The joy of a teacher lies in knowing that his students have done well

GCE 'O' Level results were released today. The good news started pouring in just as I was preparing for my Micro-Teaching. All of my students have done well. Indeed the most rewarding day is always the day when I know they all have done well and that their efforts get their deserved results. Another batch of success!! More to come.

To all my ex-students: Congratulations on achieving good results. For those who may feel disappointed because of one grade, don't be disheartened OK. You have done your very best. Remember to maintain an open mind towards learning. All the best!!

A story about Miss A and Mr B

Sometimes I don't understand the complexities of human beings. Let me tell you a story about Miss A and Mr B, two of whom have been pretty irritating to some extent recently. Or at least, I have heard so many not-so-positive comments from so many sources already.

Miss A is pretty much aptly described by being a spoilt child. She likes attention to be placed on her, though she so claims that she never demands for it. (Un)fortunately many people think that she is quite AA. She can get rude with frequency like the MRT train. Really rude. Sometimes, even an emotionless fellow like me can get pretty pissed (silently) by her.

Mr B has been pretty emotionless, as far as I can recall. He just wants to be a simple guy. Many see him as quite a nice guy. He has great aspirations and is smart.

Mr B and Miss A used to behave like loggerheads. But recently, these two persons got close, a little too close for comfort. I don't know if Mr B is blind or something. But then again, should there a chemical reaction, as incredible as it can get, it's nothing too unusual. Afterall, Miss A and Mr B, according to my last update, are SAA. All of us will try our best to offer showers of blessing.

However, a word of caution to Miss A. If it is like what you have said that there is nothing whatsoever between you and Mr B. Then, maybe it is good to distant yourself from Mr B. Don't go on to mislead Mr B, just for the sake of his attention. This is not very courteous.

And of course, a word of advice to Mr B. Change your spectacles. And don't allow your world to collapse to surround Miss A alone.

OK, I am just bored. Don't ask me who Miss A and Mr B are.

Meaningful lyrics

The lyrics:

I don't wanna lose you, I don't wanna use you,
Just to have somebody by my side.
And I don't wanna hate you, I don't wanna take you,
But I don't wanna be the one to cry.

That don't really matter to anyone anymore.
But like a fool, I keep losing my place,
I keep seeing you walk through that door.

But there's a danger in loving somebody too much.
And it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust.
There's a reason why people don't stay where they are.
Baby, sometimes love just ain't enough.

Now I could never change you, I don't wanna blame you.
Baby, you don't have to take the fall.
Yes, I may have hurt you, but I did not desert you,
Maybe I just wanna have it all.

It makes a sound like thunder,
It makes me feel like rain.
And like a fool who will never see the truth,
I keep thinking something's gonna change.

But there's a danger in loving somebody too much.
And it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust.
There's a reason why people don't stay where they are.
Baby, sometimes love just ain't enough.

And there's no way home,
When it's late at night and you are all alone.
Are there things you wanted to say?
Do you feel me there beside you in your bed?
There beside you where I used to lay.


All men are greedy. Get one thing, and yet want to demand for another.

What are the keys to my heart?

This test was recommended by a friend. I think it is pretty accurate.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved. You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage. In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Yet be reminded that when you love someone, don't become emotional. It is very hard to handle. Don't become complicated also. Just be yourself. If there is love, even when you do nothing, there is love. If there is no love, even when you think about everything under the sun and self-console, there is no love.

What age do I act?

This test was recommended by the Bird Queen.

You Act Like You Are 25 Years Old

You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up. The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them.

What Age Do You Act?

She's older than me. She acts like she's 26. Hallo Auntie.

What does my name mean?

What Justin Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

How evil am I?

Here's the weekly quiz item from blogthings.

You Are 56% Evil

You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side. Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.

How Evil Are You?

Weekly Overview (14/1 to 20/1)

Oh no, the week ahead is a very busy one. Got trial Micro Teaching for Chemistry on Tuesday. Then I also have hell a lot of assignments to get done! Can't wait for January to be over.

