Complexity meets simplicity..
After a really hot day comes a heavy downpour. That is the basis of the water cycle. As the rate of evaporation increases, the composition of water vapour in the cloud intensifies and finally, rain precipitates back onto the ground and the cycle goes on… One thing I really hate is rainy days. Although it can be a nice day to sleep in late, cuddled up in the warm comfort of your blanket, I dislike the cold and the flooding that may result. Not only does rain physically restricts us, it influences us emotionally. Grey days usually cause people to feel melancholic and dull.
I realized city people can be such weird creatures. Despite it being a freezing cold day outside, they insist on switching on the air conditioner – at a temperature of 30 degree Celsius. Excuse me, an air conditioner does not function exactly like a heater. It is a total waste of electricity and resources! It is this kind of mentality that is hurting our Earth. If only every single one of us has a greater sense of urgency to salvage our humanity by cutting down on unnecessary consumption of resources. Sadly, education has failed to achieve this.
The hype and pomp over the Singapore Flyer was overrated after all. The 30 minutes of ride wasn’t as mind-blowing as I had expected it to be and I doubt I’ll go for another in the not-so-distant future. Probably my opinion is biased because of a negative personal experience. Stood under the blazing sun for 1 hour just to wait for the boat ride from Clarke Quay to the ferris wheel. Inevitably, the sweltering heat will result in people being more grouchy, what more a group who had been so used to life in the air-conditioned office. Moreover, which group of people will actually stand in twos when they queue in waiting? You are talking about a group of 60 people with 90% females here. Nevertheless, here comes the nasty service provider. He took up his loud hailer and commanded us to “line up in twos” so that he can “do a headcount”. Not like we are kids who run about, making it difficult to count. What is so difficult for you to count? To think he even labeled all of us as aunties. Excuse me, did your company train you to talk to adults in this manner? Just because we are going up on the ride for free does not mean that you can discriminate against us and treat us with such disrespect. I do not see such discourtesy when he handled the Caucasians. And thanks to your poor service, I did not enjoy the whole trip. Not at all, Darren. Be prepared to receive a tirade of feedback from your appreciative customers.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Basically there’s nothing much interesting going on in my life, as much as I like to believe that my life is full of colours. Besides facing children day in and day out, Mondays to Fridays, now I’m even seeing them on Saturdays. Do I ever get bored? Probably. Not only is it a great test of my patience, it satisfies the disciplinarian in me. Not that I am narcissistic and derives pleasure in imposing my ideals onto others, I believe that I have a responsibility over those that have been put under my charge. Though in the process, I risk being misunderstood by the children. But well, someone has to do the dirty job right?
Of course, there are times when children can be such sweethearts. Not only do they tickle us crazy with their funny antics, the words that sprout from their mouth can be inspiring too. Despise not the young!
Great news! I get to go on the Singapore Flyer afterall! lalala~ up the ferris wheel as a whole ‘family’ – the theresian family. 25.09.08 is another day worth committing to memory.
Friday, September 19, 2008
celebrated Patron’s Day today in commemoration of our patron , Theresa Lisieux. What is a patron? Some may wonder. Based on what I gathered, a patron is a saint who protects and guards over a particular group of devoted people who have adopted her as their patron. It is believed that through the intercession of their patron saint, the believers’ prayers would more likely be answered. What made St Therese so special and loved is the core value of her life. Her humility and her approach to spirituality. She realized that to be holy and loving God, there is no need for one to accomplish heroic acts but just by being the way one is. Though it may sound simple-minded and childish, that’s the very essence of faith. We are all little children in His eyes.
Attended mass for the first time in a decade. To me, religion is like a calming agent. In a place of sanctity, one can temporarily escape from the rigorous demands of life and experience peace of mind. One hymn that really touched my heart is “As Bread that is Broken”. Truly meaningful as it speaks of the simple commitment each individual can make to build a more selfless society. Through it all, I learnt we should be more appreciative of what we have and make positive contributions. Sow in others’ lives.
As Bread that is Broken
Many hearts are hungry tonight
Many trapped in darkness
Yearn for the light
So many who are far from home
And many who are lost
O Lord Your wounded children need
The power of Your cross
Chorus:
As bread that is broken
Use our lives
As wine that is poured out
A willing sacrifice
Empower us Father
To share the love of Christ
As bread that is broken Lord
Use our lives
Help us to begin where we are
Help us love the people
Near to our hearts
Then give our faith a mission field
Wherever You may call
Lord love Your world
Through each of us
Until we've touched them all
Chorus x 2
As wine that is poured out
As bread that is broken Lord
Use our lives
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
How would you feel if you found out your students talked behind your back? Betrayed. But actually I should have expected that to come. Well, be it teachers or students, it is human nature that people gossip and badmouth one another. However, it just didn’t occur to me the day will come so soon. For the first time, I realized how hurtful tongue wagging can be. Perhaps ignorance is bliss. Had I not been told, I suppose I wouldn’t be so affected. But then, that would be in a state of self-denial. It is time to get back into reality! It is virtually impossible to be liked by everyone. Ms Tan, wake up and accept the fact that students will backstab you and complain about you to other teachers. Probably this explains why a lot of teachers sink into depression being at the brunt of all criticisms. It is thus imperative that teachers be thick-skinned and immuned to the negative remarks they are subjected to.
As I dread the coming of each day to face the particular class, I have to rely on God's strength to pull me through it all. I really need more love and be more forgiving in order to deliver my lessons impartially and with no prejudice. Indeed, teaching not only nurtures the students but also cultivates teachers.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
the past few days of rainy weather has made me sick once again. runny nose, cough and sore throat. sigh. i need healing!
there are some things which are better left unsaid. i guess i'm still a more logical person. rather than let emotions get the better of me, i figure it's best to rationalize it out, especially before it reaches a state where matters get beyond control. indeed, few will understand the problem of unequal yoke. how can two share their lives when they subscribe to different sets of ideology? these differences may seem insignificant at first but gradually they burgeon and become the very basis of conflicts. instead of letting things reach a nasty stage, isnt it wiser to prevent it from happening? sadly, i think i have lost another friend. reality is such that you cant have the best of both worlds.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
i'm back to revive my blog! been lying dead for quite some time because there are just so many things i have to do. i barely have time to sleep. finally a well-deserved rest this school holiday. though it is only a short one week, it is more than i can ask for. even right now, i am actually back at my school desk.
been reading a book compiled by a group of teachers titled "Class Dismissed: Lessons Beyond The Classroom". the book shares of the challenges that teachers in present society face. indeed. there is far more to teaching than just the knowledge we impart. however, more often than not, people neglect the moulding of character. far too often, we are just too caught up with our pursuits of academic excellence that we forgot the other aspects of an educated individual. another insight i gained is that teachers may not often be recognised for their efforts but it is through this selfless giving that we learn to love. so now, i should stop complaining about not being appreciated. at the end of it all, it is not unto man. to all my educator friends, you are not alone! never let your passion be killled by disappointments. setbacks are meant to strengthen us not to break us.
