一碗拉面的故事

收工了！终于收工了！2009的最后一日；1点多，终于收拾好东西，和周围的同事都bye bye 后，和友人一起吃2009的最后午餐。

吃着吃着。。。与友人谈着谈着，彼此都对这年的大小事感触良多。。。哈哈。。。
就拿以下“午餐”的来作个比喻吧！

这不是第一次吃拉面，但是，还是头一回在正式用餐前，送上的粒粒芝麻，叫用餐的人儿来作“热身”运动。芝麻，放在那儿，没什么香味。是在磨了过后，开始热了，就散发出悠悠的芝麻香。
换个角度来看，我们，就好像芝麻。。。大家多知道芝麻的潜能，但是，嗅不到味道。只有当经过不断的磨炼，才有发挥潜能所在。玉不琢，不成器。过去的365日，都是磨芝麻的日子。再看近日的我们，大家都准备好了吗？该是发出香味的是候了吧！

哇！我心不禁的叫道，漂亮！油油的。。。颜色鲜艳，食欲大增！那汤料，浓浓的。。。实在够火候！是的，大家都准备好了吗？准备已久的课程，构思，该是端上让大家享用的时候了吧！

Christmas Greetings!

Saw the animation from Belinda's posting. Tried that out at http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/. Pretty interesting! Can't image myself hoping around... hahaha....


Came across this website "shapecollage.com" when going through the students' products for one of the activities - Activity 5 Digital Collage.
Can also find here: http://www.shapecollage.com/online/?cid=czhe8u8a
Interesting!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Gardener

Recently, learnt that a friend started writing for a website... http://www.potnpen.com/pnp15_home.php

Hopped by and read a couple of articles by here.
One of which, "The Gardener" was pretty interesting... http://www.potnpen.com/pnp15_busy.php

I like the beginning... which tries to define "what a gardener" is?
"Who is this person we call a ‘gardener.’ Is he a person who just remove dead debris that litter the garden; a person who merely trim, cut and water the plants? Or someone in love with nature and knows how to appreciate it with respect."

Indeed, I admire her observation skills... where she went into details of what a gardener does! I didn't know there were so much thinking and work behind - just a garden!

Somewhere in the 2nd page, she wrote,
"I hope to be a gardener who understands how essential plants are to our existence; one who realizes that gardening could uplift our self-esteem, a valuable tool in the healing process (being one of those whose emotional stress was tamed by spending time feeling the soil and digging for those unsightly worms); and a friend who could coax a smile from our weary face."

I have nothing to add into the topic... however, I immediately draw a parallel - Aren't we gardeners? I think many of us are!!! Being a parent or a teacher. Every child is a little plant - whether the plant remains sheltered for the entire life within the room or experience rain and sunshine to become a strong tree rooted to the ground... it really depends on the gardener!!! The decision to let go (at varying degrees) or protect.

This is especially apparent to parents - many children are either the only child or have only 1 other sibling! So, we can imagine, many of them would be sheltered from the heavy rain and strong wind!

Similarly, as teachers - to what extent do we provide guidance to our students? Spoonfeed or just to guide (then the next question, to show the way or not...)

How successful are we, as gardeneres?

Some things that make my day!

1. Today... I'm on leave... though have to drop by school for a couple of meetings, but have the joy to see the sky turned bright from my window... So, what's so special since I do that every weekend morning? Well, the difference is... it's a weekday! It was quiet :D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Was away from my desk for 2 days only - last Friday and yesterday (Monday). Surprised by a sheet of A5 paper in blue... with words scribbled by some colleagues... read through them... can recognised some handwritings, but not all... Thanks for those words of encouragement and affirmation... ah! Some read as if it was an 'assessment' about my work...


hahaha.... But really, thanks from the bottom of my heart... it's my obligation to give what I could since I've committed myself to this dreamland. Yes, hope to built a castle that I dream of... though I'm not a very good architect, but be rest assured, we'll get to see something in a few years' time... of course, this won't happen without your participation!!! :D

Updated on 16 October 2009:

Checked out with colleagues how this slip of note came about... so, it's something the team did in one of the PD sessions... So, I missed it because I was out handling some admin matters... Well, though missed the opportunity to pen down words... I believe you will know what I'll say... ^.^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3. Only got the chance to check the email in the train... yup! Thanks to technology! Am in touch with people all around (via the social network and email). Received an email from Kong Ming, that said, "I finally have the time to pop over to Paro College, and with the help of Thinley – and some CSI work, tracked down your tree. Well, the sign has been removed and new constructions have been going on. There are also no cow to tell us where. So, here’s your baby: still alive and thriving."I was so touched when read the message from the handphone! oh!!! That handphone couldn't display the zip file! ah! my tablet couldn't open up the zip file!! Nevermind! I'll pull it out when I reach school tomorrow.
Kong Ming: Thank you very much! Really appreciate that!

Updated on 16 October 2009:

Click HERE to see the tree when it was 1-year old

Click HERE to see the infant tree

超大铜锣烧

这次到大阪，的确有不少意外的收获 - 尤其是跟小叮当有关的。另一就是超大铜锣烧，足足有15 cm diameter那么大！当然，里头的红豆更是 - 哇！美味。超棒！

Surprising, this is one of the local delicacies of Nara - This piece cost me 600 yen.

Thanks to Yen Sin taking the picture before we 开动！Cheers!

我的四次元袋

This is one of the biggest 以外收获from the Osaka trip... hahaha.... 终于拥有了四次元袋！
瞧它里面有些什么东东：

哇！受不了！看了就乐了。。。

A Gift for Myself

Chanced upon this on the 2nd last day of the Osaka trip. We were just exploring the complex in front of our hotel - exploring (actually) for food... then came across a toy shop. Not very hopeful to get anything interesting... but this pack caught my eyes! Yeah! It's a pleasant surprise! My Idol!!!

Didn't understand a single word on the packing, but probably it's something that came with sound? I guess... anyway, can't possibly find it anywhere else (outside Japan). Oh!!! How could I resist it!!!! Buy, buy, buy! (without a second thought). That was more than a month ago!

At last, this morning, picked up the pack and opened it! Interesting! There's a sensor behind the box (which came with 2 batteries). Simply laid it on top of the different cards (e.g. notes, train ticket), it will read it out loud, in Japanese! Hahah... interesting :D

Goodbye to Farmville

At last! Cleared everything in both farms... Yes, sold out every items :D I guess that's the best way to close a chapter to the game. It's a good experience, no doubt it took up a fair bit of time, and it was 'distracting'.

Practised 斩草除根so that it will not 春风吹又生。

Here are the 2 last screen shots: One from each farm.



Here's the last harvest... Perhaps it makes a good Christmas card :D Cheers!