Haiz... Why is it like that?

One Missed Call

I watched it at Plaza Singapura last night. Satisfaction level = 75%.

Here's the trailer:



From the beginning to the end, there can only be one word to describe the state of the audience - horrified. The main concept behind the movie really evokes a chill in the spine. Imagine having a missed call by yourself from a friend who has just died? In the show, the missed call is post-dated and guess what? The receipent would die on the date and time stated by the missed call. The missed call recorded his or her last words before misfortune struck.

However, the cause of all these misfortune is far-fetched. How can a little girl of 6 years harm so many people? Nonetheless, the scary scenes from the movie have already been worth your ticket price. Go watch it if you have not felt scared for a while.

Wedding Solemnisation of Christina and Oscar

Today is a very good day. According to some feng shui tellers, if you have placed a pot of red flowers in the middle of your living room from 9 am to 11 am this morning, it will help to enhance your level of luck in romance f0r 2008. Too bad if you did not do it! Just kidding.

Back to the serious solemn stuff: My sister Christina officially pronouced herself married today. It is indeed true that all brides are beautiful without exception. And sister, if you have seen this post, do send me some of the photos you have so that I can put them here. Free publicity you know. Everyone will know how beautiful you are in your solemnisation ceremony.

Another man and woman shall live happily ever after. Not an easy path at all. So they must have been very courageous in making this life decision. Nonethless I am sure this union will be blissful.

Marriage is a very serious issue. Somehow I feel that it is more stressful than anything else in the world. Can you imagine making a decision to live with someone ever after? It is such a huge promise! Guess it will not be in the next ten years that I will get married.

Anyway, for those who believe that feng shui can change your luck in love, then examine yourself seriously. You are complicated! Is there a need for such complication? But if you love the complication, then place the pot of red flowers on 18th Jan 2008 from 9 am to 11 am. You have the power of choice!

Cute stuff

This is the best song of the year 2007 by the Chipmunks. Cute!

Life can be good, when you least expect it.

Today is really a happy day. Life has never been this lucky in a while.

When I was just about to leave house for lesson at NIE. I suddenly received a call telling me that the class today has been cancelled. Hurray! This gives me one more day to slack. How lucky can I get? Ha ha

But, Glynn (my friend from NIE) told me that the Maths Tutor wants to see our Lesson Plan next week. Oh no! It's less than halfway done. And so, I decided to multiply my happiness by quickly finishing it up. And guess what, it's done! So stupid. I am writing things that I would never do in a class. Nonetheless, heck it. I finished what is needed.

Then when I was taking a break, someone sent me a photograph:



She said she found this weird looking equipment in a hotel in Taiwan. She asked me what this equipment is used for. Much as I am a gym fanatic, I don't know. Can someone enlighten me?

Overview on the week of 7/1 to 13/1.

Weekly Test: How emo are you?

Every week, I shall take one test from blogthing and publish it on my blog.
This week's test is on "How emo am I?"

You Are 8% Emo

You're the furthest thing from emo. Sensitivity is not something you exactly cultivate... and you can't imagine weeping over song lyrics.

Are You Emo?

Oh no! Even the test says that I am emotionless. How? How? But then everyone else will testify that the test is accurate. Ha ha.



Weekly overview

Damn sian. I have to go back to NIE this week. It has been ages since I last stepped into NIE. Oh man, I am still lacking the motivation to go back. How? How?

My timetable at NIE is as follows

Mon 1230 - 1430 QED582 Tutorial
Tue 0830 - 1030 QCM521 Tutorial (I hate this lesson!)
1030 - 1130 QCM521 Lecture (I don't think I like this either!)
1130 - 1330 QCY522 Tutorial
Wed 0830 - 1030 QED523 Tutorial
1530 - 1730 QCM521 Tutorial (Wonder why I need to attend a sucky lesson twice a week. To worsen it, there is a 5 h break!)
Thu 0830 - 1030 QED582 Tutorial
1430 - 1630 QCY522 Tutorial (4 h break! Why can't start earlier?)


