I finally made it to Precepts this morning. Everyone was very happy to see me and wondered what happened over the past three weeks. My friends were there to welcome me and each tell me that I don't have to do the work but just come for the fellowship and the support.
Lena, one of my precepts classmates told me that they are really getting into the exciting stuff and asked me not to miss. But I am now in Lesson 9 and probably next week I will have to miss it again. My group of friends will be driving up to Malacca and I will be one of the designated drivers. The other day I was praying not for myself but for the other cars on the road that God will protect them. Hahaha. I never knew when I will go blank in my head when I get too tired. Some nights I don't get home after midnight and usually when I reach home I will buzz the last person I drop off that I am home safely. If they don't receive it that means I am in some kind of trouble.
Today's lesson was really difficult for me because I walked into the book of Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37. I am familiar with the prophet Ezekiel and he was famous for talking to the valley of dry bones and calling them to get up and live again.
The lesson was on how God will bless Israel's land. And Israel will not know anymore famine. People around Israel will know all that is happening and they will know there is a God and that God is the God of Israel. God will also bring all the people of Israel together and they will form ONE nation and with ONE King. Has this happened? Not yet. Well, not at least from what Ezekiel said. There must be a change of heart. God will give them a heart of flesh in exchange for the heart of stone.
In all history, no nation has been so divided and spread out all over the countries like Israel. They suffered tremendously because of their disobedience and God did not spare them from the consequences of their stubbornness. But He promised them that He will restore and renew their spirit. He will.
With such a faithless, stubborn and godless people, God abide faithful to the promise He gave Abraham. When God wanted to destroy those that left Egypt after they were captive for 400 years, Moses pleaded with God to be merciful. He reminded God of His oath to bless Israel, His chosen nation. God cannot go back on His word to bless and He continue to work towards bringing Israel to this major realization that He is indeed God.
This week, I thought about God being God. And my faith started to waver a little in terms whether He can indeed provide. Although I see a lot of promising headstarts, I must admit I am only human to think if I can really pay for the house, get a car and start a business with so little in my bank. But the message is an assurance for me today.
I am faithless. God has called me out and He will see to it that my needs are met. I am under tremendous pressure to do up the house. I will be staying there for a while because I find it to be a place away from all the distractions so I can think.
Yesterday was quite a day for me. I started out slow until I realized I had to get my car to be serviced. Then I received two phone calls. Both from parents of ex students in the previous school and both were involved in a fight. I have to handle this and I wondered why I should since I already left the school.
I am also not too happy when one of the ex students I am presently helping commented that I am holy. He asked me "Why must you be so holy." And he added that everyone says that behind my back. I am not too happy with this because I am not holy. There is only ONE that is HOLY. He is God. I am just like everyone, a sinner. Except that I am saved by the grace of God. I wish people will not use such terms like HOLY loosely because it is very irresponsible to say somethings like that. Later that evening, the same boy messaged to ask me to pray for him because he told me that when he was quietening down, my name came up and he was flooded by the love of God. Well, this "HOLY" person here decided not to pray. Hahaha. I decided he should pray.
I wonder, if the "Holy" person prays will he or she be more powerful. I believe this. All of us should go to God ourselves and pray. We can pray for one another but the greatest and most important thing is to pray yourself. No one is too sinful to pray and no one is too holy not to pray. God's altar will be fragrant with our prayers. The more prayers, the more fragrant the altar of GOD will be. If you cry, God keeps every tear. Wow!
So to all those faithless wondering if God will answer and if God will keep His promises, remember He abides faithful.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Stint as a chemistry teacher
What do I know about acids and alkalis? Not much. But when you ask me how to teach, yes I do.
Last night Joshua gave me a crash course on acids and alkalis after my training sessions. What positive and negative ions, protons, nucleus and atoms...ah...all so difficult to conceptualise! I just have to try and read a textbook. Do I blame my chemistry teacher at school? Yes I do and I always think if she could teach me better, I would have gone into geology which is so fascinating to study.
Joshua knows his stuff. But I showed him that even though he knows it, he must be able to teach it. There are some issues that are not so easy to teach. And I asked a lot of questions until I understood. I clarified my own thoughts. But he quizzed me so I could remember and today I forgot all. Before we each went our separate ways, he told me to please let him know what I don't understand. Will he kill me if I say everything?
I find I behave like my own students. Do you understand? I always ask. Then there was dead silence. Uh Oh...no intiende? (understand in spanish). Then the same haunting reply when I asked what don't they understand. And it is always EVERYTHING! hahaha.
It feels good to let my ex student teach me. Joshua is a knowledgeable teacher but he is not able to translate that knowledge successfully to me like I don't always translate my knowledge to my students. So I have to think how to teach that across. Because I have the difficulty, I anticipate the problems I will face when I walk in next year. So it is good that I am in this position.
My team mates went and told my new boss what I was doing in the class. They are very happy with this new team member because I was busy. Busy washing test tubes, beakers, arranging and mixing solutions. I was having fun. And also noted some changes that need to be made in order for the pedagogy to be more successful. The new boss is looking forward to reading my observations.
I was not just an observer, I was observing from two points of view. That of the students and that of a teaching professional. I pin pointed out certain strategies I will want to try.
First up I need to sort out the major difference between concept maps and mind maps besides one using connecting words and the other just lines (dendrites).
I will not exchange what I am doing for this precious experience with the training team. I may not have found what I want to do. My income is unsteady but my learning curve is shooting up as I ponder and investigate how to better learn new things.