REVERIE: Cirque on Ice @ Stadium Waterfront

extracted from Singapore Indoor Stadium website

The story:
A Fantasy on Ice REVERIE is the dream of Aurora, the child-like spirit of the northern lights. An eternal child, Aurora fantasises of what she would be like as a grown-up. She creates a dreamlike future “self” to experience a world of wonder in a mystical place created by the reflection of light on ice.As young Aurora drifts off to sleep, she encounters the Traveler, who opens the Dream Box, unleashing a host eccentric creatures, elements of light and darkness, and a glimpse of her future. She dreams of soaring to the skies as fantastic gifts of dreams are given to her in the forms of colorful characters, graceful skaters, dynamic acrobats and beautiful melodies.As Aurora takes to the sky leaving this dreamworld of fire and ice, of games and pixies, of icicles and creatures, she unites with her future self, her destiny, her REVERIE.


First time I watched was in 1999 at the Kallang Theatre. Can't quite remember the exact name, but it left one memorable scene, where large pieces of clothes that went across the entire theatre - from the audience to the stage... and the entire show as only music and act. It was one of the best visual treats!

Then came Cirque De Soleil - Quidam in 2005, when it was shown under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau at a corner of Beach Road and Rochor Road. More elaborate in terms of the stunts.

This round, the first time I watch something that's performed on an ice floor! Skating! Wow, it's a combination of acrobatics and dance! The voices of the 2 leads were good. Hm.. didn't see the "explosive special effects" (described in the website). Maybe I missed that? Sat in the 1st row, right in the middle - I must count myself very lucky! (Indeed, when I ordered the ticket online, I've no slightest idea where the seat was except it's in the 1st row).

There were 2 parts to the entire show - the skating performance as well as the acrobatics. The ice skating performance was simply beautiful. I was fully immersed in the dance. So graceful and skilful! One could see, from their facial expression, they were fully immersed in the role they played! As of the acrobatics, it was scary yet tastefully done. Really, there were several occasions that my heart nearly stopped! These performers must have gone through a lot of rigorous training - in fact, some were very dangerous! Although most were 'solo' stunts, there were 2 duos. It's really a test of mankind physical capability. Really couldn't imagine how could one's neck able to support the entire weight of another adult! Of course, for a few, it's obvious the balancing act relies on the 'centre of gravity'!

Oh, not forgetting the colours of the entire show - black, white and blue. Oh... the blue eye shadows across the faces of all female performers, including luminous blue lipsticks!

It's a show worth watching indeed!

Who needs to be KINDER?

Kind means... (says dictionary.com)

adjective, -er, -est.
1. of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.
2. having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words.
3. indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane (often fol. by to): to be kind to animals.
4. mild; gentle; clement: kind weather.
5. British Dialect. loving; affectionate.


Recently, Someone commented "... people's reaction when they are faced with the inconvenience... start to criticize. They inevitably start to form the impression or jump into conclusion that things have not been properly thought through or that certain actions were insensitive etc.... will be more understanding, more appreciative and less critical. On our part, we can also be less defensive..."

This was the concluding comment that closed the episode of the discussion, I hope. I guess, Someone thought that some of us are not kind enough to each other, not being understanding. Oh, maybe, to be more direct, that I'm not being kind to Someone?

These words still hanging in my head though first came across that almost a week ago. The first question: Someone thinks that I'm not kind enough because I was trying to provide justifications and the rationale behind certain actions, and I (must have?) sounded defensive? My reaction - Someone indeed was trying to defend own's action and taking opportunity to defend, or to turn the table around (again)?

In the first place, who and what started off this whole series of dialogues? Of course, it's not a one-off trigger. To go through the historical archives (ah! yes, I archive things pretty well though sometimes not able to retrieve so quickly), it all started off with Someone's insensitive comment(?) (I think, blame could be even a better word. Ok! I shall be kind here) on someone-else being capable of "magical" touch. To-date, I still could not make out how could such illogical comment came from Someone! Be kind! That's my basic principle - such comment came about could be because of stress... So, cool down! Of course, I'm not sure if Someone was aware that such remark was unreasonable and could hurt. While Someone asked others to be kind, was Someone aware what's said was unkind? Someone-else was a convenient scapegoat? It hurts the relationship - The trust, understanding that build the inter-personal relationship over time. Someone's emotional bank account immediately went zero! (Stephen Covey's 7 Habits - Interdependence).

Taking for granted of someone-else's accommodating nature - Is that an act of kindness? I wonder. Sure, someone-else got to be blamed - for not able to think through thoroughly what's the desireable minimum expectation and assumed the deposits in the emotional account (with others) would help someone-else to overcome the short-term inconvenience. On the other hand, Someone was also very "clever" to offer "options" that were neither desireable nor workable -in the name of kindness. Would anyone with a clear mind regard such act of taking for granted as a act of kindness? I wonder.

Have been kind to Someone once. The second occurance showed that Someone needs help to point out the impact of such "act of kindness". I guess presenting the picture (including the reaction and impact) would help Someone to reflect.

The comments (in blue) really reflects the Someone's thinking, which I really could not make out - fortunate or unfortunate.

• "Fortunate" because such comments could not come without putting any effort to analyse and put together the potential causes of the unpleasant experience.
• "Unfortunate" because Someone did not take ownership of someone's words and action - Clearly, in Someone's view - someone has nothing to do with these unpleasant experiences - all these were a result of others' reactions. Sad?

So, am I being defensive? Or am I just presenting facts?

So, how to draw a line being objective and defensive? Sigh...

黑，你怕吗？

黑，我怕吗？
不怕。怕。
矛盾？人，就是那么地矛盾。

黑，有什么好怕的？
只要用科学角度去看，那是自然的；没有阳光的照射，“自然”就成了黑的世界。
当是完全一片黑暗时，伸出五指都看不见时，其实也不可怕。因为，那是个“空洞”的“境界”。万物似乎就停顿在那一刻。只要用清晰的脑袋去“看”，清晰，清纯的心灵去对待，就不可怕了！

也许，是因为人总是依赖着视觉带入的七彩来决定做什么-思想，行为，等等；因此，一旦眼前呈现一片漆黑时，就不知所措，乱了。因此，黑，间接的制造了不安，恐惧。

黑，好可怕啊！
是因为我们的思想掺杂了幻想。我是指，可怕的幻想，不安的幻想。
因此，我从来不看可怕的恐怖片。用钱买“难受”。省省吧！
当然，当独自处在一片漆黑之中，曾经听过的“神鬼故事”，甚至不同的“当地奇遇”就会随着幻想开始让心灵感到不自在。当然，这种情况，通常是在疲惫不堪时，模糊的神志，就会被幻想给“侵略”！

黑，我怕吗？
去旅行，旅店房间的灯，总是开着的；若是独行，甚至连电视也不放过。啊！都是被那些“旅店惊魂”故事所害！

在不丹，由于一路上没有街灯，有时，完全没有月光；就有如陷入了黑的世界里，完全不可动弹。因为，我真的没办法，也没用勇气，摸着黑的在街上走动。当什么都看不见时，一个不小心，就会踩到不该踏到，踢到不该踢到的东西：乡下，地上不难找到牛粪，石头，甚至毫无动静的狗！还有，得过那条桥：那条白天看来漂亮，晚间阴森森的古桥；当然，也得谢当地人们不停的跟我分享了不少在桥上发生过的故事。。。