As usual, I will go for my gym classes and jogging.

Mon Going for morning run.
1830 - 1930 Body Pump
1935 - 2035 Body Attack
2040 - 2140 Body Balance
Tue 1830 - 1930 Body Combat
1935 - 2035 Body Step
2040 - 2140 Body Pump
Wed No gym. Going for evening run.
Thu 1910 - 2010 Body Pump
2020 - 2120 Body Combat
Fri No gym. Going for morning run.
Probably slack with Suresh they all in the afternoon.
Meeting Mr Wong for dinner and drinks in the evening.

Wednesday, I will attend my sister's ROM Solemnisation. Congratulations Christina and Oscar. They have finally decided that they are meant for each other. So happy for them! Need to fly down to Amara Hotel immediately after the 0830 class ends. Then must fly back to NIE to attend Blackie's class at 1530.

Very busy week ahead. Good to be busy. This means that time will fly by faster and I will be able to get out of the useless NIE ASAP!

Chalet from 2/1 to 4/1

To start the year in a relaxed mood, we (Suresh, Jerene, Jennifer, Winson and me) went to spend three days in a chalet, away from the civilisation.

Day 1: Many many many rounds of mahjong

We played mahjong from the moment we checked to the next day morning. For almost 16 hours, we played many many rounds of mahjong. I lost money. :( But never mind, they all said my mahjong improved a lot. But they still think I am slow.

Day 2: Cycling and mahjong

We went for a cycling trail from the afternoon to the night. Fun. In the night cycling expedition, Suresh's bike punctured. This added excitment to the expedition. We had to go around to look for a bicycle shop to repair the bike. Jennifer and Winson went cycling first to look for the shop. The victim, Jerene and me was strolling by our bike waiting for their information through the handphone. Along the way, there was a dog that appeared suddenly. This time, Miss Jerene Sim suddenly threw her bike away and hid behind Suresh. According to Suresh, she bit him. The dog continued its way, turning back to look at Jerene in disdain.

Later, the three of us met a very helpful old man. He led us to the bicycle shop. Jerene followed closely behind him. He was leading her through the small alleys, the dark passages and finally reached the destination to have a good time.

Once the bike was repaired, we went cycling along the trail that was supposed to lead to Changi Park. We had a fun time!! And I did not meet with any accident. This means my cycling skill improved again.

Day 3: Wild Wild Wet and endless eating

The highlight of the day is Wild Wild Wet. The first thing we went for is the suicidal slide. Wah sei, the falling down process is very scary. The feeling is akin to jumping off a building. The next thing we did was to have a relaxing float-away in the circular pool. Following that, we went to take a plunge down the two slides. Finally, we went for six rounds of the Family of Five. We took many rounds so that we can get a satisfactory photo. Finally, we went to have fun in the wave pool. It feels like you are in the sea.

After that, Jerene and Suresh attempted to teach me swimming in the pool of Coasta Sand. I am far from being able to swim still. Really got serious psychomotor problem. No matter what, I must be able to swim soon.

First Day

Originally, I am supposed to be going for a mega four hour workout in the gym today. But I did not. Came home just too late (or too early) after new year eve celebration and felt tired. So I spent quite a significant part of day one of 2008 sleeping. 休息是为了走更长远的路。

For those who are attending the BBQ that Suresh and me are organising on friday, I have just confirmed the order for the food and drinks on that evening. I would also bring along a very nice dessert which my mum will help me cook： 薏米腐竹. Do hope that the barbecue will be a success. Must eat more of the dessert!

