Aches, aches, aches

No, don't worry. I am not coming down with anything.

Attending the conference has finally taken its toll on me. It has been a lot more exhausting than I realised. I am tired and aching all over now. Not used to all the "exercising"! Hahaha. LOL. I guess once in a while, it is good to get a "work-out" like that. Hahaha. LOL.

I had a long nap in the late afternoon after meeting with a good friend. Really needed it! Feeling slightly rested now. I shall continue to read my Hamilton. It has been neglected during the conference. Hahaha.

Conference: Day 3

The last day of the conference. Yippee!

Attended a very, very interesting keynote address. I will never see language as dead again, really enjoyed learning about the postmodernist theory, ...

Had to skip the next keynote address as I had to prepare for my presentation. I am always nervous, right before the presentation. But the second I start talking, I am alright as I have forgotten about my nervousness and fear. I think my presentation was quite clear so no questions were asked. Hahaha. After the whole presentation, former colleagues waited outside the seminar room to applaud me again . So embarrassing. *Blush* Hahaha.

After the conference closing ceremony, we decided to go celebrate. For some of us, the conference had been downright hard work. So it is time to celebrate! Hahaha.
A lot of bonding have occurred among us throughout the 3 days of conference. And when we celebrated, lots of FUN we did have on this last day of conference! :P

Conference: Day 2

Again, took a lift from the same good friend to the conference. Thanks, friend.

Attended 2 keynote speeches. Really interesting. Could use some of the notes for my PhD dissertation.

Went to a panel discussion on Asian Pedagogies. I found the second discussant really good. I was really engrossed in what he was saying that I didn't hear my friend when she called me. Hehehe.

Spoke further at lunch with the professor who agreed to be my reader. He is really, really nice. He asked that I send him whatever I have and he would give me comments. Now I must really write my dissertation more QUICKLY. Hahaha.

Had encounter with an extremely obnoxious lady professor. Really disliked her. Later found out that she is actually PUBLIC ENEMY No. 1.

Now, trying to look through my slides and maybe do some notes because presentation is tomorrow. A little anxious because my former colleagues, from school and MOE HQ, are coming to see me present. Should be okay. Hahaha.

I am feeling very tired but at the same time, very relaxed. Paradox huh. Hahaha.

Conference

Today is the first day of the conference. Caught a lift from a good friend to the conference venue. We went early, really early to beat the crowd and traffic. *Yawn* Hahaha.

Met a lot of people, including former colleagues from MOE HQ, and former teachers whom I worked with when I was still teaching as well as when I was in MOE HQ. It was good catching up with all of them. I also met a professor who is the consultant for a project I used to work on. I haven't seen him since the beginning of the year. He is a very nice person and came up to me to chat. He also happens to be one of the big names in my PhD area of research. He has kindly agreed to be my reader! Happy! Now I have to finish my writing quickly. Hahaha.

At the keynote address, a funny thing happened. My friends and I were seated 3 rows away from the stage. All of the sudden, in the middle of the keynote speech, we heard a noise. We couldn't believe our ears and looked to each other for confirmation. Then it happened again. I laughed out loud. A man in the 4th row was sleeping and actually SNORING away. And he was LOUD. My friend said I was laughing so loudly at the man. But I just couldn't help it. I just had to laugh! How could anyone sleep and snored when he was so near to the stage?! It was definitely funny!

For some reason, I feel really HAPPY today. Had time off work, and spent quality time with good friends.

An Easy, Lazy Weekend

I have to attend a 3-day conference next week so going to be really busy. As such, I decided to take it easy and be lazy over the weekend.

Saturday 26 May
I spent most part of the day curled up in bed reading Hamilton and Spiderman: The Other-Evolve or Die. A good friend lent me the books and graphic novel. Thanks, Good Friend. They are interesting, especially Hamilton! Hahaha.
In the evening, I met up with a good friend for a quick dinner and went to watch the movie: "Next". It was really crowded in the city. Forgot how crowded it is on a weekend night.
Anyway, the movie "Next" is about a man who has premonitions and could see two minutes into his future. Some parts of the movie were quite funny, although they were unintentional, I think. Somehow, I felt the movie was lacking in some ways. It was not as exciting as I had hoped it to be. But I thought the idea is pretty interesting, you know, being able to look into the future, even if it is only for two minutes. But then again, where is the fun and excitement in life if you already know what is going to happen.
I also had a wonderful time chatting and catching up with Good Friend. Let's do it again soon, Good Friend.

