Friday, January 30, 2009

CNY '09 in Kuching

Went back Kuching for CNY last Saturday.

Had open house on the first day. Dad catered from one of his Malay colleagues, and the food turned out extremely tasty. I can still taste the juicy beef cubes in my mouth.
It's been years and we've grown, in many ways. haha! Still, I miss the good old days we spent in St Thomas Secondary School.


Fellow Thomians
The best surprise of the day for me was the appearance of Madam Cynthia Maria Zehnder, my secondary school teacher, and one of the great teachers who've been there for me, during my down times. She's in her sixties, and she's still her bubbly old self. Her mum, whose a 'datin' is not very well unfortunately and she has to attend to her needs, rendering little sleep and loads of worries.

Mdm Cynthia & her grandchildren

How well, things were rather busy with only few days to celebrate. Rushing from one visit to another, switching between groups of friends, and wishing holidays were longer.

Got back last Saturday and classes resume as per normal. There are a number of deadlines due in February and I think I should start reading up. Haha!

Posted by jOzACh at 3:03 PM

Friday, January 23, 2009

Quest for HTC Touch Diamond/Pro

Had ICT lesson in the morning, after which some of the Bond members went for a game of squash. Played a game with Ben and lost. Haha! Treated him to Mega Mac lunch. Felt great playing squash again after so long.

Currently slacking in NIE library! Everyone is dreading the long gap between lessons. Here's a peak of what's going on now:

Ben doodling on CangXuan's paper.

Reuben sleeping soundly

Waiting to attend GESL lecture later in the evening. After that, my quest for my new phone commences. I'm not stuck between HTC Touch Diamond or HTC Touch Pro. All thanks to Dad who insist Pro is better than Touch; the price is better too unfortunately! Hopefully, I'll end up with a reliable gadget.

Will be flying back tomorrow night for CNY. Hope it'll be a fun trip back, catching up with family and friends. Sadly, I'll only be back for a short trip. How well, better than nothing I guess.

Officially started tuition with Elaine and Aaron. Quite an enlightening session, I learn new things along the way, especially about dyslexia.

Posted by jOzACh at 3:17 PM

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Tiring day!

Here's a picture of Zhemin, Angela, GuiLian and me. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
p/s Zhemin dislikes taking photos with flashes! Good way to irritate her!

Taa daa! My new GREEN specs! Beautiful! Magnificient!
Still, there were scratches on some part of the rims, and they've agreed to change the frame for me when stock comes in.


Rushed down to get my HTC Touch Diamond, but apparently, there wasn't any stock. Hence, I need to wait till this Friday.

Zoomed over to Orchard to find my hungry sisters, who're patiently waiting for me. Went to Chinatown after that, and the place was crowded. Picture of my Big Sis, whom I respect a lot.

Mother of two sons, she's the Financial Comptroller of Hilton Hotel, Kuching branch. Among all my other foster siblings, I'm closest to her. She's not as square-minded like others her age, which is why I can talk about my dreams without the fear of being put down or criticized.

Aaron came over and practised maths with Elaine today. Wasn't around, so I don't know the progress. I'm really curious at what sparks his sudden interest in studying. hmm...

Chatting with Reuben, my fellow GESL groupmate, and he's one funny fella. Extremely easy to irritate and tease. Haha! Ben pulled a prank on him last Friday, and he took it for real. I was rolling in tears and he still didn't realise Ben was putting up a show.

Alright! It's late and I've got a class tomorrow.

Posted by jOzACh at 12:09 AM

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

HTC Touch Diamond

Stuck in NIE, waiting for GuiLian, Zhemin and Angela to finish their NIE graduation. Sigh, needed to get 'Educational Psychology' book from GuiLian. take some photos with them also of course. Cam-whores!

Then I'll head out to town to hopefully get my new phone. May I not be so fickle-minded! The Sony Ericsson W902 walkman is so cheap now, but my heart has swayed for a smartphone. So far, I'm eyeing HTC Touch Diamond, but I want to have a feel of the phone first before deciding.

HTC Touch Diamond

Once I'm done, I'll go look for Big Sis, who is in town for a meeting. Third sis is staying over with her in Hilton tonight, but I'm not keen. I've got classes tomorrow, sadly.

Aaron called me to tutor him Algebra yesterday. Haha! Feels kinda adorable in some way, to receive a call out of the blue, and being asked to teach him algebra. haha! Maybe he's finally come to his senses.

Wish 4 Desperados would be more serious! Went back school yet again, but still unable to see them as a class. From the feedback I get, they're still fooling around a lot and complaining a lot. WAKE UP! Must you wait till O-level is around the corner, then panicked?

Had an idea yesterday to ask P to follow me back and share with 4Desperados her feelings and takings from O-level the year before. Maybe I can get B to help out as well. Nothings beats real life sharing from fellow peers. But I'll leave that till March or April.

