Planet Shakers is amazing I tell you. You guys really have to try to catch them before Saturday.



I'm so glad I sneaked off tonight for the concert. Once in a lifetime experience. Think I really needed that revival.



























Gosh...I am so tired. Just got off campus tour. Boy do my legs ache. There is main comm meeting in 10minutes. Everyone is just so tired and running on nothing but responsibility or adrenaline.



I spent the whole of today with programme. After the MOE debrief this morning, I headed straight back to hall to help out with Cluedo and Campus Tour, which by the way, were back to back. I'm so shacked out but too afraid to touch the bed, in case I never wake up in time for the next deadline. Guess you get the picture.



But each day just gets more exciting and surprising. My flaggers never fail to surprise me with their spirit and smiles. I swear they have changed my mind that this hall is not headed downhill. The freshmen-well, letz just say I see lots of hope. With people like Ben's bro and many other siblings of active residents around, I think we can safely say that Eusoff will be around for a long time to come.



Sigh. Till then, letz hope my flag routes are fine and flag day runs efficiently.



























Probably in the flurry of attachment and orientation planning, I forgot to blog about the most exciting thing!



FRESHMEN HAVE FINALLY CHECKED IN!



Yea, they are pretty hot and damn spunky. Lots of spirit, smiles and energy. Let's hope they remain that way all year. I mean after one lousy batch, you are gona need many more good batches to make up for lost time.



Oh and hot off the press. Master f***ed up again. He suddenly called off the adventure camp and insisted that all freshmen and EHOCers troop back to hall in accordance to OSA ruling while seniors can stay behind to play the rope games. I mean like seriously 40 seniors doing belaying all day and night? And he blew 7k on this shit while scrimping on flag?



Bullshit. I swear if we loose this shield, I will kill him personally.



























Well my attachment may be over, but I actually dragged myself out of bed to go down to school early to help dress the Malay dancers for Appreciation Day. Its Woodgrove's version of prize giving day except that they had a Minister of State as a Guest of Honour and they were not just giving away presents but having a march pass, showing off their own HOPE water and launching their green projects.



It was really cool to just mix around the kids and joke about the how the PRC dancers were so not hot or that the ELDDS was barely audible and oh so haughty. haha...Gossip between teachers or students..guess its all the same. Thatz the beauty of being on attachment- you fall nicely in between the lines of teacher and student. PRobably why I still call my colleagues "Ms. Thia" and "Mr. Lee" instead of by their first names.



Haha guess there are still stuff to get used to. Sob Sob.



























Lasy Day of School and I'm really sad. I was really beginning to love Woodgrove. Both teachers and students have been amazing. And its not even because we are almost here on a critical evaluation of the school but more cuz they are genuinely nice people.



Most of the teachers pooled in their resources to give us a small good bye treat as well as many words of wisdom. It was really wonderful to see another side of teachers people often miss.



The project went perfectly. We came up with a 27 page report. Quite a feat considering Ben and I have been running back to hall and to school every morning. The principal and VPs were surprisingly receptive to the changes we proposed as well as the feedback of the teachers and students. It was quite an experience to say the least.



If you ask me, I would like this to go on forever. But I guess, that why I am going to be a teacher in 3 years rite? Just need to find a way to balance out the social life as well and wham I'll have my perfect life. Haha



























I do possibly think I have found my quintessential teacher-idol.



After 2 weeks of observing Mr. Lee Wee Chee's lesson, the HOD of English at Woodgrove, I have to say that the man is amazing. At first glance, he does strike one as a tad gay with his figure hugging pants, well tucked in shirts and a shiny belt to boot. He even has a pair black rimmed spectacles to complete the ensemble as the personofication of artzyness. Oh but as I later found out when snooping around at his table, he is actually happily married to a with 2 kids. And yes, he married a woman.



But really you should see him in the classroom. Its the enrgry he emits and the way the students respond to him. He doesn't make his students greet him with a standard "good morning" but rather makes them give their class a name and shout it out at the start and end of the lesson as an affirmation. For instance, amongst the Secondary 4s, they are banded for English and he teaches the lowest band of E8s and F9s. When he asked them to rename themselves, they decided to call themselves "Band 1"-the creme de la creme of the school. As I walked into the class and was met by such enthusiastic cheering, I was really amazed at how well Mr. Lee had controlled his class.



