Followed Chai Noi to YJ this afternoon... Long time not attended any 'school-based' events. It's crowded with pupils... so different, as compared to normal afternoons. The enthusiasm on the pupils' faces - ha! No stress Saturday... it's one day that they enjoy coming to school 'cos it's their day, where they could let their hair down :D
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Chinese New Year coming...
春的脚步，越来越逼近了。。。春的气氛，并不怎么样。。。到底，这是“新加坡”现象？还是全球华人社会的现象呢？
发现，quekhan的贺卡，总是带着华族的气息。。。叫我思起。。。华人的根，华族悠久的文化。
Friday, January 25, 2008
Leadership
一个领袖的领导能力，很直接的影响到队伍的士气。
并不是质疑领袖的才能，而是针对领导能力。
当碰到困难，或是无法应对多年来累集下来得“成果’时，一味地指责属下办事无能，而要迫使属下用已经十分陈旧，不切实际的方式去做事，那是十分的不理智的！另一方面，不能认清问题的所在，也同时显示出他本身，是一只井底蛙！
受不了得，是井底蛙仍然用着十多年前的管理方式。自以为可在象牙塔上法号司令！难道，你以为学校真的得向总部俯首称臣吗？你别发梦了！
并不是质疑领袖的才能，而是针对领导能力。
当碰到困难，或是无法应对多年来累集下来得“成果’时，一味地指责属下办事无能，而要迫使属下用已经十分陈旧，不切实际的方式去做事，那是十分的不理智的！另一方面，不能认清问题的所在，也同时显示出他本身，是一只井底蛙！
受不了得，是井底蛙仍然用着十多年前的管理方式。自以为可在象牙塔上法号司令！难道，你以为学校真的得向总部俯首称臣吗？你别发梦了！
很理所当然的，井底蛙,也没用去理会到，今日不只是学生不同了，下属也和十多年前的很不同。一味用十几年前的管理方式去管理下属，同时也使用厚此薄彼得方式去对待下属。。。如何服众？
算了，我只不过是个过客。。。
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Vietnamese White Coffee
Met up with YL and GC yesterday... a catch-up with each other since the year started... (hahaha... when we gradually (er... swiftly) moved on to the end of the 3rd week fo the year!).
Went to Orange Lantern at Vivocity... Hm... The 'signature' rice paper spring roll, the sotong, curry and hotpot... ok, one word to associate with them... sweetness... Ah! Seems like sugar is one of the 'must-have' in cooking.
One interesting item: Vietnamese White Coffee... oh yes, it comes with pretty nice frangrance... like the kopi, but lighter yet intense... not only the 'smell' but the 'making'... even comes with an authenatic gadget... pretty interesting.
1: Coffee powder inside the gadget, with hot water filtering through the gadget, into the glass.
2: Gadget sits on top of the glass.
3: Done - left with the coffee powder in the gadget.
4: See the holes? er... pores?
5: Last step... stir to mix the condense milk and the coffee
6: Ready for... indulgence!!!! hahaha...
Went to Orange Lantern at Vivocity... Hm... The 'signature' rice paper spring roll, the sotong, curry and hotpot... ok, one word to associate with them... sweetness... Ah! Seems like sugar is one of the 'must-have' in cooking.
One interesting item: Vietnamese White Coffee... oh yes, it comes with pretty nice frangrance... like the kopi, but lighter yet intense... not only the 'smell' but the 'making'... even comes with an authenatic gadget... pretty interesting.
1: Coffee powder inside the gadget, with hot water filtering through the gadget, into the glass.
2: Gadget sits on top of the glass.
3: Done - left with the coffee powder in the gadget.
4: See the holes? er... pores?
5: Last step... stir to mix the condense milk and the coffee
6: Ready for... indulgence!!!! hahaha...
水调歌头
苏轼。。。诗
明月几时有? 把酒问青天.
不知天上宫阙, 今夕是何年?
我欲乘风归去, 又恐琼楼玉宇,
高处不胜寒. 起舞弄清影,
何似在人间?
转朱阁, 低绮户, 照无眠. 不应有恨, 何事长向别时圆?