因此，我成了当地唯一提着小电筒的路人。只要是夜幕低垂后，在路上只要看到一丁摇晃不停的灯光，那，就是我！哈哈哈！听说，五年后的今天，这小故事还在流传着！

我怕黑吗？当然，那是理智（为自身安全)的怕；同时，也是幻想造成的恐惧。

黑，我又遇上了。
那晚，其实也不是特地的要留下来；只是，反正会议开到七点才完，就索性把一些琐碎的事务给做完才回家。当然，也是因为，我知道我不是唯一在校舍里的人，校内还有保安。虽然是旧校舍，即使大家有时得逗留得晚，从来都不会感到任何的不安。因此，完全没有东西可幻想的。

不知不觉，七点四十分，保安来敲门了。好的，收拾好了，锁上了门。走廊的灯还亮着。保安先生没跟上来。也许，在做最后的检查吧！糟了，到了楼梯口，我遇上了最大的“敌人”- “黑”。天啊！从二楼，走下去，就有如从光明世界，走入了黑洞里头！天啊！难道保安先生他眼力那么好，不必借助灯光就能摸黑的到处行走？我佩服！看到眼前一片黑，我不怕，因为，我知道，可以依靠梯旁的扶手，一步一步地安全抵达一楼，就会看到外面走廊灯射入的落光。

到了最后的一（梯）级。没有一丝的光线。眼前，仍是黑帘一幕。不可能的！！！没听到闸门被拉下的巨响，而且，保安先生还在楼上，是走得出去的。就只好靠知觉，靠平时的熟悉，一步一步慢慢的，经过厕所，转左，走过那排照片，摸着黑走到出口处。只差着，我没摸着墙出去。哈！那也是第一次彻底抹黑的经验！

当然，除了微落的月光，和遥远的路灯（是的，校舍大门外，大路前的路灯），校园内完全一片漆黑。只记得外面走廊前好像有一两梯级，好像还有一小沟渠。。。天啊！为什么我平时那么大意，没有留意到这些小小的东西！我该如何走下一步？下一步会踩个落空吗？我可不要跌倒或扭到脚！等着等着，没用保安先生的动静。天啊！我还得等多久？还是提起勇气踏出了第一步。是的，过了那一关（就是那看不清楚的梯级），就行了！我终于走出来了！

黑，你不可怕；可怕的是，你可造成的伤害!

黑的故事完了。
只是到了大门，三面铁门都被牢牢地锁住了。我只好在那里徘徊着。。。等着。。。Tweet 了一句“求救”信号。。。十分钟后，保安先生出现了。。。这篇“黑”的经历，也告一段落了。。。

谁最可恶？谁最可怜？

偶然看到一句张爱玲说过的话：“最可厌的人，如果你细加研究，结果总发现他不过是个可怜的人。”（早报周刊06.12.2009 语文天空）

细想想，真的：
为什么有些人，让人一眼看下去，就觉得面目可憎？
为什么有些人，谈不到两句，就令人讨厌？
为什么有些人，言谈举止，令人看了就是那么地反感？
为什么有些人，天生就有这种“缺陷”呢？

他们是否知道，在别人眼里，他们是“什么”样的人吗？
有时，想想看。。。是他们“自造”，“自找”的吗？

有时，是因为环境的关系，“行为”就会被四周的人与物给塑造的。所以说，“家教”是非常重要的。没有人会要出口伤人，骂别人“没家教”。因为，那，不单单指责眼前的“仁兄”，也间接骂了他家的父母。那么，是他们的错吗？

当然，他们没错。但是，若已经有善意者指出关系要害后还是一意孤行，那么，就千错万错了。因为，不是没有给你机会，而是你放弃了。。。

也有些人就是无法与遵照事务的常规去待人，一意以自己为中心，很多时候，就是为了达到目的，往上爬，往下踩；损人而不利己（当然，当局者可否想到“不利己”这回事）。。。也因此，令人十分讨厌，反感。当然，我们也对这种人，避而远之。

那么，这些人，可怜吗？是的，因为他们就活在自己的世界里。活在自己“规划”的世界里。主角是他们。其他人，都是路人。当然，他们也是我们故事里的过客，为生活增添了些许的小插曲。

Who needs free textbook?

Another article... that caught my attention...

Some 200,000 used textbooks donated to needy children
By Hetty Musfirah, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 05 December 2009 1805 hrs

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1022765/1/.html

This is the time of giving... not just 'food' or basic necessities (as talked about in the previous post)... but also learning materials for schooling children.

Indeed, this practice of giving/receiving old textbooks started for many years, since my schooling years. Basically, it's a means to help needy families who can't quite afford the cost of studying materials. We also notice that the cost of learning materials have increased tremendously. Someone shared the other day that she has to set aside almost $300 just for one child - just textbooks and stationery, minus school uniform, school bag, etc.

Indeed, to every child, the school reopen/open marks the beginning of a new year - everything's new! It's not only important to the child, but also important to the parents (and even grandparents) because they want the child to have a good start for the year. So, it's important for everyone! So, no matter, how humble a family is, the parent will try to get something new for the child - be it school shoes or school bag.

I still remember those good old days when I was still in Primary School, grandma would bring me to the shop (what we call the 洋货店) at Blk 6 Kempas Road to get me a new school bag - a canvas school bag. The giving out free textbook already started in those days. Recall once dad brought us to the location... we were really surprised so many people went to get the books - was just wondering... really? so many people needed help? so, perhaps we should leave the stuff to those really need to help, we thought. Since then, we did not return. Instead, every year, when possible, we'll set aside those books that were still usable to be given to the needy.

I must count ourselves really fortunate... and that's when we first learnt how to help the needy. First of all, if we could afford, do not deprive others from the opportunity and more in need. There's really no competition here. Next, if we could afford, something not significant to us might make a difference in others! Be it a simple thing, it could make one's day. So, it's not costly to help. Of course, to help, with sincerity. It's not a matter to show off or need to be remembered because it's truly from the bottome of our heart.

Of course, I'm not advocating to give freely, to anyone! We should make our discretion on who needs to be helped or who is capable of helping themselves yet not to take up their own responsibility...

About Expired & Leftover Food

Read this article from the Channelnewsasia website:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1022961/1/.html

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Number of expired food items donated declines over the years
By Maggie Chong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 December 2009 1939 hrs

SINGAPORE: It is the season of giving, especially to charities, and Singaporeans have been making all sorts of donations.

According to organisations helping out in such drives, the number of expired food items donated has decreased over the years.

The Boys Brigade and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society said that about a decade ago, 10 per cent of the items donated were either expired or half-consumed items.

And now, the number is down to about one per cent.

They cite this to the success of outreach programmes, listing out the preferred donation items.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's so UNBELIEVABLE!!! How could one, in the name of 'donation', give away used items? Especially food! Hey, if one could not afford something that's decent from a fellow being, please stop 'demonstrating' the "kind" intent! It's not spring cleaning time! (mind you!)