He made English so enjoyable with his jokes as student and teacher engaged in hilarious banter while learning oral examination skills. Yes, I know these are students who can barely string a sentence together without stammering, and now here they are in an actual conversation. To teach them summary, he thought them how to rephrase words by creating a cloze passage where they had to fill in e blanks but each blank had the first letter of the answer in it. Even Ben and I raced to see who can finish it first with the most correct answers. All for the prize of Chupa Chups.



Mr. Lee's the bomb man. Tis a pity that he is going to be transferred to MOE next year. He's really my idol for now. Someone I truly aspire to be. If I could even make a fraction of an impact that he makes with the students, I think I would have my aim of teaching. Really. You have to see this guy in action to understand.



























Gosh do I know what Rachel means by tired. Running back to hall every day after school for flag and numerous meetings then rushing to sch early every morning is seriously taking a toll on me. Meetings are always as late as 11pm and end at around 1am. I have to be up at 5.30am every morning as I have to take 2 buses and 2 MRTs to school. I leave hall at 6.05am every morning and only reach Woodgrove at 7.12am on the dot. Sheesh.



And I am still expected to do so much in work and hall. Cut me some slack guys. I really need some sleep. I don't mind doing work. Just let me have at least 6hours of sleep every night guys. Thatz all I ask. I'm sorry if I have snapped at you unnecessarily. Lack of sleep does not go down well with me.



Hang in there Lav! At least everything that you are doing is fun!



























Being part of the committee that is organizing Racial Harmony Day has really been an enriching experience. It was really an eye opener to actually play the part of a real teacher and have to manage events as well as teach. I've always been told that teaching is usually only 30% of a teacher's job but to actually see it and experience it first hand is a whole new ballgame.



Organizing Racial Harmony day is not just about getting the students to come to school on the 21st of July in ethnic wear but to also educate the students on the importance of Racial Harmony. It was rather surprising to note that some of the teachers in the National Education Committee did not even know why Racial Harmony Day was on the 21st of July every year. They remember having racial riots in the past but never knew exactly when. It really made me wonder if History teachers in the past and present are actually making their point across or are simply glossing over facts. Moreover, Woodgrove seems to have barely any History classes in the upper secondary level so that perhaps explains the lack of knowledge amongst the students.



As I helped Mrs. Faizah this morning to administer the NE Quiz to the students, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people taking such a keen interest in national education though many declared to have grouses with the government. What was even more intriguing was the fact that many of them actually had no real grouses about living conditions in Singapore. They did not find the pace of life too stressful or expensive and treasured racial harmony to a great extent. It was certainly heartwarming to see such a satiated community, considering we seem best at complaining.



In fact there was this question on the quiz about the level of racial and social cohesion in Singapore and if the minority races felt alienated. Now if I had been answering that quiz, my answer would have been an automatic yes-probably a 6.5 out of a scale of 1-10 with 10 being extremely alienated. But you know what the Malay kids answered it as? 1.3-Completely satisfied. Now is that interesting or what? And before you start writing this off a school with a predominant Malay community so they must naturally be satisfied, think again-for a neighbourhood school, Woodgrove actually has less than its fair share of Malays especially in a community like Woodlands which has so many Malay families.



It was certainly this fervor in the students that later led me to convince Mr. Adrian Quek and Mr. Neo Soon Seng, the two other teachers on the comm with us, to not do away with the wearing of ethnic costumes and to actually hype up Racial Harmony Day a little by serving traditional food in the canteen, sharing sessions by the senior teachers in school on their experiences during the riots and even to screen the video on the racial riots. Ben and I even volunteered to buy prizes for the best dressed classes. I don’t think I recall planning being so much fun though Mr. Quek and Mr. Neo seemed visibly tired from the teaching load and organizing activities. I suppose that is why teacher sometimes burn out and fail to champion their causes, for even if they are sufficiently convicted about the success of their plans, they lack the energy and the support base. Perhaps if the school could hire co-coordinators to see to the running of these ad-hoc activities like Racial Harmony Day, Oxygenated Water project etc, a burden would be lifted off the shoulders of the teachers, who can then focus more on the students and perhaps their own lives.



It's true that its these common experieces bond the teachers, but I really think its burns them alot more. You should have really seen how tired Mr. Quek and Mr. Neo were that they were more than willing to just throw in the towel when the VP began to attack their proposals with lots of doubts. I suppose thatz what Ben and I offered-youthful fervour. Wonder if I will always be able to have this. Actually its kind of amazing to think that with all the responsibilities back in hall and church, I still have the energy to go to do all this. Well truth be told, my social life has taken a tumble but hey its cool nonetheless.



