I'm kinda happy that I'm fitting in with my QUE513 Pedagogical Grammar class lately. Besides Wanru, been feeling rather intimidated to be put in a class filled with Literature majors. Haha! They're a fun bunch I must say, though sometimes they talk about literature stuff, which I'm not very familiar with.

*** Oh oh, I forgot I'm supposed to collect my GREEN specs later from Spectacle Hut. Muahahaha!

Posted by jOzACh at 2:52 PM

Monday, January 19, 2009

humbling and learning experience!

Alright, those who've seen me would probably know my hair is now freaking short! I hate to admit it, but I look more like a kid now. DARN! All thanks to the senseless lady, my er jie's new helper in the saloon. She dun seem to understand what you mean by 'trim it a LITTLE!' Sigh! How well, what's done is done!


To my students out there, note that teachers are not perfect beings. We are learning beings still, myself included, and this experience is teaching me to submit to a teacher's protocol, so to speak!


I have to admit that I was extremely angry at the point, so much so that I felt like lashing the lady with mercilessly. But, as usual, I'm not as assertive as I hoped to be. I swallowed my anger and can't wait to get out of the shop.


I was probably fuming but trying to be positive about the situation, I take it as a humbling experience. I have to confessed that I'm very particular about my hair. Up till now, I still long for my old hair style. I don't care if all of you think it's very 'ah beng' but it was something I was proud of.


Sadly, teachers can't keep such hairstyle, especially male teachers. This incident is probably an experience to drill me into a proper teacher. As much as I hate it, it's a discipline I will need to adopt.


In life, there are many things we will have to compromise for the sake of our career and dream. This is one of them. Another example will be uniform. What makes you think I like to wear formally? I prefer my baggy casual wear, but parents will probably be flabbergasted if their child's teacher is a 'hippy' fella. Image and impression is of importance I guess.


***


Ok, enough of my rambling! I've finally reorganized my room and its more spacious now. All I need to do now is greenify this cocoon of mine:

A couple of new additions to my green family:

Lime green Adidas Running Shoes

Dirty green Springfield jacket (Thkx 2 Noel's bday gift voucher!)

Bought a black tee with green PUMA print too! It's got to be green somehow. Haha!

List of future goods to seize:

Posted by jOzACh at 4:49 PM

Friday, January 16, 2009

NIE bond & Collin's Bday!

Ok, I'm pretty much done blogging about the past months.

Anyway, I'm currently in NIE for my one year teacher training. Back to school again I guess. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out NIE system though, as its very different from NUS. Hopefully, I can settle all the schedule problem and work out my external plans. Will be giving tuition to Aaron and Elaine, and perhaps the 4 Desperados, if they want to. I still need to find time to go down Westwood. haha!

Group 9: BOND

Went JB last Monday and made 4 Desperados stickers for them. It was supposed to be a simple task, except the final product of the stickers wasn't up to expectation. The 4 Desperados stickers didn't look as nice as the displayed version and she kept insisting that customers preferred the other version. Well I don't!!!! Andwy, she made anther copy for me, so I'm happy! wahaha!


9 January 2009 - Collin's Birthday!

Went down Westwood to celebrate Collin's birthday which was actually the day before. Gathered for a short celebration @ Pizza Hut since it's CCA Day!

Fido Pizza Hut!

Happy Birthday bro!

Posted by jOzACh at 1:27 AM

dAnCepOInte peepz!

Been hanging around a lot with fellow dancers from Dancepointe!

25 - 27 December 2008

Had our post-concert chalet!

Cam-whoring in the room!

It gets more crowded!

Tired after chalet!
Whilst everyone was still asleep, Rachel, Aaron and I sneaked off and made our way to Changi Airport to have our MacD breakfast! It was one memorable moment for me, who was having his first McGriddle breakfast. I have to say that it was heavenly; I'm so in love with McGriddle. haha!

31 December 2008 - New Year Celebration

Following the chalet, we had our New Year Celebration @ Rachel's place. I didn't take any photos unfortunately. I was too engrossed feasting on the food her parents prepared. I have to admit, and I believe the rest agrees with me, that her dad is one heck of a barbecue chef. The food was marinated and cooked just right. We were so damn impressed! If he opens a restaurant or BBQ outlet, I'll be a loyal patron.

3 January 2009 - Sentosa!

Headed down to Sentosa before everyone gets busy. The weather forecast wasn't pleasant, but we took the risk and went ahead. It turned out fine after all. Fooled around a lot. Played Frisbee, twister, random stunts, etc...

campfire dance?

A game of Twister. Boy, were we twisted!

Aaron and I before tragedy struck! (Limei in the background)

As foretold by the caption. The day didn't really end well. Aaron fell from the rocks harbouring Pahlawan Beach and cut his toe. He had abrasions over his limbs and was pretty much in pain. He teared while an old nurse was treating him, and we felt rather helpless to only be able to comfort him.

Tragedy! Casualty!