Treat one the way you would like to be treated! Expired canned food!? Please thrown them into the bin! What really shocked me was there were people who donate half-consumed food! Ridiculous! Hey, irregardless of how expensive the original item was. Please! Keep that to your own consumption!

Is this a demonstration of 'care' and 'graciousness' in a society?
Or are we seeing more and more people who couldn't make sound decisions of what's right or what's not right to do - i.e. to respect others' dignity!
Or these people simply don't care??

Chicken Essence

Replenished my stock of the chicken essence a couple of days ago. Oh yes, it's good especially when I need deep sound sleep, despite of short hours.

Was introduced to that since JC times when I had to stay up late nights. Coffee, Chicken Essence, Red bull... u name it, I tried it. Now, none could really play its intended role with me... Somehow, the body is already immune to its intended function - to keep one awake! So, I'm seeking for new formula! hahaha...

So far, have tried two brands of chicken essence - Brands and Yu Ren Sheng. Each has its uniqueness. Still like the thick fragrance of the formal. But I'm very sure, no matter what, I still prefer pure chicken essence; not those mixed with other herbs... somehow... it came with a strange taste or fragrance.

Normally it comes in half a dozen, but it comes with an extra bottle in the recent offer package. Oh! I thought! Worth it! However, it's clever in its marketing. It never mentioned the extra bottle is of the same size of the rest! So, guess what I get? (see picture).

Hm... maybe it's going to be a good teaching aide for the maths topic - Similarity & Congruency!

心灵之窗

昨日，上载了新的“代表"作 - 心灵之窗。
当然，也很快地收到了回应 :D
我可不是"spy" 哈哈。。。

眼睛，是用来放眼看天下的。
眼睛，是用来看清前方的路；不然，一个不小心，很可能跌个焦头烂额。
眼睛，是用来分辨是非黑白。

眼睛，是透视心灵的最佳管道。
它，也是心灵“被”看透的管道。
眼睛，建立了人与人之间的桥梁；
它，也是最诚实的 - 毫不保留地出卖人的不忠，虚假。
它，也让人的内心深处表露无遗。

说话者的真与否，诚或假，喜怒哀乐。。。都会一一的从眼神那里毫无保留的表露出来。

为什么，有些人跟人对话时，眼光总是喜欢乱晃？为什么不会对着对话者的眼里看去？
耐人寻味。。。

雨过天晴

那是星期四的傍晚，第一次这个组合踏出校门 - 衍釗, Johari, 靖雅和我。灰蓝的天空，还在下着毛毛雨，该是夕阳快西下的时候了。

大伙只顾着找伞。只有潇洒的 靖雅没带伞。无奈，我的是“selfish umbrella”，只够一人用。可是，没有人被淋湿。还记得，谁与谁共伞？大家，都带着疲惫的身躯踏上归途。突然，Johari嚷着“彩虹！彩虹！”是的，一道漂亮清晰的彩虹呈现在我们的眼帘。漂亮！

疲惫，是因为大家马不停蹄，应付一个接一个的活动；还没好好地休息过。大伙只注意前面的路。

小记者当晚就把照片上载去Facebook。同时，填上了“记2009年12月3日雨过天晴的彩虹@新科技中学”的标题。相信，大家对“彩虹”都有不同的感触。。。是 “雨过天晴”的象征？是惆怅的感觉？是重新再来？。。。喜欢Richard的乐观。大家加油！明天会更好。再接再厉！

Rewind... Unwind... something to look forward to...

Was buried into the deep heap of work this week... despite it's a long weekend, it's also the most miserable weekend I have these days... which I can't even afford to slag a little...

A few huge items to go... all have deadlines - coming Monday... actually not far from now (when I compose this post)... in less than 20 hours!!! Still working on it... the last piece shall start soon....

On the other hand, because of work ('cos need to check out some online payment stuff), visited the SISTIC website (which I'm most familiar with). Guess what I found!!!???

The musical, Chicago is coming to Singapore!!! Ah! Great find!!!
The first time I saw this was when I was in Bhutan! Hahaha... don't get me wrong, not referring to the actual musical, but the movie (2002) - by Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta-Jones! Yes, it kept repeating over the months I was there... and I repeatedly watched it several times!!! (what else to watch? haha).

Another good find was the REVERIE - Cirque on Ice. Something new, I guess... got the ticket too!

Well, when it comes to such 'business', decision making is easy! Well, within 10 minutes, spent almost $300 without a blink! Heartache? No, no... because it's for myself! :D

重逢 - 你是我高中同学！

2 weeks ago, attended the Timetabling course at the School Cluster Centre...

To my pleasant surprise, a familiar face appeared before me! (although the size has changed!) hahaha.... That's Andrew! Really, surprise! surprise! surprise! It's so rare to bump into the JC classmates! Most of them would have gone into other areas (except teaching). So, Andrew has joined the teaching profession (and currently is in AHS)! Welcome onboard! The rest who teach - Siew Ying, Yee Mei and Heok Meng, and Alex! What a small world! Who else had I met? Hm... Douglas - but it was so many years ago when he was with NLB. Hm... just wondering, where's he now?

Well, thanks to Andrew, 'found' Kok Weng and Lai Say in the Facebook! And amongst Kok Weng's album, found a photo that I never had... a birthday celebration in the classroom... our tutorial class TJC87/08. So nostalgic...

给我的挚友。。。

"Fairness" and "Unevenness"

Was talking to a friend and she was describing the opportunities that the school has created for teachers to present papers or attend conferences overseas. As she was highlighting the names of teachers who have been overseas this year, a couple of names were surfaced several times, because the areas they presented were on the areas they 'specialised' in.

1 key essential question was surfaced:

Why such unevenness in the opportunities amongst the staff?

Well, we managed to rationalise an answer from one perspective but not the other...

Unevenness? There isn't such a thing call "Fairness", in the first place. However, how do we manage such unevenness in a reasonably fair way to ensure the project thriuvesand to encourage the spirit of capacity building instead of "sole properitorship"?

• To individuals, it's seen as oppoortunities for professional development
• To the organisation, it's creating platforms to reach out to the bigger (world) community, to share the success stories, to create footholds at the international level

(The following questions help to scaffold the thinking process...)

Then, the next question is, why the same person, over and over again? (So, more questions in at next level...)

• In the first place, how is this person being identified?
• Naturally, it's someone who possesses the expertise and more often than not, he/she is the who spearheads the project. There is no doubt, the pioneer 'expert' in the area.
• Next question is, what is the scale and influence of this project?
• If it's always the same person (eg. NNN) sharing the project, there's only one thing that I could infer: This is NNN's PROJECT... and therefore, my further inference is, the impact is limited to the students that he/she could reach out to (probably during formal curriculum, or what we say, time-tabled time.) In other words, only students taught by this teacher have the opportunity to use it? This leads to the other questions like, the scalability and sustainability of the project.
• Scalability - are other teachers also involved in this project, and what's their role? Just user of the applications? or as a fellow faculty member, they are also involved in the research or development work, which is part of their professional development and engagement?
• Sustainability - logically, based on today's context, it's hardly that someone would stay in the job forever. Then, what's the implication when the 'expert' leaves the organisation? Two things could possibly happen: The project implementation remains stagnant and hardly make any new progress... and eventually die a natural death? (Hm... the 不在乎天长地久，只在乎曾经拥有mindset?). Another thing that's likely to happen is, NNN when moves on to other organisation, will "bring along" the project with him/her and talk about it, etc... This indeed happens very often. Look around amongst us, do we recall hearing colleagues talking and sharing what good works they did in previous schools and started bringing the ideas in? So, all these projects/experiences somehow cling to the individuals. What would their previous context think? I wonder... especially there isn't any successor to the project/programme...

