Jeremy is only 15 and wheelchair bound but he has passed on to us such gems of wisdom in his articles.
It is true that ugly people abound, especially in Singapore. Our famous areas are in driving and travelling. He advocates the response of using reverse psychology as shown in his anecdote at the end of this particular article. It will achieve the aim desired for.
Also, he pushes forth the idea to treat their behaviour as transparent. Indeed, by acting oblivious to their mannerisms, we don't give them the satisfaction that they have attracted the attention hoped for in the first place. By not acting negatively towards them, we are really frustrating them and they'll cease their ludicrous antics. Sometimes nonchalance and indifference do make an impact on such urchins!
Sometimes it is so difficult to do the right thing. People make you feel that you are making an unnecessary move!
A woman in KL was trying to get vehicles to give way to her emergency situation but this stupid black car didn't and even beat her up for doing the right thing! What audacity! They followed her to her destination and demanded more from her. After having vandalised her car earlier, they even asked for compensation on their companion's injury. What boldness!
To make things worse, the police officer scolded her for being impatient as to honk at cars. What appalling behaviour! She had to send her maid who had collapsed to the hospital, for goodness sake! Does he even know what the whole matter was about in the first place? Where is the justice?! It is clearly the occupants of the black car at fault here. Hello, what was he thinking then?!
I hope the police department does something about this repulsive response from the officer. She shouldn't even bear any foolishness for acting in the way she did. She was in the right after all!
Another similar incident is on animal abuse. Rita Gonsalvez was trying to explain to a motorcyclist who had knocked a kitten down about his wrong conduct but he rode off without blinking an eye at what he had done to an innocent living being. To make things worse, the policemen she spoke to appeared indifferent to the situation.
What is happening to people nowadays? However, the burning question on my mind is really 'What is happening to figures of authority?!' Their lacklustre response is really repulsive! They've betrayed people's perception of their goodness, justice and righteousness!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Students' lives just seem to get worse and falling into temptation
Long gone are the days when students can just go back home after school to play, like things were when I was in primary school. Even the primary school kids nowadays, granted it's the upper-primary ones, have to meet ridiculously tight deadlines on their homework. One can imagine how much more homework the secondary school students are thrown, with double the number of subjects to take. The situation worsens for A'level and poly students. Once they hit uni level, they'll become full-fledged zombies!
With glamour comes responsibility. Those on scholarships and bursaries aren't spared such pressure but are fed even more! They have to meet higher expectations with more subjects to take and more difficult standards to attain. Education then becomes a murderer and not an advocate! Why not stop focusing on purely academia and start including civic-mindedness as well as social graces too? Yes, the latter can be an unappealing topic to students but if it's presented in a fun and interesting manner, this just may do the trick!
There is a danger in leaving teenagers alone as parents. Hence I can understand why the curfew is imposed on them. They obviously don't realise the negative implications and just want personal freedom. With this negligence comes juvenile delinquency and teenage crime increases.
Once they are left alone and come together, especially in a social setting, they do things that cause repulse in observers. They abuse the trust given unto them, if any, and fall prey to temptation presented in such opportunities. They let themselves loose and unleash their wild and uncontrolled side. Alcoholism, vanity, flirtation and raunchiness abound. What's more disgusting is that they are underaged!!
The test of a true character is someone who is able to resist such temptations, even if they are not underaged. I'm so ashamed to say that boys do a better job at that and I'm a girl. If they think that this means looking 'cool', then they are so wrong, because it just makes them look 'loose' instead!
I'm not sorry for saying all these because it happened in front of my eyes. Of course, not all teenagers are that ill-disciplined and untamed but those few that I saw are enough to repulse me. Though I know these people, I'm not sorry to offend them should they read this because I'm commenting in the capacity of an adult here and they know it.
With glamour comes responsibility. Those on scholarships and bursaries aren't spared such pressure but are fed even more! They have to meet higher expectations with more subjects to take and more difficult standards to attain. Education then becomes a murderer and not an advocate! Why not stop focusing on purely academia and start including civic-mindedness as well as social graces too? Yes, the latter can be an unappealing topic to students but if it's presented in a fun and interesting manner, this just may do the trick!
There is a danger in leaving teenagers alone as parents. Hence I can understand why the curfew is imposed on them. They obviously don't realise the negative implications and just want personal freedom. With this negligence comes juvenile delinquency and teenage crime increases.
Once they are left alone and come together, especially in a social setting, they do things that cause repulse in observers. They abuse the trust given unto them, if any, and fall prey to temptation presented in such opportunities. They let themselves loose and unleash their wild and uncontrolled side. Alcoholism, vanity, flirtation and raunchiness abound. What's more disgusting is that they are underaged!!
The test of a true character is someone who is able to resist such temptations, even if they are not underaged. I'm so ashamed to say that boys do a better job at that and I'm a girl. If they think that this means looking 'cool', then they are so wrong, because it just makes them look 'loose' instead!