Sunday 27 May
Brought the girls and my mother out for lunch. Hubby suggested going to Hyatt's StraitsKitchen. It is buffet style, featuring local cusine - Chinese, Malay, Indian. The food is just okay, nothing fantastic, a tad salty for some dishes. I thought for the quality of the food, it is highly overpriced. Not worth it. That's why no pictures for this food adventure. Hahaha.
I also went to return library books at Queenstown Community Library. Don't want to be fined. Hahaha. No time to borrow new ones, maybe after the conference.
Also went to Breadtalk, Great World to get bread for tomorrow's breakfast. Going to be leaving the flat very early in the morning. Yawn. Hahaha.
On the way home, the girls ...

Funny Me?? Hahaha

Today, my friend and colleague, E happened to tell another colleague of ours, M about my blog. He became interested to read my blog. E claimed that reading my posts would brighten up someone who is sad, because my posts are funny. The two of them started to read my blog then and there. Hahaha. Me funny?? Really. Hahaha. Now I shy! Hahaha.

Decided to do a Blogthing on blogging personality. Here is the results.

Your Blogging Type is Cutting Edge and Amusing

You're a legendary storyteller, and you amuse many with your anecdotes. In fact, you can turn the dullest part of your day into a colorful event. You're also up on what's new and cool - from fashions, to links, to gadgets. You're the perfect combo: down to earth, funny, and a little mischievous.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Hmm... What do you all think? Hahaha. I don't quite agree with the "up on what's new and cool - from fashions, to links, to gadgets". Friends who know me well will know I am NOT IT savvy at all. Hahaha. As for the rest, ... Hahaha.

But no matter what it is, I am glad that I can amuse my friends. There is no greater joy than bringing joy to others.

Let's Talk about Sexuality!

What is Sexuality? Most people would equate it with Sex. Unfortunately.

Sexuality is much more than that! Sexuality is not only about taking part in sexual behaviours, and the physical aspects of our bodies. It is also about who we are, our sense of identity, how we see our places in the world, what we believe about our potentials and capabilities, our attitudes and values, our relationships, ... We are all sexual beings. Our sexuality is a natural and healthy part of who we are! Sexuality is not just about what we do, it is about who we are and how we live.

I gave a Sexuality Talk to the Upper Primary students this morning. I have never seen a more attentive audience. Serious. Of course, there were moments of squeamishness, and nervous giggles initially. But that soon died down when they realised sexuality is nothing to be bashful about. I am glad to know that these students would now have some knowledge about sexuality after the talk.

Sexuality is a gift, so handle it wisely.

Updated 25 May 2007, 11:12 pm
I was told by some friends, mostly guys, actually all of them were guys, that they were shocked when they first saw the post title. Hahaha. Sorry, Guys, didn't mean to shock you. Hahaha.

I HATE ENBLOC!!!

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HATE ENBLOC!!!

Why can't some people see past the monetary gain??!! I am really upset about this whole enbloc thing. I have all sort of NASTY thoughts going through my head, mainly on how to deal with such people with no heart for the home... craving it out with a spoon, a VERY BLUNT spoon might just be able to appease my anger... for a little while. There are worse, FAR WORSE thoughts but I shan't say them here... I must be mindful of my readers' feelings...

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HATE ENBLOC!!!

Updated 24 May 2007, 9:11pm
Sorry about my emotional outburst. It is just too much after coming home from a hard day of work to see a letter regarding the enbloc of your home, your safe haven. How would you feel?? Well, no one messes with this Scorpio...