人有悲欢离合, 月有阴晴圆缺, 此事古难全.
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟.
http://baike.baidu.com/view/46622.htm
明月几时有? 把酒问青天.
不知天上宫阙, 今夕是何年?
我欲乘风归去, 又恐琼楼玉宇,
高处不胜寒. 起舞弄清影,
何似在人间?
转朱阁, 低绮户, 照无眠. 不应有恨, 何事长向别时圆?
人有悲欢离合, 月有阴晴圆缺, 此事古难全.
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟.
http://baike.baidu.com/view/46622.htm
Monday, January 14, 2008
人言可畏
从来没有想过，也很难去想像，人言可畏是这么的可怕。直到今天目睹这四个字“展示”它的威力！
说起这四个字，就会联想起阮玲玉。。。正因为“人言可畏”而结束了生命。
今天，目睹了，某同事如何得去“争取”机会，毫不留情，去数落以前的同事。数她的不是。即使是道听途说，也描述的栩栩如生； 而且，有“辛灾乐祸”的口吻。天啊！那是多么地可怕！原来，周围居然有“恐怖分子”！惊讶！
真的，也让我想起另一警剔 - 宁可得罪君子，也勿的罪小人。后果，是不堪设想的！也许，让越少人知道自己的事，就越是安全吧！ 然而，有时，自己也许在言谈中，也在不知不觉中揭开了别人的伤疤，成了小人。
唉！
说起这四个字，就会联想起阮玲玉。。。正因为“人言可畏”而结束了生命。
今天，目睹了，某同事如何得去“争取”机会，毫不留情，去数落以前的同事。数她的不是。即使是道听途说，也描述的栩栩如生； 而且，有“辛灾乐祸”的口吻。天啊！那是多么地可怕！原来，周围居然有“恐怖分子”！惊讶！
真的，也让我想起另一警剔 - 宁可得罪君子，也勿的罪小人。后果，是不堪设想的！也许，让越少人知道自己的事，就越是安全吧！ 然而，有时，自己也许在言谈中，也在不知不觉中揭开了别人的伤疤，成了小人。
唉！
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Teochew meal
Had these the other day, a rare occasion to have dinner in a weekday... and it's Teochew meal... simple, but with a range of dishes cooked the Teochew way, I suppose... Not that light - with the fat meat... but it's the first time that I took so many pieces of the bittergourd...Taxis-Q
Was on the way for dinner last Sunday evening... the car just turned into the city... Wah! Such a long line of cabs? First thought - traffic light ahead... Then, it's green, but the line was not moving... as our car turned... So, it's a line of taxis queuing, from the front door of the hotel at the junction. So dangerous! See how the pedestrians crossed the roads?
5 Love Languages for Colleagues
From the "Recruit" section in Sunday Times [C20], 13 Jan 2008...
- Words of affirmation
- Quality Time
- Giving Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Touch
From the article, it's really a matter of human touch and thoughtfulness...
1. Words of affirmation - yes, it gives an indication that we are at the right track... such also helps to boost level of confidence, too... which very often, we take for granted it's not necessary, as we believe things are running at the right track already and we assume that the 'doer' is able to deliver because of his/her capacity. In fact, it helps one to carry out his/her work more efficiently, too... just like getting 'ticks' along the way...
2. Quality Time - often, I would find myself rushing through the work and even lunch break, and therefore do not much time with people... acknowledge that this is one area for improvement - and agree that one need to spend time to socialise to build relationships as teams... on the other hand, it goes back, alot, to one's personality and habits... and of course, one's belief, too! Yes, once in a while meeting up for lunch and chat beyond work is good... on the other hand, don't believe in spending too much time just for a meal, or going far for meal... it's really individual's preferences and likes, I think... Perhaps in my structure... such only happens after work... Be it exercising self-discipline or not knowing how to enjoy while at work... very much leaves it to one's perspective, anyway...
3. Giving Gifts - showing appreciation with a meaningful gift... in words or in simple forms like a card or bookmark... This reminded me that, this trend is picking up and people have become more receptive to this... Started practising this when first became the head... some of the peers were not used to it, found it awkward... as years passed, have started this habit of showering dept teachers with little gifts as a gesture to show appreciation on Teachers' Day and End-of-Year closure meeting... These little gifts does not mean anything to them, but I think it's the thought that counts... they know, we bother, we care and we appreciate...