I'm not sorry for saying all these because it happened in front of my eyes. Of course, not all teenagers are that ill-disciplined and untamed but those few that I saw are enough to repulse me. Though I know these people, I'm not sorry to offend them should they read this because I'm commenting in the capacity of an adult here and they know it.
Monday, March 20, 2006
abundance vs lack and definite invasion of dignity
There was an article in the papers about Zimbabwe's women having to use newspapers and tree bark as sanitary towels. I was shocked upon reading it.
We in Singapore have different types of such products for different days of the process. I myself, get 3-4 variations and we would usually feel uncomfortable without them with us, when the need arises. A temporary measure of tissue wouldn't reduce the discomfort and there are worse situations out there due to poverty.
I hope this situation improves drastically as there is a great need to. It affects me because I'm a woman myself and can sympathise with those in Africa. This will affect their health due to the bacterial nature of the materials used and yet they have no other alternatives to turn to.
On my side, I know I've to cherish the peace and prosperity Singapore offers. They come from good government leaders bestowed by God.
Another article mentioned male perverts taking pictures of women's chests with their camera phones, in the MRT trains. That is not only an invasion of personal privacy but also a degradation of dignity towards the women! Their bodies are objectified and seen with sexual lust. Even when the women block their chests with their belongings, this doesn't daunt the men from continuing. They still shamelessly shift themselves to get a clearer view.
I am really angry and disgusted with these idle troublemakers. I think I will stare bravely and angrily at the perpetrator. There are so many other people around and I doubt he'd dare do anything explicit to me. I'll also note his appearance and dressing in order to report him to the MRT staff after alighting.
We in Singapore have different types of such products for different days of the process. I myself, get 3-4 variations and we would usually feel uncomfortable without them with us, when the need arises. A temporary measure of tissue wouldn't reduce the discomfort and there are worse situations out there due to poverty.
I hope this situation improves drastically as there is a great need to. It affects me because I'm a woman myself and can sympathise with those in Africa. This will affect their health due to the bacterial nature of the materials used and yet they have no other alternatives to turn to.
On my side, I know I've to cherish the peace and prosperity Singapore offers. They come from good government leaders bestowed by God.
Another article mentioned male perverts taking pictures of women's chests with their camera phones, in the MRT trains. That is not only an invasion of personal privacy but also a degradation of dignity towards the women! Their bodies are objectified and seen with sexual lust. Even when the women block their chests with their belongings, this doesn't daunt the men from continuing. They still shamelessly shift themselves to get a clearer view.
I am really angry and disgusted with these idle troublemakers. I think I will stare bravely and angrily at the perpetrator. There are so many other people around and I doubt he'd dare do anything explicit to me. I'll also note his appearance and dressing in order to report him to the MRT staff after alighting.
Raising funds through dangerous stunts
Many people died while pulling some vehicles in order to raise funds for a hospital. This made me reflect on the rationale behind such a charitable intention.
Doing ordinary things like singing, dancing or acting will not get the donations pouring in unlike stunts that endanger oneself, unless the celebrity is really prominent. Is it the thrill of seeing people jeopardise themselves and appearing noble in the process? Do the reactions of gnashing one's teeth and biting one's nails at such painstaking acts stimulate one's generosity much more? Why can't people see beauty in the simple?!
Doing ordinary things like singing, dancing or acting will not get the donations pouring in unlike stunts that endanger oneself, unless the celebrity is really prominent. Is it the thrill of seeing people jeopardise themselves and appearing noble in the process? Do the reactions of gnashing one's teeth and biting one's nails at such painstaking acts stimulate one's generosity much more? Why can't people see beauty in the simple?!
Friday, March 17, 2006
School Holidays...not!
School holidays are a time of enjoying outings with friends and waking up late to most students but to me, as a private tutor, it is worse than my normal schedule on school weeks, ironically.
Lessons are turned topsy-turvy and even extra sessions come into play. I'm not one who welcomes change heartily and hence have such a reaction to this occurrence. When lessons are cancelled, I leap for joy because I treasure every minute of rest and relaxation. Of course, I can't always desire this incidence though because I need to fill my rice bowl. I'm fortunate though that my family's financially well-off.
I've 10 students at present and they take up 7 days of the week. For me, this status quo remains. I need time for myself to relax and rest, as well as time for my God. Consequently, when tuition agents call with offers, I usually try to reject them.
Of course, I do get exhausted at times and that is when I do other things to take a break. I read magazines and books, watch TV, surf the net and blog.
Lessons are turned topsy-turvy and even extra sessions come into play. I'm not one who welcomes change heartily and hence have such a reaction to this occurrence. When lessons are cancelled, I leap for joy because I treasure every minute of rest and relaxation. Of course, I can't always desire this incidence though because I need to fill my rice bowl. I'm fortunate though that my family's financially well-off.
I've 10 students at present and they take up 7 days of the week. For me, this status quo remains. I need time for myself to relax and rest, as well as time for my God. Consequently, when tuition agents call with offers, I usually try to reject them.