At the risk of making a substantial faux pas , I have to to say this.







My principal is RACIST!







Yes, you heard right. Apparently, there is racial bigotry in Singapore schools. It's not just a rumour but a proven fact. Hmmph. Well before I hurl wonton accusations, let me explain my case.



Upon coming to WGSS, Ben and I realised that despite having the most beautiful soccer field in any secondary school in Woodlands, WGSS did not boast of having a soccer team at all. Kinda weird rite? Considering they had no lack of Malay boys or soccer enthusiasts. So for the past week, we've been going around the school, interviewing teachers and students on the reasons for the omission of this CCA. Teachers attributed it to a lack of a teacher who was willing to take over as the teacher in charge. Others said that the school could not afford a coach etc. Then today we found out the truth from a HOD who coincidentally has a soft spot for us, considering he was an ex-Josephian himself. (Ben's a Josephian and I'm an IJ gal-its kinda weird but yea the only two in the scholar batch to went to bro-sis mission schools have been posted to the same school)



The principal of WGSS, whom I decline to name to protect her privacy, thinks that soccer tends to be a predominant Malay sport and the boys always get into fights outside schools with the soccer boys from other schools. So she decided, that since Malays are already the weakest racial group academically in WGSS, why give them more reasons to slack off and be deviant? They should focus what little attention they have on their studies.



Now this is just warped logic as far as I am concerned. Yes, she may have been an educational officer for many years but this is just plan racism and generalization. Ever thought that playing soccer could be a reward or an incentive for them? For some them, this is all they are even going to be good at, no matter how much you push them academically. The principal has invested so much money into the basketball team for she believes them to be less agressive and beliggerent which is plain weird cuz basketball is a contact sport. In addition, she is very aware that basketball seems to only draw a Chinese crowd and she claims that they will fight less and be less deviant.











So soccer is more agressive than basketball?







No.











So Chinese boys don't fight while Malay boys do?







No.











So only Chinese boys know the spirit of sportsmanship?







No.











Ludicrious. Simply atrocious. Even Ben was outraged at this blatant racism. And he is a Chinese boy mind you.



I have such a good mind to include this in my report to MOE on the school. Hmpph.



























Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,




Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,




Pre-Chorus


Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,




Chorus


I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am..
I am Yours.




Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,




Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,




Pre-Chorus


Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,




Chorus


I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.




Bridge


I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.




























Well in the spirit of celebrations, it was darling Rachel's Birthday on Thursday. We totally surprised her with a party as she really thought we all forgot and were too busy with EHOC and work. So we gathered all EHOCers together on the pretext of it being a full comm meeting when suddenly, Clement, Addie, Siding, Jason and I walked in with a birthday cake and a bevy of presents! haha



And in case you are wondering, yes, we were using the Blue Oyster illegally. haha Anyway, more photos are here.





Happy Birthday Rach!





We love you!





Best pals a girl could ask for. Too bad Feng Yi, Lorraine and Tian couldn't make it.



























Just when you think, you are perfectly clear on what you can and cannot do, you realise how wrong you are.



In an amazing stroke of luck, I won my first gold medal in a track event today as I came in first in the staff race. You see, today was Sports Day in Woodgrove Secondary. It was a long day to say the least with school in the morning and Sports Day in the mid-afternoon at Woodlands Stadium. Ben and I seriously considering giving it a miss or just popping by for a while when we were suddenly told after assembly that we had been slotted for duty. So there I went, sitting in the tentage gossiping with the other teachers and checking out the rather hunky atheletes. :)



Then suddenly I heard my name being called out through the microphone to be part of the Staff Race. It was totally spontaneous as I was bullied into running by the HOD of PE,Ms Phyllis Thia, my mentor, Mrs. Mazlinda Haikel and all the other Humanities teachers. You see, silly me had time to go home and change to a comfy pair of shorts, tshirts and sports shoes so well I was kinda really dressed to run eventhough all I did was be a timekeeper.



So I thought fine, I would just do it to stop them from nagging. But they kept encouraging me and saying how I had such nice long legs meant for running and I must be good at it despite my strongest protests that I abandoned all my atheletic and sports pursuits in secondary school after a life changing experience in Secondary 4. And even then I played ball not run. And to think later the Humanities and English department had a fight over which team Ben and I should run. Haha Oh and in case you are wondering if I was running against extremely old folks, well you're wrong. Since it is a pretty new school, most of the teachers are in the mid to late twenties and the principal is by far, the only ancient relic there.