4. Acts of Service - agree with what's in the article... it's the act of being considerate & helpful that touches people.. it gives satisfaction and appreciation, especially in a time of need. That reminded me of the 2 pieces of papaya that the guys got for me when I was so upset that I spent my lunchtime sitting in front of the computer looking blank and fuming...
5. Touch - Yes, it's very natural... but don't practise much nowadays...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Managing My Emotions... Managing My Tears
Last night, was chatting with CN, we talked about the kind of saddness arouse from parting... yes, when good friends part, when bosses leave, when we leave... especially...
In my opinion, it's all because we are human... and through interaction, no matter what, some kind of bond is formed once 2 persons come in contact... it could be just as thin as "yes, I know this person" to an extent that the other person's actions (and emotions) have an impact on us, that would stir up our emotions to react to it... it's very strange, isn't it? No wonder :D Ever heard about 人与人之间，关系是十分的微妙，奇妙。In fact, it's something beyond our control... no matter how strong we are... or I would say, how strong the front we want to put up in front of others. No matter what, we know ourselves best... right? We can be an Oscar actor... However, we are not able to betray ourselves.
Tears, yes, it's how we express our feeling... our ultimate, at that moment. I must emphasis, yes, it's the very moment ... Is tearing an expression of weakness? Yes and No... Yes, when one gives up, when one's lost, it's a signal calling for attention, for help... No, it's just how one feels about a happening, how one reacts, when one's emotion is triggered. 人，是有感情的“动物”。No matter what, no matter how "cold" we are, emotion is something we could not remove totally... though we can hide it... see, hide it... but it's clear to ourselves.
Shed tears... yes, saw that at the work place... tears of joy! When results released, there's always some emotional scenes in the hall... of course, there were also tears of disappointment. Well, my response is "cold" in such occasions... 'cos... I was never involved in those "O" level graduating classes, though almost every year, I own the "N" level results. In a way, I think it's something incomplete in my teaching journey these year... On the other hand, that's also why I'm always the coolest among all the HODs when it comes to day of result release and doing the analysis - yes, I had the clearest mind among all... no excitement, but to process the numbers and report.
When it comes to parting... the worst experience comes from leaving... ie. when I left, rather than when my students left... (when they graduate). The one that hit me worst was when I left East View when I completed my teaching practice. The cards and the wordings really sent my tears to my eyes... I managed to hold them till I reached home... and had a good cry over it... Yes, that was the first time I felt as if I lost part of my life! This was, for sure very different when we part after graduation from schools.
Of course, none is worst off than me leaving Ngee Ann for the first time... after rooted there for 10 years... it's really parting the place that has become part of my life... The last look before Zubaidah drove me off for the 1st time, and Guay Hwee the 2nd time ... I thought I was strong, but my eyes were filled with tears... that betrayed me... my voice betrayed me, too... I remembered how emotional I was when attended the performance at the Kallang Theatre - the Tapestry... when the school song was sang. That was the last time I sang it... (yes, I sang the school song at every assembly, just like any student)... Tears filled my eyes, too... But I think I wiped them quick enough and disguised well... no one noticed that (I thought).
The only time that I could not hold back was the farewell dinner in Paro. Then, I learnt, parting can be painful... yes, it was very very painful... Cried as the friends and colleagues sent their well wishes to me... I remember, I cried the whole night... probably I will not set foot to this place again? My eyes were still wet when I was in the plane the next morning... My eyes turned wet again when I read the emails when I reached home... It's really really painful... and very draining emotionally... It's the bond... the strong bond that was broken... Was I sad when I left home for Bhutan? Yes, I was... but I thought I managed well, I made the choice, and I promise myself that I will do well and I know, very sure, I'll return home... and yes, I treasure what I have at home even more since I came back... the bonding at home has strengthened since... That's part of growing.