Of course, I do get exhausted at times and that is when I do other things to take a break. I read magazines and books, watch TV, surf the net and blog.
Knowledge - cynical and impure at times
Being highly educated can blind you to the joy of giving to others. It is more disturbing when your faith is subdued by self-interests. When we volunteer to serve others and make their time fruitful, there's indeed nothing in it for us but doesn't God deserve all the glory and every credit? "We are in the world but not of the world". Doing things just to benefit oneself is avarice and self-glorification. Heavenly recognition is the focus, not worldly praise.
Sad to say, adults tend to fall prey to such greed. They've been engulfed by the world's values that they fail to see that giving is happier than receiving.
Yes, the world remembers only one's flaws and mistakes despite the presence of goodness. Thus cynicism develops. I sympathise but at the same time, I can't empathise. I still feel affected by it.
Also, one tends to lose simplicity and innocence due to the same reason. A word can be mentioned for its basic meaning but adults' decadent thoughts twist its meaning into another. Repulsive connotations emerge.
Children are still pure at a young age and there's no need to worry that they'll be exposed to such things yet. Making a big deal out of it actually evokes their curiosity and imputes the knowledge of a deeper meaning to the basically harmless definition of the word. Really annoying!
On the contrary, their television habits should be something parents worry about. They imitate what they see on the programmes, without knowing what consequences result and the morality of it. Cartoons are not safe from this and their media form makes things appear even more harmless. South Park is one example.
Sad to say, adults tend to fall prey to such greed. They've been engulfed by the world's values that they fail to see that giving is happier than receiving.
Yes, the world remembers only one's flaws and mistakes despite the presence of goodness. Thus cynicism develops. I sympathise but at the same time, I can't empathise. I still feel affected by it.
Also, one tends to lose simplicity and innocence due to the same reason. A word can be mentioned for its basic meaning but adults' decadent thoughts twist its meaning into another. Repulsive connotations emerge.
Children are still pure at a young age and there's no need to worry that they'll be exposed to such things yet. Making a big deal out of it actually evokes their curiosity and imputes the knowledge of a deeper meaning to the basically harmless definition of the word. Really annoying!
On the contrary, their television habits should be something parents worry about. They imitate what they see on the programmes, without knowing what consequences result and the morality of it. Cartoons are not safe from this and their media form makes things appear even more harmless. South Park is one example.
Blackout!
I was blogging halfway when suddenly without warning, there was a short circuit and the whole house plunged into utter darkness. My first instinct was to go to the switchboard to turn on the supply but even that didn't work. It was in the night and so the darkness seemed darker, though it was probably a visual illusion.
After calling my neighbour, he helped us to restore the power and the house was flooded with much welcomed light again.
Upon reflection, I thank my friend who helped me to buy my handphone. He knows best about these kind of things and got me a simple yet user-friendly model. At the same time, it's uncommon here and so I feel elite. :P It has a flashlight and that was so very useful during the blackout, as we had only one torchlight working then.
After getting the electrician to come down to check, we discovered that everything in the house was working fine. We couldn't figure out what had caused the blackout.
After calling my neighbour, he helped us to restore the power and the house was flooded with much welcomed light again.
Upon reflection, I thank my friend who helped me to buy my handphone. He knows best about these kind of things and got me a simple yet user-friendly model. At the same time, it's uncommon here and so I feel elite. :P It has a flashlight and that was so very useful during the blackout, as we had only one torchlight working then.
After getting the electrician to come down to check, we discovered that everything in the house was working fine. We couldn't figure out what had caused the blackout.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Finally! Thank you Frances!
I can resume my blogging! Long life be to Frances! She helped me to fix Internet Explorer, which supports Blogspot.
I was so deprived of blogging on whatever evokes thoughts in me. Even my faithful fans (alliteration!) were complaining that my blog was 'swimming in dust'. They got fed up of seeing the same old entry. Now I can account to them and finish up a draft on my travels! Yeh!
Sorry, all you out there, especially to Carol, who has been badgering me on when I can update my blog, for giving you such stagnancy. I'm back now! Vroom vroom!
I was so deprived of blogging on whatever evokes thoughts in me. Even my faithful fans (alliteration!) were complaining that my blog was 'swimming in dust'. They got fed up of seeing the same old entry. Now I can account to them and finish up a draft on my travels! Yeh!
Sorry, all you out there, especially to Carol, who has been badgering me on when I can update my blog, for giving you such stagnancy. I'm back now! Vroom vroom!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Chinese New Year is coming......
An aspect of the Chinese New Year is the all-important reunion dinner. It is usually to be held on the eve of the New Year season but due to travel or work reasons, some families hold it before the eve. I just had mine 2 days ago since I'm going to be away during the period.
Some people feel that having it before the eve is not proper but to me, it's more of the fact that every family member alive gets together to enjoy the time shared. It's just like having Valentine's Day every day instead of just that one special day. It makes more sense to show love to your partner every day than to quarrel with him every other day except Valentine's Day, doesn't it?