It seems like these issues are other people's issues - however, look back at our current context... as the organisation moves into research work, capacity building, sharing and establishing footholds, aren't the above going to happen in the near future? I'm sure it will... how are we going to handle this? Of course, I think we'll need to establish some kind of common understanding as we craft and execute the approach...

As my friend put it across, "1 X 10" is not equal to "10 X 1".

• Mathematically, based on commutative law of multiplication, 1 X 10 = 10 X 1
• However, if we re-visit the concept, "1 group of 10" is different from "10 groups of 1". Similarly, put in the context, 1 teacher with 10 opportunities is not equal to 10 teachers each given 1 opportunity.

Then she further suggested, since there's no such thing as being fair, how about considering

• "2 X 5" or "5 X 2"?

This is almost the similar to the idea we proposed in another project "Train the Trainer" approach (see it in a more generic sense) or just like what all organisations always have in mind - developing/ building capacity of the 2nd-liners... as we are always reminded, "No one is indispensible in an organsiation", actually, to qualify that, should add in the condition, "if the organisation has a sound structure to build its 2nd liner"...

Meeting up with OLD Friends

The recent weeks have been like riding on a roller coaster... with so many meetings going on... indeed, it's been quite scary... though was used to having meetings almost everyday while in the 3 years in HQ, well, what I'm going through now is really exceedingly far much more than what I had... anyway, feel like I'm always on the way to set some 'record"! hahaha...

As mentioned in one of the previous postings... this year had not really catch up with friends, especially during this recent Teachers' Day... Kind of tiring - hm... physically and mentally... on the other hand, blessing in disguise (or what), had opportunities to meet up with them either when I went for briefings or 'shopping'! hahaha....

For intstance, recently met SCK. Yes, quite a while already not met - think the last time was at Rosleenda's house (Hari Raya visit - was that last year?), also QLL. Well, good to know that the school is leveraging on SCK's forte - setting up the structure and managing information. On the other hand, unfortunately, she has lost her voice... and it's really a challenge when in this teaching profession! Really hope that the problem could heal...

On the same day, bump into WSS while waiting for WYWY in Borders! He looked good - at least without the 'coat' of 'fatigue' which I recalled when we were colleagues in HQ. Yes, those were the days when others jokingly said the address in his NRIC was North Buona Vista! hahaha... Of course, apart from updating some of the recent works carried out, we also talked about KB (from UK). He was just like an old friend... of course, when KB comes, it's time for another outing :D

WYWY aka TYL... another good old friend, who surprising being available though my sms was a very last minute one. Well, a great dinner at Borders' Bristo... pretty good dinner! and good time talking about what we were doing and what's her next steps... oh yes, also discussed about the next coming trip (which I hope the planning could eventually materialise!)

Today's another day of good catch-up with friends - annual gathering at Zubaidah's place... who's there? Ms Ng, Muneira, Mrs Teh, Chin Li, Karen and Ms Tan KX. Fellow old-timers were still so animated... that reminded me of the noise in the old NAS HOD Room! Yes, I missed those days - though didn't participate to much in their (cluster's) conversation, however, that's the environment - the feel and sound I missed. Anyway, things in the physical set-up has changed...

The day ended with a good treat from LCN. Well, to be precised, should be LCN's sister! Good food plus nice environment. We were at the 70th storey in the Swissotel. Of course, what else and who else would be in our conversation? :D

Cheers!

几米画册

已经很久没看几米的漫画了。第一次看到，是在KINOKUNIYA (Bugis Junction)看到的。那时2001-2003的时候吧! 被那独特的画工给吸引住了！当然，另一吸引我的，是它能够把“长篇大论”给溶索成三言两语！当然，也把好料一一介绍了给朋友们。（啊！当时的图书馆也收集一一套）

前日，到KINOKUNIYA (Orchard) ，很自然的，买了两本画册：“照相本子”和“履历表”。
开始翻“照相本子”。也同时翻出了不少的感触。

喜欢它，把复杂的事物，从天真无邪的孩子眼中，把另一个角度给简化了的带了出来。
所以，忍不住，一面看，一面在画册上提上了自己的感受，自己的看法。
http://www.jimmyspa.com/gb/jimmy/jimmydownloaddetail.aspx?id=59

Teachers' Day 2009

3 things that makes this year's Teachers' Day different from the past years...

Indeed, notice that only when tweeted about it this morning... Yes, first thing first, have broken the tradition that I practised for almost 10 years... that's sending out personalised Teachers' Day card to friends and mentors... Yes, each year, I'll picked a photo amongst my masterpieces of the year - that's beautiful from a unique perspective and add a bit of personal touch to it before sending out to friends and mentors. Still remember one of my mentors shared how spikey cactus photo to depict his state of mind that time.

This year? Maybe have not found a picture that I found worth surfacing yet (perhaps!). Perhaps the picture only comes end of the year? (Hopefully). Maybe am tired? (Yes, it's time to take a break?) But really, the mood and feel not really there... what was I doing on 1 Sept? Hm... drawing flowcharts! hahaha... searching a needle in the hay....

On the other hand, what touches me are really the messages that came in this year... Surprising after 11 pm, received an sms from Zubaidah... initially, it didn't quite make sense... but towards the end, I realise! and I was touched! Yes... would not have expected that! So, this is what people say, it takes time to see what we reap? Of course, another one... I guess these messages came in because, these kids have grown up... and they are able to connect who they are today with the experiences they went through (our hands!). Certainly, nothing beats this realisation!

The 3rd present is really something unexpected... we got connected after 16 years! Thanks to Tiat Hee (who never fails to perform his duty as our retired monitor) who shared and link us up again with Dr Chong! Yes, it's 16 years! It's significant 'cos that's where we started our Teaching Journey, and Dr Chong was our class tutor! Nostalgic!

Once again, nothing's more powerful than words... though it isn't concrete... but it reaches deep down to our heart....

A Photography Exhibition - Painting with Light and Shadow

Chanced upon this Photography Exhibition when visited the Teochew Building for the Talk by Sivakumar on "Assessment in Learning".

Pretty captivating... the photos were taken in good angles and presented intersting perspectives, as observed in some. On the other hand, the painter, Tan Lip Seng also made an attempt to manipulated some of the photos digitally, playing around with colours. Unfortnately for some, it's really like adding the legs to snakes (画蛇添足)!

I like, in particular the one that says "the last task before sunset"... it's a clever way to manipulate the colour to bring across the time and space.