Unfortunately, or fortunately... don't experience that nowadays... (of course, referring to work)... maybe I'm used to be a nomad now? But tears still filled my eyes... it's due to stress, I think... but more often than not, it's because I was angry and upset... when I felt wronged! when I felt being taken for granted, when I felt people around are insensitive... More often, those are tears of disappointment... sigh....
In my opinion, it's all because we are human... and through interaction, no matter what, some kind of bond is formed once 2 persons come in contact... it could be just as thin as "yes, I know this person" to an extent that the other person's actions (and emotions) have an impact on us, that would stir up our emotions to react to it... it's very strange, isn't it? No wonder :D Ever heard about 人与人之间，关系是十分的微妙，奇妙。In fact, it's something beyond our control... no matter how strong we are... or I would say, how strong the front we want to put up in front of others. No matter what, we know ourselves best... right? We can be an Oscar actor... However, we are not able to betray ourselves.
Tears, yes, it's how we express our feeling... our ultimate, at that moment. I must emphasis, yes, it's the very moment ... Is tearing an expression of weakness? Yes and No... Yes, when one gives up, when one's lost, it's a signal calling for attention, for help... No, it's just how one feels about a happening, how one reacts, when one's emotion is triggered. 人，是有感情的“动物”。No matter what, no matter how "cold" we are, emotion is something we could not remove totally... though we can hide it... see, hide it... but it's clear to ourselves.
Shed tears... yes, saw that at the work place... tears of joy! When results released, there's always some emotional scenes in the hall... of course, there were also tears of disappointment. Well, my response is "cold" in such occasions... 'cos... I was never involved in those "O" level graduating classes, though almost every year, I own the "N" level results. In a way, I think it's something incomplete in my teaching journey these year... On the other hand, that's also why I'm always the coolest among all the HODs when it comes to day of result release and doing the analysis - yes, I had the clearest mind among all... no excitement, but to process the numbers and report.
When it comes to parting... the worst experience comes from leaving... ie. when I left, rather than when my students left... (when they graduate). The one that hit me worst was when I left East View when I completed my teaching practice. The cards and the wordings really sent my tears to my eyes... I managed to hold them till I reached home... and had a good cry over it... Yes, that was the first time I felt as if I lost part of my life! This was, for sure very different when we part after graduation from schools.
Of course, none is worst off than me leaving Ngee Ann for the first time... after rooted there for 10 years... it's really parting the place that has become part of my life... The last look before Zubaidah drove me off for the 1st time, and Guay Hwee the 2nd time ... I thought I was strong, but my eyes were filled with tears... that betrayed me... my voice betrayed me, too... I remembered how emotional I was when attended the performance at the Kallang Theatre - the Tapestry... when the school song was sang. That was the last time I sang it... (yes, I sang the school song at every assembly, just like any student)... Tears filled my eyes, too... But I think I wiped them quick enough and disguised well... no one noticed that (I thought).
The only time that I could not hold back was the farewell dinner in Paro. Then, I learnt, parting can be painful... yes, it was very very painful... Cried as the friends and colleagues sent their well wishes to me... I remember, I cried the whole night... probably I will not set foot to this place again? My eyes were still wet when I was in the plane the next morning... My eyes turned wet again when I read the emails when I reached home... It's really really painful... and very draining emotionally... It's the bond... the strong bond that was broken... Was I sad when I left home for Bhutan? Yes, I was... but I thought I managed well, I made the choice, and I promise myself that I will do well and I know, very sure, I'll return home... and yes, I treasure what I have at home even more since I came back... the bonding at home has strengthened since... That's part of growing.
Unfortunately, or fortunately... don't experience that nowadays... (of course, referring to work)... maybe I'm used to be a nomad now? But tears still filled my eyes... it's due to stress, I think... but more often than not, it's because I was angry and upset... when I felt wronged! when I felt being taken for granted, when I felt people around are insensitive... More often, those are tears of disappointment... sigh....
Seek to Understand others
This is one of the 7 habits... in fact, the situations described in the article are close to what I go through recently... perhaps, too 'engrossed' in my own thoughts and instead, my head has been ruled by my heart and emotions! Oh no!