But I think the most important lesson I learn today, was the realisation in the power of believing in someone and how it can create success. More reasons to be a teacher. Just when you think you keep giving, you realise how much you are actually receiving. Students applauding you, teachers congratulating you and my first gold medal in track to hang in the showcase. (look below)



Excellent. I could really get used to this.



My new pride and joy
































He's been posted to my uncle's firm.



Why do the gods play with us so?



Sigh.



























Gosh when people say busy, they sure as hell must have meant the past few days I've been living. I've been so busy, even sleep is a luxury which is really scary. It is almost like as if school has started all over again and I'm rushing from lecture to lecture to DnD to lots of readings. And this is supposed to be my holidays. Sheesh.



Birthday Soiree


It was excellent to say the least. Lots of people came. Thanks guys! Relatives weren't too embarassing. Church friends were incredibly zany and funny as usual. JC peeps didn't manage to come in full force but I really appreciate those that did. Hall friends were amazing with all their wonderful presents and smiles. Really miss you guys!! The cousins were amazing to stay over, help decorate and clean, BBQ together and have an excellent long weeked over the youth day holiday. I don't think I ever realised how much I loved my friends and family and that they were always there for me. Not to mention all the lovely pressies and hongbaos.



Well I guess all the planning and running around was worth it, though I have my mum to thank for everything cuz she went out of her way to make sure the food, cake, drinks, tables, chairs, guests etc were comfortable and carefully selected. So although, she says there will be no more functions for a long time to come, I just have to say you're super mum!!



Local Scholar's Mid Course Attachment


Well as you would realise, I'm typing this while in Woodgrove Secondary for my attachment. In a twist of fate, I ended up getting a school that is a stone's throw from my place and got partnered with Ben and this other girl. However, the other girl had to postpone her attachment as she was unable to come back in time from her SEP.



So just imagine, Ben and I slacking around in Woodgrove. Everyone is really great here. So friendly and helpful. There is really not much to do besides:



1. Reflections every 3 days on our learning points and experiences.


2. A Humongous project on cultivating a Centre of Excellence in the Design of Teaching and Learning in the school.


3. Lots of interviews of students, teachers, HODs


4. Observe lessons as and when



So yea, its kinda slack as compared to the rest of the scholars. Guess we got lucky. Yesterday, Ben and I actually had to ask for work to do. Can you imagine? And we have been in school for less than 4 hours and we have already had 2 meals today which the principal treated us too. (She treated us yest too). I guess this is why they don't pay you. Haha We actually left school at 1.20pm yesterday cuz we had nothing to do. Crazy huh? So we felt guilty today and asked for relief periods and more work cuz we were spending more time talking to each other than anything. Oh and Ben has a crazy idea to start a soccer team in the school. Cuz this school has the most amazing soccer field in woodlands but no school team. How ludicrious is that?



So here we are- two bored scholars who played Boggle, Scrabble, Table Soccer and raided the kitchenette all in one day and are now freeloading off the school's computers. And hey before you label us slackers, We already completed our project proposal and are gona meet the VP later to present it. Haha



EHOC


Life is just full swing now. So much work to do and the small team size is really getting to us. Especially with Gerard and Sipei not around. And now that I am on attachment, I cant help but worry too. Master is being an ass as usual and expecting us to cut our budget to half cuz in his words "its not important to win this year since we had it for 3 years in a row already". What an imbecile. Fundraising is even harder given that carwashes are illegal now and lots of other activties need too much manpower. Sigh. We'll just have to pray I guess.



Miscellanous


Well in other news, though I've been so busy, I've been able to watch lots of movies, catch up with old friends, church friend etc. Its really crazy but the more tired you are, you just end up pushing yourself, rather than restinh. Afterall, hanging out with good friends is fun!!



Oh and the strangest thing happened yesterday. After an early day in school, I was taking 969 back from Woodlands Interchange to my house and was eagerly anticipating a much needed nap on my bed. But the strangest thing happened as I got off the bus and was walking to my condo gate. This PJC guys approached me and told me I was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and wanted to have my number. And he just stood there raving on and on about me, leaving me completely speechless. So since I was all decked in my teacher clothes, I decided to be all pedagogical on him and told that I was quite sure that I was much too oldfor him when he retorted that that was not a valid point and he would really like to call me if I was not attached.