There's also a debate between home-cooked food or takeaway food for the dinner. Does takeaway food make the dinner any less real? It's not the date or the food that matters but the concept of the word "family", I feel. Yes, cooking is a labour of love but if certain reasons cause us not to be able to have home-cooked dishes, the reunion dinner can still go on even if we have to eat takeaway food, or eat out, for that matter.
There are various reasons why people like Chinese New Year. Some look forward to the long break from work while some relish the experience of being with relatives. Some are into the cultural aspect of the season, which is an interesting opinion. There are people who feel the opposite. They detest the rituals and customs associated with the season, which present trouble for those who follow these traditions.
I love to read about the symbolism linked to the festival, about why we eat or do certain things. It is exciting to know more about the reasons behind what we do in preparation for the season. :) It makes them seem more significant when we carry them out.
Some people choose to go overseas during the New Year, primarily to avoid visitors. I do empathise with swinging singles who hate their relatives and friends asking when they are going to get married and thus decide to go abroad. I had a taste of this at my brother's wedding and I told them that it'd happen a decade later. Now the time's almost up but I seriously don't care about their reaction because it's my life and my problem. Period.
Some families travel abroad so that their long-standing feud with their relatives will not be any worse. They want to avoid seeing certain people and this gives them a chance to relax at the same time. On the other hand, some travel to be with their relatives who live overseas.
I think it's really the right of the families or individuals to decide to travel for negative reasons. People who are not in the knowing should not comment on or judge them but should use their free time to do other more worthwhile things instead.
Some people feel that having it before the eve is not proper but to me, it's more of the fact that every family member alive gets together to enjoy the time shared. It's just like having Valentine's Day every day instead of just that one special day. It makes more sense to show love to your partner every day than to quarrel with him every other day except Valentine's Day, doesn't it?
There's also a debate between home-cooked food or takeaway food for the dinner. Does takeaway food make the dinner any less real? It's not the date or the food that matters but the concept of the word "family", I feel. Yes, cooking is a labour of love but if certain reasons cause us not to be able to have home-cooked dishes, the reunion dinner can still go on even if we have to eat takeaway food, or eat out, for that matter.
There are various reasons why people like Chinese New Year. Some look forward to the long break from work while some relish the experience of being with relatives. Some are into the cultural aspect of the season, which is an interesting opinion. There are people who feel the opposite. They detest the rituals and customs associated with the season, which present trouble for those who follow these traditions.
I love to read about the symbolism linked to the festival, about why we eat or do certain things. It is exciting to know more about the reasons behind what we do in preparation for the season. :) It makes them seem more significant when we carry them out.
Some people choose to go overseas during the New Year, primarily to avoid visitors. I do empathise with swinging singles who hate their relatives and friends asking when they are going to get married and thus decide to go abroad. I had a taste of this at my brother's wedding and I told them that it'd happen a decade later. Now the time's almost up but I seriously don't care about their reaction because it's my life and my problem. Period.
Some families travel abroad so that their long-standing feud with their relatives will not be any worse. They want to avoid seeing certain people and this gives them a chance to relax at the same time. On the other hand, some travel to be with their relatives who live overseas.
I think it's really the right of the families or individuals to decide to travel for negative reasons. People who are not in the knowing should not comment on or judge them but should use their free time to do other more worthwhile things instead.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Age is really just a number
I was at a bank when the banker asked me for my age with regards to standard procedures associated with the transaction I was doing. He thought I was still a student. When I told him my age, he was flabbergasted and remarked that I don't look my age. It may have been because of my dressing that day but I was still flattered because his reaction indicated a compliment. :P
Really, age is just a number because youths can think maturely but adults can think childishly, including yours truly. It depends on their family background and environment. I think suffering can strengthen character and refine thoughts.
Yes, I'm blessed with a youthful appearance, I admit. Still, I think external appearances can work against oneself. It is such a prevalent thing for youths to dress glamorously at Christmas, which actually makes them look older than their age, not mature as they want to be thought as.
As for me, I was really put off by the security guards at the entrance of Melbourne's Crown Casino. Though they were just doing their job, they asked me twice if I was bluffing about my age even though they had my passport! I am never stepping into there ever again!
I guess women at my age dress in coordinated suits and wear makeup as well as let their hair down. I don't do any of those. Hehe. Still, appearance doesn't bring out one's age. It can be used to one's advantage instead. No, I'm not defending myself. It's really what's in our mind and heart that matters.
Really, age is just a number because youths can think maturely but adults can think childishly, including yours truly. It depends on their family background and environment. I think suffering can strengthen character and refine thoughts.
Yes, I'm blessed with a youthful appearance, I admit. Still, I think external appearances can work against oneself. It is such a prevalent thing for youths to dress glamorously at Christmas, which actually makes them look older than their age, not mature as they want to be thought as.
As for me, I was really put off by the security guards at the entrance of Melbourne's Crown Casino. Though they were just doing their job, they asked me twice if I was bluffing about my age even though they had my passport! I am never stepping into there ever again!