As my world turns, I continue to wait for clarity of the plans GOD has for me. Thank you for praying. And if you are reading to find out how I am doing, I am not dead. Very much alive and learning. Hope to catch up with you physically but for now, it is almost impossible. My november plans are all packed to the brim and December is already half full. Next year, it is packed.
Today I didn't go to work. Got up and watch my korean dramas with Rain as the main lead and then went online to chat with Bonita. It was so good to be able to finally talk online. Then now it is time for lunch. Envy me? Please do. :)
Last night Joshua gave me a crash course on acids and alkalis after my training sessions. What positive and negative ions, protons, nucleus and atoms...ah...all so difficult to conceptualise! I just have to try and read a textbook. Do I blame my chemistry teacher at school? Yes I do and I always think if she could teach me better, I would have gone into geology which is so fascinating to study.
Joshua knows his stuff. But I showed him that even though he knows it, he must be able to teach it. There are some issues that are not so easy to teach. And I asked a lot of questions until I understood. I clarified my own thoughts. But he quizzed me so I could remember and today I forgot all. Before we each went our separate ways, he told me to please let him know what I don't understand. Will he kill me if I say everything?
I find I behave like my own students. Do you understand? I always ask. Then there was dead silence. Uh Oh...no intiende? (understand in spanish). Then the same haunting reply when I asked what don't they understand. And it is always EVERYTHING! hahaha.
It feels good to let my ex student teach me. Joshua is a knowledgeable teacher but he is not able to translate that knowledge successfully to me like I don't always translate my knowledge to my students. So I have to think how to teach that across. Because I have the difficulty, I anticipate the problems I will face when I walk in next year. So it is good that I am in this position.
My team mates went and told my new boss what I was doing in the class. They are very happy with this new team member because I was busy. Busy washing test tubes, beakers, arranging and mixing solutions. I was having fun. And also noted some changes that need to be made in order for the pedagogy to be more successful. The new boss is looking forward to reading my observations.
I was not just an observer, I was observing from two points of view. That of the students and that of a teaching professional. I pin pointed out certain strategies I will want to try.
First up I need to sort out the major difference between concept maps and mind maps besides one using connecting words and the other just lines (dendrites).
I will not exchange what I am doing for this precious experience with the training team. I may not have found what I want to do. My income is unsteady but my learning curve is shooting up as I ponder and investigate how to better learn new things.
As my world turns, I continue to wait for clarity of the plans GOD has for me. Thank you for praying. And if you are reading to find out how I am doing, I am not dead. Very much alive and learning. Hope to catch up with you physically but for now, it is almost impossible. My november plans are all packed to the brim and December is already half full. Next year, it is packed.
Today I didn't go to work. Got up and watch my korean dramas with Rain as the main lead and then went online to chat with Bonita. It was so good to be able to finally talk online. Then now it is time for lunch. Envy me? Please do. :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
I heard another rumour and it is getting funnier
I must tell you the latest rumour about me. It seems that I have been engaged in an email war with a former colleague after I left. I am really surprised by this because I don't think anyone from my previous school actually know about my email address. The address I gave to them was an email that I cannot get into because I forgot my password and have not been opened for ages. So where is the war and who is involved? Don't know how to start a war without having one email account.
I hope my friends who are reading this blog have a good laugh. Whatever rumours you hear, you better enjoy them while they last because you know why I left.
A word of caution must be given to all those who are spreading the rumours. You see, I have given the entire matter to Jesus. It is now in His department and He is listening in. In due time, Jesus will mete our justice. When He does, He will not do more than what you did. But whatever justice that will be served, will be sui sui for you. Yes, God told me that "Vengeance is mine, I shall repay. " And I know He has already started. No, this is not a threat. It is a fact. Not now, not tomorrow but definitely will happen.
To all my dear friends, thank you for laughing along with me. You know full well my reasons for the resignation. And please be assured, that God is with me.
Today I joined a team of trainers and sat and learned a lot of new things. I realized I don't know what is a concept and how to do concept mapping. So it gives me reasons to start my own learning journey. I was told next year, I have to take over the class and train students in Chemistry!! Yup, I am teaching about Chemistry. I wanted to ask Joshua for a crash course but he told me NOT to teach Chemistry since it is not my cup of tea.
But I am going to take up this challenge to learn. So I mixed some fluids together and tested toiletries and drinks and medicine to find out what is acidic and what is not.
To our horror, the toothpaste is slightly acidic. Imagine that. A brand new tube of Darkie is acidic. I was asked to check if the distilled water is a little acidic to warrant such a result. I did the litmus paper test and tada...the distilled water is neutral!
I also did marvellous today at school. I did up a survey for the school to work on the humanities. I will be designing a questionnaire for teachers so I can better understand their training needs. Life is so exciting.
I just spoke to my friend from Beijing who was a little dejected. I am glad this friend is feeling better. My advice to his myopic world is not to let his colleagues affect him. Instead he should focus on making himself more professional. He also told me that he was glad I am happy in the state I am in.
There is so little time to fight email wars, really. People are so important and they need my attention. No email war is going to stop me from making time for special people in my life.
I hope you have fun listening to the rumours. Don't be angry with those who rumoured about me. Be sorry for them.
Have a good week.
I hope my friends who are reading this blog have a good laugh. Whatever rumours you hear, you better enjoy them while they last because you know why I left.