Discipline Panel

I met my friend, Nic, at our organisation's D & D in early February 2007. He recognised me at once when I was called onto stage for one of the performances. He claimed I haven't changed a bit since we last parted 10 years ago. Flatterer. Hahaha. We actually have been working at the same place for some time now but our paths never crossed. Who would have thought we would meet again after so long and at the D & D! Hahaha. Anyway, we met up for lunch. When he realised I am also a school counsellor, he invited me to be part of a panel to discuss about discipline in schools. I agreed at once. Why not? For friends, I am most willing to be of help.

Today was the panel discussion on School Programmes for Discipline. I was one of four panel discussants. There was a HOD (Discipline), a Vice Principal, a Guidance Officer from MOE HQ and myself, a School Counsellor. Guess what, the guidance officer happened to be my friend too. We used to work together when I was at MOE HQ as an Educational Psychologist. It was a friends' gathering again. Hahaha.

The audience turn-out was huge, about 300 people and there weren't enough seats. Thus, people had to sit on the steps as well in the lecture theatre. Each of us, the discussants, took turns to speak about our role in the school and how we help to support the discipline in the school. After which, we answered quite a few questions from the audience.

Overall, it was a great session. I felt really good that I could use my expertise to help these beginning teachers. If Nic ever needs my help again in a similar capacity, no problem! Oh yes, the session was also video-taped to be used as future reference material. Yeah, I am famous!? Hahaha. Yes, yes, I know, cheap thrill. =)

PS. Slept only at 5am this morning. Was up almost the whole night, working on my writing and chatting with a good friend. I think I ended up chatting more than writing! Hahaha. I told myself I would not take a nap no matter how tired or sleepy I am. Alas, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I fell asleep while reading L. Hamilton. Thought it would have kept me awake! Looks like another long night ahead. LOL.

Cemetery

Ok, some of you are going to think, "What a title for a post!". Well, it is what I am going to talk about... Told you I have some unusual interests. Hahaha.

How many of you have actually been in a cemetery? Not including those visits you have to make because you have to pay your respects, you are there because you just want to visit the cemetery, the place itself. Anyone? None. Hmm... Why? What is so scary about going to the cemetery?

I have always found the cemetery an intriguing place. I mean you can actually learn a lot of things just from looking at the tombstones - history, architecture, sculpture, philosophy. When I was studying in Brisbane, Australia, I visited The Toowong Cemetery a few times. It is nice to walk among the tombstones and reading the inscriptions on them as you go. You learn to value life. Closer to home, for starters, so that you won't feel scared, would be the Fort Canning History Park where the old tombstones from the old Christian Cemetery have been repositioned along the old walls. But it doesn't really count as a cemetery, right? Hahaha.

Anyway, I hope I can get to visit the other cemeteries in Singapore before they are gone forever, taking away a piece of our history with them.

Updated 22 May 2007, 9:22pm
Someone asked me how did this post come about? Well, sometimes I have to use Sime Road to get home and there is an cemetery. There you go. :)

The Sandman comics

I finished reading The Sandman comics. D thought it might have been too cheem (Hokkien meaning profound or deep) for me. Well, I found it a little boring at first, then it got interesting. I like the dark humour in Sandman as well as the cross-over with Batman, Justice League. So yes, I do like it! Especially Death. She is so cool! Hahaha. Thanks to both SA and D for recommending The Sandman. Now, I just have to get my hands on Vol. 2.

PS. Watched Underworld: Revolution on HBO. I like this one better than the first one. I enjoy this type of movie - horror, supernatural like Underworld, Van Helsing, Dracula, Event Horizon (sci-fi too), ... =)

Enbloc Craze

It took me a long time to decide if I should ever write about this on my blog. It is definitely something that I DO NOT FIND tasteful. Sorry for the pun, none intended. (Those who know me well will understand.)

For so long, we have only been reading about the "success" of enblocs and the "millions of dollars" to be gained, everyone is "happy", blah, blah, blah. Oh, you are feeling contempt pouring out of me?? GOOD! I don't intend to be polite about this.

The papers have been pretty lopsided in their reports. What BALANCE?! Maybe I still have a naive view about the world but what happened to the newspapers which are supposed to be impartial, objective, balanced and to bring the truth to people? Now what "truth" and whose "truth"? I am sure we are all aware whose truth it is, we shan't go into it. No point really. The biased articles have, in part, been instrumental to the fuelling of the enbloc craze that we see all over our island while bending the truth to a dangerous level. Has it been as rosy a picture as the articles painted? NO! Definitely NOT everyone gained, NOT everyone is happy, even our society stands to LOSE as social values are quickly being ERODED (community, neighbourliness, tolerance, respect for others, valuing values, ...)