I guess women at my age dress in coordinated suits and wear makeup as well as let their hair down. I don't do any of those. Hehe. Still, appearance doesn't bring out one's age. It can be used to one's advantage instead. No, I'm not defending myself. It's really what's in our mind and heart that matters.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Language's limitless dimensions
I was on the way to tuition when I saw and heard a girl yelling at her boyfriend. He was silent throughout her bratish behaviour. She was complaining about not getting a break and already trying her best.
Perhaps I had not heard the first part of the argument where he may have spoken but I was turned off by her. She was yelling loud enough for people to hear or else how could I have been able to know what she said exactly? She was just embarrassing herself rather than getting her point across.
Perhaps I had not heard the first part of the argument where he may have spoken but I was turned off by her. She was yelling loud enough for people to hear or else how could I have been able to know what she said exactly? She was just embarrassing herself rather than getting her point across.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Gaining attention for a petty triviality - ludicrous!
I was queuing up at a bank close to lunch time and the line was exceptionally long, also probably due to the impending New Year seaon.
A middle-aged woman came into the bank and joined me in queuing up. Her external appearance already attracted her attention from others. She spoke very loudly on her handphone in a husky-sounding voice, thus upping the attention factor on her. However, it was what she said that gained her the most attention and my extreme irritation.
She was complaining to the person on the other line of her phone about the inefficiencies of the bank's way of running its operations. She wasn't the only one in a snaking line and nobody else was making a big fuss about it as she was. People were giving her 'dirty' looks but she probably itched for them anyway. She was just embarrassing herself really.
Being directly in front of her, I was really exercising a lot of self-control. I really wanted to slap her face but only cast her 'dirty' glances from the corner of my eye. However, my face was 'black' and I looked really angry. Sometimes one knows how one looks when the feeling within is so strong.
She complained to the teller in a disgruntled tone when she reached the counter. I was shaking my head in a disparaging manner. I was so annoyed by then that I didn't care if she saw me. I may have placed myself at risk of getting beaten up by her but I am convicted that I was in the right.
Seriously, the reason why I was 'boiling' inside was because her grievance is petty. She acted as if the whole world owes her a living and gives me the impression that she thinks she's richer than the tellers, so she has the 'right' to complain.
Yes, the customer may be right but that can give way to arrogance, as in this case.
I pity her as well. She seems like an unhappy person who's bogged down by a heavy workload and lets trivialities get to her so much. She's so blind to the blessings she actually possesses, like a normal physicality and a son.
A middle-aged woman came into the bank and joined me in queuing up. Her external appearance already attracted her attention from others. She spoke very loudly on her handphone in a husky-sounding voice, thus upping the attention factor on her. However, it was what she said that gained her the most attention and my extreme irritation.
She was complaining to the person on the other line of her phone about the inefficiencies of the bank's way of running its operations. She wasn't the only one in a snaking line and nobody else was making a big fuss about it as she was. People were giving her 'dirty' looks but she probably itched for them anyway. She was just embarrassing herself really.
Being directly in front of her, I was really exercising a lot of self-control. I really wanted to slap her face but only cast her 'dirty' glances from the corner of my eye. However, my face was 'black' and I looked really angry. Sometimes one knows how one looks when the feeling within is so strong.
She complained to the teller in a disgruntled tone when she reached the counter. I was shaking my head in a disparaging manner. I was so annoyed by then that I didn't care if she saw me. I may have placed myself at risk of getting beaten up by her but I am convicted that I was in the right.
Seriously, the reason why I was 'boiling' inside was because her grievance is petty. She acted as if the whole world owes her a living and gives me the impression that she thinks she's richer than the tellers, so she has the 'right' to complain.
Yes, the customer may be right but that can give way to arrogance, as in this case.
I pity her as well. She seems like an unhappy person who's bogged down by a heavy workload and lets trivialities get to her so much. She's so blind to the blessings she actually possesses, like a normal physicality and a son.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Spoilt Singaporeans
The reactions of some Singaporeans to the mock terrorist attack exercises have left me disgusted. They request that the exercises be held at non-peak hours, not when they are rushing to work. They think the earlier ones were inconvenient. Hullo?! The terrorists won't wait till the hours are convenient for them, to strike! Such a bunch of spoilt goons! Singaporeans have everything going for them, that's why!
Don't they know that it's God blessing us each day we're safe from such attacks?! We're such a small island that can sink anytime! Even the tsunami thing was because Sumatra protected us from it.
Don't they know that it's God blessing us each day we're safe from such attacks?! We're such a small island that can sink anytime! Even the tsunami thing was because Sumatra protected us from it.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Christmas has ended
It's not Christmas anymore and we've taken the tree down. I didn't want to take it down because it was so well-decorated. My mum had redone it. It was such a waste to dismantle it.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
A mishmash of thoughts
My internet access has been extremely unstable ever since I switched network and plan. It seems that many people in the vicinity are using the same one and hence the traffic is really slow. The helpline is also never available since all the technical officers are busy. It has been a frustrating time for me and it's either I cultivate more patience or use the net much later in the night, depriving myself of much-needed sleep.