A word of caution must be given to all those who are spreading the rumours. You see, I have given the entire matter to Jesus. It is now in His department and He is listening in. In due time, Jesus will mete our justice. When He does, He will not do more than what you did. But whatever justice that will be served, will be sui sui for you. Yes, God told me that "Vengeance is mine, I shall repay. " And I know He has already started. No, this is not a threat. It is a fact. Not now, not tomorrow but definitely will happen.
To all my dear friends, thank you for laughing along with me. You know full well my reasons for the resignation. And please be assured, that God is with me.
Today I joined a team of trainers and sat and learned a lot of new things. I realized I don't know what is a concept and how to do concept mapping. So it gives me reasons to start my own learning journey. I was told next year, I have to take over the class and train students in Chemistry!! Yup, I am teaching about Chemistry. I wanted to ask Joshua for a crash course but he told me NOT to teach Chemistry since it is not my cup of tea.
But I am going to take up this challenge to learn. So I mixed some fluids together and tested toiletries and drinks and medicine to find out what is acidic and what is not.
To our horror, the toothpaste is slightly acidic. Imagine that. A brand new tube of Darkie is acidic. I was asked to check if the distilled water is a little acidic to warrant such a result. I did the litmus paper test and tada...the distilled water is neutral!
I also did marvellous today at school. I did up a survey for the school to work on the humanities. I will be designing a questionnaire for teachers so I can better understand their training needs. Life is so exciting.
I just spoke to my friend from Beijing who was a little dejected. I am glad this friend is feeling better. My advice to his myopic world is not to let his colleagues affect him. Instead he should focus on making himself more professional. He also told me that he was glad I am happy in the state I am in.
There is so little time to fight email wars, really. People are so important and they need my attention. No email war is going to stop me from making time for special people in my life.
I hope you have fun listening to the rumours. Don't be angry with those who rumoured about me. Be sorry for them.
Have a good week.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Another rumour
This morning I heard another rumour about me. I was told that spreading at school is this fact that I scolded an international student and as such I was fired from my work. Honestly when I heard that, I wanted to burst out laughing. It must be started by the students. One of my ex student asked to speak up. I told him there was no need to. God will speak for me.
If you have the time to spread rumours, you should also have the time for your family. These lovely people are important. Go spend some time with them.
The coming week is going to be exciting. I am packed from morning at 730 to the evening at 7pm. I am going to learn to do something new.
At school, yes I am at a school, I am involved with planning next year's curriculum for Geography. I will be using UBD. This is a very important way to set teachers thinking about why teach what we teach. I personally use this in my planning for every lesson. It is important we ask why we teach about keeping the environment green.
The past two weeks were terribly HOT. If you were in town, you will feel your skin sizzle. I prayed for rain, like Elijah, and it finally came last evening. Joshua and I drove to see the house and some renovations done at some other homes. It was an eye opener for both of us. So when we set off at about 430, the skin was already darkened. I didn't think it was that bad. We switched places at the Singapore customs and I drove the rest of the way home or so we thought.
The minute we crawled out of the Singapore customs, the rain poured. It was scary. I couldn't see more than 3 cars infront of me. When I saw one bus having the hazard lights on, I turned on mine. I rather people think I am a hazard then to be dead on the road. It was almost impossible to continue after driving for half an hour and so we decided to turn into Imm and waited for the rain to stop.
The winds howled and the rains formed a thick curtain in front of us making it difficult to see.
I have been thinking about driving these days. I thank God for His marvellous grace and journey mercies. He protected me on the road. Or you might think God protected the rest of the people from me. :) I really like to drive. Now my next goal is to drive all the way to Malacca and hopefully before the end of the year, I will be able to drive to Kuantan. But of course that depends on how free I will be.
I hope to meet Peck San before November ends and this year's Christmas shall be in JB. I will roast a turkey and be thankful for all that I have this year.
My God has abundance and as His child, I will have no lack.
If you have the time to spread rumours, you should also have the time for your family. These lovely people are important. Go spend some time with them.
The coming week is going to be exciting. I am packed from morning at 730 to the evening at 7pm. I am going to learn to do something new.
At school, yes I am at a school, I am involved with planning next year's curriculum for Geography. I will be using UBD. This is a very important way to set teachers thinking about why teach what we teach. I personally use this in my planning for every lesson. It is important we ask why we teach about keeping the environment green.
The past two weeks were terribly HOT. If you were in town, you will feel your skin sizzle. I prayed for rain, like Elijah, and it finally came last evening. Joshua and I drove to see the house and some renovations done at some other homes. It was an eye opener for both of us. So when we set off at about 430, the skin was already darkened. I didn't think it was that bad. We switched places at the Singapore customs and I drove the rest of the way home or so we thought.
The minute we crawled out of the Singapore customs, the rain poured. It was scary. I couldn't see more than 3 cars infront of me. When I saw one bus having the hazard lights on, I turned on mine. I rather people think I am a hazard then to be dead on the road. It was almost impossible to continue after driving for half an hour and so we decided to turn into Imm and waited for the rain to stop.
The winds howled and the rains formed a thick curtain in front of us making it difficult to see.
I have been thinking about driving these days. I thank God for His marvellous grace and journey mercies. He protected me on the road. Or you might think God protected the rest of the people from me. :) I really like to drive. Now my next goal is to drive all the way to Malacca and hopefully before the end of the year, I will be able to drive to Kuantan. But of course that depends on how free I will be.
I hope to meet Peck San before November ends and this year's Christmas shall be in JB. I will roast a turkey and be thankful for all that I have this year.