I brought him to Westpoint Hospital after we had dinner. It's better to have it checked up by specialist in case of infection. He took two stitches which cost a bomb. I wished I recorded the whole scene, where he was pretty much screaming and tearing and laughing. Odd huh!

Smiling in bed after the anaesthetic and stitches!

I wished the incident didn't occur but accidents do happen. I had to face his parents and explain the whole thing. It didnt help that his dad was not feeling well. How well, glad that everything's fine!

HongKong Cafe dinner!

Posted by jOzACh at 12:26 AM

Thursday, January 15, 2009

the return! (Part two)

Okay, i missed out quite a number of stuff prior to Part One, which i should blog so I can reminisce about it next time.

My brother's daughter, Victoria, came over and stayed with us for less than a week during the school holidays. I was rather excited because I don't get to see her very often. She lives in KL, where my brother and her wife operates a photocopying company.

She's very quiet, unlike my other nieces and nephews. She was rather shy with me in the beginning, sticking closely to my k-ma, but slowly, she got acquainted with me. Elaine and Vic and I played games of monopoly and all forms of childish games you can think of. I was kind of amazed how easily entertained and playful she can be.

Brought her and Elaine out to play while she was in town.
Changi Airport: w the teddy bear i bought her!

Fooling around in IKEA!


Puppet show @ IKEA!

Having Mickey-shaped pizza @ Disney


10 December 2008 - Magical Wonders Concert


Dancepointe had their Magical Wonders Concert in December. It was mostly ballet performances, with tinge of hiphop flavours. Joined Dancepointe in Oct 2008.

I was rather impressed by ballet, though I'm not a fan of it. It takes discipline to train and great sense of aptitude to be able to emit an aura of beauty. How well, I'll stick to hip hop! haha!

Got to know the rest of Dancepointe dancers better - the dolls and robots!

Was rather stressed to had to do a solo routine. Only got to know about it two days before concert. Worse yet, I didn't my solo right during tech runs and full dress rehearsals, so you can probably imagine how stressed out I was during the real show. Thankfully, I didn't mess up during the show, though I kinda regretted doing 'krump.' The music was too fast for me to emote krump feel to it.

Santa's Gift Item

The dolls

The rabbits!

James: Puss in the Boot!

James is one adorable kid! he plays Puss in the Boot, who's sent on a mission to look for Shrek's sweetheart. In one scene, he was supposed to fall asleep in a magical forest! Lo and behold, he ACTUALLY fell asleep on stage. Good thing it was only a tech run. haha!

Posted by jOzACh at 4:11 PM

The Return! (Part One)

Okay okay, so I've been 'MIA-ing' since end November.
A lot of things happening since my last post.
Let's see!
12-14 December 2008 - Agape Retreat '08

Had Agape retreat @ Austin Hill Golf Club, Johor Bahru.

Goodness, the rooms were humongous! You can probably judged for yourself from the picture below. There were two king-sized beds and space was ample. Heck, Barnabas and Roy tried to play tennis in the room, only having hit poor me twice. Here comes the best part - the rates per night in the club is only RM190.

Agape forming a line to demonstrate how spacious the room is.

Oh, did I mention that the club has very nice jacuzzi, spa, etc...

Now here comes the sad part!

I didn't get to enjoy any of them b'cos I was down with fever and flu. I spend most of the time sleeping. Still, I tagged along and did my part in bargaining our taxi rides between destinations. Seriously, those taxi drivers are out to kill. They'll probably charged you double or triple the normal rates.


16 December 2008 - 2Crappy BBQ & Marcus Bday!


Amidst recovering from my illness, I dragged my feet all the way to East Cost Park to join 2Crappy's class BBQ!!! I had every intention to excuse myself from it (hello, I'm a sick!!!), but thankx to Zoe and company's persistence, I made my way down after all. You peepz just want the 50bucks right? hmph!

Coincidentally, it was also Marcus of 3Doodles's birthday. Thankx to CheeHong and Jason who came and dragged me over. It was good to see my students again in their true form. Haha! The 'Ah Lian' and 'Ah Beng' genes sprouting out as if it's so cool somehow. Haha!


Sorry, no pictures as I've not fully recovered, and wasn't in the mood to cam-whore!


17 December 2008 - FAINTED!!!


This is probably a day I'll never forget! And I hope I'll never experience it again!

I FAINTED IN THE MRT~!!! Who would have thought of it. Apparently, I had not been eating much since the chalet, resulting in low sugar level.

Lesson learnt: Always always eat your meals on time, even if you don't feel like it!!!


22 - 24 December 2008 - Family Chalet


My foster family was in town and we went Downtown East to bond. Booked two chalet but sadly, my third sister had to work. Celebrated by nephew's birthday as well.

Jeanie, Kelly, Ashley, Anthony and Victoria

It was tiring having to take care of them as they run around in Wild Wild Wet. Elaine and I were exhausted handling them, maybe even frustrated! haha! How well, it was fun and it's only once a year!

Posted by jOzACh at 2:23 PM