On hindsight, I should have lied but I whimpered a no and gave him my number. I was just so flustered and terrified at that moment, all I wanted to do was run away. But no worries, when he called later, I plucked up the courage to tell him that I was really not interested but very flattered. But he kept going on and on about how he is from RI and actually 20 already cuz he was retained for quite a bit. But I think I successfully pushed him away and I sure hope he doesn't call again.



Well so much else has happened but till then, I'm gona help Ben type the proposal out. Tata!



























Oh Jem, you don't know how much I need you now. I know I promised I would take care of the youth when you left to study in Australia, but there is trouble now and I don't think I can handle it. Why of all times do you have to be on holiday in New Zealand now?



It's your brother, Jem. And our good friend, Shawn. Please come back soon dude. I don't seem to know what to do and you always do.



Sigh. I was so tempted to email you tonight but I don't wana spoil you holiday. You realise deserve it after such a bad semester. Just do hurry back Jem. Please!



























I don't think I could have spent my birthday in any better way. I was with the people I loved and who genuinely loved me. To me, that was all that mattered.



Though it initially seemed as if it was going to be a really depressing day especially considering that my IJ friends are away, hall friends were missing in action and the CJ pals were either on holiday, SEP or just too busy, I was beginning to wonder how exactly I was going to spend my 21st birthday. Never mind the big party that is happening next Sat, what about my actual birthday? But then two groups of people really surprised me-my church friends and cousins.



I know that neither of them will be reading this but thanks Terrence, Chye, Ben, Jerald, Joanna & Anne for a wonderful lunch and movie. You guys made me appreciate the simple things in life and your company was definitely more than fantastic. Thanks dear cousins and AC friends for that crazy party last night. Rest assured I will not be drinking a blowjob again for a long time. Haha



Sometimes, its so easy to forget who you really are or what being happy is about when you are in a world full or earthly and secular desires. You just want and want but forget what you really need. But eventually, you will remember what used to make you smile and actually still does. It's not just about that physical smile but about the warm fuzzy feeling in your heart and stomach. You feel energized and body is on an adrenaline rush. Then, you realise what your life is about.



Happy Birthday Lav. Welcome back. :)



























I guess everyone seems to be jumping on the band wagon. Wonder when I'm going to stop this walk and join the ride. Perhaps when I am finally sick of walking and filled with fatigue.



Sometimes I feel like I missed the station where they handed out the tickets for entry into the band wagon. It's like I overslept and missed the issuing of tickets. I guess everyone got one and used it whenever they felt they wanted to stop walking and join the ride.



Maybe mine will one day curiously appear. After all, stranger things have happened.



























AHhh....what a WONDERFUL break. Can't help but gush over how recharged, energized and robust I feel once again. Now this was the break I was searching for all year.



Church Youth Camp


To say it was fun would be an understatement. Lots of giggles, wet games and late night gossip sessions were more than enough to make me feel 16 all over again. It was really crazy but so refreshing to put aside all the mundane juvenile and crazy expectations of people, and just let loose and learn about God. 3 days of non stop action, insufficient sleep and insane antics were definitely a memorable experience. Of course there were small bleeps like the rivalry at games and the small fights amongst the younger ones but all in all, it was all good.



Oh and did I mention the Neos? I guess a large part of why I loved the camp so much was the fact that we were back to our crazy selves, just horsing around and enjoying each other's company. Sometimes I think the only reason I am still in church is because of them. Imagine a whole family of almost 20 cousins forming the bulk of my youth group. All 20 cousins in one clique with a few others of non-Neo lineage like Joanna, Shawn and I. As I lay in bed with them just talking about old days, I realised how much I missed them. And even if Sam and Tim weren't around, they sent their brothers instead which was more than enough. I suppose that is what being bonded in God's love is about.



Getaway to Penang


What started out as a trip with many misgivings turned out to be the exact opposite. From the start, as 60 cars drove up together as a convoy to Penang, I knew this holiday was going to be different. For instance, we had 9 policecars escorting us from Kedah to our hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang and they even did the same on the return trip out of Penang. Imagine police officers stopping traffic just so our convoy could pass thru. Then, we had superb service at Holiday Inn as we were treated to sumptious buffets, local cuisine and even local cultural shows every night. We even had this crazy sarong party when they surprised all the June babies by cutting a cake and giving us a free makeover voucher. Oh and for the second time in my life, I won smth in the lucky draw- a $109 Adidas watch which Sharmaine is still begging me for.



