like going the 3rd time. I don't have diarrhoea though, which means it's a good thing right?
Shucks.. I hope I'm not coming down with something. I can't afford to miss any day in school at this point in time when the students have not settled down and I myself am still trying to pick up many things. Bits and pieces here and there and things are just piling up. :(
Really wonder what's in store for me in 2008 because since late December, I have nothing but bad luck. AHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 7:37 PM
As much as students feel nervous about the first day of school, I feel even more lost. However, the only adult figure in the classroom has to come across as being able to dish out instructions and guide the children along, so I shall have to play along.
Frankly speaking, I'm not really well-prepared mentally. Even in terms of knowledge of the school and system, I can't say I'm very well-versed in them. Those few months that I've been there have been a rather unsuitable period whereby everyone's actually very much settled (including the kids) and I just need to fill in gaps here and there when needed.
Tomorrow onwards would be a little different. Ok, very different. From scratch, I would have to set rules. I've learnt that it's very important to set rules from the first day a teacher steps into the classroom and let the class know that you mean business. No longer would I be required to just full in gaps but to actually be with my kids for hours at a stretch. Therefore, this requires more coordination, more meticulous planning, as well as having a flow when moving from 1 lesson to another within the same classroom plus at the same time maintain discipline, standardize matters and ensure order always.
Whew...
I just have to do my best. After all, I haven't had proper training yet, nobody would expect everything to proceed perfectly.
Nobody except myself.
Pressure from within again :(Labels: Work
Serendipity believed today at 10:16 PM
Have you ever had a dream coming true? Well, a dream of mine just did today. Of all days. New Year 2008...
2 nights ago, I dreamt that the couple got married. It was a total nightmare ok? Then today, he mentioned before lunch about his intention to register his marriage in about 9 months later.
My heart skipped a beat when I heard that. But I was so occupied by the news that it only occurred later that I dreamt of the news 2 nights ago! It wasn't the same setting though or it would have been downright creepy. Perhaps I should have known this day would come but still...
Actually I don't really know what to feel. Having mixed feelings now. Kind of sad. Sad that he's made such a permanent choice when there are many out there who are better in many aspects. Sad because my parents, especially my mum, would probably have to be the one doing the most work. Sad also because I feel I'm losing a bro because I don't think after he moves out, I'll visit him at his house or anything though moving out wouldn't take place so quickly w/o a home to call their own.
Actually I feel in a way, we have already lost him. We've never had our own family get together (meaning just the 4 of us) for a long long time. Don't even remember the last time man. The girl always bring herself to join in whenever we have gatherings even with relatives. It's probably her insecurity at work. His attendance simply means her presence as well.
Someone told me just let him go ahead with it and suffer for the rest of his life. I don't think that's very consoling although when each individual makes a choice, he or she must be responsible for it. He is after all, my sibling and despite him standing on her side always although not in a super obvious way, I guess blood ties are nevertheless, still blood ties.
Listening to Pachelbel’s Canon in D now. It’s the piano version which is my favourite. I used to have the violin version and now I even have the orchestra version (which is a very very long piece indeed). It's kind of ironic that I'm listening to such a beautiful piece. Do you know that this piece (usually the piano) is quite often used for weddings too? And yet I'm listening to it under such undesirable circumstance.
Oh ya, and why New Year of all days? After unfortunate events that happened recently, I've been feeling quite superstitious about stuff. Was hoping that 2008 will mean a fresh and happy start and yet it has to be marked by this instead ...
I sure hope she treats him well because she sure benefits from this.
In the meantime, I'll try to psycho myself.Labels: Uncategorized
Serendipity believed today at 2:55 PM
photo taken from http://www.auntyyochana.blogspot.com/
