The fulfilling week =)

A busy, tired, and sick yet fulfilling week for me. In the midst of all the busy stuff, I've experienced some sort of happiness. I guess spending quality time and making connection with people is something that I really cherish.

First up would be sending e-cards to the teachers whom I respected and valued. Apart from the mentors to my TA school, I've sent one to my mentor at my contract school.

Its been a year since I left, but I still feel thankful for her kindness and willingness to share when I was struggling as a greenhorn. I didn't expect it actually, she actually responded to my e-card! Yes, I do miss her and I think she feels the same way too. I will be meeting her during the Sept hols! Can't wait! =)


The other great experience was the calligraphy workshop that Hazel and I attended on Friday. It was great fun having Hazel's company for the workshop as we have not been assigned the same tutorial class since our first semester at NIE. A nice way to spend quality time together in the midst of our busy schedule. Not forgetting Dr Ludwig Tan's of course, I wanted to also attend this workshop because I miss attending his lessons. =) My initial motivation to sign for this workshop is really not so much about learning a new skill, but hey, it got me interested in calligraphy! Can use this skill to make my own cards! =)


And of course not forgetting today's celebration at my dear cousin's place. It is Austen's one month celebration! He's so cute and I'm loving him to bits!

There's something wrong with the blogger..can't seem to upload any pictures for your visual pleasure. But I do have them at my FB! =)

I really should be reading the boring stuff now..the social context of teaching...I'd really rather do an assignment about a lesson plan or some sort than to write this essay.........ZzzzZzzz

I don't really know...

His random request for dinner sometimes makes me a little happy, even though I dread the silence during the meal.

However, the requests are usually last minute and I usually won't be able to make it and I'd make an effort to arrange for another day. When the day comes, he'd change or cancel the appointment.

His actions really force me to think of him negatively. His actions really made me feel that I'm just someone who will fill his void evenings and, his other appointments (even made at the last minute) are more important than me. Whether his reasons given is really the truth doesn't really matter anymore because I lost faith in him already.

Sometimes I wonder why do I still feel a tinge of sadness when I shouldn't be...maybe subconsciously I do still care for him?

I don't really know anymore..

Resilience

This is an interesting blog to read: A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary

I chanced upon it when I saw Dr Ludwig Tan's entry about a grammatical mistake of a newspaper article.

The author of this blog is actually a PI (not private investigator, its principal investigator) at IMCB! I used to work there a few years ago and PIs are considered the big shots of a research institutes as they drive the research in their labs.

I never would have thought that a person who has a phD is reduced to being a taxi driver. A few other PIs, were asked to leave the institute and I really wonder where they are now. HWJ seems to be the only veteran one there now (and holding his position). My ex-boss is still there.

However, it seems that he is taking it in positive light and sharing the noble profession of a taxi driver.

I'm really quite puzzled why he chose to be a taxi driver. I'm sure with his qualifications, he could have found a more suitable job, at least one that has a reasonable salary. Even though money is not everything, but I'm sure he could do away with a teaching job that would pay much better than a taxi driver.

To a certain degree, he really deserves my admiration. For one, even after he left his profession as a scientist, his passion didn't die with the job, he managed to publish THREE first-tier papers without an infrastructure of a lab. Its really amazing and reflects his passion for science! Kudos to him!

Anyways, browse through his blog, i think you'd find some of his entries quite interesting! =)

Blessed with fabulous friends at school

I started with my first year, first semester with few friends. A lot of friends whom aren't like minded. So most of the time, I was pretty much alone and independent and I dreaded group work.

Second semester got better. I was blessed with people whom I could work with, share ideas, complain about school, work and everything else in the world! Holidays were great too with happy and crazy peeps to colour my life! Not to mention, that during TA, I've forged new friendships and found a new and endearing mummy! =D

This semester, I met another great friend! This was what happened today. Lesson ended at 7.20pm today and even though she didn't bring her handphone, she thought of me. She got another friend to call me and asked if I wanted a lift to the train station.

I really thought it was really sweet of her to go this far for a newly found friend. Oh my, I'm loving her to bits already!!!! =P

I think I'm really blessed. I really am. =)

H1N1 MTV anyone?

This is hilarious! =P

Thoughts for the day...

Today marks the beginning of my 2nd year at NIE. Tuesdays aren't good for me cause I only go to school for a one hour lesson that begins at 8.30am. -_-!!!

That aside, the lecture I attended today is only offered to trainees specialized in the subject. During the lecture, the tutor said that this batch will be the last one doing specialization for the primary track.

I thought it was a pity that this module is not going to be offered anymore as I feel it is going to be very useful in my teaching career.

I guess I should count my blessings to be given this opportunity to do this module and make the best out of it so that I will be fully equipped when I graduate as a full fledged teacher.

Re-setting priorities...

Looks like it, I need to re-adjust whatever I'm doing now.

Its going to be a shiong semester ahead! SEVEN modules (or more?)!

CHIONG ah!!!!!!

In the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy whatever holidays I have now! =)

Miss T is enlightened!

That issue has been bugging on me for a long time and I was wondering how to overcome it. It is especially apparent when I'm in a new environment.

Am glad I got a book that unlocks the reason of my behaviour. Miss T is going to work towards resolving it.

=)

I'm missing them already!!!

I have been dreaming about the kids since Monday!!!! Miss them soo muchie!!!

The past 5 weeks...

The last 5 weeks of experience had been a fruitful one. I feel really blessed to be posted there. New friendships were forged amongst the trainees, good environment and friendly staff. Not forgetting my wonderful science CT who gave me a lot of comments that really helped me improve myself! =)

CTs really play the most important role of the attachment. They are the ones that determine if our learning journey and development is going to be a optimum one.

Thankfully all of us, at this school, had one fabulous CT! We should be blessed and thankful for that! =) I just felt it was a pity that my CT and I only had time to talk about work related stuff. It kinda lacked the personal touch.

I should also thank my English pedagogy lecturer for the wonderful training she provided, so that I was able to deliver wonderful lessons to the kids! ^_*