In addition, the craziest thing happened on the trip. My mum met her old schoolmate who is coincidentally married to my dad's client. (Yes,they were on the trip with us). And to top that off, their Secondary Four form teacher, Ms. Schooling, was also part of the convoy! Imagine that. Then get this, during all the tours, Wheels Asia (the organizing club of this driving holiday) rented buses for us to board to the various tourist attractions. And I ended up being Ms. Schooling's partner. Haha It was so crazy to be bonding with my mum's teacher! Seriously, there was a ludicrious amount of IJ gals on that tour-my mum, Aunty Francina (mummy's long lost friend)and her 2 daughters, Ms Schooling, Sharmaine and I. Now is that coincidence or what?



So as you would expect, Aunty Francina's daughters got along really well with Sharmaine and I and we spent almost every waking moment together eventhough they were younger than us. My dad too retreated into his male bonding days as he and his friends had jet ski matches, waterpolo fights etc. Interestingly, I got minimal shopping done as we spent so much time sight-seeing and going for shows but from what I did buy, I seriously have to reccomend EVERYONE to go to Penang. Everything there is SUPER cheap. Even cheaper than K.L. I recall a Dior wallet I saw at K.L that I resisted buying cuz it was S$12 at its cheapest but in Penang, it was only S$6. Can you imagine???



Ahh well...recharged as I am, I have a ton of work to do back in Singapore. SEP, Flag, MOE attachment. Guess I really needed that break after all.



























Well, in about 7 hours I am going to be at my church youth camp. This will probably be the last post this week as I jet off for my camp tmr and to Penang on Thursday. There is almost no time to breathe in between. Haha



I should really be sleeping now. Or at least trying to maximize the amount of shut eye I can get, for I forsee a long week of late late nights. But for some reason I can't. Maybe I'm excited. Haha Don't think I have been excited about anything in a long time. Its almost the first time I am more excited than relieved that an event is finally here. haha



Perhaps it was all the work we did today after church to prep for camp. I was really amazed at how well the camp committee worked together without any friction or complaints. Well that is the power of prayer and God. It can gel like no other. So much for believing in your own strength. We are afterall God's creations. Guess the camp is really getting to me huh?! Haha



Well till then. Adios.



























Gosh am I tired. Its been a LONG LONG day to say the least. Let's see, firstly I was awakened by the noisy din that the contractors were making in my toilet. Yea, my mum is having our toilets renovated. You see the theme for all my home is wood furnishings and our interior decorator made it such that even our toilet cabinets and finishings were made out of wood. On hindsight, it is probably kind of silly to have wood in the toilet which is why just 2 weeks ago, the door of the cabinet in my mum's bathroom fell of its hinges.



Interestingly, just 2 days later, they were fumigating my place when they informed us that the 2 palm trees outside my and my neighbour's house was infested with termites. Well no surprises on the massive paranoia my mum went into and insisted my dad revamp all the toilets to have no more wood in them. So hence the great din I have been living in. Ideally, I would have fled back to hall so as to enjoy some peace and quiet but I was given the responsibility of making sure Claudia didnt run around everywhere and get in the way of the foremen. Therefore, I had to stay home.



So anyway they finally finished today after 3days of work and my mum set off on a giant cleaning spree to make sure the house was spick and span again. I, on the other hand, had to finish the last bit of shopping for camp stuff with Jerald and Ben. After that, I had to come home and start writing and addressing all the invitations for my birthday. You see, considering that I am going to be at camp from Mon to Wed and am flying off on Thursday, I don't really have much time to give out invitations until I return on the 21st. So all the planning and stuff needs to be done early. Hence, I spent all afternoon and evening cutting and glueing invitations together. I've only completed the invites for the church peeps and all the cards for the relatives have yet to be addressed. There are still the friends and stuff. Sigh. Who knew a party could be so much work!!



Moreover, on top of all this birthday planning, I have to squeeze in time to do stuff for the youth camp as I am helping consolidate the grouping and stuff. Can you believe I am so sick of SMSing? Cuz every few minutes there will be some update or some weird emergency and my fingers just ache from all that pressing. Its almost as if school's not over. I sleep at 3plus every day and wake up at 11ish. Sigh. Well at least therez the comfort of the August break. But what's most important is that I am enjoying doing all this. Guess its bringing back the meaning in life..or at least what it used to mean for me. And thatz real good.