My God has abundance and as His child, I will have no lack.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
God is just wonderful
I was just informed that some of my ex colleagues are reading my blog to find out how I am doing. I hope they want to find out because they care about me. I really want to believe that.
Still I want them to know that God is wonderful. He gave me the strength to move one step forward one day at a time. He gave me the love to care for all those closest to me despite days when I ask if there will be a way to make ends meet. There were moments I wonder if I will do what I always did. But I know for a fact, I will never return to where I left and not to the same job I left too.
I don't think I have been so comfortable in this discomfort zone but I have peace. Time and time again God showed me He is in control.
I like it when He is in control. Even my relationships with my immediate family has improved. I enjoy my godsons more and more. And I enjoy working with curriculum. I always wanted to work on WHY students don't learn and now I am getting this chance. I am convinced that leaving the comfort zone has given me the capacity to grow.
Today I joined a team to make some money. I drove to this place and once I reached I realized how God is so precise again. Two months ago, I was meeting a friend here. I never knew I would come back again to the next block to join a team.
Last night I sat and listened to the team leader of the team I am to join. This team leader is a Christian. And she shared that by the grace of God, her core team are all Christians. She started this group so that those who joined could continue to be in touch with education but still enjoy quality of life and spending quality time with loved ones. All the members of the team have a passion for missions. One is leaving for Thailand to help drug offender to rehabilitate.
I will have to learn new things and teach somethings new. We had lunch together after our two hour long meeting. Although we don't know each other very well, we enjoyed each other. At least I did.
They were patient as I listened to what needed to be done. When I left the place, I am just speechless at how God leads. Unfathomable!
He has put a desire in my heart even before I was born and He is now bringing all that needs to be done to fulfill that desire after I have sojourned in the wilderness. I am so glad God pushed me out of my comfort zone and into this land of uncertainties to learn how to LIVE for Him.
My dad is always worried that I don't have a decent and steady job. It is not my desire to put him through this "ordeal". Recently he complained to my neighbours that I was never home even though I am out of a job. And it is true. I am out of the house around eleven and then come home late. Where did I go? What did I do? Secret lor! I am having fun watching how God leads.
Thank you Lord for your perfect peace. Knowing I am in the centre of your palm gives me absolute assurance. Help me stay focus on YOU. When the things on earth grow strangely dim, please fix my eyes on You.
Still I want them to know that God is wonderful. He gave me the strength to move one step forward one day at a time. He gave me the love to care for all those closest to me despite days when I ask if there will be a way to make ends meet. There were moments I wonder if I will do what I always did. But I know for a fact, I will never return to where I left and not to the same job I left too.
I don't think I have been so comfortable in this discomfort zone but I have peace. Time and time again God showed me He is in control.
I like it when He is in control. Even my relationships with my immediate family has improved. I enjoy my godsons more and more. And I enjoy working with curriculum. I always wanted to work on WHY students don't learn and now I am getting this chance. I am convinced that leaving the comfort zone has given me the capacity to grow.
Today I joined a team to make some money. I drove to this place and once I reached I realized how God is so precise again. Two months ago, I was meeting a friend here. I never knew I would come back again to the next block to join a team.
Last night I sat and listened to the team leader of the team I am to join. This team leader is a Christian. And she shared that by the grace of God, her core team are all Christians. She started this group so that those who joined could continue to be in touch with education but still enjoy quality of life and spending quality time with loved ones. All the members of the team have a passion for missions. One is leaving for Thailand to help drug offender to rehabilitate.
I will have to learn new things and teach somethings new. We had lunch together after our two hour long meeting. Although we don't know each other very well, we enjoyed each other. At least I did.
They were patient as I listened to what needed to be done. When I left the place, I am just speechless at how God leads. Unfathomable!
He has put a desire in my heart even before I was born and He is now bringing all that needs to be done to fulfill that desire after I have sojourned in the wilderness. I am so glad God pushed me out of my comfort zone and into this land of uncertainties to learn how to LIVE for Him.
My dad is always worried that I don't have a decent and steady job. It is not my desire to put him through this "ordeal". Recently he complained to my neighbours that I was never home even though I am out of a job. And it is true. I am out of the house around eleven and then come home late. Where did I go? What did I do? Secret lor! I am having fun watching how God leads.
Thank you Lord for your perfect peace. Knowing I am in the centre of your palm gives me absolute assurance. Help me stay focus on YOU. When the things on earth grow strangely dim, please fix my eyes on You.
My work now
My work at this school has been rather busy as I was involved in the marking of scripts for the whole level. Only 2 questions but there was so much to learn as I looked at the paper and studied the students' responses to the questions.
What I am excited about is that as I investigated on repeated issues with the papers I started to dig further into why students could not grasp the skills.
One very difficult skill I find is with inference. I took on the challenge to teach yesterday on the skill of inference and found a lot of research paper on that. I found that this skills is very difficult for students who don't know their content and who refused to stay current and use their background knowledge to support their answers. I failed my students for that and so when I taught, I told them I was the marker who gave them the zero. Some students clenched their fist and I just smiled. They were just trying to be cool with me.
Not all the 4 classes that I taught stuck to me. The first two classes was a disaster. The system didn't work and my Mac couldn't respond. The room was hot and yesterday was terribly hazy and hot, almost sizzling. The second lesson was just the perfect lesson.
The students greeted me and the teachers "Good morning teachers!" I asked them how they know I am a teacher. One student quickly mentioned I was holding a marker pen. Ah...the concept of a teacher is one who holds a marker pen. But who else holds a marker pen. Is that inference. Partially.
