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！