However, there was an officer who helped me to calm down a lot by guiding me patiently through the manual procedure. It was not his area of expertise but he did it so obligingly nonetheless. He shows great contrast to another who just told me she couldn't help.
My illness, which started a few days before Christmas, has developed into asthma, the worst condition I fall prone to. That prompted me to see a doctor and to get another inhaler. I was given a day's MC and spent the day catching up on my reading and sleep. I had to cancel a dinner appointment I've owed someone for a long time. She was disappointed and I hope to meet her during the weekend as compensation.
I was absolutely disgusted and irritated with this customer I saw at Breadtalk Citylink Mall. She looked like a typical tai-tai and decided to buy $7 worth of buns for a Chinese New Year pouch. When she couldn't get the colour she wanted, because she didn't read the poster properly, she blamed the staff for it. She was pacified only when they offered her the one on display. I think she was really making a big issue out of a small matter and her money probably comes from her rich husband! She showed herself as inflexible as she could've just taken another colour and 'kiasu' since she obviously bought so many buns just for the pouch! I wonder how she's going to make her family eat all of them just for her own selfish interest!
However, there was an officer who helped me to calm down a lot by guiding me patiently through the manual procedure. It was not his area of expertise but he did it so obligingly nonetheless. He shows great contrast to another who just told me she couldn't help.
My illness, which started a few days before Christmas, has developed into asthma, the worst condition I fall prone to. That prompted me to see a doctor and to get another inhaler. I was given a day's MC and spent the day catching up on my reading and sleep. I had to cancel a dinner appointment I've owed someone for a long time. She was disappointed and I hope to meet her during the weekend as compensation.
I was absolutely disgusted and irritated with this customer I saw at Breadtalk Citylink Mall. She looked like a typical tai-tai and decided to buy $7 worth of buns for a Chinese New Year pouch. When she couldn't get the colour she wanted, because she didn't read the poster properly, she blamed the staff for it. She was pacified only when they offered her the one on display. I think she was really making a big issue out of a small matter and her money probably comes from her rich husband! She showed herself as inflexible as she could've just taken another colour and 'kiasu' since she obviously bought so many buns just for the pouch! I wonder how she's going to make her family eat all of them just for her own selfish interest!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Sheer exhaustion at all levels
I've been waking up early at around 7am these past few days to rush through notes for my O'level Literature student whose papers start in a week's time. It is an effort because not only do I have to wake up early but it is also a mental exercise I'm undertaking.
After that, it's tuition and church, depending on which day it is. By the time the day ends, I'm pooped and it was so apparent to the point that I fell down at a restaurant. Though it wasn't my first time there, I tripped over steps leading to the seat. I can only attribute my embarrassment in front of 2 families to sheer fatigue.
Thankfully, I didn't affect anyone else but myself in the process. There was no domino effect as a girl next to me had a bowl of soup in front of her. If I had hit her, I don't know if anyone would be injured as a result. Oh, I'm fine, no injury.
I tried to sleep and pray but I'm still exhausted. I think I need a spiritual retreat or at least some personal time. It's quite serious because I get irritated easily and neglect others' feelings. It seems that I have so many preoccupations to deal with though.
I also tried to start planning for Christmas and getting into the mood but these're temporary measures.
I still haven't finished my Literature notes though but I don't want to plunge into them when I'm in this state. My productivity will be lower than normal.
I've received my choir schedule for the year-end. It's worse than usual because of this extra performance based on my church's patron saint. Sigh... I think I'll get even more burnt out than I already am.
Though there're days when we're free, it's still very tight. I'm leaving for a trip which deprives me of a number of rehearsals and that means that I've to do a crash course when I return. I'm most worried about the choreography but what comes to mind as I type this is that I've to cling to God with all this hustle thrown at me. I need Him for strength and zeal.
I've to change my tuition lessons in accordance with this schedule. Everything's topsy-turvy.
Our concert's not the ultimate thing but Christmas midnight mass two days later. I reckon carolling sessions will fall in between or on Christmas Day itself. Even if I can hang on till after Christmas ends, I think I'll fall sick. I cannot forget the shopping and preparing of cards and presents for the occasion as well.
God! Help me! Though it keeps me busy, it can affect my health adversely. :S
After that, it's tuition and church, depending on which day it is. By the time the day ends, I'm pooped and it was so apparent to the point that I fell down at a restaurant. Though it wasn't my first time there, I tripped over steps leading to the seat. I can only attribute my embarrassment in front of 2 families to sheer fatigue.
Thankfully, I didn't affect anyone else but myself in the process. There was no domino effect as a girl next to me had a bowl of soup in front of her. If I had hit her, I don't know if anyone would be injured as a result. Oh, I'm fine, no injury.
I tried to sleep and pray but I'm still exhausted. I think I need a spiritual retreat or at least some personal time. It's quite serious because I get irritated easily and neglect others' feelings. It seems that I have so many preoccupations to deal with though.