Hm... indeed, photography is not that difficult afterall...

School-going? Don't take for granted on what we have...

Here's another article that reminds how fortunate we are... It sounds as if we would only see that through movies. I couldn't believe it's real until I really saw these with my own eyes when in Bhutan. I really take my hats off to salute their attitude and perseverance.

Perhaps some of our school going children should really go through such hardship before they learn to appreciate what they are going through... hm... it brings me to another point - something I posted a while ago... By default, most of us don't born with a silver spoon in our mouth... I guess, if the child is born in Singapore, you already possess a silver spoon!

Here it is:

Without boarding or teacher’s quarter facilities, it’s a 10 km hike back and forth

23 August, 2009 - Going to school in remote Bhutan involves hours of walking. In Samcholing, Trongsa, it is not just some students either.

The 121 students and 10 teachers of the recently upgraded lower secondary school walk uphill for hours to their school without boarding or teacher’s quarter facilities. Located above the main Samcholing village, there is no settlement around for teachers to rent houses and all the 16 teaching and non-teaching staff walk five and half km every day to reach the school. Some students walk about 10 km.

The only female teacher in the school, Shoba G, stays in Kuengarabten. “I wake up at 5 am every morning and walk for an hour and a half to reach school,” she said.

The 2.7 km farm road that connects the school from the Trongsa-Zhemgang highway is not pliable.

Farmers of Samcholing, who live on a sharecropping system and own little land of their own, are not happy too. “We’re the least developed people and our children have no bordering facilities,” said a 52-year-old father. “If the school wasn’t in our village, our children would avail hostel facilities in Taktse middle secondary school,” said another villager.

Walking for hours early in the morning tires students and teachers, which hamper daily lessons, according to a teacher, who chose anonymity. “Students don’t get the attention they deserve and they can’t not give attention in classes too,” he said. “Some students doze off in the first period itself.

The situation becomes worse during monsoons. With incessant rainfall, the rivers get swollen and the footpath becomes too slippery. “I fell down several times and had to take leave,” Shoba G said.

The principal of the school, Tshering Wamling, said that classes had to be called off for about three days, as most students could not make it to school.

Tshering Wamling told Kuensel that the teachers would have to bear the problem for this academic year but things are expected to improve in future, if the road condition is improved and the proposal for a three unit teacher’s quarter materialises. “Taking into consideration the economic situation of the place, I’ve put up a proposals for hostel facilities in the gewog yargye tshogdue,” he said.

The gewog is aware of the problems faced by teachers and students, according to Drakteng gup Tenzin. “Samcholing school was upgraded because Kuengarabten primary school could not be upgraded due to lack of space,” he said.

Gup Tenzin said that the construction of teachers’ quarter is in the pipeline and the proposal for hostel facility was also discussed in the dzongkhag yargye tshogdue. “It depends on the education office in the dzongkhag to provide the facility,” he said, adding that the education office rejects the proposals on grounds that the school is located near the road head and village. “Samcholing was planned as a day school and day schools don’t get any hostel facilities,” said the district education officer in Trongsa, Karma Sonam.

However, gup Tenzin said that teachers could stay in Samcholing village. “But most prefer to stay in Kuengarabten because of lack of electricity in Samcholing,” he said. “An electricity connection could solve the problem.”

Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13261

I can't believe it!!!

Have not visited "KuenselOnline" for a long long time... Well, have been a regular visitor to the site since my return from Bhutan, until last year when I switched my computer... which my current computer doesn't open the site as one of the "Start-up browser" pages.

This article with the heading "Twin calves spawn superstitious fears" caught my attention!

I could not believe that article reported how the locals feared that the birth of the twin calves will bring about misfortune to the owner or even the village... and the owner even thought of means to end the lives of these calves!

It's ignorance vis superstitions? Objectivity vs Make-to-Believe?

The report says:

4 August, 2009 - The birth of identical twin calves has stirred concerns and superstitions in a small hamlet of Rongthong under Kanglung gewog.

The anxious owner has decided to consult the local priest (tshampa). “I’m troubled as we have a belief that it could bring ken (misfortune) to the owner and the community if the calves survive,” said Sonam Choden, the owner of the calves. “If anything happens in the village, fingers will be pointed."

She has not even started to milk the cross-breed jersey cow. The twin calves were born on the morning of Thursday, August 20.

Some villagers believe that the twin will bring either too much good or bad luck. Others say misfortune will befall the owner.

“I hope the calves will die and the community and my family remain unaffected,” Sonam Choden said, adding that the pain of losing the two animals would not go away easily.

“We’ve seen people give birth to twins but never cows,” said an apprehensive Rongthong shopkeeper. “We hope it won’t bring us any harm.” As in most other parts of the country Rongthong villagers are deeply rooted in orthodox beliefs. Most villagers are illiterate and live on agriculture and rear cattle.

Several years ago, the village was struck with the same fear when Sonam’s neighbour got twin female calves. However, both died within weeks. Some villagers said that the misfortune killed the calves instead of the owner.

Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13270

Just some Quick Thoughts

Received these in an email... some quick thoughts over what the famous people said... just immediate reactions...

Obviously, we can't choose the family that we are born into... some born with a silver spoon in their mouths (actually, why do they use "silver spoon"? How does it come about? see wikipedia)... I guess it's a matter of luck... of course, there are also people who believe in karma!

Then the 2nd part says, "if you die poor, it's your mistake". Well, it's from Bill Gates. So, is he referring to monetary terms? wealth? OK, we all know that he's one of the richest man in the world (anytime). On the other hand, I guess "Poor" has many definition here... Poor over what? In terms of experiences? fulfilment? Probably! I guess it's referring to what one has done over his lifetime. One might be literally poor. However, spiritually, could be rich! especially if we are into the business of touching people's lives! See Maslow's hierarchy of needs? Well, I guess the richness comes when one arrives at the peak - Self Actualisation! So, there's no 'default'... how rich or poor, it depends on how we define... afterall, we've left footprints all over the place before we leave this world.

Oh... know more than other? Hm... being kaypo? hahahah... Perhaps, that's being alert and sensitive to the surrounding/environment. Work more than other? er... meaning doing other people's work? Oops! Well, the other day, someone reminded me of the story "One Minute Manager". So, that's taking/carrying other people's monkeys? Expect less than other? Ah! referring to 'expectation' in exchange of the work/effort put in? That, it doesn't obey the "Balancing Law"!? Hahaha... It sounds like Shakespeare's advocating community service ! Well, well.. you are so farsighted!

What an optimistic way of encouraging oneself when meeting obstacles one after another... er... especially meeting them endlessly!!! It's like the toy... the tumbler (不倒翁). You win! I've nothing else to say...

Well, well, another way to view this is... they are so arrogant that they are not even aware or accept the fact that they have made a mistake. Sometimes, people simply don't admit they've made a mistake because of their ignorance, too! So, it's sad. Isn't it? Sometimes, there are people who are fully aware, but failed to accept it... there, they start to find all sorts of reasons to deceive themselves and others!