A home is so much more than just financial gain. What happens to the memories, to the heart and soul of a home, of a family? Whatever happened to the social stakes that were encouraged by our then-PM Mr Goh (1995), "There is no better stake in the country than a flat or a house"? The government encourages us to be stayers, not quitters. But frankly, it is kind of difficult to be a stayer when you are evicted from your own home due to some people who can't see beyond the short-term monetary gain. Is this how the government encourages ownership?? This enbloc craze is fast becoming a "runaway train" gaining momentum and possibly out of control!

At least, I take heart that the government is now trying to do something with its recent Ministry of Law Public Consultation on the proposed amendments to the en bloc sale legislation (which ended on 12 May). I earnestly pray it will not become just a paper exercise.
And I am also heartened with the fact that the flip side of enbloc sales, of people who are against enblocs are slowing surfacing in the newspapers, which is long overdue! Let's hope the newspapers continue to give more balance to their reports.

I must apologise to my friends who are used to reading my lighthearted posts. This post, I agree, is a somber one for enbloc is an issue that weighs heavily on my heart. Thanks for bearing with me and for listening to my personal (erratic) thoughts. I shall not speak of this again on my blog,... unless circumstances indicate otherwise...

"Dance of Death" by Preston & Child

Again, "Dance of Death": this second book of the Pendergast series is fast-paced.

The plot is really INTRIGUING: brother against brother, good against evil. Again, the intellectual prowess, not just one, but now of TWO Pendergasts (bonus!); the astute deductions, the fascinating personalities are just mind-blowing! An interesting feature in this book is the use of Tarot cards. Now that is a big interest of mine. I am into tarot and have been giving readings to friends who are interested. So far, I have been told I am quite accurate. =) Anyway, with the use of tarot cards, it has upped the story one notch in its mystic.

I really can't say much of the story without giving away something. Now, that won't be fair and fun to the rest of you who have yet to read the book, right?! Hahaha. Go for it! It is worth your time, absolutely.

PS. Now, I can't wait for the next book: "The Book of the Dead".

"Scary" (Amusing) Day

Juliane woke up early and decided to follow her grandmother to the market. After the marketing, Juliane followed her father to get the car. When in the car, she (in the back seat) pointed to the front passenger seat window and said, "Boy". My husband who was about to start his car, looked out the window but he didn't see any boy. Juliane again pointed out the window and repeated, "Boy! Boy!". Hubby again looked but there was NO boy. Then hubby started to PALE! He was thinking, "Oh no, please don't let it be like "The Sixth Sense" where the boy "sees dead people"! Is she seeing something by the window?!". He remembered that last scene from the movie where the dead cyclist was outside the car window. He said he froze and the thing that went through his mind was "Please don't let 'it' be by the window!". It was then when Juliane pulled him closer to the window to look...

Oh, there was something out there, alright. But it was not a boy, it was a broom. Juliane had mispronounced "broom" as "boy"! HAHAHA. My hubby is really quite a scaredy cat! LOL. If it had happened to me, my reaction would have been, "Where? Where? I want to see!". Hahaha. That is how different we are with regards to the supernatural. Hahaha.

***
My mother and I took the girls to the Botanic Gardens. It seemed very crowded this morning. The girls were by the swan pond feeding the fishes while I went round snapping pictures. I am trying to pick up a hobby. Hehehe.





***
We had lunch at Shashlik Restaurant, Far East Shopping Centre. Never mind the decor, the food is not too bad, especially the desserts. Hahaha. I had wanted the Baked Alaska but was deterred by the 15-20 minutes wait for it. I went for the next best, Banana Flambee. The dessert is cooked by our table: the banana was cooked in butter, grated peanut and a spoonful of liqueur, after which it was poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hmm... really aromatic and yummy. =)

Down and Out... almost

I went to a school early in the morning and was there for a good half of the morning. Headache was still pounding away and seemed to get worse by the minute... thump... thump... thump...