Then I went on to show a picture of Jack and Jill and asked if they were to interview them, what questions would they asked. The questions generated were so good. I praised them. Then I asked them to answer! Aha. They were giving me a lot of answers and each them there was an answer, I asked them how they know.
I told the students that given a source, they have to defend the case using the evidence provided as well as their background knowledge. One student wanted to ask Jack and Jill why they only fetched a pail of water. Herein I asked how it was possible that the student know about the pail of water. And they were stumped. This all happened at one of the weakest of the 4 classes that morning.
The last class was terrible. The students were smartest. Terrible not because they were not smart. Terrible because of their attitude towards learning. I found myself having to discipline more than teach and I kept all of them silent when I told one student whispering behind a bag to the friend. I cordially asked the student to remove the bag so they could converse in comfort. Then they stopped.
Walking into class again was a funny feeling. I don't have much of the passion in the classroom anymore these days. I prefer to work with the curriculum.
Last night was an interesting night. For the past months, I have been trying to set up my own business. I waited and waited for this person to call. We met up last night and God is just so wonderful.
I may not get the pay I want. But I will get to work with teachers and to develop curriculum. I will also have a chance at working at the primary level and training teachers at something I am totally not familiar with.
Together with another ex trainee, Ronald, I have also worked on a package deal and we have sent it off to a school to test grounds. We are going to launch our proposals to various schools soon.
If the Lord is willing, I prefer to work on my own and not serving the interest of the Ministry but the interest of the teachers.
Teachers are very tired. There is a lot to do everyday. I never knew I was under tremendous stress until I walked out of it two months ago. It has been a blessing for me because I saw how my students past and present cared if I have enough to feed myself.
I have loans to pay off and a house to renovate. And I am not worried as I continue to watch how God is leading me.
All these circumstances have taught me to rely on GOD. They taught me to learn to do things out of my comfort zone. Driving to JB alone is a great feat. Learning to network is another. God is teaching me to use my gifts and I am going to listen to how I can bring my network together so I can link up the pieces.
In the mean time, those of you with exams, get on and study. Those who finished the marking, enjoy life ba. And those of us who have to continue to do the routines, thank God for the work you have. God says, "Thou sluggard, go to the ant." Even with the smallest of creatures, God wants us to learn from. So learn ba.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Rumours about where I am right now
I heard there was much speculations and rumours where I will be next year in the staff room. Some said that I will be teaching in Raffles Girls School and that I will be joining Raffles Institution. I shan't tell where I am then.
For the moment, I am busy. Trying to settle my new house. Yes, I was there to check it out with Melvin and the following week with Joshua to clean it. I have since driven to Johore Bahru and survived most of the roads. There were many times when I was lost just by following the road signs but the best GPS system is my lips. I asked for directions.
When Joshua and I were on our way back from cleaning the house, we wanted to try and look for Bukit Indah. Well we tried several times and in the end we headed towards Tuas and went home. The last time Melvin and I tried to get out of Bukit Indah to Nusajaya, we were also lost. So today Joshua and I are going to overcome this myth about getting there. Fortunately this time, I was there with my dad and so I managed to reach the other side of Bukit Indah. So let's hope I will be fortunate today to get straight there.
I will be working more regularly starting next week. Then I will be involved in some ad hoc workshops. There is an offer to work on the business I am to start with Ronald and I am all excited.
I don't know if I should go back to the regular school system because I am enjoying the freedom to hire and fire the bosses I work for.
Shin Miin is right about one thing. I will not thrive under a controlled environment. I am slowly awakening to more ideas as I talked to Ronald. We are both clear on one thing. We are passionate about our students and we are both good in our own field. Ronald is a trainer for toast master and I am a trainer of teachers. Ronald happened to be trained by me while he was at NIE and he told me it was difficult to forget me. So he has always kept in touch with me. We are both going out to network so that our business can launch next year.
Will share more when we can see more clearly.
For the moment, I am busy. Trying to settle my new house. Yes, I was there to check it out with Melvin and the following week with Joshua to clean it. I have since driven to Johore Bahru and survived most of the roads. There were many times when I was lost just by following the road signs but the best GPS system is my lips. I asked for directions.
When Joshua and I were on our way back from cleaning the house, we wanted to try and look for Bukit Indah. Well we tried several times and in the end we headed towards Tuas and went home. The last time Melvin and I tried to get out of Bukit Indah to Nusajaya, we were also lost. So today Joshua and I are going to overcome this myth about getting there. Fortunately this time, I was there with my dad and so I managed to reach the other side of Bukit Indah. So let's hope I will be fortunate today to get straight there.
I will be working more regularly starting next week. Then I will be involved in some ad hoc workshops. There is an offer to work on the business I am to start with Ronald and I am all excited.
I don't know if I should go back to the regular school system because I am enjoying the freedom to hire and fire the bosses I work for.
Shin Miin is right about one thing. I will not thrive under a controlled environment. I am slowly awakening to more ideas as I talked to Ronald. We are both clear on one thing. We are passionate about our students and we are both good in our own field. Ronald is a trainer for toast master and I am a trainer of teachers. Ronald happened to be trained by me while he was at NIE and he told me it was difficult to forget me. So he has always kept in touch with me. We are both going out to network so that our business can launch next year.
Will share more when we can see more clearly.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
The good thing about going to work late!
This morning, I decided to take my time slowly. I will be out in a jiffy for breakfast and then off to work. It is now 1015.