There will be a chalet tomorrow till friday. Talking about this, Jerene, Suresh and me are pretty disappointed. We all really think that if the people are so reluctant to turn up for the chalet, why bother booking it in the first place? Now that the chalet is here, all sorts of reasons emerge and some people will just pop by. We are all looking forward to having a fun time and then all these have to emerge. It's a spoil sport! It's not for me to judge or anything. But I feel that there is a need to consider how people will feel. Always putting your own feeling first and hecking things through and through really does not help in any way.

Therapy. Therapy. Referring to #4 of my new year plan, I shall just leave this as it is. Guess in the future days to come, hecking care will take over more and more of my way to handle people.

Let's talk about something more comforting and great. I had afternoon tea with my ex-tutee. She is going to be a Mathematics relief teacher at Northview Secondary School. We had tea to talk about teaching. The joy is really fantastic. It is always good to talk to young people. I can sense her enthusiasm in stepping into the classroom tomorrow. Wish her all the best.

I am going to get my good sleep for the night. Shall go for my 4 hour gym session tomorrow.

New Year Plans for 2008

These are the plans I have for 2008.

#1: Better health and fitness level
Health is a big asset in life. I do know of people who hopes to achieve things in their lives but yet could not because of their health. With good health, everything can be done.

You will see me smiling and laughing my days off even when shit falls upon me. I think a happy mentality is the best ingredient in life. It spurs you on.

I will drink less. No choice, alcohol gives me beer belly.


#2: Good development in my career
I have always wanted to be a teacher. This still remains as my wish. Once I get posted to a school, I really want to help more young people. Like I always say, it is easier to help young people than old people. Young people are more likely to listen and make amendemnts accordingly. I hope I will continue to feel needed in my teaching profession.


#3: Establish better rapport with my family
Trust me, only my father, mother and brother know what kind of a person I am exactly. I may not be the perfect son and elder brother, but I am doing my best. So this year, I want to see my family not lacking in anything. I want to see my family happy.


#4: Cherishing people who deserve my attention
All my friends who went through thick and thin with me, I always would cherish them. In 2007, I have learnt a very important lesson: Treat those who deserve my attention well and just don't anatognise those who I shall just keep as acquaintances.

Even if you see me maintaining low profile, it does not mean that I want to shun you. This year, I want to make the best out of my time. The best way to do so is to have a low social profile and channel more energy towards work and to people who are worth my time.

I already have someone in mind. And I think this person already knows. I would continue to be good friends with this person this year. Because I believe this person and I are very independent people who needs a lot of personal space and we do not like any stress.


#5: Financial savings
I am now actively saving up for my own house. Whatever my future is like, I need a house. So this year, my aim for annual savings should be S$XX,XXX.


2008年修身养性之道
我光明正直，我相信自己，我的梦想会实现。
我拥有赚取金钱的智慧，我会富足的。
世上无不散的筵席。朋友不可能时时刻刻在我左右，凡事都应用自己的力量克服。
爱恨要分明。时间宝贵，无需理会的人，就别多加理会。

How did I spend my New Year Eve?

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone had a fruitful 2007 and is looking forward to acheiving greater goals in 2008.

I spent my New Year Eve with Suresh and his group of friends. Glenn was among the group. Suresh was my classmate at NUS and now at NIE too. Glenn was my JC classmate.

The new year eve celebration started with a dinner at Carl's Junior at Plaza Singapura. If you wish to eat there, the advice is just go there with an empty stomach. The serving of the food is elephantine. But take note, the price is proportional to the amount of food you are getting.



After dinner, we went for a movie AVP2 at Cathy Powerhouse. The movie is full of gory scenes. The aliens and predators were happily engaging in their killing spree. It is one of those movies you would use to satisfy your inner desire to execute vioence to the world.



Then, we had a great drinking session at Paradiz Centre. The beer there is cheap. One tower of Tiger beer costs only S$50. As usual, a group of seven guys will not be hesitated to talk over beer.



A nice way to spend new year eve. And I guess I have new friends for drinking sessions in the new year.

Here's cheerios to a great year ahead to all.