Decided enough was enough. I couldn't possibly make it back to office and survive another 3 meetings. I informed the office and went to see a doctor. It's a viral fever. Ok. Just as long as I am given something to relieve the pounding and the pain in my head, bearing in mind I am allergic to paracetamol, panadol, aspirin. Sometimes, I think to myself, of all things, why am I allergic to the most common types of painkillers? Why?? I really don't know. Sigh :(

Came home, took lunch, took medication, checked emails, replied emails and went to sleep. After having slept for the whole afternoon. I am feeling so much better now. Hmm...come to think of it, during my nap, I had another interesting dream about something which I recently chatted with a good friend about. Hahaha.

Maybe I can do something light and enjoyable tonight, like reading my Pendergast. He has been neglected for the past few days due to work. Wait, Dear. I am coming. Hahaha.

PS. Thanks, Friends, for your concerns. I am definitely on the mend. :)

Updated 19 May 2007, 12:14am
Slept a little just now. Now I am wide awake. Almost finishing "Dance of Death". Will be able to write about it later. =)
Oh, and whoever is awake, you know the routine. Hahaha.

Thunderstorm & Sale

There was a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Loud peals of thunder... comparable to the recent thunderstorm we had on one of the nights in late April. The thunders were really loud and close by. I went to check on Juliane who was taking a nap. What I saw made me laughed. Remember she used my hands as her ear mufflers the last time. This time, she used her own hands to cover her ears. She looked really funny, still sleeping but hands over her ears and elbows sticking in the air. How could anyone sleep in that unnatural position! I wished I had taken a photo of her. Unfortunately, the next loud peal of thunder woke her up. Maybe next time. Hahaha.

By evening, the storm had passed. I ventured outdoors to the Isetan Private Sale. I bought my Clarins skincare products and a Kipling backpack. Yes, another Kipling bag. Hahaha. I just love the little monkey hanging from the bag. I guess only a fellow Kipling fanatic can understand my love for Kipling. Hahaha. Yar, D? =)

I walked over to Borders to browse at the books, CDs, and DVDs. But nothing caught my fancy. Decided to go for a Moroccan Mint Tea latte from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. It's nice to have a hot drink in this cool weather. Hahaha.

Updated 17 May 2007, 11:28pm
Hmm... I think I am coming down with something. My nose is feeling kinda funny and I am having one of those tension headaches. And I can't take painkillers, allergic to them, remember. I think it could be the weather... See how it goes tomorrow... I think I will turn in early tonight...

Lost and ...

I lost my earring. It is a pair of dangling jade earrings that my mother just gave me. I have no idea when or where I had lost it. Tried to retrace my steps but mission impossible ... Sob sob sob. SIGH.

Some of you might say, "Aiyo, it is just an earring. Why so upset?". But I am upset because it is a gift from my mother. It's the sentimental value that made it so valuable. I am sentimental about things, whether big or small, expensive or inexpensive, gift or not, blingbling or not! Like I still have my first fairytale book, my first library card from NLB, my first note from a secret admirer, .... sigh.

Friends helped me to look around, one even cleared out his car (almost) because I took a lift from him. Thank you, Friends for all your help and effort! At least, I can take comfort in that I have such good friends when I face the music from my mother later. :)

Updated 16 May 2007, 6:56pm
Got home and looked into my treasure box. Nope, nothing. I had to tell my mother. Well, what do you think happened? Got blasted lah. Sigh.

Updated 16 May 2007, 7:38pm
I looked into my treasure box again. Lo and behold! The missing earring in a corner! HAPPINESS!!! I told my mother and yup, got blasted again a second time. Sigh. My fault really. Hahaha. I must have put on one earring, got distracted and then forgot all about the other one. Hahaha.

Sms-ed friends who helped me to look for it. You guessed it. Got major suan-ing (Hokkien for ridicule or "insult") from them, such as getting old ... At least, I will be a young-looking Ah Ma than any of them would be as Ah Gongs. Hahaha. But seriously, thank you again, my friends. You are a great bunch.