I've come to think that maybe all this while I've been trying to tango to a salsa tune which is why it has been going all wrong. Its like what I told Rach a few weeks back..the priorities are all wrong. Maybe I am not mature or intelligent enough to be at the stage that all of them are at. Maybe I just value my independence too greatly. Maybe I have yet to be shrouded by the myopia of love and clingy relationships. Just maybe. But I sure as hell remember the years before NUS when I knew so many people who were and still are just like me.



I guess its an IJ gal thing. Sharmaine just mentioned earlier about how she met a girl at CCA today and how they instantly clicked and only later realised they were both from IJ. Maybe we've been taught to be ourselves too much. Its like we were in this closed up utopia where there were no malicious hypocrites, gossipy men or for that matter men at all and whiny clingy females. Oh.. those were glory days. Of course there were fights and relationships but never as weirded out as what they are now. Sheesh.



But I think life is about change and experiences. You have to be open to them if you want to grow. Just don't let them usurp your identity. Then you will be nothing but a meaningless pawn in the hands of fate. I guess then the challenge is to be discerning- to know when to hold on and when to let go. Its not really about knowing yourself or what you want but about going for it. Sometimes I wonder if I will be like 'them' one day- all sallow and false. Who can say. Cuz if I knew, I wouldn't have to go to bed now in order to wake up for church tmr. There would be no need for a God then, would there?



























BOSTON LEGAL STARTS TONIGHT!!



woohoo! :)



























Well just another lazy day spent lounging around at home. It feels good to just relax eventhough there is a ton of work to do for flag,church,SEP etc. I finally watched all the episodes of Smallville Season 4. I had downloaded the entire series during last semester but for some reason did not watch much of it. Guess now that just leaves me literally begging for the new seasons of Gilmore Girls, Smallville, One Tree Hill, The OC, Desperate Housewives and whatever else to begin again.



Hopefully by the time I arrive in the US, filming would have started. Until then, I wonder what I am going to be surviving upon to keep me alive these holidays. Maybe the new series, Lost, or CSI? Oh and did I mention that I watched 4 episodes of CSI on AXN today? 2 CSI Miami, 1 CSI New York and the regular CSI Las Vegas. Sweet satisfaction. Really needed the boost after I realised last night that the current season of Boston Public is the last season. First The Practice and now Boston Public? What is happening to David E. Kelley? Well I sure hope they show Boston Legal on Channel 5 soon. I need at least one law drama to keep me alive.



Gosh I am such a TV junkie. Guess that happens when you don't have much of a social life and for some reason have lost your drive to do anything. I was clearing up some files on my desktop at home today when I found this entire folder of our MSN logs as well as logs of MSN conversations I had with various people about us. I guess on some level it made me all weak again. Remembering the things you did. Remembering my initial skepticism and eventual belief. Realising my stupidity. Sometimes I really wish I was a guy and could discard feelings at a drop of a hat. I can't even bring myself to delete that folder of MSN logs. How pathetic is that. I think its high time I take control. I used to leave it to time but apparently it has done nothing but more damage. Buck up Lav. You need to wake the hell up and get your life together. And stop procrastinating. Really.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like 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 precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

Although I wouldn't really call the above the "keys to my heart" but it is kind of scary though as most of it is true. Well at least the rationale behind my beliefs is even if my actions don't seem to correspond accordingly. Perhaps this quiz explains why I always seem to go for intellectual rebels. Try it!



























Ahhh...such a refreshing change. I finally got down to changing my blog layout. The previous one was just getting too depressing and sallow.



This skin looks different on explorer, netscape and mozilla but to see it in its perfect form, use explorer. Well until then, let's see how long this one serves to intrigue me.



























Flag is officially on its break but I have been swarmed with work. My church's youth camp is next week and there are like a million things to do. On top of that, there are so many loose ends to tie up for flag. But well it sure beats leading some aimless boring holiday.



Anyway I have been spending the past 3 days hooked on MTV and have come to realise how so many male artistes love to sing sappy love songs about unrequitted love or a break up. Why is it that its usually the guys that sing of pain and make the girl out to be some vicious ingrate? So often in reality, its the girl who is left in tears and pain as the guy moves one within weeks. It's just so strange.