You Reap What You Sow

Well, this cross my mind as I was farming 'hard' over the weekend. Yes, this 'learning point' did not cross my mind when I played the game previously... Hm... perhaps I should label that Phase 1 Farming.

During Phase 1 Farming, the key intent is to figure out how to tap on this game for teaching and learning... and also make an attempt to 'quit' the game graciously. Oh yes, am proud to say that I managed that pretty well.

Then came the weekend when I 'revisited' the market and discover something - there's this 'offer' to earn 100 coins in 2 hours! ok... to be exact, it's only earning 75 coins for each plot of harvest. 15 coins to prowl the land and 10 coins to buy the seeds. Simple mathematics here! Next lesson learn - if I were to aim for something, will have to work hard for it. For instance, I wanted to populate the piece of land with some houses - there, I have a goal to work towards, and the quickest way to do it is through regular harvesting (that means a few arounds to get the number of coins needed... and to do that, I have to be regular and work hard! hahaha... "Commitment" comes in! Of course, the rule "You reap what you sow" applies here. The more time and effort, you get what's 'promised' :D

天下没有免费的晚餐。天下没有不劳而获的事。一分耕耘，一分收获。

Listening to the Radio...

Have not listened to the radio (at home) for a long long time. Why was the last time? During university days when I tuned it on while working on the lab reports in wee hours in the morning?

Am juggling between 2 computers now... and tuned in to 100.3.
It turned out to be 孔怀主持的生活协奏曲
http://www.radio1003.com/show/counseller

Like the way the counseller replied to each of the cases. Objective and obviously, he's guided by very firm and sound moral principles. Like the fact that he cleverly directed the focus to the intent, the action. Of course, also the encouragement that he gave to those who wrote in.

A World of Difference

Got this link from Richard:
http://mrwilson.multiply.com/photos/album/68/Interesting_Print_ADS_for_Aid_to_Africa

The approach to get the attention and the leave an impression: COMPARE & CONTRAST.
It's so powerful. Just to name a few:

• Colours: Black and White
• Generations: Old and Young
• Mood: Joy and Saddness
• Social Economic Status: Wealth & Poverty - which is what the photos convey.

When they are put in separate frames, impact is not as great - as each is placed in the world of their own. The impact is normally within that context. However, when merged, the contrast leads to comparison, and hence creating a deeper impact & impression to the viewer.

So, this is the power of media!

Merticulous vs Trust

The other day, I tweeted:

Well, think about it... Did I commit the same error as I pointed out what someone else did? Really, need some reflection over this...

I've been 'labelled' being merticulous (actually duno how this impression was created... perhaps it's because of my kiasu nature? when sometimes tend to over prepare certain stuff (ok... it's a strength, but it's also my weakness).

So, did I learn my lesson to overdo less? Yes, I think so... when possible, will try to let go the info - whenever I remember, will ask myself, is the piece of info necesary? Think this is a very good guiding principle, especially for someone kiasu like me - an idiom in Chinese that describes my behaviour well: 宁可杀错，不可放过.

Yes. It's very scary when overwhelmed by lots of information - the info must serve some purpose; else why bother?

On the other hand, I did not realise there's another layer to it till that day's encounter - the kind of information we gather - creates an impression of the info collector! Why so?

Here's an illustration:

John leads the team to improve the environment in the neighbourhood and would like to seek feedback from all the residents. The purpose is really to gather inputs so that something that's feasible and relevant to the community could be worked out. I believe this is also how we could involve the stakeholders in decision making and create ownership. Thumbs-up for the intent!

However, the implementation requires everyone to put down their names alongside with the suggestion and feedback. This is where I thought more thinking and sensitivity the implementator has to take into consideration:

• If the community is small and one could address/clarify the doubts easily, we don't need to know who made the comment.
• If the purpose is to ensure everyone to contribute - and if one has no other comments and felt that what's proposed is already good enough? What do you expect one to write? "No Comments"? If there isn't any response, then will John go after the those who did not respond? Is such chasing necessary?

Is this micro-managing?

But my point is, if the purpose is to ensure everyone contributes, then the move would have defeat another important element that we strive to create within the team - TRUST. Sometimes, presentation is important - we have to be mindful how the reader perceives as he/she receives the things as a package - the Intent & the Implementation. If the Intent is good, but the Implementation did not take into consideration of recipient's reactions, it discounted the sincerity.

Oh... that reminds me... will John will take into consideration all the suggestions? Will John make an attempt to respond to those whose suggestions are not going to be considered at this point of time? Will history repeat? We shall see...

National Day Rally 2009 (coming on 16 August 2009)

• Article @ ChannelNewsAsia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/447946/1/.html

According to the article, 4 bloggers of different age group will be blogger their perspectives of PM's message. Sounds exciting, when we could see, how different the same message takes different forms from different lenses (here - different generation, experience and background... sure, each individual has a different interpretation).

• microsite: http://ndr09.channelnewsasia.com/ (goes live on 11 August 2009)
• Prime Minister Office Website: http://www.pmo.gov.sg/

To be continued...

Click HERE for last year's post on the National Day Rally.

"Membership" Renewed

Oh... Just wondering... what should I enter as the heading of this post? "Happy Birthday, Singapore"? "National Day Parade"? ... after some thoughts, I chose "Membership Renewed".

It's been many years since I would sit still and watched the entire National Day Parade/Show (since... I think must be more than 5 years ago). Oh, citing the pledge, singing those national/ community songs! Yes, yes... so nostalgic!

• "Singapura, oh Singapura, sunny island set in the sea..." {Remember singing this song in the music room in my primary school days!}
• "Stand up for Singapore... Do the best you can..." {Those good old days when I was still in the secondary school...}
• "You could take a little trip around Singapore town In Singapore city bus, To see Collyer Quay and Raffles Place, The Esplanade and all of us" {This was the one that the 5 of us presented in the farewell dinner in RECSAM...}
• "This is home... Truly... where I know I must be..." {The one that turned my eyes wet, the one that really led me calling "Singapore, my home"}

Have not taken the pledge or sung the national anthem for many many moons... yes, since home, every time I sing the national anthem or cite the pledge, it's never the same again - the emotional bond, the sense of belonging...

http://www.singsingapore.org.sg/songs-content.asp

家

啊！又是那首脍炙人口的歌曲。
昨天，庆祝国庆时，同事特地选了“家”这首歌让大伙合唱。

很自然而然的，想起那一年“自我放逐”的日子。
是的，也许日子久了，而且是独自在外，似乎与世隔绝，不知不觉中，孤单，寂寞找上了门。。。听了这首歌曲，更想家，更把不得立刻飞回家。这种心情，不是亲身去体会，是无法去了解的。

也许，因为它陪伴我走过了那些日子，所以，每回听到它，就会让我想到家的贴切。家，并不单指属于自己家人的“家”，而是新加坡-我的家园。

也许，有人会问，“你，被国民教育‘洗脑’了吗？”
我会回答，“是我在逆境中体会到了！”

~ also see similar post in June 2008

Me & Twitter

不知不觉中，Tweeter，成了心情的堆积站。
所见，所闻，杂想，心情，感受，都一一地给Tweeter “抓住”了！把“无形”变“有形”。
在这两三个月里，它，记录了什么呢？。。。

（一）怀旧的心情。。。
Yes... anyone got the idea what's that A4 green book? Yeap, the Baseline ICT Standards Implementation Guide. Hahah... no, I'm not crazy. Well, this strange feeling came when I pick up this book (seriously) recently. This is the one that we put in lots of sweat and hardwork to "cook" it out. I guess, no one in the PD section in 2006-2007 would ever forget this particular masterpiece! No regrets! It's an honour to be involved in this project.