Sandman

I overslept this morning. So embarrassing! It's all sandman's fault. NO, not the comics Sandman but the sandman of folklore. He overdid the sprinkling of sand! Hahaha.

I remembered waking up around 6-ish am to switch on my mobile phone and closing the windows because it was raining. I must have gone back to bed on autopilot. The next thing I knew was my girls talking really loudly. I got up to ask them to tone down when Juliane asked, "Mama, you no work today?". I was like, "Yes, I am going to work". She then pointed to the clock and said, "So late". I was thinking to myself, "What is so late?". When I saw the clock, I went "OH MY GOSH!". It was late. The girls started laughing when they saw my reaction. It didn't help with my mother coming out of her room just at that moment and saying to me, "I thought you are working today".

Thank my lucky stars. My good friend and colleague was going in to office. And he lives nearby. Yeah, I am saved! Hahaha. Thanks for getting me to work on time. =)

Zero Hours

Zero hour 1 - 01:20am.
I was still awake pretty late last night or pretty early this morning. Was kind of getting hungry because I only had tea in the afternoon. A good friend happened to be online and was hungry as well. We decided to go grab a midnight snack. Asked my husband if he wanted to go. All he managed to say were, "Sleep. No. Go", and went back to sleep. Hahaha. Good friend came to pick me up and we went to Holland V. We did a bit of midnight shopping at Cold Storage before settling for egg prata and roti john. I never expected to see people still out so late in the night. Nightowls, my kind. Hahaha. It has been a long time, at least 6 years, since I have been out at this time of the night. I do miss watching the midnight shows, especially the horror shows. Hahaha. So anyone interested in going for midnight snacks or midnight shows, I am game. LOL.

Zero hour 2 - 13:20pm
I was at Library @ Orchard to return Wolverine comics as well as to sign up library membership for my girls. Done in a jiffy! Now, together with my girls' library cards, I can borrow a total of 12 books. Now, friends who are comic fans, I can help you to borrow your comics and graphic novels. But be nice, be very, VERY NICE to me. HAHAHA.
PS. I think I prefer going to downtown NLB for the comics and graphic novels cos the collection there is the largest as compared to those at Queesntown Library and Library @ Orchard.

Zero hour 3 - 14:00pm
I met my mother in town to attend to some banking matters at two banks. The last bank was at The Centrepoint. I have only been to The Centrepoint thrice since they renovated it. I used to go there much, MUCH MORE OFTEN because my alma mater, SCGS used to be on Emerald Hill Road. Hahaha. After graduation, the visits became less often. Being at Centrepoint today, sure brings back fond memories of my schooldays. =)

Updated 14 May 2007, 11:15pm
I have decided to put reading The Sandman comics on hold. I have moved on to reading "Dance of Death" first as I realised that I have to return it sooner than The Sandman. Besides, I have been wondering what happened to Pendergast. I just can't resist mysteries. Need to find out what happened .... Hahaha.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Happy Mother's Day!

As my mother came home last night from Xiamen, my girls made cards for their grandmother and also bought her flowers for Mother's Day. Good girls! I taught them well. Hahaha. They remembered their grandmother but er... they forgot about me, their mother. Hahaha.

We took my mother to Weekend Afternoon Tea buffet at Chihuly Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton to celebrate Mother's Day. It is a charming place to have tea - nice ambience, elegant Wedgwood china, live band playing classical music, delicious food and sweets. I liked the scones, the sandwiches, and of course, the sweets. Ah, a perfect English afternoon tea. This is life. Hahaha.

A little gift of chocolates from The Ritz-Carlton

Here are photos of the gorgeous ones in the family - us, the girls! Hahaha.






Updated 13 May 2007, 11:29 pm.
I have finished reading Wolverine, TWICE. D complained that I read my comics too fast. Well, I usually read my comics twice - the first time for the story (so that is done fairly quickly) and the second time to relive the story and appreciate the artwork. Fair enough? Hahaha. See, I am a visual person so I am attracted by (and equally distracted by) visuals and colours. I will lose the plot if I have to read the story and look at the artwork at the same time. Makes sense now? Ok, I am going onto The Sandman now.