I watched this youtube broadcast of an actress. This lady was a famous Hong Kong actress, 姚炜。I hope you enjoy her sharing as much as I did. She reminded me again that money is not everything, serving God is. Listen to how God changed her life inside and out. Nothing is impossible with our God. I know He is watching over me.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Julian Treasure: Shh! Sound health in 8 steps | Video on TED.com
Julian Treasure: Shh! Sound health in 8 steps | Video on TED.com
Those of us who love headphones. Do take a look at this video. I hope we love our ears a lot more.
Those of us who love headphones. Do take a look at this video. I hope we love our ears a lot more.
First day at school
Today is the first day at school. I slept rather early because I was a little tired. I woke up refreshed because I was going to meet Jinyao for an interview.
This young man is really impressive. Unlike many of the smart students I have taught, Jinyao was not my student. I got to know him because I was one of the mentors for MUN and he got into trouble with me for not asking for permission to go out of the Boston Sheraton to eat lobster. For that the entire group was severely reprimanded since I have already warned them not to act foolishly. They did but I got him to reflect on his actions and he did a great job. Since then we remain as friends.
Recently he wrote to ask to interview about my involvement with service learning over the past few years. It was a rather soul searching interview for me and we chatted about my intentions to do service learning with my students.
Service learning started with me because I always believe my students will become government leaders and therefore I want them to have a heart for the poor. I make a deliberate effort to network for my boys so that they can go out and do service. Many who have worked with me must come to work knowing they will not gain any hours or benefit. They must first get to know the community and I will personally arrange for such meetings. Although I cannot be there all the time, many of those I have worked with are trustworthy and carried on their service even though I was not around. I am very thankful they are faithful to the call of duty.
Jinyao has served many different groups. He has a big heart for the lost and abused children and teenagers. He is also a speaker for girls with anorexia and bulimia. When his friends abandoned the project, he carried on and went out to meet some of these victims. They heard about him and wanted him to help them. He has gone to talk to psychologists and two of them from Mt Elizabeth Hospital gave him a lot of readings to equip and counsel him to help them.
I did warn him of getting burnout and told him never to be too kind such that he is also abused. He is a very kind hearted young person. But he doesn't know the Lord. As I drove him to a bus stop near his house, I cannot help but feel sad that he doesn't know Jesus. I tried to share about the second coming of Christ with him and I hope he continues to be kind but do it for the Lord.
The help we can give is only temporary. But God's help once given lasts a life time.
After meeting Jinyao, I had time to wash Altis and made sure he is all vacuumed and ready for the afternoon. I am pleased to say Altis is smart looking. When I got down an hour later I was surprised how smart Altis looked.
I parked my car just outside the office. There was a meeting going on in the staff room so I stood outside. I waited until the meeting was over and I found the seat. It was small and right along the main corridor next to the teacher's lounge. It was noisy but good to hear noise because it means everyone is busy and hungry.
I was instructed to teach natural vegetation but I didn't have the wireless working until the technician came. I thought I could get it working again but no such luck.
It looks like I don't report to work until 1230 everyday. I leave school at 530pm. Looks good because I am paid 120 dollars now. Soon to come I will be paid 200 dollars. I am not after money. I am after the experience and to get to know the school system again. I want to be able to adjust to any condition so that I can be ready wherever God is going to send me.
Like all the neighbourhood schools, many things are not as efficient. But that is okay. I have been too used to efficiency that I have become less tolerant to the lack of efficiency because of the lack of money to be efficient. Here the teachers work within their means. There are still a few idiotic characters who tried to exert their greatness. I just laugh them off because I have tasted greatness and great people don't tell others they are great. The greatness of genuinely great people are felt and they will humble you. These that I have seen today makes you laugh.
I walked into a computer lab where the humanities room is. And there were a few students with their teacher I am to help. I was left with 4 while she took the rest. These 4 were supposedly the top students but they were not at all interested because they were really tired. By the time they reached me, it was already 440pm. I taught till 520pm and dismissed them. Most of them want to stay on but I want to go. One of the girls had a math paper infront of her and I told her to keep because I am not nice when I am pissed. And to the piss word, the other girl just stick out her tongue and smile. Perhaps I should not say that in a convent but I was sending a strong signal not to be funny with me. She got my message and was more than 200% attentive.
There were girls who had never heard about the information. I could see their eyes rolling and their faces light up because of what I shared.
I am beginning to put ideas together now. I hope this spree continues. Not going to work has become so good that I don't miss going to teach at all. But for now it is a good start for me. Getting back into the classroom with no air condition is good.
The staff I must say is very friendly and curious who this new person was. I met a small lady Maggie who helps with printing. She looks like she is in her 60s and she was extremely nice. She was very eager to show me the pantry but this was the last thing on my mind because the most important thing for me are the tools for my teaching.
Perhaps the school will find me rather bothersome because I asked a lot of questions. I guess this is because having worked in an independent school for so long has trained me to be 100% dedicated to my pedagogy and the classroom. It was a good feel today being able to walk into class and leaving the class with students wondering how much more they don't know.
This young man is really impressive. Unlike many of the smart students I have taught, Jinyao was not my student. I got to know him because I was one of the mentors for MUN and he got into trouble with me for not asking for permission to go out of the Boston Sheraton to eat lobster. For that the entire group was severely reprimanded since I have already warned them not to act foolishly. They did but I got him to reflect on his actions and he did a great job. Since then we remain as friends.
Recently he wrote to ask to interview about my involvement with service learning over the past few years. It was a rather soul searching interview for me and we chatted about my intentions to do service learning with my students.