I also tried to start planning for Christmas and getting into the mood but these're temporary measures.
I still haven't finished my Literature notes though but I don't want to plunge into them when I'm in this state. My productivity will be lower than normal.
I've received my choir schedule for the year-end. It's worse than usual because of this extra performance based on my church's patron saint. Sigh... I think I'll get even more burnt out than I already am.
Though there're days when we're free, it's still very tight. I'm leaving for a trip which deprives me of a number of rehearsals and that means that I've to do a crash course when I return. I'm most worried about the choreography but what comes to mind as I type this is that I've to cling to God with all this hustle thrown at me. I need Him for strength and zeal.
I've to change my tuition lessons in accordance with this schedule. Everything's topsy-turvy.
Our concert's not the ultimate thing but Christmas midnight mass two days later. I reckon carolling sessions will fall in between or on Christmas Day itself. Even if I can hang on till after Christmas ends, I think I'll fall sick. I cannot forget the shopping and preparing of cards and presents for the occasion as well.
God! Help me! Though it keeps me busy, it can affect my health adversely. :S
Friday, November 04, 2005
No more home alone
My parents came back yesterday. I was a little paranoid because they were an hour later than expected. I also thought I had heard my mum calling me. Thankfully I was at home to receive them.
When my mum came out of the car, she smiled at me and that moment revealed to me a most ravishing and sweet smile. I had never known how pretty she was amd though she had just sat through a gruelling 14-hour flight, she didn't look haggard. Her hair was not messy and it was nicely curled at her nape.
They bought so many fattening and unhealthy things. There were delicious and syrup-sweet wafers and chocolates. I told my mum to give them away. I had gotten used to eating healthily when they were away and am still continuing the habit of doing so.
The photographs have been developed and I'm glad to see that my dad took a picture of the crucifix made out of salt in the mine they went to. More importantly, he took pictures of Pope John Paul II and the Blessed Sacrament, people very close to my heart.
Well, now that they are back, I know I'll gain back the weight I had lost while they were away. Sigh. I know they make sure I eat well because I've to go to my students' houses and hence the weight gain. Also, I meet my friends for dinner at mostly expensive places and I get to eat home-cooked food only when my parents're away. Oh well.
When my mum came out of the car, she smiled at me and that moment revealed to me a most ravishing and sweet smile. I had never known how pretty she was amd though she had just sat through a gruelling 14-hour flight, she didn't look haggard. Her hair was not messy and it was nicely curled at her nape.
They bought so many fattening and unhealthy things. There were delicious and syrup-sweet wafers and chocolates. I told my mum to give them away. I had gotten used to eating healthily when they were away and am still continuing the habit of doing so.
The photographs have been developed and I'm glad to see that my dad took a picture of the crucifix made out of salt in the mine they went to. More importantly, he took pictures of Pope John Paul II and the Blessed Sacrament, people very close to my heart.
Well, now that they are back, I know I'll gain back the weight I had lost while they were away. Sigh. I know they make sure I eat well because I've to go to my students' houses and hence the weight gain. Also, I meet my friends for dinner at mostly expensive places and I get to eat home-cooked food only when my parents're away. Oh well.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Physical Fatigue and Solitude
The major event as well as lack of rest, coupled with work, had left me wrapped up in a veil of extreme tiredness.
Immediately after the event, I went home to change before going off to meet a friend for lunch. Though I was emotionally and spiritually refreshed, I was not refreshed, physically. Then I did stuff and slept late that night.
After work the next day, I was so tired that I slept really early at 9.35pm. I had to wake up early the morning after.
However I was still drowsy later in the afternoon the day after. It was not a sound nap though. I woke up in a fit of intense sleepiness due to a neighbour's car. I didn't even bother to do my chores, leaving it to later in the evening. Now I'm better.
I watch this Chinese serial every Sunday night at 11pm. The previous episode showed a discussion between 3 men on the meaning of solitude.
It is not loneliness owing to a loved one's death or alienation due to being the only one surviving in a battle. It is being the only person on earth.
This is an interesting perspective of the term. Solitude was what Adam and Eve went through then, when they were first made, since the other living things around them were non-human.
Immediately after the event, I went home to change before going off to meet a friend for lunch. Though I was emotionally and spiritually refreshed, I was not refreshed, physically. Then I did stuff and slept late that night.
After work the next day, I was so tired that I slept really early at 9.35pm. I had to wake up early the morning after.
However I was still drowsy later in the afternoon the day after. It was not a sound nap though. I woke up in a fit of intense sleepiness due to a neighbour's car. I didn't even bother to do my chores, leaving it to later in the evening. Now I'm better.
I watch this Chinese serial every Sunday night at 11pm. The previous episode showed a discussion between 3 men on the meaning of solitude.
It is not loneliness owing to a loved one's death or alienation due to being the only one surviving in a battle. It is being the only person on earth.