And while we are at it, why are there so many songs about love? I mean seriously is there absolutely NOTHING else to sing about except love and sex? Great beat, catchy words..whatever man. Do all songs have to be about the celebration or pain of love? How about singing about life, freedom or any other entity other than love? I know musical inspiration comes back from real life events and what is more universal than love but seriously, we really need to take a break from all this mushy crap.



This just reminds me of why I refused to listen to many songs during the exam period and restricted my song selection to loud, danceable and meaningless songs by 50 cent, Britney and Gwen Stefani. All this sappy love songs just bring you down. You could be perfectly fine but be reduced to an emotional heap with just one slow mellow tune. Maybe thatz why the music business is such a booming one. Cuz stupid people like me get taken in by the words and actually believe the lyrics apply to our sad pathetic lives.



Such a waste of precious talent. Maybe that is why our parents stop listening to the trash they play on radio these days and choose to listen to the Golden Oldies by ABBA, Beegees etc. At least they had more to sing about than love. Lots of perfectly innocent tunes on money and teaching the world to sing. Meaningless but refreshing. Unlike this emotional mambo jambo we call music today. It's like we don't even need therapists anymore. Or for that matter even friends.



Need to face your emotions? Just turn on the radio. There is sure to be one song that getz to you. Google the lyrics. Download the song. Play it back a few time. And there you go- thatz your psychological analysis of your state of mind. Sheesh. What happened to self realization?



























In the spirit of chronicling important moments in my life, I just have to blog about last night. I can safely say I never had so much fun at a bash since JC. Honestly, I really felt 18 all over again yesterday. Maybe it was the crowd. Lots of CJ folks or should I say ex-CJCians and their friends. Except now everyone was older and legal. HAha It was like as if the whole world was then. Even Renhan! Yea I know small small world. Real glad I pulled Ying with me too. Thanks babe! See I told you no one parties like CJCians.



Oh and for those that didn't know, it was actually my friend Priscilla's 21st birthday bash and she booked the club but she couldn't really reach the minimum quota so she invited lots of people and it became an unofficial CJC arts reunion bash. With a smattering of NS guys, SMU and NUS people, the bash was a big hit even if many people did not even know it was a birthday party and were there just to chill out and thought it was an SMU party(Pris is from SMU). But I must say, it was crazy to see how small the world was and how all our friends are inter-connected. Or to see how everyone has changed and grown up. Haha or how so many of my friends are such bad drinkers. Haha



But was far more important to me was the fact that I didn't think about him at all last night.I know this sounds silly but every time I club and yes I know that is pretty often but yea each time for at least 10 seconds, I will think of him. Or when some guy tries to hit on me, the first thing I do is compare the guy to him. And naturally no one can compare to him in terms of superficial traits so I leave rejecting the guy and feeling really horrible. Of course with much training and time, these moments of comparision and depression never last for more than 5minutes each time. But yesterday night, I didn't think about him once. Instead, I met a really cool guy and actually appreciated him for what he was without comparision. Even when he talked about exes, I didn't seem to think of mine. It was only this morning that I pleasantly realised how untainted my perception of that guy had been. And that, my friends, is wonderful.



Maybe now, I can truly move on. Perhaps its really a case of out of sight, out of mind.



























It's kind of scary to think that my first posting of this month would be about my results so I decided to blog earlier about something a little more light hearted.



Just got my MOE attachment posting last Saturday. I've been posted to Woodgrove Secondary which is a stone's throw away from my house. That's real good cuz that means I can juggle both family, flag and attachment commitments all at one go. However, although Woodgrove is near my house, its not entire accessible. There is only one bus that goes into the road Woodgrove Sec is located at and I will thus have to wake up early in order to change buses to get to work every morning. So near yet so far. And the fact that I am not getting paid for this also kinda sucks.



I must admit I was initially disappointed with my posting. Not that I did not expect to be posted to a school near my home, as I had been previously warned by my seniors, but I has been secretly wishing that I would be able to try my hand at a different type of teaching system. Like teaching in a single sex school or something. And it didn't help that Rach and some of the other scholars were posted to better schools like TKGS and Crescent Girls. But then I realised how much more wonderful teaching in a neighbourhood school is. How the kids are more lively, upfront, honest and street smart. Moreover, I'm the only one who is paired with a really cool partner. Most of the other cool scholars are stuck with the nerdier bunch of MOE scholars that are not only chavinistic but very traditional in their beliefs.



Well, count your blessings as they come! Oh and in other news, do you Boston Public is back on Channel 5?? Sigh such simple pleasures of life. :)