Service learning started with me because I always believe my students will become government leaders and therefore I want them to have a heart for the poor. I make a deliberate effort to network for my boys so that they can go out and do service. Many who have worked with me must come to work knowing they will not gain any hours or benefit. They must first get to know the community and I will personally arrange for such meetings. Although I cannot be there all the time, many of those I have worked with are trustworthy and carried on their service even though I was not around. I am very thankful they are faithful to the call of duty.
Jinyao has served many different groups. He has a big heart for the lost and abused children and teenagers. He is also a speaker for girls with anorexia and bulimia. When his friends abandoned the project, he carried on and went out to meet some of these victims. They heard about him and wanted him to help them. He has gone to talk to psychologists and two of them from Mt Elizabeth Hospital gave him a lot of readings to equip and counsel him to help them.
I did warn him of getting burnout and told him never to be too kind such that he is also abused. He is a very kind hearted young person. But he doesn't know the Lord. As I drove him to a bus stop near his house, I cannot help but feel sad that he doesn't know Jesus. I tried to share about the second coming of Christ with him and I hope he continues to be kind but do it for the Lord.
The help we can give is only temporary. But God's help once given lasts a life time.
After meeting Jinyao, I had time to wash Altis and made sure he is all vacuumed and ready for the afternoon. I am pleased to say Altis is smart looking. When I got down an hour later I was surprised how smart Altis looked.
I parked my car just outside the office. There was a meeting going on in the staff room so I stood outside. I waited until the meeting was over and I found the seat. It was small and right along the main corridor next to the teacher's lounge. It was noisy but good to hear noise because it means everyone is busy and hungry.
I was instructed to teach natural vegetation but I didn't have the wireless working until the technician came. I thought I could get it working again but no such luck.
It looks like I don't report to work until 1230 everyday. I leave school at 530pm. Looks good because I am paid 120 dollars now. Soon to come I will be paid 200 dollars. I am not after money. I am after the experience and to get to know the school system again. I want to be able to adjust to any condition so that I can be ready wherever God is going to send me.
Like all the neighbourhood schools, many things are not as efficient. But that is okay. I have been too used to efficiency that I have become less tolerant to the lack of efficiency because of the lack of money to be efficient. Here the teachers work within their means. There are still a few idiotic characters who tried to exert their greatness. I just laugh them off because I have tasted greatness and great people don't tell others they are great. The greatness of genuinely great people are felt and they will humble you. These that I have seen today makes you laugh.
I walked into a computer lab where the humanities room is. And there were a few students with their teacher I am to help. I was left with 4 while she took the rest. These 4 were supposedly the top students but they were not at all interested because they were really tired. By the time they reached me, it was already 440pm. I taught till 520pm and dismissed them. Most of them want to stay on but I want to go. One of the girls had a math paper infront of her and I told her to keep because I am not nice when I am pissed. And to the piss word, the other girl just stick out her tongue and smile. Perhaps I should not say that in a convent but I was sending a strong signal not to be funny with me. She got my message and was more than 200% attentive.
There were girls who had never heard about the information. I could see their eyes rolling and their faces light up because of what I shared.
I am beginning to put ideas together now. I hope this spree continues. Not going to work has become so good that I don't miss going to teach at all. But for now it is a good start for me. Getting back into the classroom with no air condition is good.
The staff I must say is very friendly and curious who this new person was. I met a small lady Maggie who helps with printing. She looks like she is in her 60s and she was extremely nice. She was very eager to show me the pantry but this was the last thing on my mind because the most important thing for me are the tools for my teaching.
Perhaps the school will find me rather bothersome because I asked a lot of questions. I guess this is because having worked in an independent school for so long has trained me to be 100% dedicated to my pedagogy and the classroom. It was a good feel today being able to walk into class and leaving the class with students wondering how much more they don't know.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
A jobless month
My blog entry by iphone did go through afterall. Good!
It is time to reflect how my jobless month went. I realized I dislike where I work for a long time. The thought of going back there actually gave me a sleepless night because I went back one day. I didn't realize that my passion to teach has left me for the past 8 months. I thought it was dwindling. Upon reflection, I realize it left me. Not only that, I didn't do much for my students too.
I am glad that taking this one month is slowly restoring my interest to teach and to care for my students. Routine is the poison for teachers. We are so secure we don't even bother to change for our students.
Therefore I like it very much that I took this one month not to work. In fact not waking up to the alarm has kept me very happy. Having no schedules to keep except who I want to meet and need to meet has become something I thoroughly enjoyed. Most of all to meet these people brought even more joy.
It is so good to watch how the Lord works in my life and when I don't have much to share with others, others have much to share with me. I am very blessed to know that I am provided. It is not how much the provision I must have but how much I need to survive. My ex boss used to say you don't need much to live and she is probably right if I live alone. But I am connected with so many significant others in my life that it is not right to say I don't need much to survive. I have gotten used to a lot and I am adjusting with managing what I need. What I cannot have and probably I don't need, I don't even want to look at it. Sometimes I find myself saying "I am too poor." The truth is that what I pursue is usually not cheap too. So I decided to stay away from impressive consumption areas to more basic and delicious public areas like the hawker centres. I begin to enjoy the simpler things in life and they are not necessarily bad taste at all.
I also realized my family is extremely worried about my no work status. There is much expectation that I will get the same high pay job and that I will not get used to a lifestyle of simpler things. But I reiterated that the main reason I have lived like an idiot is because of the pay. Now I just want to have a car and go wherever I want to. I particularly enjoy the beach and the sea is so calming. Whether it is day or night, I just love to watch the waves come in and out. You should do that sometimes. Don't smell flowers. Smell the sea!