Pick up a paragraph and a few points (introductory part of the article, Straits Times; 12 Jan):
People tend to neglect that 5% differences which appear to cause 95% of their cross-cultural misunderstandings, such as:
Pick up a paragraph and a few points (introductory part of the article, Straits Times; 12 Jan):
People tend to neglect that 5% differences which appear to cause 95% of their cross-cultural misunderstandings, such as:
- Why didn't she reply more quickly?
- Why does he seem to beat around the bush?
- Why does he want to rush ahead when we need more analysis?
- Why does she give so much detail?
- Why does he only provide the conclusion with no support?
Just to pick up from here... these are so things that I encounter in the recent days - either myself exhibiting the behaviour or it's something I asked (in my heart) why people around me behaviour like this?
- Why didn't she reply more quickly? Yes, felt this when the response makes a difference to my work! Of course, in the fear of generating more work, inheriting more work... I guess, it's more like Why didn't she get the work done more quickly? Why miss deadlines? All these procrastination hype up everybody's stress level (including the procrastinator!)
- Why does he seem to beat around the bush? I did that... or I do that... just do not want to be direct... why? Not used to doing so... know my vocabulary power - do not want to use the appropriate words (just at that moment), say something that hurt others... one thing I don't like - to make others feel no-good... and being 'talked down'... it's really a technique to master... sigh... not easy.
- Why does he want to rush ahead when we need more analysis? Yes, probably because, by nature, I take very low risk... think twice, think thrice! No point rushing and have to do damage recovery... remember, whatever is said, is said, we can't retract the words, no matter what!
- Why does she give so much detail? Oh yes, why? so that you have everything when asked! Maybe it's a sign of insecurity... or to boost confidence?
- Why does he only provide the conclusion with no support? Yeap, come across people with this mentality (still have some around)... Why do so much - based on general argument, that's the conclusion... anyway, whatever proposed will be slashed at the end of the day, so, what bother to prepare so much? Might as well wait for directions on what is needed...
See? There are lots and lots of assumptions and "own" interpretations - that reminded me of the "ladder of inference"... once a pattern is established (through repeated occurances), one can't help, but infer and interpret using one's own perception... Moreover, many a time, we fail to assume positive intentions... probably because of the more-often-than-not negative reactions received...
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Points to Ponder...
Something that PH emailed to some over... hm... to ponder about... hm...
> .......................................................................
> If your father is a poor man,
> it is your fate, but
> if your father-in-law is a poor man,
> it's your stupidity.
> .......................................................................
> I was born intelligent -
> education ruined me.
Oh! What an excuse that we give to ourselves... yes, it makes us feel better, too... at times...
> .......................................................................
> Practice makes perfect.....
> But nobody's perfect......
> so why practice?
Hm... it's a challenge to go beyond those who're not perfect!
> ......................................................................
> If it's true that we are here to help others,
> then what exactly are the others here for?
> .......................................................................
> Since light travels faster than sound,
> people appear bright until you hear them speak.
> ......................................................................
> Money is not everything.
> There's Mastercard & Visa.
> .......................................................................
> The wise never marry.
> And when they marry they become otherwise.
> .......................................................................
> Success is a relative term.
> It brings so many relatives.
> .......................................................................
> Never put off the work till tomorrow
> what you can put off today.
> ........................................................................
> 'Your future depends on your dreams.'
> So go to sleep!
> .......................................................................
> There should be a better way to start a day
> than waking up every morning.
> .......................................................................
> Hard work never killed anybody,
> but why take the risk ?
> .......................................................................
> The more you learn, the more you know,
> The more you know, the more you forget,
> The more you forget, the less you know
> So... why learn??
No wonder I've been forgetting... now I know that I've learnt so much...
To cut down the amount to forget, download to the blog first! hahaha...
> .......................................................................
> A bus station is where a bus stops.
> A train station is where a train stops.
> On my desk, I have a work station....
> But the work never stops
No, work does come to a halt when you walk away from the work station!
Maintain your privacy at work
This morning's article in RECRUIT in the Straits Times highlighted 7 ways to maintain one's privacy at work...
The title caught my attention - because that reminded me one habit of a colleague - we'll never know whether she's around or not... 'cos her PC is always on... even after she leaves for home... not even logging off... That's dangerous, in fact... what if someone is out there to sabotage her and send out email on her behalf?