（二）全神投入的那刻。。。

It's been a long time since I fully get myself (heart and soul) immersed in beautiful music. I started enjoying such musicals since I was introduced to Les Miserable! Well, having indulge all my senses in it... it's a great therapy!

（三）对身边的小事作出感激。。。
Little things around us... which we often forget to appreciate... Yes, we take for granted that we could sleep to "re-charge". Imagine, there are people out there who couldn't sleep well - be it they are unwell or being affected emotionally! or sometimes (like many of us), could not sleep because we have not finished what's on hand... ah! deadlines!!! No, no, no matter what, I need to catch my sleep...

（四）边玩边作出思考。。。

Here's some quick linking between work and play... it's not just play, but educational play. Indeed, while playing farm house, was thinking about the "Games in learning" workshop that I developed (together with Feena). I would consider incorporating this game into theworkshop. Sure participants will like it. And definitely, they could start playing in the first session of the workshop, followed by some kind of reflection. Am quite sure that will bring them to talk about Games Addiction (Cyberwellness!)

（五）自我反省，检讨。。。（I）

Yes, it captures my reaction to little encounters... for instance, this was captured while I sat on the MRT playing the game. The lady standing right in front of me told me that she's also playing this game! Ah! I would never do this! Guess she must be so thrilled that she just wanted to tell someone that she's also doing something similar. Of course, I returned her with a gleeful smile :D

（六）自我反省，检讨。。。（II）

Yes, it's a good place to let out the steam when I encounter difficult moments - when I need to sort things out, iron things out... but not wanting to create any unnecessary ho-ha on others. Yes, it gives me time to think and re-think... and reflect!

（七）享受作现场叙述的滋味。。。

This captures my immediate responses to the musical play.

（八）周围点滴。。。

Here's who I saw the other day, on my way to work... the look ofthe 3 girls (who study in SP, well, they alighted at Dover... won't go wrong). See any potential in developing into an essay? Hahah...

是体谅，还是虎视眈眈？

几天前，“邻居”问我是否有想过我负责的部门范围非常的大，点点滴滴，有关于课程的科技运用，有整体的科技构造的构思与配合，也有与不同机构的合作等等。。。其实需要多一位部门主任来管理。一位负责教学运用，一位负者其它项目。。。

读者听了以上，又怎么反映呢？
是好心的提醒呢？是体谅吗？当然，很多时候，我会用“打杂”来形容我目前的工作性质。是的，科技运用，是无孔不入的，要做得好，更需要不同方面的配合。当然，人手越多越好（表面上，是的), 可是多了“头目”却未必是好事哦！

当然，曾经有友人提醒过，小心周围有“老虎”，原因，是很多时候，在别人眼里，我的职务，十分受到瞩目，跟不少机构打交道，当然，是个非常有机会“出位”的职位。也许，是的，跟外界接触多了，学的也多了。当然，我也不是最佳人选 （也许，不少人也这么想。）但，若是让周围有“老虎”来做，他们又可以做得比我跟好吗？不是我自夸，这也不是一件每个人都可胜任的工作哦！因为，不要忘了，除了与外界的合作，还得服务各个部门，许许多多琐碎的事务，那是整个排山倒海的“配套”！

也许，有一头“老虎”（也就是邻居），至今也许仍不明白（也许是不“服”吧！），大家一起去面试，为什么，这职务落在我身上吧！是个谜吗？客观一点地去分析吧！

The Fear of Listening...

‘Why is it that we do not like to listen, or want to listen, or know how to listen?" (by Palmer Parker)
'We fear hearing something we don’t want to hear, something that might compel us to reflect on ourselves and, in consequence, change our hearts and minds and behaviours.
If we keep talking, not listening, we can define our own reality. Listening too carefully might end up confusing us, and we would rather live with clear falsehood’

These words shared by Johari, during the "EXCO meeting" (22 July 2009) simply hit the chord... Can't agree more than that.

It says, "We fear hearing something we don't want to hear"... Yes, by human nature, our ears are all for sweet words that we are comfortable with. Reality, often come in harsh words, are hard to swallow, sometimes. Similarly, those seemingly harmless words to one could be piercing through painfully to the others. Sometimes, what we tried to escape from just confront us.

Reflection

Really... no time to reflect... yes, day in day out...
Sadly, each time I reflect, it seemingly ties to unhappy encounters.
Unhappy because it's against what I value; I would say, it's against the rule of the game.
Yes... scary... life is not so simple... indeed, I hate the complexity of games.
"Gamers" are the real wolves!

Anger? Disappointment? Realisation!

Angry, angry, angry... no, upset, upset, upset? I think I was overwhelmed wby disappointment rather than anger. It appeared that it started off with anger... got slighted again? No, felt like a tight slap on my face. No, I didn't curse... cursing is not in my dictionary, not in my code of behaviour... definitely, not me! I may scream (yes, in my heart - so loud that it almost bursted!) and scold... but no crude words come out from my mouth (maybe, in my course of becoming a more refined human being, the function has been disabled so long that I couldn't even find the way to re-activate).

Anger was a reaction to exclusion! Ha... yes! It is, especially when it's something that's held dearly and close to my heart. The closer it is, the worst I feel! Had been treated like a fool before (yes, in one of the postings this year), but was never as angry... I would say, had never felt disappointed until this happened! It's the first time I was so angry that I (first time) experienced not even able to utter a sound! Yes, physcially, the sound component has been disabled for more than half an hour! My face must have looked extremely ugly! I guess, I was fuming mad! Terribly mad! I guess my blood pressure in that half an hour must have shot up sky high! But fortunately my physcial self was strong enough to hold it. Yes, that's my strength! Being able to absorb and absorb... of course, it's also my ultimate weakness! Bottoming up... till the day comes... really, dare not to imagine!

Maybe, what CN has anticipated (er... predicted) is coming true! OK, have I been blinded by my good nature? I believe so! Am I'm going to suffer from the seeds I sown? Oh no! But, I think it's also a good wakening call! Yes, am glad! else, I would unknowingly slowly boil myself to death!

Yes... look at me! How I've changed over the months? Hey, had I become a hypocrate? Well, I uphold integrity! Looking back, my emotions had played me out - my judgements, no my misjudgements! my blindness, yes, my total blindness and become so myopic. No, no... I'm not declaring war, but am going through some kind of deep reflection...

Yes, shan't I be glad that I just discovered what went wrong? Alright, back to square one; probably minus my emotions?!

I think I can do that...