Work has been slow. With good pay though. I am enjoying my students at tuition. I re-establish my relationship with one on one students and there is bonding. I don't quite like to give tuition but the students I have met so far are interesting people that I hope to groom over time. They open up to me and share their deepest secrets and I respect this trust very much.
Going into the school next week will mean I have a more steady income but less time to roam around the country. I will miss roaming. The school cannot pay me much. But they need me there urgently so they are willing to pay from the school fund. I am touched that they are doing what they can so I can meet my needs. Many of my ex colleagues expect me to return to RGS. Well, I am done and through with independent schools. I am going back to the mainstream and will serve because I care much about what our education is doing to our own children.
I finally met someone who speak and share my thoughts. In fact it is a group of renegade teachers, retired teachers, that I will be meeting soon. We share one common passion. We want to teach. But not following the demands of the education system or a school. But following what we have seen has worked and will work if the teachers listen to our experiences. I am excited about joining this company.
Life without work for a month has been good. I enjoyed my time with dad and so even if the steady income comes, I want to be sure I set aside Mondays and Wednesdays mornings for my dad. I realized he is much older now and although I give him income, he lost me in the meantime as I searched for the money to feed us. When I am not working, I rather spend more time with him. I can take him to see his grand children and he gets to dote on them.
Esther Cheong is a very simple woman with occasional complex consumption behaviour. Now she is going to pursue what is in her heart to do. First up, settle my trip to Laos. Next to return to furnish the house and then get ready for Christmas in JB. May God give me the time to do all these.
My trip to Calgary has to shelf for the moment. I want to see Canada in Spring. Qikun and Tianhan will have to wait. Bonita, pray for me that I will be able to come somewhere in Spring. I doubt I want a permanent job and probably will do part-time and write a textbook or two from JB.
It is time to reflect how my jobless month went. I realized I dislike where I work for a long time. The thought of going back there actually gave me a sleepless night because I went back one day. I didn't realize that my passion to teach has left me for the past 8 months. I thought it was dwindling. Upon reflection, I realize it left me. Not only that, I didn't do much for my students too.
I am glad that taking this one month is slowly restoring my interest to teach and to care for my students. Routine is the poison for teachers. We are so secure we don't even bother to change for our students.
Therefore I like it very much that I took this one month not to work. In fact not waking up to the alarm has kept me very happy. Having no schedules to keep except who I want to meet and need to meet has become something I thoroughly enjoyed. Most of all to meet these people brought even more joy.
It is so good to watch how the Lord works in my life and when I don't have much to share with others, others have much to share with me. I am very blessed to know that I am provided. It is not how much the provision I must have but how much I need to survive. My ex boss used to say you don't need much to live and she is probably right if I live alone. But I am connected with so many significant others in my life that it is not right to say I don't need much to survive. I have gotten used to a lot and I am adjusting with managing what I need. What I cannot have and probably I don't need, I don't even want to look at it. Sometimes I find myself saying "I am too poor." The truth is that what I pursue is usually not cheap too. So I decided to stay away from impressive consumption areas to more basic and delicious public areas like the hawker centres. I begin to enjoy the simpler things in life and they are not necessarily bad taste at all.
I also realized my family is extremely worried about my no work status. There is much expectation that I will get the same high pay job and that I will not get used to a lifestyle of simpler things. But I reiterated that the main reason I have lived like an idiot is because of the pay. Now I just want to have a car and go wherever I want to. I particularly enjoy the beach and the sea is so calming. Whether it is day or night, I just love to watch the waves come in and out. You should do that sometimes. Don't smell flowers. Smell the sea!
Work has been slow. With good pay though. I am enjoying my students at tuition. I re-establish my relationship with one on one students and there is bonding. I don't quite like to give tuition but the students I have met so far are interesting people that I hope to groom over time. They open up to me and share their deepest secrets and I respect this trust very much.
Going into the school next week will mean I have a more steady income but less time to roam around the country. I will miss roaming. The school cannot pay me much. But they need me there urgently so they are willing to pay from the school fund. I am touched that they are doing what they can so I can meet my needs. Many of my ex colleagues expect me to return to RGS. Well, I am done and through with independent schools. I am going back to the mainstream and will serve because I care much about what our education is doing to our own children.
I finally met someone who speak and share my thoughts. In fact it is a group of renegade teachers, retired teachers, that I will be meeting soon. We share one common passion. We want to teach. But not following the demands of the education system or a school. But following what we have seen has worked and will work if the teachers listen to our experiences. I am excited about joining this company.
Life without work for a month has been good. I enjoyed my time with dad and so even if the steady income comes, I want to be sure I set aside Mondays and Wednesdays mornings for my dad. I realized he is much older now and although I give him income, he lost me in the meantime as I searched for the money to feed us. When I am not working, I rather spend more time with him. I can take him to see his grand children and he gets to dote on them.
Esther Cheong is a very simple woman with occasional complex consumption behaviour. Now she is going to pursue what is in her heart to do. First up, settle my trip to Laos. Next to return to furnish the house and then get ready for Christmas in JB. May God give me the time to do all these.
My trip to Calgary has to shelf for the moment. I want to see Canada in Spring. Qikun and Tianhan will have to wait. Bonita, pray for me that I will be able to come somewhere in Spring. I doubt I want a permanent job and probably will do part-time and write a textbook or two from JB.
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