Maybe one has to learn through hard a hard way?
Here are the 7 points in the article:
The title caught my attention - because that reminded me one habit of a colleague - we'll never know whether she's around or not... 'cos her PC is always on... even after she leaves for home... not even logging off... That's dangerous, in fact... what if someone is out there to sabotage her and send out email on her behalf?
Maybe one has to learn through hard a hard way?
Here are the 7 points in the article:
- Read the staff handbook
- Limit company e-mail for private use
- Don't send an e-mail you might regret
- Keep your password private
- Don't visit certain websites
- Activate screensaver password
- Be punctual
问路
那天傍晚，和平日一样，扛着大包小包的，上了巴士，就习惯的坐在平日的位子。
有名十八九岁坐在身旁的少女上了车就不停地打电话。她不停地问朋友如何到某地。可是，尽管她如何的形容巴士所在地，朋友仍然无法给予协助。她只好无奈地说不要紧，自己应该找得到。。。可是，她宁可问电话中的朋友，也不愿意张嘴问一下四周的人。 难道，她不明白，“远亲不如近邻”这个道理吗？
可惜，她给周围的路人太少时间给予她协助。当有机会跟她讲下一个就是她该下车的站，也是我下车的时候了。
有名十八九岁坐在身旁的少女上了车就不停地打电话。她不停地问朋友如何到某地。可是，尽管她如何的形容巴士所在地，朋友仍然无法给予协助。她只好无奈地说不要紧，自己应该找得到。。。可是，她宁可问电话中的朋友，也不愿意张嘴问一下四周的人。 难道，她不明白，“远亲不如近邻”这个道理吗？
可惜，她给周围的路人太少时间给予她协助。当有机会跟她讲下一个就是她该下车的站，也是我下车的时候了。
这让我想起，不久前，同样是在29号巴士上，有个外籍少女上了车后，就开口询问如何到达目的地。当然，要是你开口，一定会有好心人协助的。大致上，本地人还是曼乐于助人的。
这也让我想起，在伦敦时，也有热心人，当看到旅客在陌生地“迷路”时，他们就会走上前，看游人是否需要帮忙。另一方面，在日本时，也遇到好心人，虽然他们的英语不是很灵光，但，他们的真诚，肯于助人的精神，是值得表扬的。
Charles Schultz Philosophy
Got this one from Mr Low (via email) the other day...
- It's also food for thought... what have we been pursuing? what do we get out of that?
- Names? Materials? Monetary rewards? ... Are these what we want or they're just the "wants"?
- Love and time with the love ones? ... Have these crossed our mind?
- Hm... balanced and quality livelihood... first, start from balanced work-family lfe...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
- Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is: None of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
- These are no second-rate achievers.
- They are the best in their fields.
- But the applause dies.
- Awards tarnish.
- Achievements are forgotten.
- Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz.
See how you do on this one:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time withEasier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.??
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)
Friday, January 04, 2008
Two Choices...
Got this story from Jason... via Facebook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What would you do?....you make the choice.
Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway.
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?' The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe, that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!' As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'. Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces. If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process? A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
You now have two choices:
1. Delete
2. Forward
May your day, be a Shay Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What would you do?....you make the choice.
Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway.
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?' The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe, that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!' As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'. Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces. If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process? A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
You now have two choices:
1. Delete
2. Forward
May your day, be a Shay Day
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
Good-bye 2007 and here comes 2008!
Here are some e-cards received from friends...
- Bee Suan, whom we met at SIM... it's an interesting friendship... We have not met for years, but are in touch :D Thanks to Bee Suan :D
- Megu, an adventurous lady whom we met at Alice Springs, Darwin... A brave soul that loves to travel around the world... we kept in touch... at any corner of the world :D Cheers.
- From Gek Chew, a Singaporean peer whom I met and got to know in Penang in the late 90s. Thanks to the 10-week RECSAM course!
- Mr Low, one of the old friends whom I got to know in Ngee Ann Sec. We started working together since those days squattering in Springfield Sec! hahaha... those were the days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)