This is an interesting perspective of the term. Solitude was what Adam and Eve went through then, when they were first made, since the other living things around them were non-human.
Discovery of self has not ceased
I still have expectations placed upon me in areas where I thought had ended with the passing of time and been left in the past.
I was asked to render assistance to the person in charge of an event, probably due to experience. There were consultations and supervisory tasks from others as well. Of course, there were areas in which I showed wanting. However my fortes were reaffirmed.
I rediscovered my way of working. I'm not inclined to performing under too much pressure and expectation. I lead best in a setting where I'm allowed to be free, to be trusted. Then my leadership characteristic comes out naturally.
I do have dreadful feelings towards major projects like this one for instance. In order to aim at efficiency and logistical perfection, feelings can be brushed aside or on the contrary, fears can inhibit effort so as not to spoil the picture.
It came to a point for me that I showed physical signs of giving way and had to take unofficial time off to spend time in prayer for strength. I couldn't confront my fear even though I could have. My age and seniority give me no excuse. Also, I had a differing perspective towards a logistical issue with one of my juniors. Though we thought we were right, I decided to give way to her because I didn't want to distrust her ability. It was truly an act of humility but I know Mary inspired me to.
Through it all, I had angels with me. From close friends, mutual fellowship and acknowledged gratitude to extra help offered, they were appearing before my eyes. Of course my limited awareness failed to recognise the goodwill.
After the event had ended, the chaos and unrest associated with it overwhelmed me to the extent that I yearned for silence within me. I took some time to verbalise my thoughts over it, there being a negative experience of being taken for granted. Such is the human journey. We NEED to be silent within because the external world never stops moving. This will affect our peace. We need to recharge ourselves so that we can deal with it once more.
I was asked to render assistance to the person in charge of an event, probably due to experience. There were consultations and supervisory tasks from others as well. Of course, there were areas in which I showed wanting. However my fortes were reaffirmed.
I rediscovered my way of working. I'm not inclined to performing under too much pressure and expectation. I lead best in a setting where I'm allowed to be free, to be trusted. Then my leadership characteristic comes out naturally.
I do have dreadful feelings towards major projects like this one for instance. In order to aim at efficiency and logistical perfection, feelings can be brushed aside or on the contrary, fears can inhibit effort so as not to spoil the picture.
It came to a point for me that I showed physical signs of giving way and had to take unofficial time off to spend time in prayer for strength. I couldn't confront my fear even though I could have. My age and seniority give me no excuse. Also, I had a differing perspective towards a logistical issue with one of my juniors. Though we thought we were right, I decided to give way to her because I didn't want to distrust her ability. It was truly an act of humility but I know Mary inspired me to.
Through it all, I had angels with me. From close friends, mutual fellowship and acknowledged gratitude to extra help offered, they were appearing before my eyes. Of course my limited awareness failed to recognise the goodwill.
After the event had ended, the chaos and unrest associated with it overwhelmed me to the extent that I yearned for silence within me. I took some time to verbalise my thoughts over it, there being a negative experience of being taken for granted. Such is the human journey. We NEED to be silent within because the external world never stops moving. This will affect our peace. We need to recharge ourselves so that we can deal with it once more.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Home alone again
My parents are going for another trip and this time, it is for a longer duration. They're leaving tonight and will be away for 9 days. Somehow it's not exactly easier to bear because it's for a longer period of time, though it is the second time. So I kind of helped them to pack and told them things to note because I won't be with them.
I've to settle my own meals during this time and it can be a headache thinking of what to eat. It is also kind of anxious because they're boarding a plane this time and my mind's acting up in terms of paranoid fears towards their safety. They're going with a big group of friends and that should be assuring. There are doctors in the group and they can look after my parents should they fall ill. Also, my sister-in-law is going with them. However the safety factor is beyond human control ultimately and only in God's hands. Thus, prayer is the answer and security. My parents have their rosaries and crucifixes with them so I know that they're with God and Mary.
Still, human nature is such that it tends to have worries. My parents have taken precautions in case of untoward events. The important documentation and contacts have been taken care of. Above all though, I pray that they will be back safely in Singapore on Nov 3rd at 2.30pm. May their guardian angels be with them at all times and make things go smoothly, in God's spirit.
I've to settle my own meals during this time and it can be a headache thinking of what to eat. It is also kind of anxious because they're boarding a plane this time and my mind's acting up in terms of paranoid fears towards their safety. They're going with a big group of friends and that should be assuring. There are doctors in the group and they can look after my parents should they fall ill. Also, my sister-in-law is going with them. However the safety factor is beyond human control ultimately and only in God's hands. Thus, prayer is the answer and security. My parents have their rosaries and crucifixes with them so I know that they're with God and Mary.
Still, human nature is such that it tends to have worries. My parents have taken precautions in case of untoward events. The important documentation and contacts have been taken care of. Above all though, I pray that they will be back safely in Singapore on Nov 3rd at 2.30pm. May their guardian angels be with them at all times and make things go smoothly, in God's spirit.
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